- Hi, I am Rakesh K. Bhurani, a Chartered Accountant from India.
- In 2019, I started my own CA Practice RK Bhurani & Co. in Puttaparthi – Andhra Pradesh (India).
- But what is special about me? Nothing…. except, that I decided to pursue my dream of becoming a Chartered Accountant at the age of 35, almost 15 years after my graduation.
- I am lucky that life gave me an opportunity to fulfill my dream but a second chance is not always possible in life…so grab the opportunity when it presents itself.
- Here is my journey.
Table of Contents
Giving up on my dream to pursue Chartered Accountancy
When you are in college the most common question is “What next? What are your career plans?”.
And whenever anyone asked me this question, my answer was always the same “I want to become a Chartered Accountant.”
It was my dream to become a Chartered Accountant…but in those days (1995) I was discouraged by a few people stating that it was a very tough course.
As a 16-year-old, I took advice from the naysayers and gave up on my dream of becoming a CA. (When I think of it today, my biggest mistake was listening to others!)
Fast forward, I started assisting my brother in the Advertising field and started my career. We used to do all sorts of printing and designing work and in a short time, we were quite famous.
After a few years, I got married and we had a daughter. In the midst of all this, many times I tried to study further but was not able to because of my busy schedule and responsibilities.
One passion that I did not give up on was reading, I always made time to read books.
Life continued and now I had been working with my brother for almost 14 long years.
What Next?
Second Innings of my career
I always wanted to be more than just a ‘Commerce Graduate’. Finally, after almost 12 years, I mustered the courage to study further.
While still running the business with my brother, I started giving tuitions to college students and simultaneously decided to pursue my Masters in Commerce (M.Com).
In fact, when I enrolled for my Masters our second daughter Hanisha was just born.
I still remember when I entered my class, I was quite embarrassed as every student was almost ten years younger than me. It was not easy.
Luckily, around the same time, I happen to meet a friend of mine Arun who told me that last year while he was completing his graduation, he witnessed a mother and daughter duo appearing for their exams together. This story brought a shift in my mindset.
I now started to get comfortable being the oldest in class though it was a slow and gradual process.
Fortunately, all my hard work paid off when I stood first in both the years of M.Com.
Getting back to studies after a gap of more than a decade and topping the class…made me very confident.
I was now mentally prepared that I could achieve academic success and so decided to study further.
In early 2012, I qualified UGC NET exams in my first attempt as I was trying to get a job as a professor in an aided college.
I had now also decided to pursue an MBA…CA was still nowhere in my radar.
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Turn of events and deciding to pursue CA at the age of 35
On 21st August 2012, my mother passed away. For me, my mother was always the backbone of my life, we were very close…for about four months I was in depression.
At that time, I was running a coaching class and I used to weep whenever I was alone in class. It was during this tough phase that I decided to pursue CA, to keep myself very busy.
On 8th December 2013, it was my 9th Wedding Anniversary, I enrolled for Chartered Accountancy from ICAI (The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India).
So, with my wife, sisters, brothers, and daughter’s support, I started my CA journey, a dream that I thought would never come to life.
Qualifying as a CA at the age of 42
To become a CA from India, one needs to clear: CPT, IPCC and CA Finals along with 2.5 years of articles.
Since I was pursuing CA after my graduation, I had to clear only two levels: IPCC and CA Finals, of course with my articles.
After securing the first rank in M.Com, I was very confident and was of the opinion that IPCC exams can be easily cleared in the first attempt. But slowly and gradually I realized that CA is a lot more difficult than M.Com!
I decided to give my best and self-study for the exams (no additional coaching)…and qualified the exams in my second attempt, not bad at all, I was happy.
I started my articles on 1st Feb 2014 and now I had only one hurdle to overcome, CA Final exams.
Fast forward, in early 2016, my father passed away. It was a very difficult time for me but I bounced back quickly.
I now started preparing for my CA Final exams.
