ICSI Topper Tithi Bohra Shares Her Winning Strategy for CS Exams
The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) examination system is widely regarded as one of the most rigorous professional gateways in the country. At the Executive level, the syllabus delves deeply into corporate laws, governance frameworks, and interpretative writing, testing candidates' intelligence, discipline, and temperament. In an exclusive interview, Tithi Bohra, who emerged as the rank 1 holder in the CS examination, reveals the secrets behind her success.
From Uncertainty to Clarity: A Journey of Exploration
Tithi Bohra's path was not always clear. Growing up in Udaipur, she describes herself as uncertain even after Class 10. "I was not actually very sure till my 10th standard as well, what subject to take," she recalled. Curiosity led her to commerce, and initially, she aimed for Chartered Accountancy. However, she faced challenges with theory during CA Intermediate preparation. "Theory was something that I struggled with, it scared me," she admitted. Instead of giving up, she embraced this discomfort, seeing the CS course as a deliberate challenge to overcome her weaknesses.
A Strategy Built on Precision and Focus
In an era flooded with study materials, Tithi chose a minimalist approach. "I studied in a very precise way, I did not cover a lot of things," she said. She relied solely on the official modules, prioritizing topics she found interesting and could score well in. "Trying to go for everything... that is one mistake a lot of students end up making," she cautioned, highlighting the confusion from juggling multiple resources.
Consistency Over Intensity: The Key to Sustained Effort
Balancing a demanding articleship with exam preparation, Tithi emphasized consistency rather than long study hours. "Even if you're taking time out every day, a three to four hour study every day would, I think, make a difference," she explained. Some days, she studied late into the night, but adaptability kept her on track. "The only way around it is you have to adapt yourself to whatever situation you might be in," she said, citing consistency, adaptability, and hope as crucial habits.
Understanding Over Memorizing: A Conceptual Approach
For a theory-heavy course, Tithi focused on conceptual clarity. "What helped me with retaining things was how clear I was about them," she noted. Her answer-writing method followed a structured approach: concept, application, and conclusion. This framework ensured she could tackle even unfamiliar questions effectively during exams.
Inside the Examination Hall: Composure and Strategy
The first 15 minutes of reading time were critical for Tithi. "Those 15 minutes are extremely crucial," she emphasized, using them to plan her three-hour strategy. She stayed calm, scanned the paper, and started with questions she was certain about, building confidence before addressing tougher ones. This method prevented panic and optimized her performance.
The Invisible Support System: Family and Friends
A close friend provided mutual motivation, while her family offered grounding perspective. "They said that the worst that can happen is that you will not clear. So what?" she recalled, which helped manage pressure and maintain focus throughout her journey.
Beyond the Rank: Future Aspirations
Despite her achievement, Tithi remains reflective, leaning towards Chartered Accountancy for its practical aspects. "I want to end up doing something that requires a lot of brainstorming, that keeps me active," she said, emphasizing her desire for intellectual satisfaction.
In a system that often celebrates ranks as endpoints, Tithi Bohra's story stands out for its emphasis on confronting weaknesses, choosing depth over noise, and building consistency. As she puts it, "You first have to believe it yourself that yes, I will definitely clear my exams." That belief not only helped her clear but placed her at the very top.
