Clearing CA seems to be a feat achieved which is truly so. However, getting a post qualification degree adds an extra to the ordinary.
For this the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) offers some post-qualification courses one of them being Diploma in Information System Audit (DISA).
Also as per ICAI Guidelines for members, this diploma can be mentioned in all the communications by the members Eg: Rashi Jain, B.Com(H), ACA,DISA.
Now coming to the focal point which is how to prepare for this approaching exam, first let us go through the pattern of these examinations:
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How to apply for the DISA course?
There are currently two courses to get registered; one in DISA 2.0 Course or Old Course and another in DISA 3.0 Course or New Course. Now as per the latest Notification (Link: https://pqc.icai.org/assets/announcement_files/1627380690.pdf ) this DISA 2.0 had only three attempts left, one of which had already been conducted in May 2021.
Thereafter one is bound to register in DISA 3.0 Course which is the new course
Module wise Marking scheme has been provided as below:
| Module in DISA 2.0 | Module in DISA 3.0 | Weightage | ET | AT |
| 1 | E Learning & 6 | 20 | 24 | 40 |
| 2 | 1 | 13 | 15.6 | 26 |
| 3 | 2 | 13 | 15.6 | 26 |
| 4 | 4&5 | 20 | 24 | 40 |
| 5 | 1 | 14 | 16.8 | 28 |
| 6 | 1&3 | 13 | 15.6 | 26 |
| 7 | 2&4 | 7 | 8.4 | 14 |
| TOTAL | 100 | 120 | 200 |
How to proceed for Preparing for DISA Exam:
- Now the question is when should a person start preparing for the exam?
As we all know most of the professionals work round the clock and do not get any time in hand to sit and prepare for the course. Thus it becomes utterly necessary to plan in advance so that our working hours do not become a hindrance in our success.
Now before the Eligibility and Assessment test, one has to clear module tests and project work and score more than the threshold passing marks to be eligible for Eligibility test and Assessment test thereafter.
1. Module tests & Project work
3 module tests are conducted during the Professional training classes and at least 50% marks are required for clearing them. Project work is assigned to groups along with different topics in which Viva is also conducted. In case the project is not cleared, the project is submitted for revaluation for which a minimal fee is charged. It is given below for better clarity:
- Class tests & Project Work
- 3 Module Tests – Each test of 30 Marks
- Project Work & Viva(based on Project) – 10 Marks each
2. Eligibility test
After one comes through the above procedures, the next step is to clear the Eligibility test (being conducted online in COVID era). It is basically a toned down version of Assessment test for which you can prepare with previous mock papers or module questions. This exam is of 120 marks in which at least 60% is required to sit for the Assessment test.
3. Assessment test
This is the final exam which is given after paying exam fee after which an exam center is allotted to appear. Out of 200 marks, 60% is the passing criteria which marks the end of the course.
When to start the prep & the way ahead:
Answer to this question is subjective as the grasping power differs from person to person, however the basic idea remains static i.e the subject should be well.
Before starting out please make sure you have ordered all modules along with MCQ Book and DISA Review Question Answer book . It is easily available on the CDS Portal(https://icai-cds.org).
So, ideally, making your handwritten notes during the Professional training classes truly helps as they help to revisit the lectures for conceptual clarity. Many students fail to understand the technical words which make up the base of this course, thus it is advisable to keep referring to the glossary given at the end of Lab Manual and keep the concepts crystal clear, which in turn would help to stead against confusing multiple choice questions.
Before you start studying for the Eligibility test please make sure you are thorough with all the modules and lab manual exercises, as this serves benefits in the long run .
Thereafter when you get complete conceptual clarity along with sufficient MCQ Practice , appear for the Eligibility test (being held online during pandemic times). For Assessment Test(AT)(Offline), please make sure that ample MCQs have been solved along with Mock test papers. If you feel confident enough you can also seek CISA Question papers for more practice and to be a notch higher.
All said and done, all this effort requires time and most of the people who keep busy with their chores hardly get any time for this much practice. However as the quote goes, Where there’s a will, there’s a way!
If not much, take out at the most half an hour each in the morning and evening after office hours and make it a habit of solving multiple choice questions regularly such that it fills you with utmost confidence and in turn helps you clear in one go.
Strategy & Approach to attempt MCQs
- Read the entire question
- Think of the right answer
- Use elimination method
- Always think about the working of the largest company
- Make an educated guess
To conclude: Any course can easily be cleared with the right amount of strategy, performance and perseverance.
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The author can be reached at [email protected] for any further assistance.
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are strictly of the author. The contents of this article are solely for informational purposes. It does not constitute professional advice or recommendation of a firm. Neither the author nor firm and its affiliates accepts any liabilities for any loss or damage of any kind arising out of any information in this article nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon.
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