In a remarkable display of lifelong learning, 71-year-old retired banker Tara Chand Agarwal from Jaipur cleared the Chartered Accountancy (CA) exam, one of India’s toughest professional tests. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) announced the CA Final Examination 2025 results on July 6, with Agarwal’s achievement standing out for its message on determination and age-defying effort.

Tara Chand Agarwal CA: From retirement to a new goal

Tara Chand Agarwal had retired from the State Bank of Bikaner & Jaipur (SBBJ). Instead of settling into a quiet retirement, he began assisting his granddaughter in preparing for her CA exams. This support gradually turned into a personal pursuit as he grew increasingly interested in the subject.

CA Tara Chand Agarwal: Inspired by granddaughter's homework

According to a LinkedIn post shared by CA Nikhilesh Kataria, Agarwal’s journey began with simple revisions and problem-solving sessions at home. That curiosity led him to take the bold step of registering for the CA exams himself. Over time, he committed to the process and prepared seriously for the exams.

Tara Chand Agarwal CA: Social media reaction

Kataria wrote on LinkedIn, “where there is a will, there is a way.” The post went viral, with many users describing Agarwal as “inspiring” and “legendary.” Comments flooded in praising his spirit and reminding others that learning truly has no age limit.

ICAI CA results 2025:

The ICAI released the CA Final Examination 2025 results on July 6. A total of 14,247 candidates cleared the exam this year, held from May 16 to May 24. Ranjan Kabra from Maharashtra topped the exam with 516 out of 600 marks, securing All India Rank 1. Nishtha Bothra and Manav Rakesh Shah secured AIR-2 and AIR-3, respectively.

Tara Chand Agarwal may not have topped the charts, but his story captured public imagination. His achievement reminds everyone that dreams can be pursued at any stage in life.

Another 70 year old cleared 12th exam in Coimbatore

Earlier this year, in an inspiring story of second chances, a 68-year-old woman from Coimbatore has passed the Class 12 board examination, more than five decades after dropping out of school. Raani N T, who lives in Kalikkanaickenpalayam on the outskirts of the city, appeared as a private candidate and scored 346 out of 600. She studied entirely on her own at home, without any coaching.

Education halted in early years

Raani, originally from Bodinayakkanur in Tamil Nadu’s Theni district, completed Class 10 in 1972. She said she couldn’t study further as there were no nearby schools offering higher education in her village. After marriage, she moved to Chennai and later to Coimbatore, but her focus remained on managing household responsibilities.

“There were no opportunities for higher studies in my village back then. After marriage, I moved to Chennai and later to Coimbatore, but family responsibilities kept me from continuing my education,” Raani told The New Indian Express.

A fresh start after personal loss

It was only after her husband passed away in 2020 that she decided to revisit her academic goals. With her children settled and fewer family duties, she started preparing for the Class 11 exams. She purchased textbooks and began studying daily.

“With my children settled and no major family commitments, I wanted to do something for myself. I bought textbooks and studied every day for Class 11 exam,” she said. She successfully cleared Class 11 in her first attempt.

Choosing Arts and looking ahead

Raani had hoped to choose the Science stream for Class 12, but when that wasn’t available to her, she opted for Arts instead. This year, she wrote her Class 12 exams and earned 89 marks in Tamil, 50 in English, and 48 in Economics among other subjects.

“I wanted to take the Science stream, but when it wasn’t available, I opted for Arts,” she said.

Looking to the future

Apart from academics, Raani actively practises yoga and kalari, a traditional martial art. She now hopes to pursue a degree in physical education. “I don’t know if I’ll get admission at this age, but I want to try,” she said.

Encouragement for younger learners

At the exam centre, she said many younger students were surprised to see her taking the exams. Her message to them was simple: “There is no age limit to learning.”

Her journey has not only marked a personal achievement but has also served as an example of persistence and self-motivation.