Himachal’s Anirudh Garg Secures AIR 2 in CA Final Exams While Working at EY

Anirudh Garg from Himachal Pradesh achieved an All India Rank (AIR) 2 in the challenging ICAI CA Final January 2026 examination, scoring 75.33%. This remarkable feat was accomplished while he was simultaneously pursuing his articleship at the global accounting firm EY, highlighting his dedication and effective study strategies.

Anirudh Garg’s Path to CA Final Success

Anirudh Garg, a dedicated student from Paonta Sahib, Himachal Pradesh, has captivated the nation by securing an impressive All India Rank (AIR) 2 in the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) CA Final January 2026 results. Scoring 452 marks (75.33%), Anirudh’s achievement is particularly notable as he balanced demanding studies with his articleship at Ernst & Young (EY).

Initially, Anirudh found it hard to believe his results, refreshing the page multiple times, convinced it was a "technical glitch." The confirmation from the ICAI President finally solidified his outstanding accomplishment.

Academic Journey and CA Aspirations

Anirudh’s academic career began with distinction, scoring 97.75% in his CBSE board exams in 2020. He then pursued a BCom (Hons) at Hansraj College, Delhi University. His interest in Chartered Accountancy was a family legacy; his father is a CA, and Anirudh set his sights on the profession as early as Class 9.

• CA Foundation: Cleared with 320 out of 400 marks.
• CA Intermediate: Achieved an aggregate of 538 out of 800, taking both groups separately due to college commitments.
• Articleship at EY: Started in April 2023 in the Assurance division at EY Gurgaon.

Balancing Work and Intense Study for CA Final

The CA Final curriculum is notoriously vast, requiring significant time and effort. Anirudh began his final-level coaching in late June 2023, strategically aiming to complete all classes six months before the January 2026 examination, anticipating the demanding "peak seasons" of articleship.

Key Strategies During Articleship:

• Consistent Study Schedule: Dedicated at least three hours daily to classes, splitting sessions into morning and evening during off-peak times. During busy periods, he focused on early morning studies.
• Efficient Learning: Watched lectures at 1.5x speed to maximize study time.
• No Post-Exam Calculations: Avoided calculating expected marks after each paper to reduce stress and focus on the next exam.

Overcoming Burnout and Mental Pressure

The rigorous preparation for the CA Final exam naturally led to periods of burnout. Anirudh’s approach to these challenges was pragmatic:

• Flexible Study: Instead of stopping entirely, he would reduce self-study time, watch lectures, or focus on a favorite subject like Financial Management to maintain momentum and prevent complete disengagement.
• Strong Support System: Relied on a small circle of two to three close friends, including one who secured AIR 36 in the same exam, to discuss preparation and provide mutual support during difficult times.
• Clear Goal: His unwavering commitment to becoming a CA meant there was no "plan B,&quot reinforcing his determination.

Anirudh’s Three Principles for Success

When reflecting on his achievement, Anirudh shared three core principles:

1. Trust Your Teachers: Emphasized choosing instructors carefully after reviewing demo lectures, rather than solely relying on recommendations, and maintaining faith in their guidance.
2. Trust Yourself: Highlighted the importance of building self-confidence, noting how it transformed his approach after the initial three months of uncertainty.
3. Stable Study Material: Advised against frequently changing study resources, especially close to the examination, recommending any switches be made at least three to four months in advance.

For consistency, Anirudh set weekly targets instead of daily ones, allowing flexibility to adjust his schedule as needed without losing overall progress. He also deactivated Instagram for six months during his study leave to minimize distractions.

Leveraging AI in CA Preparation

Anirudh acknowledges the growing role of artificial intelligence in the professional world, particularly in fields like assurance. He believes AI will act as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for human professionals. Interestingly, he utilized ChatGPT for "silly queries" during his preparation, appreciating its non-judgmental nature.

Currently, Anirudh is processing his momentous result and exploring his future options, fueled by his well-deserved success.