Balancing work, study and family was not so easy, but I really worked very hard and knew these hardships were temporary.
There were times when before my CA Final exams, I would sit for a whole month just studying. I am lucky to have a very supportive wife Bhavna and equally encouraging daughters.
I took a few attempts and finally in May 2019 I qualified as a Chartered Accountant….a dream come true!!!
I am 42 today and have a long way to go to reap the rewards of my success.
Tip: When I think of it now, my strong point was my self-prepared simplified notes.
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Questions I get asked most often.
“Did my life change after qualifying as a CA?”
Initially, everything was the same but slowly and gradually life started to change!
I have my own CA practice in Puttaparthi (India) and now I am able to put my theoretical knowledge into practical use.
I have learnt to believe that everything is possible.
I have worked as a professor for more than ten years and passionate about teaching. So I guess with my new success I will be able to fuel the dreams of many other youngsters.
“How difficult was it to study when you have a full-time job and a family?”
It was not easy continuing my educational journey after kids but my wife and family always supported. So, everything fell into place.
At a young age, we have only one track of mind that is ‘we have to study’ but when you are married and have kids, the responsibility is a lot. It becomes very difficult to manage family, job and education.
When I think of it today I still cannot comprehend how I managed all of it…I just know I managed! I am grateful to my wife and my family who supported me.
Even my daughters never disturbed me when I used to study….however now they have given me a warning that no more studying!
“Lessons learnt on the way.”
- Be confident, not overconfident. After securing the first rank for my Master, I was overconfident and assumed IPCC exams could be cleared easily. Slowly I got realized that CA is a lot more challenging and would need 100% dedication and consistent efforts.
- Don’t take a break in your education. I was lucky to get a second chance to fulfill my dream but this chance will not be available to everybody. So if possible, pursue education earlier in life when you have fewer responsibilities.
- Listen to your heart. In your journey, many people may discourage you...just listen to your heart and go-ahead.
- Failure is the pillar of success. The most important requirement to become CA is fighting spirit. Never, never, never give up. Success is a failure in progress and someone who has never failed cannot truly be a successful person.
- Age is just a number. If you think you are old, you are. If you think you are young, you are. It depends on your thought process.
In conclusion…
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”
My father used to say “There is no wrong time to do the right thing in your life. Learning should be an on-going process.”
I would fail in my duty if I am not expressing my sincere thanks to Shri Vijay Bhaskar Reddy, CA RajkumarTolani and CA Vinit Gada for their support and co-operation.
Rakesh Bhurani is a Chartered Accountant and has his own CA Firm in India. He is passionate about education and loves teaching.
Now It’s Your Turn…
What do you think of my story?
What is stopping you from achieving your goals? Comment below and let us know.
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Your story is very very very inspiring.
I am stuck in IPCC group -2 and November 2020 is last attempt to appear for IPCC.
Your story made me to think that ” if you can do CA along with many responsibilities than I can also do.”
Now, this time I will put my best and clear group – 2.
Thankyou so much !! for sharing your story
Your story has awakened me in positivity and passion.
All the best Juhi.
Very inspiring story. But why Puttaparti in Andhra?? It sounds strange
Actually very important question for me to answer. My father and mother were true devotees of Sri Satya Sai Baba. They were coming here since 1970’s. My mother passed away in puttaparthi in 2012. We all family members are attached to this place. And till now before starting practice I was working in one MBA college – Sanskrithi School of Business as a professor. The love and respect received from students of SSB always touched my heart. That is the reason to start my practice in puttaparthi.
Your story is very inspiring and encouraging. Even I’m going thru some tough days. And was confused on some decisions. But after reading your story I m clear with my decision. Thanx
Your story is quite inspiring … At this point of time I just want to share this much, that let Almighty give me the interest to pursue and fulfil my dream also, so that if I achieve it I will surely share it on this platform.
All the best sir.
