How to Prepare for CA Intermediate 2026: Prep Tips, Mock Test, and Best Books

Updated By Maushumi on 03 Feb, 2026 20:05

Learn how to prepare well for the CA Intermediate 2026 exam. Get good tips, best books, and mock test links to start your preparation.

Your Ultimate Exam Preparation Guide Awaits!

CA Intermediate 2026 Prep Tips

The online form fill-up for the CA Intermediate 2026 May session is going to start soon. Aspirants who want to pursue their career as a CA in the upcoming days should start their preparation well in advance to crack the exam and pursue the ICAI course. To prepare well, everyone must start with the best books and study materials, specifically designed for the CA Intermediate exam. Also, one can get tips from past toppers and experts in the field.

To prepare for the 2026 CA Intermediate, candidates should dedicate 4 to 5 hours a day to study. Practice daily the tough topics and find out the weak areas that might be the cause of la ower score. Please practice the weak areas with more concentration to overcome fear and build confidence. For more detailed tips and tricks, go through the details given below.

Also Read:

CA Intermediate 2026 Eligibility CriteriaCA Intermediate 2026 Application Form
CA Intermediate 2026 Exam PatternCA Intermediate 2026 Syllabus

Tips and Tricks to Prepare for CA Intermediate 2026

To prepare for the CA Intermediate exam, you need follow these tips properly so score well in the exam:

  • Understand the entire exam structure. Visit the official site to get the syllabus thoroughly.
  • Before starting your CA Intermediate preparation, build a strategic timetable for the preparation. Your timetable should have time equally divided for each paper.
  • While preparing, make a note on your own. These small notes will be beneficial, especially for last-minute revision. Once all topics are covered, go through these notes again and again. Remember to take important notes only.
  • You can also provide additional time for any weak areas. If any paper has higher weightage, then you can also add more time to that subject.
  • Good preparation will be completed only when you will solve past question papers and mock tests. Solve as many question papers as you can to get a good grasp of each paper from both groups. These question papers will offer you a real exam scenario and show you how you can manage answering all questions within the time given. 
  • If you want, you can join CA coaching classes for clearing doubts and getting expert help. 

While you are preparing for the CA Intermediate exam 2026, please take care of your health as well. It is not good if you suffer from health issues before your exam. It might disturb your preparation, and there will be an impact on your exam as well. Make sure you eat healthy and stay hydrated always. Get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep to keep your body and mind relaxed.

Also Read:CA Intermediate 2026 Hall Ticket

Colleges Accepting Exam CA Intermediate :

Paper-wise Preparation Tips for CA Intermediate 2026

Check out the paper-wise CA Intermediate preparation tips for your upcoming exam:

Paper 1: Advanced Accounting

Properly understand this subject, as there will be significant weightage for this subject. Try to solve comprehensive problems and ensure you can solve those even under exam pressure. 

Paper 2: Corporate Laws

Memorise legal language, company acts, case studies for past provisions, etc. 

Paper 3: Cost & Management Accounting

Understand formulas and increase your calculation speed. 

Paper 4: Taxation

Learn each update on tax and GST. You can create tables for multiple tax rates for quick revision. 

Paper 5: Auditing and Code of Ethics

Learn professional ethical codes that should be followed everywhere. Also, learn technical words to get a good hand on professional scenarios. 

Paper 6: Financial Management and Strategic Management

Use flowcharts and diagrams to understand business models. Learn competitive strategies for better knowledge. 

Best Books to Prepare for CA Intermediate

The table below has some of the top books and study materials for CA Intermediate aspirants. Students can also take suggestions from previous toppers:

Paper 1: Advance Accounting

  • First Lesson in Accounting Standards by MP Vijay Kumar
  • Accountancy by PC Tulsian
  • Taxmann's Guide to Accounting Standards by DS Rawat

Paper 2: Corporate Laws

  • Handbook on Corporate Laws by Munish Bhandari
  • First Lessons In Business Laws, Ethics & Communication by MP Vijay Kumar

Paper 3: Cost & Management Accounting

  • Cost Accounting by PC Tulsian
  • Cost and Management Accounting by CA B. Saravana Prasath

Paper 4: Taxation

  • Taxation by G Sekhar
  • Taxmann's Students Guide by Dr Vinod Singhania
  • Handbook on Taxation by TN Manoharan

Paper 5: Auditing and Code of Ethics

  • Auditing and Assurance by CA Surbi Bansal
  • Taxmann's Auditing by Pankaj Garg
  • Student's Handbook on Auditing by CA G Sekar and CA B Sarvana Prasath

Paper 6: Financial Management and Strategic Management

  • Students' Guide by B. Saravana Prasath G. Sekar
  • Dinesh Madan’s Information Technology (IT)
Top Commerce and Banking Colleges :

CA Intermediate Mock Test Papers - PDF Download

Here are direct links for official mock tests provided by the ICAI. All CA aspirants should practice these mock tests to get a good grasp of every group or paper.

Mock Test for Group 1

Download PDF

Mock Test for Group 2

Download PDF

Want to know more about CA Intermediate

FAQs about CA Intermediate Preparation Tips

Are ICAI mock tests necessary for preparation?

Yes, ICAI mock tests are vital as they offer a realistic preview of the exam format and difficulty level. They are the best way to evaluate your readiness and build exam-day confidence.

Is it mandatory to join coaching classes for CA Intermediate?

While not mandatory, coaching classes can be very helpful for clearing complex doubts and receiving expert guidance. However, many students successfully clear the exams through disciplined self-study using ICAI materials.

How many hours a day should I dedicate to CA Intermediate studies?

Ideally, you should dedicate at least 4 to 5 hours of focused study every day. As the exam approaches, you may need to increase this duration to cover mock tests and revisions.

When should I start preparing for the CA Intermediate May 2026 session?

You should start your preparation as early as possible to cover the vast syllabus thoroughly. Early preparation allows you to balance both groups and leaves ample time for multiple revisions.

Still have questions about CA Intermediate Preparation Tips ? Ask us.

  • Typical response between 24-48 hours

  • Get personalized response

  • Free of Cost

  • Access to community

Top