Topics Covered: CAIIB ABFM Preparation Strategy, CAIIB ABFM Most Important Topics, CAIIB ABFM Important Modules, CAIIB ABFM Important Books and Other Resources, CAIIB ABFM Detailed Timetable, CAIIB ABFM General Tips.

ABFM is the smallest component in the CAIIB exam, with just 25 chapters to cover. Scoring 50+ marks in ABFM is possible by following the right strategy and practicing both concepts and numericals. But do you have a strategy that fits your busy working schedule?

Below, we’ll provide a practical study plan for the CAIIB ABFM exam that will help you prepare in a limited time. This strategy includes access to the latest syllabus, covers key topics for each module, and recommends books and resources to help you qualify this paper..

CAIIB ABFM Preparation Strategy

Before getting started with the ABFM preparation strategy, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the latest CAIIB ABFM syllabus. Read the article, “CAIIB Latest Syllabus” to get familiar with CAIIB ABFM syllabus.

1. Identifying Important Topics of ABFM for CAIIB

The first step of your ABFM preparation strategy is identifying high-weightage topics. To help you identify these, we have analyzed the PYQs of ABFM. 

Based on our analysis, here are the module-wise most important topics of ABFM.

CAIIB ABFM Important Topics
Module A
ChaptersTopics
Basics of Management Functions of Management 
Management Thoughts & Approaches 
Business Environment Analysis 
Planning Fundamentals of Planning 
Plan Components 
Organizing Types of Organisations 
Organisational Change 
Conflict Dynamics 
Staffing Facets of Staffing 
Knowledge and Learning Management 
Performance Appraisal 
Directing Characteristics of Directing 
Leadership, Motivation, Communication, Supervision 
Controlling Characteristics of Controlling 
Relation between Planning and Control 
CAIIB ABFM Important Topics
Module B
ChaptersTopics
Sources of Finance and Financial Strategies Alternative Financing Strategies 
Financial and Operating Leverages Degree of Financial Leverage, Its Behaviour 
Degree of Operating Leverage, Its Behaviour 
Capital Investment Decisions Estimation of Project Cash Flows 
Social Cost Benefit Analysis 
Capital Budgeting for International Project Investment Decisions Foreign Investment Analysis 
Approaches for Evaluation of Overseas Projects 
Adjustment of Risk and Uncertainty in Capital Budgeting Decision Sources & Perspectives on Risk 
Sensitivity & Scenario Analysis 
Risk Analysis in Practice 
Decision Making Decision Making using Cost-Volume-Profit (CVP) Analysis, 
Decision Making using Activity Based Costing (ABC), 
Ethical and Non-Financial Considerations Relevant to Decision Making 
CAIIB ABFM Important Topics
Module C
ChaptersTopics
Corporate Valuation Approaches to Corporate Valuation 
Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Approaches to Discounted Cash Flow Models 
Other Non-DCF Valuation Models Equity Valuation Multiples Model 
Book Value Approach Model 
Special Cases of Valuation Valuation of Cash and Cross Holdings, Warrants and Convertibles 
Cyclical & Non-Cyclical Companies 
Mergers, Acquisitions and Restructuring All the topics in the chapter are very important 
Deal Structuring and Financial Strategies Tax and Accounting Considerations 
Tax Reliefs & Benefits in Case of Amalgamation in India 
Financing of Cross Border Acquisitions in India 
CAIIB ABFM Important Topics
Module D
ChaptersTopics
Hybrid Finance Advantages and Disadvantages of Hybrid Securities 
Types of Hybrid Securities 
Features of Convertible Debentures 
Startup Finance Benefits to Startup Under the Startup Plan 
Challenges Faced by Startups 
State Startup Policy 
Funding Schemes and Programmes, Programs Running in 2022, 
International Challenges and Bridges 
Private Equity and Venture Capital Characteristics of Venture Capital Investments 
Characteristics Shared by Private Equity and Venture Capital, as well as Their Key Distinctions 
Advantages and Disadvantages of Venture Capital Funding 
Benefits and Drawbacks to the Practice of Private Equity 
Companies in India that Deal in Private Equity 
Growth of India’s Private Equity Market 
Legal and Administrative Structure of India 
Crucial Stages in the Process of Investing in Private Equity 
Artificial Intelligence Applicability of Artificial Intelligence 
Artificial Intelligence in Banking and Finance 
Control theory and Cybernetics 
Tools & Techniques of Artificial Intelligence 
Artificial Intelligence and Morality 
Business Analytics as Management Tool Elements of Business Analytics 
Web and Mobile Analytics 
Green and Sustainable Financing ISO Standards for Green Finance 
Progress of Green Finance in India 
Growth of Regulatory Framework 
National Efforts towards Green and Sustainable Financing 
RBI Views on Climate Risk and Sustainable Finance
Special Purpose Acquisition Companies Advantages of SPAC 
Disadvantages of SPAC 
Characteristics of SPACs, Process, SPAC Capital Structure, Trust Account, Warrants, Forward Purchase, IPO Agreements, 
De-SPAC Process
IIBF CAIIB Exam
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  • Important Topics of ABM
  • Important Topics of BFM
  • Important Topics of ABFM
  • Important Topics of BRBL

2. Identifying Important Modules of ABFM for CAIIB

Prioritizing CAIIB ABFM modules ensures that you allocate more time to modules that carry higher weightage. Below, we have explained the sequence in which you should start your preparation.

