It is January. The books are open, the coffee is cold, and the anxiety is peaking. Stop. Take a deep breath. You have studied for months. The next 48 hours are not about learning new concepts; they are about execution. The Jan 5th attempt is right around the corner, and trust me, nothing throws you off your game like reaching the exam centre and realizing you forgot your calculator. We want to ensure that the only thing you worry about in the exam hall is the question paper—not your logistics. Here is the field-tested exam day checklist to ensure smooth sailing this week.
1. The “Must-Carry” Document Bag
Do not leave this for Monday morning. Pack this bag tonight.
- Admit Card (Physical Copy): Print two copies. Keep both in your bag, one for use and the other as a backup. Do not rely on your phone; phones are deposited outside.
- Government ID: Aadhar Card, Voter ID, or Driving License. The name must match your Admit Card.
- Two Passport Size Photos: Sometimes, the photo on the printed Admit Card is blurry. Invigilators can be fussy. Carry spares just in case.
2. Stationery Hacks (The “Field Experience”)
You aren’t just writing an exam; you are fighting a battle against time. Your weapons matter.
- Calculators (Yes, Plural): Carry two calculators of the same model.
- Why? We have seen batteries die in the middle of an SFM paper. It is a nightmare you don’t want to live.
- Tip: Ensure you are comfortable with the keys. Don’t buy a brand-new model today that feels foreign to your fingers.
- Black Ballpoint Pens: ICAI is strict about this. No blue, no gel.
- Mentor’s Take: Do not take a fresh packet of pens. Take pens that are 80% full. They write smoother and don’t blot.
- Pencil & Eraser: For MCQs and ruling formats.
3. The “Survival Kit” (Non-Obvious Essentials)
This is where the advice comes in. These items save you from unnecessary stress.
- Transparent Water Bottle: Most centres now strictly forbid non-transparent bottles. If you have a fancy metal flask, they will make you leave it outside. Buy a generic clear plastic bottle.
- Analog Watch: Smartwatches are strictly banned. Wall clocks in exam centres are notoriously unreliable or positioned where you can’t see them. Wear a simple analog watch to track your 15-minute reading time.
- The Jacket/Sweater: “But it’s January!” Exactly. But also, some centres have ACs blasting or drafty windows. Shivering while trying to balance a Balance Sheet is impossible. Layer up.
4. The Mentor’s Take: The “1:45 PM” Strategy
The most crucial 15 minutes of your life.
When you get that paper at 1:45 PM (for the 2:00 PM start), your heart will race.
- Don’t read Question 1 first. It is usually the toughest and is designed to panic you.
- Scan the paper for the “Easy Kill” questions.
- Plan your order of attack.
A Note on Anxiety:
If you feel overwhelmed, remember why you started. Visualise the end goal. Visualise yourself two months from now, using the Salary Estimator to negotiate your first package, or updating your profile on our Resume Builder with those two magical letters “CA” before your name. Keep that image in your head.
5. Last Minute Advice: 1 Hour Before
- Stop Studying: at 1:00 PM, close the book. Cramming now only overwrites what you stored in your long-term memory.
- Avoid the “Discussion Circle”: You know that group of students outside the centre discussing “Is AS-11 important?” Stay away from them. They radiate panic. Put on your headphones.
- Hydrate, but not too much: You don’t want bathroom breaks eating into your writing time.
Conclusion
You have done the work. Now, trust your preparation. Whether this is your first attempt or you are fighting back after a setback, remember that this exam tests your nerves as much as your knowledge.
Good luck for Jan 5th. You’ve got this!
Also read: 8 Common Myths About the CA Course (And the Truth You Need for Jan 2026)
