At 71, former bank clerk Tara Chand Agarwal did what most consider impossible at that age, he became a Chartered Accountant. What prompted this incredible achievement? A simple act of love: helping his granddaughter with her CA homework. That moment rekindled a forgotten passion and led him to tackle one of India’s toughest professional exams, reinforcing a timeless truth that learning knows no age, featured Economic Times.
A retired employee of the State Bank of Bikaner & Jaipur, Agarwal was never content to rest quietly in retirement. When he began reviewing accounting concepts alongside his granddaughter, he felt his curiosity and confidence reignite. In what began as casual discussion, he found himself drawn deeper into accountancy. Eventually, he decided to enroll for the ICAI CA examinations himself. Despite his age, he committed wholeheartedly—purchasing textbooks, drawing up study schedules, and learning diligently for hours each day.
The result was nothing short of spectacular. In July 2025, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India announced the final exam results. Among 14,247 qualified candidates, Agarwal stood out not by a top rank but for the passion and resolve underpinning his success. His story quickly captured imaginations across India.
The journey was shared widely on social media, including a heartfelt post by CA Nikhilesh Kataria on LinkedIn, celebrating Agarwal’s determination and quoting the mantra: “Where there is a will, there is a way.” Comments poured in—many calling his accomplishment “legendary” and “inspiring”—congratulating him not only on passing the exam, but on proving that dreams can be pursued at any age.
Agarwal’s success is part of a broader pattern of older adults reigniting educational goals later in life. One recent story highlighted a 70‑year‑old in Coimbatore finishing high school; another showcases seniors learning digital skills at community centers. Together, these stories paint a powerful portrait of lifelong learning.
By choosing accountancy, a field usually reserved for young professionals, Agarwal gifted himself a new purpose. It wasn’t a casual hobby – CA is known for its rigour, demanding precision, discipline, and a deep understanding of complex subjects like audit, laws, and taxation. Yet, age didn’t deter him; if anything, it sharpened his resolve. His quiet mornings at home soon included study discussions with his granddaughter, evening review sessions with retired classmates, and disciplined weekend tuition.
Beyond individual pride, Agarwal hopes to inspire. Retirement, he says, need not mean an end to ambition. It’s an invitation to rediscover passions. His message resonates with grandparents, parents, and adults across the nation who may have put aside dreams due to time, responsibility, or self-doubt.
His CA journey was not without challenges. Breaking study habits in his seventies meant adapting to new learning methods—online portals, digital mock tests, and memory techniques unfamiliar to his generation. He moved past initial missteps with patient repetition and guided mentorship from younger peers.
As India continues to witness a boom in senior learners, Agarwal’s achievement stands as both inspiration and blueprint. It sends a clear message: retirement is not a curtain call. Learning is a lifelong right, and dreaming knows no expiry date.
India’s CA results this year included toppers like Ranjan Kabra from Maharashtra, but Agarwal stole the headlines for embodying perseverance. His story may prompt the ICAI and educational institutions to rethink outreach for seniors – offering mentoring, age‑friendly schedules, and community support.
Photo Credit: Economic Times
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