Exam Hilarities: The CA Final May 2020 Paper Questions and Customs

For candidates preparing for the CA Final exams in India, writing the papers with the right pen color has always been a point of contention. However, the May 2020 exam brought a host of peculiarities that went beyond just pen colors. These peculiarities weren't confined to just the pen but extended to the inclusion of additional steps during the examination process, which many found amusing rather than helpful. In this article, we explore some of the funny and unusual customs that were observed during the May 2020 CA Final exam.

Pen Specifications and More

For a long time, candidates for the CA Final exams have been advised to write their answers in black or blue ink. This advice is a general practice, but for the May 2020 exam, it's crucial to check the official instructions provided by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). ICAI often updates its guidelines, and not adhering to these updates could be harmful.

It's important to note that many candidates prefer black ink as it ensures clarity and professionalism. However, the specific instructions for the May 2020 exam may have included other requirements, such as the prohibition of using a specific color of ink. Some forms of this guidance suggested using only black ink, while others allowed the use of either black or blue ink. These differences can be confusing, especially for students who are preparing for their exams.

Oddities in Examination Procedures

The examination procedures in the CA Final exams can sometimes resemble a comedic sketch. For instance, one of the common and often humorous customs observed in the exam was the requirement to write the roll number in words. Moreover, there was the necessity to circle the asterisks on the sticker. These steps might seem trivial but consume a significant amount of time, which could have been better spent on answering questions.

In contrast, in the CS (Chartered Secretaries) exams, the items such as choosing between English or Hindi and showing the ID card are mandatory. The discrepancy between these two exams in terms of additional customs is amusing, to say the least. The question arises why these differences exist, especially given that the ICWA (Institute of Chartered Accountants of India) and ICSI (Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators) both have their official websites for issuing admit cards.

Time-Consuming Tasks During Exams

The time allocated for exams, particularly for the CA Final papers, is quite manageable. However, the additional steps that are required during the exam can make students feel as if they are wasting precious minutes. For instance, during the CA MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions) paper, candidates had to write their roll number in words, circle the asterisks, and label the sticker. This task, although seemingly insignificant, adds to the overall stress and time management challenges during the exam.

What's even more peculiar is that, at any stage of the exam, even in the CA Final or IPCC (Intermediate Public Company Secretaries) or CS Professional exams, students are required to perform these tasks. This could be impractical, considering that each stage of the examination has its own specific admit card. One could argue that these additional steps serve no real purpose and are a waste of time.

Additional Quirks in the Exam Procedure

Another aspect that has been a source of amusement among students and candidates is the handling of extra sheets of paper. In the May 2020 CA Final exam, after completing the MCQ section and writing the roll number, the candidates were often left with the task of fetching additional sheets for their long-answer questions. It is usually the duty of the invigilator to write the roll number on the extra sheets, but in the absence of this, candidates were forced to do it themselves. This requirement could be time-consuming, especially in the 3-hour time frame provided for the exam.

Furthermore, during the exam, invigilators sometimes move around and change the seating arrangements of candidates. This shift can be disruptive and make the exam experience less than ideal. While such actions might be intended to maintain discipline, they can also add to the tension and stress of the already challenging examination environment.

In summary, while these customs and procedures may seem trivial, they add to the overall experience of the CA Final exam. Some might find these quirky requirements amusing, but they certainly add an extra layer of complexity to an already demanding process. As a student preparing for such exams, it's crucial to be aware of these peculiarities to stay organized and manage time efficiently during the examination.