Shweta, a bright and determined commerce graduate, recently cleared CMA part 1 while completing her B.Com in 2024. On paper, she looked like any other student: no corporate experience, no big connections, just a strong curiosity about finance and accounting. But what set Shweta apart was her discipline and the way she approached her learning despite challenges.
Most students wait to finish their graduation before thinking about professional courses, but Shweta wanted to start early. She was curious about how companies manage money, make financial decisions, and plan for the future. The usual college syllabus didn’t give her enough clarity, so she decided to take matters into her own hands.
Studying wasn’t easy. Shweta lived in a small shared space with constant noise and distractions. Sometimes the syllabus felt huge and overwhelming. But instead of giving up, she broke it down into smaller sections, created a consistent study schedule and made sure she showed up every day even when it was tough.
Her hard work paid off. Clearing CMA part 1 was not just about knowledge but also about persistence and smart planning. Shweta’s story proves that with focus, clarity and the right approach, any student can achieve big goals.
Our Conversation With Shweta
Q: First of all, congratulations Shweta! How did you feel when you saw your CMA part 1 result?
Thank you! I felt a mix of relief and happiness. Honestly, I was nervous because even when you study a lot, there’s always a tiny fear about the result. When I saw that I had cleared Part 1, I couldn’t believe it at first. I had to check my result twice! My family was so happy and proud as it made all the late nights and effort feel completely worth it.
Q: Why did you choose CMA while doing your B.Com?
I have always been interested in accounting and finance. After finishing my B.Com, I wanted something that would give me a deeper understanding of these subjects. I also liked that CMA has only two exams and is shorter in duration compared to many other professional courses. That meant I could get a high-level qualification without spending years preparing, and still apply what I learned in real life. It felt like a smart and practical choice for me.
Q: Did you face any challenges while preparing for CMA?
Yes, quite a few. The biggest one was finding a quiet place to study. I live in a small shared space, so I often had to study while there was noise and distractions around me. Sometimes it was hard to focus. Another challenge was the vast syllabus—it looked huge when I first saw it. But I learned that breaking it into smaller parts and following a consistent daily routine made it manageable. I studied a little every day instead of trying to do everything at once.
What really helped me stay on track was the support from my trainer Ramesh sir and Shilpi Ma’am. Whenever I felt stuck or overwhelmed, they guided me on what to focus on and how to approach difficult topics. Shilpi Ma’am, (course mentor) helped me with effective exam tips and suggested simple ways to revise without getting stressed. My trainer explained tricky concepts in a way that was easy to understand, sometimes using examples from real life, which made studying much less intimidating. Their encouragement and guidance gave me the confidence to keep going even on the toughest days.
Q: How did you manage your study schedule with distractions at home?
Studying at home wasn’t easy because there was always noise around. I had to figure out a routine that actually worked. I set specific hours every day for CMA, and sometimes I even put on headphones just to focus. I broke the syllabus into small sections so I could finish one topic at a time without feeling overwhelmed. On noisy days, I focused on reading theory or watching pre-recorded lessons and on quieter days, I practiced questions and solved problems.
Then, practising various mock tests became my little checkpoints. After each one, I could see exactly where I was struggling and what I needed to revise the next day. It made the huge syllabus feel less scary. Our faculty was a big part of this too. They didn’t just teach concepts but they showed me simple ways to tackle difficult topics, gave tips on revising smarter, and were always there when I had doubts. Even when the study environment was far from perfect, knowing I had their support kept me motivated and confident. Slowly, those small daily efforts added up and I started feeling more prepared and confident for the exam.
Q: Any tips for students who are just starting their CMA journey?
Yes, a few things really helped me and Ihole would work the same for you –
- Take one step at a time. Don’t try to finish everything in one go.
- Focus on understanding, not just memorizing. Relate the topics to real-life situations like imagining running a small shop when studying cost analysis.
- Break big topics into small parts and revise regularly.
- Don’t worry if your environment isn’t perfect. Even in a noisy place, consistent effort will pay off.
- Always note down doubts and clarify them as soon as possible.
Even small habits and steady effort every day can make a big difference. Shweta’s journey shows that success doesn’t depend on a perfect study environment or years of experience. With determination, focus and the right guidance, any student can overcome challenges and achieve remarkable results in CMA.
You can connect with her on Linkedin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shweta-pashankar-12b17530a
