Choosing CA after science may seem challenging, but it’s a path full of opportunities. However, this journey is not without its hurdles. Science students often face various challenges related to commerce concepts, vast syllabus, and new exam patterns. 

But the truth is: every challenge is an opportunity to grow. With hard work, determination, the right strategies, and a growth mindset, science students can not only overcome these obstacles but also bring a fresh perspective that sets them apart.

Let’s take a closer look at the challenges science students face while preparing for CA and more importantly, how to turn them into your success on the path to becoming a successful Chartered Accountant (CA).

Challenges faced by Science student while preparing for CA

1. Not familiar with commerce subjects: Science students have no background in commerce subjects like accounting, Business studies, and Economics, which are essential to the CA curriculum.

Why is it challenging?

• Topics in accounting like journal entries, balance sheets, and financial statements are completely new for science students.

• Science students have to start from scratch, while commerce already has 2-3 years of exposure.

How to tackle it?

• Start by studying Class 11 and 12^th NCERT commerce books to learn the basics.

• Practice basic problems in accounting on a regular basis to build familiarity.

• Join CA coaching classes, which are especially for non-commerce students, where topics are taught from scratch.

Not sure what topics to begin with? Start with the CA Foundation syllabus to understand what’s ahead.

3. Unfamiliar with financial terminology: Financial terms like capital, depreciation, amortization, assets, and liabilities are fundamental to CA studies but are not included in the science curriculum.  However, for the CA exam, it is a necessary and crucial step to get familiar with these terms.

Why it is challenging?

• These CA concepts are not taught in the science stream

• Many questions use these terms, where not knowing the terminology can lead to confusion and misinterpretation. 

How to tackle it?

• Make short notes of accounting and financial terms along with simple definitions and examples.

• Watch explainer videos on topics like basic journal entries and financial statements.

• Use these terms in practice problems and journal entries to get comfortable with their usage.

3. Self-doubt and Peer pressure:

Whether it’s family, friends, or your own goals, there’s often a high level of pressure to prove that your career switch was the right decision. And Science Students often face questions like 

• “Why CA after science?”

• “Can you really manage without a commerce background?” 

• “Why did you leave science?”

This leads to self-doubt, stress, and pressure.

How to tackle it?

• Remind yourself why you choose CA 

• Stay focused on your goals and don’t compare your CA journey with others.

• Go for mentorship in which the mentor will motivate you and act as a stress buster by providing guidance, emotional support, and encouragement.

They remind you of your strengths when self-doubt creeps in and help you to stay focused on your goals to become a CA.

Not sure how long the CA journey will take when you start? Check out this CA program duration guide for clarity on timelines after 12^th or Graduation.

4. Adapting to exam pattern: 

CA exam patterns include descriptive answers, legal interpretation, detailed working notes, and Case-study based questions, which can be challenging for science students.

How to tackle it?

• Practice writing CA answers in the exact format expected by ICAI, especially for Law and Audit.

• To get comfortable with the CA exam format, solve past question papers and take CA mock test papers.

• For objective-type papers (for CA Foundation), use smart guessing strategies and learn how to avoid negative marking. To improve speed and accuracy, practice questions under timed conditions.

5. Struggle with theoretical subjects:

Science subjects tend to be formula-based and logical, while CA includes subjects that are theory-based like Law and Auditing.

Reading dense legal language or memorizing regulations or provisions can be challenging for science students.

How to tackle it?

Combine conceptual learning (for subjects like Advanced Accounting and Taxation) with regular revision and memory techniques (for Law and Audit).

To retain theory-based information, use flowcharts and short notes.

Practice case studies to understand the practical application of laws and accounting principles.

6. Time management and Study Planning:

Preparing for the CA exam demands consistent study, smart planning, and time discipline, and many science students struggle with prioritizing and planning their study hours effectively.

How to tackle it?

• Make a CA study plan that breaks down the CA syllabus into daily and weekly targets.

• Track progress regularly and adjust your study plan to focus on weak areas.

Shifted from science and feeling stuck? This CA Foundation roadmap is exactly what you need to pass on your first try.

Real Life Inspiration: CA Pragnya Mohan

Pragnya Mohan, a science student, took the CA route because it offered a good career path and flexibility to follow her passion for sports.

Despite her non-commerce background, she cleared all levels of CA and later represented India in International triathlons. Today, she is not just a Chartered Accountant (CA) but also a celebrated athlete and TEDx speaker.

Her story proves that with commitment and vision, science students can break boundaries and create extraordinary paths. 

Wondering how a science student can really become a CA? Then Click here

Conclusion: Science background is not a weakness

While science students do have extra hurdles on the CA path, these challenges are not permanent. In fact, every great journey begins with a brave step.

With proper guidance, self-belief, and a never-give-up attitude, you can not only survive this transition but thrive in it.

You are not behind – you are just taking a different path to the top. And sometimes, the road less traveled leads to the greatest destinations.

How Mentorship Bridges the Gap? Overcoming Challenges Faced by Science Students in CA Preparation:

• Starting from scratch? A mentor will provide you a customized step-by-step study plan to understand the basic concepts first.
• Feeling demotivated? Your mentor will motivate you regularly by providing motivational sessions on calls. 
• Overwhelmed by the syllabus: The mentor will divide your CA syllabus into various parts and give you daily targets to stay consistent.

In short, a mentor will not only help you in your CA studies but also guide you emotionally, keep you motivated, build your confidence, and make sure you stay disciplined and focused throughout your CA Journey.

Bridge the gap with our CA mentorship program.

• FAQs

Ques: Can a science student become a CA?

Ans: Yes you can. According to the ICAI, students from any stream, including science, are eligible to pursue the CA course. 

Ques: What kind of challenges can I face for choosing CA after the science stream?

Ans: While preparing for CA, students face challenges like not being familiar with the commerce background, lack of support, time management, a vast syllabus, different exam styles and so on.

Ques: How can I start my CA journey after doing 12^th in the science stream?

Ans: To start your CA journey after 12^th in the science stream, you need to register for the CA Foundation course after completing your 12^th board exams.

Ques: Is studying CA from the science stream challenging?

Ans: yes, studying CA from the science stream is challenging, but the help of the right resources, an effective study plan, and guidance from mentors can help you to clear the CA exam.

Ques: Is mentorship really helpful to tackle CA challenges that are faced by science students?

Ans: Yes, mentor steps in as a bridge, helping science students to understand the unfamiliar CA concepts from the very basics. 

Also, science students often struggle with self-doubts, exam stress, and pressure from peers or family who question their decision to switch streams. A mentor will provide motivational and emotional support to stay focused and positive throughout your CA journey.

Also check

• ICAI CA Foundation Application Form 2025

• CA Inter Exam Syllabus and Pattern 2025
• How to clear CA final exam in first attempt?
• Subject list and preparation tips for the CA Inter Exam
• Mastering CA: Tips & Strategies
• All about CA: Full Form, Qualification Requirements & Course Path
• All essential information about CA articleship