When you start your CA journey, one of the first questions that comes to your mind is simple: “How Many Hours Should a CA Student Study?” You hear different things from different people. Some say 8 hours, some say 12 hours and Some even say you must study 15 hours a day.
But the truth is much simpler. Let’s break it down in a way that makes sense for your daily life, your routine, and your CA level.
In this guide, you will see exactly how many hours you should study for CA Foundation, CA Inter, and CA Final, along with real habits, easy tips, and the study pattern that toppers use.
Why Knowing “How Many Hours Should a CA Student Study” Matters
You already know CA is not a small exam. It needs time, focus, and discipline. But not everyone has the same routine. Some students go to college, some go to coaching and some even work.
So yes, your study hours must match your life. But at the same time, they should be enough to finish the syllabus, revise it well, and practice questions properly.
That’s why a clear answer helps you avoid stress and gives you a simple roadmap.
How Many Hours Should a CA Student Study?
Here is the simplest and most practical answer:
| CA Level | Daily Study Hours (Normal Days) | Daily Study Hours (Last 2–3 Months) |
| CA Foundation | 3–4 hours | 6–8 hours |
| CA Intermediate | 4–6 hours | 8–10 hours |
| CA Final | 6–7 hours | 10–12 hours |
But remember, these are guidelines. What matters more is consistency. Now, let’s break each level in detail.
How Many Hours Should a CA Student Study for CA Foundation?
If you are at the Foundation level, don’t let fear take over. Foundation is simpler than Inter and Final. You only need a steady plan.
Daily Hours During Normal Days
You should study 3 to 4 hours daily. This includes coaching time + self-study.
Why 3–4 hours is enough:
- Syllabus is wide but not deep.
- Concepts are basic.
- More focus is needed on practice than memorising.
Daily Hours in the Last 60–75 Days
Increase your study time to 6–8 hours each day. This phase is all about revising again and again.
Subject-wise Time Split
- Quantitative Aptitude – 1.5 hours
- Law – 1 hour
- Accounting – 1 to 1.5 hours
- Economics – 30 mins to 1 hour
Extra Tip
Instead of long study sessions, use 45–50 minute small sessions with short breaks. This makes you faster and helps avoid boredom.
How Many Hours Should a CA Student Study for CA Intermediate?
CA Inter is the real turning point. The syllabus is huge. The theory is deep. Practical questions need time. So, your daily routine must be stronger.
Daily Hours During Normal Days
Most students need 4–6 hours of self-study. With coaching, your total study exposure becomes around 8–10 hours.
Why you need 4–6 hours:
- Inter has 6 papers.
- Practical subjects need repeated practice.
- Theory papers need regular revision.
Daily Hours During Last 60–90 Days
During the exam phase, study 8–10 hours daily. Some days you may even touch 11 hours, especially while solving RTPs, MTPs, and mock tests.
Subject-wise Time Split
- Advanced Accounting – 1.5 hours
- Costing – 1.5 hours
- Taxation – 1 to 1.5 hours
- Law – 1 hour
- FM + SM – 1 hour
- Audit – 1.5 hours
Extra Tip
Make your first revision slow and complete. Make your second and third revisions fast and smart.
How Many Hours Should a CA Student Study for CA Final?
CA Final is intense for sure. But if you follow a simple hour plan, it becomes manageable. You don’t need 15 hours a day. You need smart and deep study.
Daily Hours During Normal Days
You should study 6–7 hours every day. Final subjects are heavy, so you must give yourself time to digest concepts slowly.
Daily Hours During Last 90–120 Days
During the exam window, study 10–12 hours daily. Not more. Not less. Why not more than 12? Because after a point, your mind stops absorbing.
Extra Tip
Solve case-study-based questions daily, especially for Audit, Law, and SCMPE.
Simple Weekly Study Plan
Monday to Saturday
- Morning: 2 hours
- Afternoon: 2 hours
- Evening/Night: 2–3 hours
Sunday
- Full mock test
- Or half-day revision
This totals around 35–40 hours per week, which is ideal for any CA student.
How Many Hours Should a CA Student Study If Working or Going to College?
Many Indian students manage both.
Here is the simple plan:
If You Attend College
- Morning: 1–1.5 hours
- Evening: 2–3 hours
- Night: 1 hour
Total: 4–6 hours
If You Are Working
- Morning: 1 hour
- Evening: 2 hours
- Night: 1 hour
Total: 4 hours. During leave, increase to 9–10 hours daily.
Should You Study Early Morning or Late Night?
Both are fine. Pick the one that matches your body clock.
Morning Study Works Better If:
- Your mind feels fresh after sleep
- You want fewer distractions
- You want long study blocks
Night Study Works Better If:
- Your house stays busy in daytime
- You feel more focused at night
- You want quiet time
What matters is consistency, not timing.
Daily Routine for CA Students
Here is a routine that works for most Indian CA students:
Morning
- Wake up
- Light stretching
- Study the hardest subject (2 hours)
Afternoon
- 1–2 hour study session
- Solve MCQs or practice problems
Evening
- Light walk
- Revision session (1–1.5 hours)
Night
- Second revision or reading session (1 hour)
- Plan next day
Simple. Smooth. Balanced.
Final Answer
Now that you have seen everything clearly, here is your final, simple, practical conclusion:
- CA Foundation: 3–4 hours daily (6–8 hours in last months)
- CA Intermediate: 4–6 hours daily (8–10 hours in last months)
- CA Final: 6–7 hours daily (10–12 hours in last months)
Remember one thing: You don’t need long hours. You need the right hours.
Even if you study less, study with full focus, strong revision, and full ICAI practice. That is the real way to pass CA in the first attempt.
