This is the story of Harsh Goel, a quiet and determined commerce student who recently cleared CMA Part 2 with a remarkable score of 460 out of 500. On paper, he was just like any other student pursuing a B.Com degree. No job title. No corporate background. No big network. But what set Harsh apart was the way he approached learning.
While most students waited to finish graduation before thinking about professional qualifications, Harsh felt he needed more. The usual college syllabus didn’t give him the clarity he was looking for. He wanted to understand how financial decisions are made, how companies plan for the future, and how numbers actually guide business strategy.
There was no moment of dramatic realisation, no sudden crisis. Just a quiet decision to push beyond the basics. Slowly, Harsh began building his daily routine around CMA prep. Some days were smooth, others felt frustrating. But he stuck to it. He kept solving questions, kept clearing concepts, and kept showing up even on days when motivation was low.
Today, Harsh has cleared both parts of CMA, with his Part 2 score being a reflection of not just hard work but focused effort. His journey is proof that you don’t need fancy degrees or job experience to go deep into finance. What you need is clarity, commitment, and the right support at the right time.
Below is our conversation with Harsh — Straight from his experience
Q: First of all, congratulations Harsh. What was your first reaction when the result came out?
Thank you. I was nervous, to be honest. I had put in the effort, but you still get that fear before seeing the result. When I saw that I cleared Part 2 and that too with a 460, I had to read it twice. My parents were sitting beside me. They were so happy and proud. That moment made it all worth it.
Q: What made you choose CMA USA while doing B.Com?
I was always interested in finance and accounts. After school, I didn’t want to just go with the usual flow. I wanted something that could give me deeper knowledge and a practical edge. I heard about CMA from a senior and started researching it. The topics like performance management, costing, decision-making, all of it sounded like something I would enjoy learning. It felt like the right step if I wanted to build a strong foundation in finance.
Q: How did you manage your B.Com and CMA studies together?
It took time to figure out a routine. In the beginning, I used to get overwhelmed trying to study everything together. Later, I made a weekly plan. I would give specific hours to CMA and balance it with college work. Since IGNOU is flexible, I could focus more on CMA during weekdays. On weekends, I revised and practiced questions. One thing I did regularly was note down doubts and clear them immediately. That helped me stay on track.
Q: What were some of the topics in Part 2 that gave you trouble?
The two topics which I found challenging were Risk management and capital structure because they took me a while to understand. The theories felt confusing at first. I remember I struggled with understanding Value at Risk. So I searched for real examples online, like how companies use it while managing currency risk. That made it easier to remember. I also had a hard time with questions on dividend policy. Eventually, I solved multiple scenarios using dummy numbers in Excel. When you do it practically, it becomes simpler.
Q: Your score in Part 2 was 460. What worked for you in the final stretch?
I focused a lot on question-solving. Every day, I set a target of doing at least 30 to 40 MCQs and made sure I understood why a certain answer was right or wrong. I wrote down the logic behind every mistake in a notebook, and before the exam, I revised only from that. I also kept a short notebook with all the formulas and concepts I used to forget, and that helped a lot during revision.
Also, giving mock tests and having the right trainer made things easier. I didn’t have to waste hours trying to figure out tough topics on my own. Whenever I was stuck, I could get things explained in a simple way, which saved a lot of time and cleared my doubts properly. That support gave me confidence, especially in the last few weeks when every hour counted.
Q: How did your coaching and support from mentors or faculty help you during CMA preparation?
It made a big difference, especially in keeping things on track. Shilpi Ma’am was always there to guide and support whenever I felt stuck. Her check-ins helped me stay consistent and not lose momentum.
There were times when I was confused about what to focus on. Sometimes I was unsure whether to continue with new topics or start revision. She helped me plan things in a simple and clear way. Even the small suggestions she gave, like how to approach mock tests or how to stay calm before the exam, were very helpful. Having someone to talk to when you feel stuck really gives you a sense of direction.
Q: Now that you have cleared both parts, what’s next for you?
I’m currently looking for an internship or an entry-level job in finance or accounting. I want to gain real work experience now. The goal is to apply the concepts I have learned and understand how finance works in a real company setup. Later, I might go for further studies, but right now I want to build my base with hands-on learning.
Q: What advice would you give someone who is just starting their CMA journey?
Take one day at a time. Don’t compare your speed with others. What helped me the most was focusing on understanding the concepts instead of rushing through the syllabus. Try to relate topics to real life. I used to imagine a restaurant or a tuition center while studying topics like CVP analysis or cost control. It made learning easier and more fun. Also, keep revising regularly. You don’t need to study for long hours, but be regular and keep clearing your doubts.
Harsh’s story shows what steady effort and a clear goal can achieve. From managing his college studies to scoring amazing in CMA Part 2, his journey is full of small habits and consistent effort that led to big results.
You can connect with him on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harsh-goel-5784a830a
