The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) examination system is often described as one of the most accurate career gateways in the country. At the executive level, the curriculum expands into the dense territory of corporate laws, governance frameworks and interpretive writing. The stage tests the candidate’s intelligence, discipline and temperament. For every exam, we love to know what the toppers do and how they excel. As it has been well said by someone, “Winners don’t do things differently, they do things differently.” Meet Tithi Bohra, who has emerged as a rank 1 holder in CS exam. In an exclusive interaction with TOI, he recounted the interesting bits of his preparation life.
A status that was never intended.
“I was never really sure, until the day of the result, I wasn’t sure at all,” he said. “Even getting a rank wasn’t something I even thought about, to be honest.”Her preparation, she insists, was never inspired by the idea of being top in the country. “It was never about getting a rank; it was about clearing the exams,” he said, explaining that his focus remained sharply aligned with one goal: understanding the syllabus and completing it with clarity.
From uncertainty to a clear educational path
Tithi’s journey did not begin with certainty. Raised in Udaipur, she describes herself as a student looking for possibilities even after 10th standard.“Even till my 10th standard, I wasn’t sure what subject to take,” he recalled. It was curiosity, not explanation, that led him to the trade. “I found commerce to be a very interesting stream, I felt I should try something like that.”Initially, his ambitions were anchored in chartered accountancy. “I was interested in more practical subjects, and that’s why I opted for CA,” she said. But the experience of preparing for CA Intermediate revealed an unexpected challenge. “Theory was something I struggled with, it scared me,” he admitted candidly.Yet, instead of retreating, she succumbed to the pain.“When I realized I was having this problem with the theory, I thought it might be a good opportunity to explore if I was able to handle that kind of learning,” she said. The CS course, with its strong emphasis on law and theory, became not a substitute but a deliberate challenge.
A strategy built on less, not more.
In an age of abundant study material and endless resources, Tithi opted for greater restraint, a decision that made a significant difference in his thinking.“I studied very properly, I didn’t cover many things,” he said. “I focused my preparation on only the modules we had.”Instead of pursuing multiple sources, he preferred depth over breadth. “I used to prefer topics that I found interesting, and areas in which I could score well,” she added, indicating a targeted approach that many aspirants often ignore.His advice is direct and careful. “Trying to get everything … that’s a mistake a lot of students make,” he notes, pointing to the confusion that comes from juggling multiple materials and teaching styles.
Consistency over intensity.
If there is one principle in his journey, it is consistency, not long hours but constant effort. “Even if you’re making time every day, three to four hours of study every day, I think, will make a difference,” she said. “That will give you a different result than studying eight to 10 hours a day.”Balancing a demanding articleship with preparation, her schedule was anything but ideal. “Some days I would come back at 10 o’clock, and then I would have to sit until 4 o’clock,” she recalled. Even so, he refused to let the unexpected derail his progress. “The only way around it is you have to adapt yourself to any situation,” he said.He believes that persistence, adaptability and optimism were the three habits that shaped his journey.
Understanding more than memorizing
For a course dominated by theory, Tithi’s approach was refreshingly counterintuitive. “What helped me stick with things was how clear I was about them,” he said. “I was always more focused on getting a conceptual understanding.”Even in moments of uncertainty during the exam, this clarity became her safety net. “Even a question I knew nothing about, I had a reasonable idea of being able to write something about,” she explained.His answer writing method followed clear structure, concept, application and conclusion. “First, I’d explain the concept, then I’d lay out the facts, and then I’d come to a conclusion,” she says, outlining a framework that closely aligns with how professional papers are evaluated.
Inside the Exam Hall: The actual exam
If preparation builds confidence, the exam hall tests composition. For Tithi, the first 15 minutes of reading time were crucial. “Those 15 minutes are extremely important,” he stressed. “It lets you create a complete strategy for what your next three hours will look like.”His approach was to stay calm, scan the paper and plan the sequence of answers. “The most important part is to stay calm, whatever you read, you read,” he said.She started with questions she was sure of, building speed and confidence before attempting more uncertain ones. “I used to fluctuate between things I know and things I don’t know,” she explained, making sure there was never a moment of total panic.
Hidden support system
Behind the discipline is a strong support structure. A close friend who was studying with him became a constant source of encouragement. “If I was tired one day, she would push me … and some days she would push her,” he said.His family also played a fundamental role. “They said the worst that could happen is you wouldn’t clean up. So what?” An approach that helped him manage stress and stay focused, he recalled.
Beyond the Level: A Mind Still Searching.
Despite her success, Tithi remains reflective about her future. She says she still leans towards the practical aspects of chartered accountancy and finance.“I want to do something that requires a lot of thought, that keeps me motivated,” she said. “Whatever I do pleases my intellect.”It’s a telling line, because it captures not only desire, but also intent.
More than a topping story
In a system that often celebrates ranks as endpoints, Tithi Bohra’s journey stands out for a different reason. It’s not just about achieving rank 1, it’s about confronting one’s weaknesses, choosing depth over noise, and building consistency in the face of obstacles. Or, as she puts it with clarity: “You have to first believe in yourself that yes, I will pass my exams.” In the end, that belief did more than help him clean up, it kept him on top.
