Prem Agarwal from Surat, Gujarat, secured All India Rank 3 in the Chartered Accountancy (CA) Intermediate September 2026 examination, scoring 490 out of 600 marks, or 81.67%. His achievement reflects months of consistent preparation, regular revision and a focused approach to studying.
Agarwal's result was announced on October 22, 2026. He emerged among the country's top performers in one of the important stages of the Chartered Accountancy qualification, demonstrating how a structured study routine and disciplined preparation can help candidates perform well in competitive professional examinations.
One of the notable aspects of his preparation was the time he devoted to studying each day. He reportedly spent around eight to ten hours on academic work, with particular attention to completing the syllabus, revising previously studied topics and practising questions.
Prem Agarwal's Strategy: Consistency Over Last-Minute Preparation
Agarwal's preparation involved maintaining a steady routine over several months rather than relying entirely on intensive study immediately before the examination.
He focused on setting daily goals and completing planned tasks within the available time. This approach helped him track his progress and identify areas requiring additional attention.
His preparation reportedly extended over approximately six to eight months. During this period, he concentrated on understanding the syllabus and building a strong foundation before moving towards more intensive practice.
Regular revision was another important element of his strategy. Revisiting concepts multiple times can improve recall and help students recognise connections between different topics. It also provides opportunities to correct misunderstandings before the examination.
Practice tests helped him assess his readiness and become familiar with the demands of solving questions under time constraints.
Why He Stayed Away From Instagram
Agarwal kept his digital distractions limited during his preparation and did not maintain an Instagram account. Instead, he used his phone mainly when it was necessary for educational purposes.
YouTube served as a learning resource for understanding difficult concepts, while WhatsApp helped him communicate with teachers and friends to resolve academic doubts.
This selective use of technology allowed him to access useful educational material without making social media a regular part of his daily routine.
His approach illustrates an important lesson for students preparing for demanding examinations: technology can support learning when its use is purposeful, but frequent notifications and unnecessary scrolling can interrupt concentration.
However, avoiding social media is not a requirement for academic success. Students can adopt different methods to manage distractions, depending on their individual circumstances and study habits.
Teachers and Early Preparation Played an Important Role
Agarwal's journey towards the CA Intermediate examination began with an interest in becoming a chartered accountant during his school years. His interest in mathematics also contributed to his decision to pursue the profession.
His teachers provided guidance throughout the preparation process, helping him understand the demands of the examination and maintain direction during difficult periods.
According to his teacher, CA Aditya Chhawchharia, Agarwal and other students began preparing for the Intermediate stage soon after appearing for the CA Foundation examination, rather than waiting for the Foundation results before starting their next phase of study.
Starting early allowed them to complete a substantial portion of the syllabus in the initial months. This left additional time for revision, mock examinations and identifying weaker areas.
The experience highlights the value of planning ahead, particularly for professional examinations that require candidates to study multiple subjects in considerable depth.
Family Support Without Unnecessary Pressure
Agarwal's family was delighted by his performance, although securing a top-three national rank was beyond even their expectations.
His mother, Nidhi Agarwal, expressed happiness with his achievement and emphasised that the family had encouraged him to give his best without placing excessive pressure on the final result.
Such support can be valuable during demanding examination periods. Students often face uncertainty about their performance, and encouragement from family members and teachers can help them remain motivated.
A healthy preparation environment also allows students to learn from mistakes without viewing every setback as a failure.
Lessons for Students Preparing for Competitive Exams
Agarwal's achievement offers several practical lessons for students preparing for professional courses and government examinations.
A realistic timetable, regular revision, practice tests and clear daily targets can help make preparation more organised. Identifying distractions and using digital tools selectively can also improve concentration.
At the same time, long study hours alone do not guarantee success. Understanding concepts, getting sufficient sleep, taking breaks and maintaining a sustainable routine are important parts of effective learning.
Prem Agarwal's All India Rank 3 demonstrates the value of consistent effort and careful preparation. His journey serves as an example for aspiring candidates who want to improve their performance through discipline, planning and regular practice.
