Meet Tejas Mundada: The CA Final AIR 2 Topper’s Inspiring Journey
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) recently unveiled the highly anticipated results for its September 2025 Chartered Accountancy examinations, spanning Foundation, Intermediate, and Final levels. As expected, the Final level proved to be incredibly challenging, with Group I achieving a pass rate of 24.66% and Group II slightly higher at 25.26%. For candidates who tackled both groups simultaneously, the qualification rate was a mere 16.23%. Amidst these demanding results, Tejas Mundada from Hyderabad shone brightly, securing the All India Rank (AIR) 2, closely following Mukund Agiwal at AIR 1 and Bakul Gupta at AIR 3.
Tejas Mundada: A Standout Performance from Hyderabad
Hailing from Hyderabad, Tejas Mundada’s performance was nothing short of exceptional. He achieved an impressive 82% score, tallying 492 out of 600 marks in the CA Final exam, earning him the coveted All India Rank 2. This accomplishment is particularly remarkable given that less than 20% of students cleared both groups in this session. Mundada’s journey to the top has been consistently stellar; he had previously secured an All India Rank 5 in the Intermediate level, showcasing his enduring academic prowess.
Education Rooted in Commerce and Consistency
Mundada’s educational foundation is firmly rooted in commerce. He earned his Bachelor of Commerce (General) from Osmania University between January 2021 and June 2024, achieving an impressive CGPA of 8.59. Throughout his undergraduate years, he simultaneously navigated all levels of the rigorous CA program, meticulously developing expertise in critical areas such as financial reporting, corporate law, direct and indirect taxation, statutory audits, and essential IT skills. His academic path clearly demonstrates a steadfast commitment to a career in finance.
Articleship that Shaped Professional Depth
A crucial element of Mundada’s development has been his articleship training at Ernst & Young (EY) in Hyderabad, which he began in February 2023. As an Articled Assistant, he gained invaluable practical experience, handling statutory audits and limited reviews for diverse industries, from chemicals to IT-BPO. His work involved exposure to various financial reporting frameworks, including Ind AS, IGAAP, and US GAAP, and he even contributed to audit deliverables for a significant USD 450 million bond refinancing project for a US-based firm. This kind of real-world, hands-on experience is often the critical factor that provides CA aspirants with the practical insight needed to excel in the final examinations.
Balancing Work, University, and a National-Level Rank
What makes Mundada’s achievement even more remarkable is that he balanced a full-time articleship with his demanding final-year university commitments. Media reports indicate that he successfully cleared every level of the CA course on his very first attempt. He attributes some of his efficiency during preparation to the strategic use of an AI-based support tool. Further insights into his unique learning strategies are anticipated in upcoming interviews.
A Motivating Journey for Future CAs
With the latest ICAI results now public, Tejas Mundada’s inspiring journey serves as a beacon of hope and a practical guide for the thousands of aspiring Chartered Accountants embarking on their demanding path. His success is a testament to a powerful combination of rigorous academic discipline, solid professional training, and a forward-thinking approach to leveraging modern study tools. Mundada’s story convincingly demonstrates that achieving success in the CA Final is not confined to conventional coaching centers; it is attainable through a well-defined strategy, unwavering commitment, and valuable real-world exposure. As he prepares for his formal certification as a Chartered Accountant, his career trajectory will undoubtedly be a source of inspiration and pride within the accounting community and among his peers.