Latest news with #TarachandAgarwal
New Indian Express
4 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
No age bar for learning: 71-year-old Jaipur man cracks CA final after retirement
RAJASTHAN : In a world that celebrates youthful achievement, 71-year-old Tarachand Agarwal from Jaipur has quietly rewritten the narrative of what's possible. The retired banker has passed one of India's toughest exams — the chartered accountancy (CA) final — at an age when most people slow down. With this, he hasn't just added a new feather to his cap but has become a beacon of inspiration for generations. A result that made headlines On July 6, when the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) declared the CA final results, a name stood out — Tarachand Agarwal, a retiree among a crowd of mostly twenty-something aspirants. While most would hesitate to pick up an academic pursuit after retirement, Agarwal not only attempted it — he aced it. The septuagenarian hails from Sangaria in Hanumangarh district. He completed his schooling there and began his banking career with the State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur (now SBI) in 1976. Over 38 years, he climbed the ranks to retire as assistant general manager in 2014. Life after retirement was content until tragedy struck. In November 2020, during the Covid pandemic, Agarwal lost his wife Darshana — his companion of over four decades. The grief was unbearable. 'We used to spend almost 21 hours a day together. When she left, I was completely shattered,' he recalls. Sinking into depression, Agarwal sought solace in spiritual reading — particularly the Bhagavad Gita. It became a turning point. 'The Gita made me realise that life is a battle, like the Mahabharata. You cannot escape it — you must face it with courage,' he says. With renewed clarity, he decided to reclaim purpose. Initially considering MCom or a PhD, it was his sons Lalit and Amit — a Delhi-based CA and a tax consultant, respectively — and granddaughter Ankika who nudged him toward something more challenging. 'Why not CA?' they asked. And just like that, his journey began.
News18
7 days ago
- Business
- News18
Inspired By Granddaughter, 71-Year-Old Bank Retiree From Jaipur Cracks ICAI CA Finals 2025
A retired banker from the erstwhile State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur (SBBJ), 71-year-old Tarachand Agarwal didn't return to academics for a job or a promotion News18 When most people at 71 are preparing to wind down, Jaipur's Tarachand Agarwal decided to chase a dream he had long set aside. On July 6, when the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) announced the CA Final 2025 results, Agarwal's name wasn't just among the 14,247 candidates who cleared the exam; it became the most talked-about. A retired banker from the erstwhile State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur (SBBJ), Agarwal didn't return to academics for a job or a promotion. His motivation came from a deeply personal place, his granddaughter. As she began preparing for her CA exams, Tarachand found himself drawn back to books, ledgers, balance sheets, and tax codes. 'Where there is a will, there is a way," wrote CA Nikhilesh Kataria, who shared Agarwal's journey on LinkedIn. The post quickly went viral, earning Agarwal the affectionate title of 'Dadaji Hero" online. 'It is amazing to become a CA at 71, there is no age to learn," commented one user. Another said, 'Not everyone has this courage." The comment section flooded with admiration and applause, as thousands drew inspiration from a man who defied convention. See the viral post: Agarwal, by his own admission, did not plan to sit for the exam when he first picked up the books. He began studying only to support his granddaughter. But somewhere along the way, he realised his long-buried dream was still alive. Despite battling age-related fatigue and a weakening memory, he persevered and passed one of India's most demanding professional exams. While this year's CA Final results also saw Ranjan Kabra from Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Maharashtra, secure All India Rank 1 with 516 marks (86%) out of 600, it is Agarwal's story that has stolen hearts. Also in the top three are Nishtha Bothra (AIR-2) and Manav Rakesh Shah (AIR-3), but social media clearly has one favourite – the 71-year-old grandfather who refused to let age define him. Tarachand's life before CA was already rich in accomplishment. Yet, this milestone has given it new meaning. His journey stands in sharp contrast to the endless online chatter about elite packages from IITs and IIMs, or UPSC toppers making it at 25. view comments First Published: July 10, 2025, 17:35 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
India.com
12-07-2025
- Business
- India.com
Meet Tarachand Agarwal, 71-year-old retired bank manager from Jaipur, who cracked CA Final 2025, was inspired by...
A 71-year-old retired bank manager from Jaipur, has done something truly inspiring, he has passed the tough Chartered Accountant (CA) exam, something that many young people struggle with. Tarachand Agarwal was born in Sangria, a town in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan. His father was a farmer and small businessman, and Tarachand was the fourth among eight siblings. He finished his school education in Sangria and got married to Darshana in 1974. In 1976, he began working as a clerk at the State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur (now part of the State Bank of India). After working for 38 years, he retired as an Assistant General Manager in 2014. After his wife passed away in November 2020, life became very quiet and empty for him. 'Even though my children and grandchildren were around, I just couldn't concentrate on anything,' he said. Following his children's advice, he started reading the Bhagavad Gita. That helped him reconnect with learning, and soon he found a new purpose in studying again. What encouraged Tarachand Agarwal to clear CA exam? When Tarachand Agarwal thought about doing a PhD, his children suggested something even harder. 'They told me, 'Why don't you do CA instead? It's very tough, but people will really respect it,' he was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. His little granddaughter added, 'If you can teach me, then why can't you do it yourself?' That moment gave him the push he needed. In July 2021, Tarachand officially signed up for the Chartered Accountant course. He passed the foundation exam in May 2022, cleared the intermediate in January 2023, and although he didn't pass the final exam on his first try in May 2024, he succeeded in his second attempt this year. The results were declared on July 6 on the ICAI website. Tarachand Agarwal's success Tarachand studied up to 10 hours every day, even while dealing with shoulder pain. He practised writing for long hours to keep up with exam demands. He didn't join any coaching or classes, he learned everything on his own using books and YouTube. To avoid feeling lonely at home, he sometimes sat and studied at his younger son's general store. Tarachand's elder son, Lalit, is a CA in Delhi, and his younger son, Amit, works in tax consulting. Their support made all the difference. 'They helped me register, got me a laptop, and encouraged me throughout the journey,' he said. But the biggest inspiration came from a lesson in the Bhagavad Gita that his uncle once taught him. 'He told me — whatever work you start, do it with full dedication. Don't stop halfway.' Tarachand followed that advice every day. 'Whatever I do, I give it my 100%. That's what the Gita has taught me,' he said. (With PTI inputs)
