May 8, 2025
In an extraordinary example of the way technology is revolutionizing learning, a Chartered Accountancy (CA) student cleared both the CA Inter and Final examinations with the assistance of ChatGPT, a chatbot by OpenAI. The student, who got exempted in several subjects, is now an evangelist for embracing artificial intelligence in the academic armoury of would-be professionals.
The CA course, being one of India’s toughest professional courses, has a tough syllabus and a low pass percentage. With more than 700,000 students appearing for the CA Inter and Final levels every year, very few pass on their first attempt. In this highly competitive academic setup, the student attributes AI as a game-changer.
How AI Made the Difference
The student, who wishes to be anonymous, revealed how ChatGPT was used as a virtual study buddy that was available 24/7, making complicated taxation, auditing, financial reporting, and strategic cost management concepts clearer. “Textbooks are sometimes not enough,” the student said. “When I was stuck, ChatGPT would make the subject simpler, simplify it step by step, and even test me on it. It was like having a personal guide—always there and never fatigued.
Instead of supplementing conventional study techniques, ChatGPT was employed to reinforce them. AI was used by the student to summarize study material of ICAI, explaining complex concepts in simple language, creating practice questions with mock answers, and even cross-verifying answers with references to relevant laws and standards.
In topics such as Direct Tax and Audit, ChatGPT assisted me in understanding sections and provisions quicker. I was able to mimic client-like questions and receive logical, concise responses. It saved hours of research,” the student further added.
Getting Exemptions & Passing with Confidence
Scoring exemptions in three subjects and clearing both exams in a single attempt, the student attributes a significant portion of their success to effective time management and personalized learning, made possible by AI tools. “It’s not about studying harder anymore—it’s about studying smarter. And AI helps with that.”
The student highlighted that ChatGPT did not give pre-prepared answers during exams, nor did it substitute self-study. “AI can’t replace effort or ethics. But it can make your journey more efficient and less stressful.”
A Call to Future Professionals
In the wake of this achievement, the student is urging other CA aspirants as well as professionals to try out AI as a valid academic tool. “There’s still a lot of reluctance to use AI in education. People believe it’s cheating or untrustworthy. But responsibly used, it can be a huge help.”
The student also urged coaching centers, teachers, and ICAI to look at integrating AI into the learning models. “Think about AI platforms that learn according to your weaknesses, or provide you with real-time industry trend-based case-study simulations. That is the future of learning.”
Ethical Use of AI in Education
With AI tools such as ChatGPT becoming more popular, controversies regarding ethical application in education only continue to expand. Experts have agreed that AI cannot substitute human intellect or diligence but can act as an aid that promotes enhanced understanding and critical thinking.
Dr. Kavita Mehta, a consultant in education technology, had this to say: “AI, if used ethically, is not a shortcut—it’s an accelerator. The key is transparency, moderation, and responsibility. Students should learn with AI, not from AI alone.”
The Road Ahead
As the ICAI and other governing bodies ponder the possibility of revising their syllabi to teach AI literacy, this student is a testament to the manner in which the future professionals will be formed by the digital revolution.
In a farewell message to fellow students, the student made a statement, “Don’t be afraid of technology—utilize it. Be smart about how you use AI. It can level your learning. We’re moving into a time where understanding how to use tools such as ChatGPT will be as basic as understanding accounting principles.”
With such stories becoming increasingly frequent, the distinction between intellectual excellence and proficiency in technology grows fainter by the day—pointing to a new era in professional education.
