SURAT — Consistency, structured revision, and stringent avoidance of digital distractions paved the way for Surat-based student Prem Agarwal to secure All India Rank (AIR) 3 in the Chartered Accountancy (CA) Intermediate examination for September 2026.

Scoring an impressive 490 out of 600 marks—equating to 81.67%—Agarwal also emerged as the state topper for Gujarat. His achievement comes on the heels of six to seven months of rigorous preparation, during which he maintained a disciplined schedule of studying eight to ten hours daily.

Reflecting on his journey, Agarwal emphasized the role of persistent revision rather than mere syllabus completion. Regular practice tests and continuous mentorship from his academic instructors helped navigate moments of uncertainty during the intense preparation cycle.

Zero Social Media Approach

In an era where digital platforms frequently consume large portions of students' schedules, Agarwal deliberately restricted his technological footprint. Operating without an Instagram account, he strictly limited mobile usage to academic necessities.

YouTube was utilized exclusively for educational lectures, while WhatsApp served as a collaborative tool for communicating with peers and clarifying doubts with educators. According to Agarwal, a tight-knit and supportive peer group proved invaluable for discussing complex syllabus components.

Supportive Family and Early Motivation

Agarwal’s interest in the accounting profession solidified during his higher secondary education in Classes 11 and 12, bolstered by a strong aptitude for mathematics. His family ensured a stress-free environment at home.

His mother, Nidhi Agarwal, noted that while the family anticipated a strong performance, national recognition came as a welcome surprise. "We never put pressure on him to get a particular rank; our goal was simply for him to give his best," she said.

Faculty members echoed the sentiment of early preparation. CA Aditya Chhavchharia, one of his mentors, highlighted that Agarwal and his cohort began preparations immediately after completing the CA Foundation examinations, bypassing the waiting period for preliminary results to build a formidable head start on the extensive intermediate syllabus.