CAIIB ABFM important modules
  • To prepare for the ABFM paper, you should start with the theoretical concepts of Modules A and D. Moreover, Module A focuses on the management process (with six sub-topics), which is easily manageable within 6 hours.
  • After covering the theory of Modules A and D, you should focus on Modules B and C. These modules include both theoretical, numerical, and case study-based questions. Cover Module B first, as whatever you learn in this module will also help you understand the concepts in Module C. 
  • Upon finishing Modules B and C, it’s advisable to move on to the numerical questions of Modules A and D. 

3. Important Books for ABFM Preparation

Here are the most relevant books you can use to prepare for the CAIIB ABFM paper:

Books for CAIIB ABFM Preparation
BooksAuthorPublisherBuy Here
Advanced Business & Financial ManagementIIBFMacmillan Buy Online
IIBF CAIIB Exam
Free E-Book
  • Important Topics of ABM
  • Important Topics of BFM
  • Important Topics of ABFM
  • Important Topics of BRBL

Other Recommended Sources for CAIIB ABFM Preparation

Below are the other recommended sources that can help you further enhance your preparation.

  1. IIBF e-Learning Portal

IIBF offers an e-learning portal where you can access digital study material, online courses, and mock tests to prepare for the CAIIB ABFM paper. This is an excellent resource to enhance your understanding of the exam topics.

  1. Online Learning Platforms

Multiple online learning platforms offer CAIIB ABFM courses. These platforms offer a wide range of study materials, interactive lessons, practice quizzes, mock tests, and guidance from experienced educators.

  1. YouTube Videos

EduTap CAIIB YouTube channel provides free insightful tutorials and explanations on important ABFM topics, allowing you to understand complex CAIIB ABFM topics through quality video lectures.

  1. Other Recommended Sources

In addition to the above-mentioned sources, you should join free Telegram channels such as the EduTap Telegram Channel. It allows you to connect with peers and you’ll gain exposure to a variety of approaches and insights you might not have considered on your own.

Important Books and Resources for CAIIB ABFM Preparation

4. Study Plan Cum Time Table for CAIIB ABFM Preparation

The next step would be to make an easy-to-follow timetable to make your preparation easy and more effective.

CAIIB ABFM 
Preparation Time Table
ModuleTimeInstructions
Module A
The Management Process
8 hoursThis module is completely theory.
Multiple revisions are needed to memorize the factual information.
Module B
Advanced Concepts of Financial Management
10 hoursThis module has numericals and conceptual questions.
Understand the concepts and formulas.
Practice the numerical and case study-based questions.
Module C
Valuations, Mergers, & Acquisitions
10 hoursThis module has numericals and conceptual questions.
Understand the concepts and formulas.
Practice the numerical and case study-based questions.
Module D
Emerging Business Solutions
10 hoursThis module has numericals and conceptual questions.
Understand the concepts and formulas.
Practice the numerical and case study-based questions.
Total38 hoursThe numerical problems are usually lengthy and based on complex case studies.
CAIIB ABFM Preparation Time Table

5. Tips for CAIIB ABFM Preparation

The last step would be to keep the following tips in mind when preparing for the CAIIB ABFM exam:

  • Structure your studies around your work schedule. Consider utilizing weekends for longer study sessions to optimize your time.
  • Take short breaks (5-10 minutes) between sessions. These mental refreshers boost focus and information retention.
  • Practice mock tests and PYQs to identify your strengths and weaknesses.
  • To make your preparation easier, you can sign up for crash courses and test series.

Important Note:

  • If you’re looking for a comprehensive solution that increases your chances of clearing the CAIIB ABFM exam, you can opt for the EduTap CAIIB ABFM Master Course
  • It comes with recorded and live sessions, concepts, notes, solved PYQs, and multiple mock tests. In addition, you can connect with our mentors if you need answers to your queries.
IIBF CAIIB Exam
Free E-Book
  • Important Topics of ABM
  • Important Topics of BFM
  • Important Topics of ABFM
  • Important Topics of BRBL

Conclusion

Start your CAIIB ABFM preparation by focusing on the most important topics, chapters, and modules. Make sure you customize and follow the timetable. Regularly practice mock tests and analyze PYQs to refine your strengths and improve your weaknesses.