The timetable of the Chartered Accountancy exam declared on Monday has brought much-awaited relief for aspirants. For the first time in 58 years, the Institute of Chartered Accountants in India (ICAI) has declared a holiday after every paper for the exams to be held in November.

Ghatkopar resident Rakhi Mehta (27), who is preparing for the exams, said, "This decision will ease a lot of exam pressure on us. We usually study the whole night and have to get up early for an 8 am paper. A holiday between each paper will help us prepare better."

Another student, Rashmi Jain (23) from Dombivli, added, "Some subjects are vast and we need more time for revision."

According to Ved Jain, chairman, ICAI, the decision was taken, after considering the administrative difficulties in conducting the exams, the stress on students and the pressure to maintain the quality of education. "The Professional Examination II- intermediate examination and final exams used to clash earlier. We have now arranged it on different dates and hence the alternate dates pattern," said Jain.

Waste of time

However, there are a few students who feel a holiday between papers will only waste their time. "It will affect our performance, as we will have more time to spend aimlessly," said Tarak Dharod (25).