Articleship Survival Guide: Things No One Tells You
So you’ve entered the world of Articleship — welcome to the rollercoaster ride of real-world CA training! While ICAI tells you about the structure, and seniors may give tips, there are some truth bombs nobody really shares.
Let’s talk about those hidden lessons and real hacks that’ll help you survive — and thrive — during articleship!
1. You Won’t Just Learn Audit or Tax — You’ll Learn Life
Yes, you’ll learn how to vouch invoices and draft audit reports.
But you’ll also learn:
- How to talk to clients confidently (even if they scare you)
- How to say “I’ll get back to you” without panicking
- How to multitask 5 assignments and still reach the office on time
Lesson: Articleship teaches you soft skills more than books ever could.
2. Your Boss Matters More Than Your Firm’s Name
People chase Big 4s or fancy firm names. But the quality of work, learning opportunities, and how your principal treats you matter way more.
- A small firm can give you hands-on experience in 10 different things.
- A big firm may assign you only vouching for months.
Lesson: Choose a firm that values you and your growth — not just the brand.
3. You’ll Feel Lost Sometimes — That’s Normal
In the beginning, terms like “SA 330”, “CARO”, or “TDS return” may feel like Greek.
You might mess up emails or make Excel errors.
That’s OK.
Lesson: Everyone feels clueless at first. Ask questions. Learn. Don’t fake it.
4. You’ll Meet All Kinds of Clients — Some Sweet, Some Scary
From chai-wala chats to boardroom presentations, you’ll interact with:
- Clients who teach you patiently
- Clients who blame you for everything
- Clients who offer biryani during audit 😄
Lesson: Stay calm, polite, and professional — no matter how the client behaves.
5. You’ll Become an Excel Ninja (Eventually)
At first, even pivot tables and VLOOKUP will scare you.
But over time, you’ll:
- Automate audits
- Impress seniors with shortcuts
- Love Excel more than your phone
Lesson: Google, YouTube, and seniors are your best friends.
6. Workload Can Be Crazy — Learn to Set Boundaries
There will be late nights during audit season. But remember:
- It’s okay to say “I have a class”
- You’re a student first
Lesson: Learn time management and don’t be afraid to speak up if it’s affecting your studies.
7. Some Days You’ll Just Be Doing Photocopies or Lunch Runs
Not everything will be exciting. Some days, your biggest task might be printing reports or delivering files.
Lesson: It’s part of the process — but always ask for real learning tasks too.
8. Your Network Starts Here
Your fellow article friends, seniors, and managers can:
- Help you with exams
- Refer you for jobs later
- Become life-long friends
Lesson: Be helpful, humble, and build good relationships.
9. You’ll Learn More in the Field Than in Any Class
Auditing a hospital? You’ll understand healthcare costs.
Tax audit for a manufacturer? You’ll learn how business really works.
Lesson: Observe everything. Don’t just tick checklists.
10.You’ll Miss It (Just a Little) When It’s Over
Despite the stress and deadlines, you’ll look back at articleship as the time you grew the most — personally and professionally.
Lesson: Don’t just “survive” it. Own it. Learn from it. Laugh through it.
Final Words
Articleship is not just a requirement — it’s your real CA training ground.
Make mistakes, ask questions, build confidence, and keep growing.
Because at the end of these 2 years, you won’t just be exam-ready.
You’ll be career-ready.
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