Dear Students,

"Success is not about the absence of failure; it's about the determination to keep going in spite of it." – Maya Angelou.

The three most important words in the life of a CA are ‘Determination, Dedication and Perseverance’ as the path to qualifying as a Chartered Accountant isn't for the faint of heart. It demands relentless dedication, late nights and the unwavering belief that you can conquer any challenge that comes your way.

At times, the stress of studies coupled with other student activities does seem to be a lot but remember, we all possess the tenacity to break down these seemingly impossible mountains into manageable steps.

How can I say this so confidently? Simply because I was in your footsteps when I was studying to qualify as a CA. You just have to look at all the qualified CAs who have fulfilling careers whether in practice or industry to realise that others have also walked the same path as you are walking today. They were also students who channelled their determination and perseverance into success and are now shaping the world of finance with their expertise. You have the same potential and the same power to achieve greatness.

Theodore Roosevelt once said, "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." This journey, though demanding, is an incredible opportunity to hone your skills and push your boundaries. Each hurdle overcome will build upon your determination, forging a resilience that will serve you well throughout your career.

To empower and to instil confidence into all our students, WICASA organised a number of events last month.

CA Foundation Mock Tests

WICASA's mock tests are your weapons for conquering the CA Foundation exam. These mocks enable students to sharpen their skills by helping them refine exam techniques and learn effective strategies to answer questions confidently. We know that practice makes perfect, hence these exams are a major confidence booster since they covered Accounting, Business Law, Quantitative Aptitude and Business Economics made sure that students have tackled all areas of the syllabus and more importantly equip you with the knowledge and experience to excel.

Forensic Audit - Forensics as an Emerging Avenue for CAs

The recent seminar & webinar on "Forensic Audit - Forensics As An Emerging Avenue For CAs" shed light on this rapidly growing field within the accounting profession. The seminar covered the importance of forensic audits in today's complex financial landscape, highlighting its growing relevance for CAs.

The seminar served as a platform for students interested in exploring the exciting and challenging world of forensic audits. By understanding the growing demand for their expertise in fraud detection, students can position themselves for a successful career in this emerging avenue.

MSME for CA Students

To provide CA Students with an overview of the MSME sector, WICASA recently organised a program titled "MSME for Students," providing valuable insights into the MSME (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) sector, equipping students with knowledge relevant to this crucial segment of the Indian economy.

The program explored various government schemes specifically designed to empower MSME exporters, insights into SME IPOs (Initial Public Offerings), and information to stay updated on the latest developments and schemes offered by SIDBI (Small Industries Development Bank of India). Students in attendance gained knowledge beneficial in understanding the MSME ecosystem which is a dynamic sector & vital aspect of the Indian economy.

Kickstarting Articleship

This full day seminar focused on providing students the relevant details to prepare them in advance for their upcoming articleships. Experienced industry veterans spoke on topics including Domains of Articleship as well as provided guidance on Resume Making, Acing Interviews and LinkedIn Profile Building. Students were pleased with the practical insights received which would help them create a more rewarding articleship experience.

Mock Interview & Group Discussion

The Students’ Program on the theme ‘Get Ready With Mock Interview & Group Discussion", was a power-packed event designed to equip students with the skills and confidence to ace your upcoming interviews and group discussions. The program offered a unique blend of experiences comprising ‘Hands-on Interview Practice’ where students gained valuable experience by participating in mock interviews and receiving feedback as well as ‘Tackling Emerging Topics’ where students took a deep dive into dynamic group discussions centred around the latest industry trends where they learnt how to effectively communicate their ideas and to collaborate with others.

Other topics covered were ‘Expert Insights’ where students received guidance and tips directly from industry professionals who shared real-world experiences and provided valuable strategies to navigate both interviews and group discussions and most importantly students received ‘Evaluated Feedback’ from experienced evaluators to help identify areas for improvement and build confidence for the real test. Students attending this program gained the edge to showcase their skills and leave a lasting impression on potential employers.

CA – The Way Ahead

An empowering event for aspiring CAs, the program not only highlighted the vast career opportunities that await upon CA qualification, but also emphasized the importance of perseverance in achieving this coveted designation. Showcasing the diverse avenues open to CAs, students gained valuable insights into the exciting and dynamic world of CA professionals.