Very inspiring… Wishing you all the best
My name is Rekha lam pursuing cs final .your success story is very inspiring me.
Rekhaji – All the best for your exams.
Truely inspiring sir
And thanx alot i still apply your technique of studying
There is always a gap of one day before next exam. On that i used to revise only my self prepared notes. For practical subjects I used to prepare one excel file containing columns like problem number, topic details, and remark. And I used to divide the problems with 4 symbols 1] ? 2] D 3] single right symbol and 4] double right symbol like whatsapp. 1] ? = Not understood 2] D = Almost understood but doubt in one point; 3] single right means revision required and 4] double right means even revision not required. For theory subject I used to prepare notes in ms word – for a question of 2 pages I used to prepare a small paragraph containing only key words.
I work in a public sector bank..i also want to become CA but main problem i think is articleship of 2.5 years…i am 33 years old and alone earning member in my family so i cannot leave my job…Any suggestion for my problem??
Sir, I was having the similar kind of problem. No pain – no gain sir.
Love the story and it gave me hope to finish. I understand where you are coming from when you know that in your heart you want to be a CA but people discourage you and you start to believe them. I only started studying this year and want to reach my goal of becoming a CA. Thanks for sharing
Just close your eyes and listen to your heart. You will always get a good solution for every problem. I consider – listening to others was my biggest fault. Listening to father and mother is meaningful but listening to others will keep you away from your goal!
Very inspiring story,
The main achievement is to balance between moreover responsibilities with you and how wonderfully you cracked CA final with all hurdles.
Congratulations sir…
I am fortunate to get full support from my family. That is the reason I was able to do whatever I am doing. Without them I am nothing.
I can understand the difficulties faced by you because I am science graduate and office supritendent in degree college. In my team when my subordinate asked me that you can’t understand this in accounting. I decided to Lern accounts and at the age of 35, I enrolled myself in FYB. COM as full time student from Mumbai University . Full time jobs nd full time course with three kids of age group 5, 3 and 1. it was really challenging task. Today I. Have done FY and SY now this year I am in TYB. Com. I Remberred very well, in FY sem 1 exam when I. entrered in exam room, students considered me as examiner and every one stood. When I sit at my alloted desk everyone was watching me. Any way hope for better result in TY. But it gave me new way of life and my confidence uplifted a lot. My wife and my kids are my supportive during my journey.
Same with me sir. In ITT batch everyone stood in the class when I entered the class. I was recollecting Munna bhai MBBS movie.
So motivational, I started CA ,CS after 20 years of graduation, after finishing MCom ,LLB practising Advocate, CS struck with 2 papers since three years, IPCC one group
Thank you sir
Your story is absolutely inspiring sir god bless u ?
Thank you poonamji
Hi I am also same line ,,, in my family my mom my two sons and me are there now iam 30 years old from 2007 I cleared my p u c after that on that I am not able manage time to my studies I just gained practicle knowledge I decided ca but lack financial help I am not able to stand in Banglore so I return back to my village after started my B B M graduation when I joined degree it’s 50km for away from my village daily 110km take to my degree completion because I unable stay in hostel because of again financial problem 2013 when I am in finalier exam I lost my dad we lost everything to living source so I started small plate manufacturing unit. In 2016 I got married after that I again registered for ipcc exam when in comlpted 9 months training I am in first pregnancy exam in Nov but delivery Dec so I skip that exam I taken may 2017 exam but I just scored 149 after grp 1 in second attempt 159, in my 3rd attempt again my 2nd pregnancy first trimester its 157 again I skip 4 th attempt know I prepared for my may exam so its postponed to Nov attempt … Everybody are different life I dream start from 13 years but know I am not able clear my dream come but one thing I shore one day I became ca that’s the my hope now I am responsible mother, I responsible daughter to my mom pls concentrate on your studies
All the best Mohan Kumari ji.
