CA Inter AIR 3 Prem Agarwal Scores 490/600: Study Strategy and Phone Discipline

Prem Agarwal of Surat secured All India Rank 3 in the CA Intermediate September 2026 examination with 490 out of 600 marks, or 81.67%. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) published the result and rank-holder details on October 22. Prem’s reported preparation routine centred on regular revision, practice tests and limiting distractions from social media.

CA Intermediate September 2026: Prem Agarwal’s result

ICAI’s rank list shows two candidates sharing AIR 1 with 502 marks each, followed by Shruti V at AIR 2 with 492 marks and Prem at AIR 3. The result announcement also reports that 38,339 candidates appeared for both groups, of whom 5,066 passed both.

Prem Agarwal’s study strategy

In an interview following the result, Prem said he spent around eight to ten hours a day studying during the final six to seven months of preparation. Alongside completing the syllabus, he focused on revision and practice tests. He also said teachers helped when he felt uncertain about his progress, while his family encouraged him to do his best without pressuring him to achieve a particular rank.

His approach to phone use was selective. Prem reportedly does not have an Instagram account and uses his phone when needed. He used YouTube mainly for educational purposes and WhatsApp to discuss subject questions and communicate with teachers. He also valued a small, supportive group of friends for discussing difficult topics.

Key takeaways for CA Intermediate aspirants

• Build in repeated revision instead of leaving all review until the final weeks.
• Use practice tests to check understanding and identify topics that need more work.
• Keep social media and phone use within limits that support focused study.
• Ask teachers and peers about difficult concepts rather than getting stuck alone.
• Set personal preparation goals without treating a specific rank as the only measure of success.

Prem Agarwal’s CA Inter journey timeline

Prem’s result highlights a preparation pattern based on consistency, repeated review and purposeful use of study time. His experience may offer useful ideas for CA Inter candidates, while each student’s schedule and preparation needs will differ.