Regardless of your own preferences, always keep in mind that tools for the hand are the tools for the brain. Handwritten notes are an effective way to remember things for a long time. 

Due to the vast syllabus of Company Secretary (CS), there are many students who have no idea how to make notes, what to write, or what not to write, and so on. Hence, they are unable to make effective notes for CS Exams. 

By reading this blog you will get an idea how to make notes for the Company Secretary Executive and Professional Exam so that it becomes a little easier for you to clear the CS Exam.

Why are handwritten notes necessary for the CS exam?

Making handwritten notes for CS exams is necessary because they not only enhance your retention but also deepen your understanding. By writing down important points, you will remember the concept for a long time as compared to just reading or typing them out. With the help of notes, one can revise a topic easily and quickly during CS Executive and CS Professional exam time.

In addition to this, handwritten notes for CS Executive and CS Professional are more flexible, as you can highlight, mark, and color-code them according to their importance. Also, by making notes for CS, you will get an overview of chapters, which makes it easy to visualize the structure and flow of each topic.

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How to make handwritten notes for CS exams?

Gather all the study material: The First and foremost thing is to gather all the CS study material, like teacher notes/books, question banks, past year exam papers, ICSI study material and so on. By organizing all these materials, it helps you to ensure that no important topic is missed. All this material should be included in your CS notes in a way that is understandable, and you can revise it easily.

Use the method for better organisation: Use methods to organize your handwritten CS notes. Make CS notes by using headings and subheadings. To break down the information by using short paragraphs and bullet points. Doing all these things helps to find the important point while revising CS Executive and CS Professional.

Customize your notes: Use your own examples, acronyms, stories, and mnemonics to make your notes more relatable. With the help of CS customized notes, you can understand the concept deeply. To remember the section numbers easily, use acronyms, which can save you time during revisions. 

Single chapter notes: Use a different page or file for every CS Executive and CS Professional chapter and print out key points from your handwritten notes and combine them with important questions. This will help your revision be easier and ensure that all important information is in one place.

Underline keywords: Use highlighter or colorful pens to underline important CS concepts or keywords which help you to locate important keywords and concepts. To organize information, use shapes, arrows, and flowcharts.

Should I spend extra time on making CS notes or make notes while studying?

Well, it depends on the way you learn, but it is highly advisable to make CS notes while studying because of two main reasons. First and Foremost, after studying, you might forget some important information to add to your notes. If you make CS notes during study time, then you can write important information/points simultaneously. Make sure that your CS notes will be in short form and read the notes soon after on the same day. 

The second reason is it saves your time. Making notes after studying will only consume time, which you can invest in something else that is important. Also, after studying, you might forget something important to add to your CS notes.

How to make notes for theory subjects?

There are various theory subjects in CS including Jurisprudence, Interpretation & General Laws, Setting up of Business, Industrial & Labour Laws, Economic, Commercial and Intellectual Property Laws and so on.

Focus on legal concepts: Analyze case studies, legal concepts, and their implications in brief. Visualize relationships between different laws by using mind maps.

Flowcharts: With the help of visual aids, one can easily understand auditing and investigation processes in CS Executive and CS Professional. By using flowcharts, one can understand the concepts easily and deeply.

Use mnemonic devices: Mnemonic devices help students to improve their ability to remember legal concepts in CS Executive and CS Professional. It is a memory technique to help your brain better encode and recall important information.

How to make notes for practical subjects in CS exams?

There are various practical subjects in CS exams including Tax laws and practice, Corporate Accounting and Financial Management, and Compliance management, Audit & Due Diligence and so on. 

Categorized: You can include different types of sums in your CS notes and categorize according to them. For instance, you must read questions number 5 and 6. Moderate - question number 15, 16. Easy/skip question numbers 10, and 11. So if you have less time, then you only revise important questions.

Important formulas: Write down all the important formulas and calculations with explanations. So that you will not waste time on finding formulas on books during revision.

Illustration and diagram: Diagram helps you visualize accounting concepts. Whether its journal entries, financial statements, or a balance sheet, with the help of a diagram one can easily understand the concept instead of writing a thousand words.

How many times are readings necessary for effective CS notes?

The number of readings necessary to make effective notes can depend on various factors, including the complexity of the topic and familiarity with the subject. 

First reading: In the first reading, familiarize yourself with the CS Executive and CS Professional material. Read the material to grasp the main idea, structure, and flow without taking detailed CS notes.

Second reading: Note down CS Executive and CS Professional key concepts and details. Start making notes at the time of the second reading. Focus on summarizing important points, examples, and definitions. Here you will start writing the main body of your CS notes.

Third reading: Improve and arrange your CS notes. For completeness and clarity, check your notes. To improve your understanding, add diagrams, flowcharts, or any additional explanations.

Conclusion

Remember, “If you are not taking notes, you are not learning”. Research and evidence show that a handwritten note has been linked to effective memory recall, so it is better to make notes by hand and revise them during exam time.

If you are still confused about how to make notes for the CS Executive and CS Professional exam then get guidance from mentors. They will guide you properly and solve all your problems related to the subject so that you can easily give the CS exam and clear it in the first attempt.

FAQs

Q1. Are handwritten notes beneficial for exams?

Ans. Yes, handwritten notes are very beneficial for the exam because they help in better retention and recall of information.

Q2. Why are handwritten notes important for the CS exam?

Ans. Handwritten notes are very important while preparing for the CS Exam because it deepens understanding and helps you to recall key points.

Q3. How to make handwritten notes more effective?

Ans. By using heading, subheading, and bullets, you can make your handwritten notes more effective.

Q4. Is it better to make notes physically or digitally?

Ans. Many studies show that writing down things by hand not only improves memory but also helps to remember things for a long time. Hence making notes physically is better as compared to making notes digitally.

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