Very Inspiring ,,i admire ur confidence ,,,.& Praise ur family for their support ,,Really Great ,,,
Thank you so much for your kind words Rajkumar ji.
Very inspiring. I motivated from your story. Very good person you are.
Thank you so much Amit ji.
congrts sir very inspiring story me also finish my mcom @ the age of 27 years with difficult but happy to read
Thank you so much Rajalakshmi ji
What a story sir……. I really inspired after read. It was amezing. Hats off
Thank you so much Darshanji.
I am so happy to go through u r data ,which will be a beacon light for youngsters. I am in this line for the past 65 years, knowing 1921 Act, & Hyderabad Act of 1952. All the best. Now I am 83 years young .
It is really a wonderful to get a feedback from you sir. Your feedback is really very important for me. Thank you so much sir.
What a pleasant surprise to read this success story! There is a theory of beginner’s luck and i feel it is happening with me. I am 35 and just mustering the courage to pursue this dream. Thanks a lot for being such an inspiration!! All the best ?
Thank you so much Rakehji. And all the best to you brother.
Very inspiring…. i also started my ca final again at age of 37.
Thank you so much. And all the best to you Himanshuji
Congratulations sir.. Ur story inspired me alot doing professional course when you are headedup with full of responsibilities (family, job&others..) was not at all a easy task sir.. this shows your dedication towards pursuing CA.. Your story made my day sir.
“Hard work pays off” Hence proved by your story sir.. Thanks a lot sir for your Inspiration.
Thank you so much for your kind words. Thanks alot.
Truely inspirational for me as I am also persuing the same at the age of 35 and preparing for my ca finals…this will help me building a lot of confidence in me and fulfill my dream at earliest…thanks a lot sir…..
All the best Mayankji. And thank you so much for your kind words.
This story sounds familiar to me. I took CA course at the age of 32 starting from PE 1 (foundation), cleared PE 1 and PE 2 (inter) in first attempt and qualified at the age of 39.
Congratulations CA Nilesh. That is amazing. Do connect with us on chantelle@thecastory.com. Thanks
Congratulations to you CA Nileshji.
Thanks a lot sir for sharing such a inspirational story and a life long lesson of always believing on ourself and never underestimate your own instincts off doing what you believe and hard work always pays off and it’s never too late .really , your story has made my day sir and made me believe that i can achieve my goals .
Thank you so much Lekhaji
Sir, how did you managed your Article ship tenure, since at this age low articleship stipend, and you had already your fixed earnings on which you have to manage your families responsibility too. And without articleship it is not possible to pursue practicing CA profession in future.
Vivekji, I managed with the support from my family. We were living a simple life. And my father was alive at that time. So I was getting financial support from his some times. But even I was using my old saving some times. Nothing was possible for me without my family.
You really inspired me. I’m a final year student in internal auditing, and I always say who will hire me at the age of 43.this is what I really dreamt of doing but I couldn’t afford until I got a job as receptionist in the hospital. I really admire your courage. Good luck…
Thank you so much for your kind words.
Thank you very much sir your story inspired me. After alot responsibility you have clear CA exam. But I have only responsibility of Study. I will also work hard and soon become CA.
All the best Raviji
Even i am also 35 and enrolled in CFA. I dont know how will i clear it but after reading your story it encouraged me lot. thank you. please guide me.
Archanaji – Just believe in yourself. All the very best for your future. Whenever you are having any confusion, just close your eyes and listen to your heart.
Hello Sir,
you are great inspiration for me because I am also 40 years young and also wants to join CA but also have a some issues and searching a ways for the same. But i will keep in mind your go ahead and never give up approach.
Hi sir.
I am very happy about ur sincerity,dedications towards work, simplicity etc.finally you are my inspiration sir. Your support always push Me to reach my dreams. I’m very thankful to u sir.
Inspiration story to future youths
Great inspiring story brother Rakesh, I am again getting courage to think of starting with my CA ??