There are youngsters struggling to strike a balance in career and personal life, a few others who slog to make a mark and a few more who want to pursue their dreams. But, for a 19-year-old to crack one of the toughest exams in the country is not a normal feat.
Nischal Narayanam has become the youngest person in the country to crack the Chartered Accountant final exam.
Touted as a child prodigy, for the way he works with numbers. “I have been passionate about maths and commerce since my childhood. My parents spotted my interest at the age of nine and since then encouraged me,” he says. He started collecting trophies right then.
“I first won a competition called ‘Ganithavadhanam’ at the age of nine,’’ he recalls. Starting from then, he went on to become the youngest Double Guinness Book Record holder and was also named one of the seven brilliant brains by the National Geographic Channel. His other achievement included providing a design for Mathematical labs that is currently being used in a 100 schools.
Ask him how he managed to achieve his latest feat and he explains, “I studied for about 12 hours a day for more than five years. A lot of patience, determination and endurance is what is needed. Managing articleship and exams at the same time can be very challenging. It doubles when there is no assistance. Will power and focus is what made it happen.”
He adds that his mother has always been by his side, providing the much needed motivation and encouragement.
The youngster also is quick to share that his time was not entirely dedicated for preparation. He made sure that he spent time with family, watched movies along with cousins, and also spent time with friends. “It is very essential to have a balanced life,” he stresses.
Nischal is also the youngest post-graduate degree holder from Osmania University. He was a special invitee and speaker at the Global Conference by Deloitte, the firm where he did his articleship, that was attended by delegates from 190 countries.
What are his future plans? “I plan to continue pursuing my higher studies in maths and commerce. Next academic year, I want to apply for universities abroad in the field of research,” he shares.