CA Final IDT – Customs + FTP scoring strategy (practical + exam-focused)
Step 1: Understand the Weightage
- Customs – Around 20–25 marks (theory + practical mix).
- FTP (Foreign Trade Policy) – 8–10 marks, mostly theory-based, sometimes with small practical Qs.
👉 Together, this is your solid 30–35 marks scoring zone in IDT.
Step 2: Approach for Customs
A. Focus Areas (High Scoring / Frequently Tested)
- Levy & Exemptions – Customs duty charging section, exemptions under Section 25.
- Valuation (Import/Export) – Numerical problems + concept clarity.
- Types of Duties – BCD, CVD, SAD, Protective, Anti-dumping, Safeguard, etc.
- Baggage Rules & Warehousing – Very direct questions.
- Duty Drawback / Refunds / Project Imports – Straightforward theory + practical Qs.
- Provisional Assessment, Demand & Recovery, Appeals – Procedural theory.
B. Exam-Tailored Prep
- Valuation sums are a must-practice (ICAI’s past RTPs/MTPs have repetitive formats).
- Write stepwise workings – even if you don’t get the exact figure, marks are awarded for the process.
- Presentation trick: For theory, write section + keywords (instead of long essays).
Step 3: Approach for FTP
A. Focus Areas
- Objectives of FTP – basic theory, easy marks.
- Export Promotion Schemes – Advance Authorization, EPCG, DFIA.
- Status Holder Certificate – one-liner questions.
- Deemed Exports, EOUs, SEZ, STP/EHTP – frequently tested.
- Export Incentives under FTP 2023 – like RoDTEP, RoSCTL.
B. Exam-Tailored Prep
- FTP is memory-based, so make 1–2 page crisp charts.
- Questions are mostly direct/straight (ICAI doesn’t twist FTP much).
- If time is short → Revise schemes + eligibility + benefits only.
Step 4: Scoring Strategy in Exam
✅ First 30 mins: Spot Customs/FTP questions – attempt them early for confidence.
✅ Numericals in Customs: Even partial working fetches marks – so never leave them blank.
✅ FTP Questions: Be crisp. Avoid writing stories – examiners like bullet point answers.
✅ Use headings/keywords: “Objective,” “Eligibility,” “Conditions,” “Benefits” → ensures examiner sees you know the structure.
✅ Attempt all parts – even if unsure, write at least 2–3 points (ICAI gives step marks generously here).
Step 5: Last 1 Week Revision
- Customs: Solve ICAI MTP/RTP numericals + revise flowcharts.
- FTP: Quick daily 20-min chart revision (so that you don’t forget schemes).
- Target: 12–14 marks from Customs numericals + 8–10 marks FTP direct theory = 20+ marks safe pocket.
✨ Golden Tip:
IDT is usually GST-heavy, so many students neglect Customs + FTP. If you prepare them strategically, you create a sure-shot scoring zone that boosts your aggregate even when GST Qs are lengthy/tricky.
1-Page Quick Revision Sheet (Amended)
Customs – Super Quick Flow
- Levy – Section 12.
- Exemption – Section 25 (valid for 2 years from issue – Finance Act 2025 amendment).
- Valuation (Import)
- CIF Value
- Add: loading/unloading, insurance (1.125% if not given), freight (20% of FOB if by air).
- = Assessable Value → + BCD → + SWS → + IGST → = Total Duty.
- CIF Value
- Common Duties
- BCD – as per Customs Tariff Act.
- SWS – 10% of BCD.
- IGST – (AV + BCD + SWS) × GST Rate.
- Anti-dumping / Safeguard / Protective.
- Refunds – Sec 27 within 1 year.
- Drawback – All Industry Rate / Brand Rate.
FTP 2023–28 – Super Quick Flow
- Advance Authorisation – duty-free import of inputs, actual user condition.
- EPCG – concessional duty on capital goods, export obligation 6x duty saved in 6 years.
- DFIA – transferable scrip post-export.
- RoDTEP – refund of embedded taxes (electricity duty, mandi tax).
- RoSCTL – refund of state levies on textiles.
- Status Holder Exporters – based on export performance; recognition valid for 5 years.
- EOUs/SEZ – duty-free imports + tax benefits.
- Deemed Exports – supply within India treated as exports (eligible for refund/drawback).
✅ If you cover just Customs Valuation + FTP Schemes + Exemption/Refund basics, you’re already securing 20–22 marks comfortably.
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