But most importantly, the program underscored the significance of unwavering determination. The journey to becoming a CA is demanding, and the program served as a powerful reminder that with focus, dedication, and a never-give-up attitude, success is within reach. This program equipped students with the knowledge and motivation they need to navigate their path towards a fulfilling career as a Chartered Accountant.

National Talent Hunt

Mumbai City Level Quiz Competition for CA Students

The recently held Mumbai City Level Quiz Competition for CA Students was a resounding success, with enthusiastic participation from a large number of students.

The competition tested their knowledge on a diverse range of topics, with 80% of the questions focusing on General Awareness and the remaining 20% delving into core CA subjects like Auditing, Accounting, Corporate Laws, and Taxation. But the real thrill came in the final Rapid-Fire Round, where students showcased not only their knowledge but also their impressive ability to remain calm and think on their feet under pressure.

The competition was a testament to the dedication and intellectual prowess of Mumbai's CA student community. Their impressive display of knowledge and quick thinking promises a bright future for the profession!

Mumbai City Level Elocution Competition for CA Students

The recent Mumbai City Level Elocution Competition proved to be a resounding success, attracting a large number of enthusiastic students. Our talented students showcased their exceptional skills in speech preparation and delivery before a panel of judges and their peers, demonstrating their ability to clearly articulate ideas and captivate an audience. Their well-researched and eloquently presented speeches highlighted the depth of their knowledge and their ability to effectively communicate complex ideas.

This competition served not only as a platform for showcasing talent, but also as a valuable opportunity for students to hone their public speaking skills and build confidence. The experience of presenting in front of a large audience will undoubtedly prove beneficial in their future careers.

Regional Level Essay Competition

The recently organised Regional Level Essay Competition for CA Students drew enthusiastic participation from our talented students.The competition served as a platform for students to delve into their chosen topics, demonstrating their deep knowledge and insightful analysis. More importantly, participants impressed with the clarity and coherence of their writing, effectively articulating their ideas in a compelling manner.

This event was a testament to the well-rounded skillset of CA students, who excel not only in their chosen field but also in clear communication. We look forward to seeing even more participation and exceptional writing talent in future competitions!

Regional Level Pitch Deck Competition

The WICASA-hosted BOS Pitch Deck Competition fired up the Western India region with their BOS Pitch Deck Competition. This electrifying event wasn't just about showcasing ideas – it was about igniting a passion for creativity and business ownership.

Student entrepreneurs from across the Region pitched their innovative solutions to real-world problems to judges who questioned participants on everything from clearly defining the problem they were solving to crafting a winning revenue model. Market potential, a competitive edge, and the ability to deliver a compelling presentation were all crucial factors. The students experienced all the real-world issues as well as the exhilarating feeling of seeing your business ideas receive encouragement and support from industry veterans.

10th International Yoga Day

Understanding the ‘healthy mind in a healthy body’ concept, our students also took part in the International Yoga Day celebrations and many women students also attended the ‘Yoga for Women Empowerment’ lecture.

CA Run for Viksit Bharat

ICAI united all the Regions, members and students across the country and the world for the ‘CA Run for Viksit Bharat’.

This nationwide run celebrated 75 years of the CA profession's dedication to India's growth, aligning with Prime Minister Modi's vision of a developed India by 2047.

In Mumbai, WIRC jointly with WICASA of WIRC organized a fun 5 km run. Students from across Mumbai participated with great enthusiasm for the run which kicked off from RVG Hostel, Andheri West. Everyone received participation certificates, with trophies being awarded to the winners. Kudos to all our students for their support towards making it a huge success.

I wish to remind all the students to remember that WICASA is here to support you every step of the way, guiding you through a community of like-minded individuals who understand the struggles and triumphs of this journey.

So, as you embark on the journey of Chartered Accountancy, hold on tight to your determination, embrace the challenges and remember that with every step you take, you are building a foundation for a truly remarkable career.

Remember the words of Denis Waitley who said, “Success is almost totally dependent upon drive and persistence. The extra energy required to make another effort or try another approach is the secret of winning.”

CA. Ankit Rathi  

Chairman, WIRC of ICAI