2. Not Reading the Question Carefully

Many students lose marks because they fail to understand exactly what the examiner wants.

In one Financial Management question, students were asked to calculate the value of shares at the end of the accounting year. However, many directly discounted the value using 1.12 without understanding the timing involved in the valuation model.

As a result, the entire answer became incorrect.

Solution

Before solving any question, ask yourself:

• What is being asked?
• What is the final requirement?
• Is the answer needed at the beginning or end of the year?

A 30-second review can save several marks.

3. Poor Presentation of Answers

Even when the calculation is correct, poor presentation can reduce your score.

Many students solve all parts together instead of presenting separate answers for Part (a), Part (b), and Part (c).

Examiners should not have to search for your answers.

Solution

• Write answer numbers clearly.
• Present each part separately.
• Show formulas before calculations.
• Use proper headings and workings.

A well-presented answer sheet creates a positive impression immediately.

4. Losing Marks in MCQs

One surprising observation from mock paper analysis was that many students scored well in descriptive questions but performed poorly in MCQs.

In one case, a student scored only 7 out of 15 in MCQs despite writing excellent descriptive answers.

Why Does This Happen?

• Overconfidence
• Lack of revision
• Careless reading

Solution

• Practice MCQs daily.
• Revise important concepts repeatedly.
• Read every option carefully before selecting the answer.

Remember: MCQs can significantly improve your rank.

5. Poor Time Management

This is perhaps the most dangerous mistake.

Many students spend excessive time beautifying one answer while leaving other questions incomplete.

During evaluation, we found answer sheets that were beautifully written but incomplete because the student ran out of time.

Reality Check

A perfect answer worth 7 marks cannot compensate for a completely unattempted 15-mark question.

Solution

• Practice writing under exam conditions.
• Set a time limit for every question.
• Focus on completing the entire paper.

Your first goal should always be: Complete the paper.

6. Calculation Errors and Formula Application Mistakes

Students often know the chapter but make silly calculation mistakes.

Common examples include:

Financial Management Mistakes

• Incorrect IRR calculation
• Wrong treatment of Cost of Debt (Kd)
• Confusion between D₀ and D₁ in dividend valuation models
• Incorrect EPS calculations
• Wrong interpretation of Market Return and Market Risk Premium
• Errors in leverage calculations

These mistakes cost easy marks.

Solution

Maintain a revision sheet containing:

• Important formulas
• Common adjustments
• Special cases
• Frequently confused concepts

Revise this sheet every day before the exam.

7. Lack of Confidence and Excessive Cutting

Confidence reflects directly in your answer sheet.

Many students repeatedly erase, rewrite, and cut answers because they lack confidence in their preparation.

This creates:

• Untidy presentation
• Wasted time
• Increased stress

Solution

• Practice writing regularly.
• Take mock tests seriously.
• Build confidence through revision and repetition.

Confidence comes from preparation—not luck.

How to Fix These Mistakes Before June 2026?

If your exam is only a few days away, don’t panic.

The solution is focused revision, writing practice, concept strengthening, and proper guidance.

At SJC Institute, we have designed the Last Moment Rescue Batch (LMRB) specifically for students who want to maximize their preparation during the final days before the exam.

This course is available on the SJC Digital App.

Download the SJC Digital App

For Android Users: Download Link – Click Here

For Apple Users: Download Link – Click Here

What You’ll Get Inside LMRB?

✅ Complete Concept Revision
✅ Live Writing Practice Sessions
✅ Important Exam-Oriented Questions
✅ MCQ Practice Videos
✅ Last Day Revision Notes
✅ Super 50 Important Questions PDF
✅ Guidance from Experienced Faculty

For any query, contact: 8100112222

Website: www.sjcinstitute.com