“ADIT or Sleep? The Ultimate Struggle of Every Tax Student”

Feb 25

So, you’ve decided to take on the Advanced Diploma in International Taxation (ADIT)—congratulations! You’re about to embark on a journey that will challenge you, expand your expertise, and elevate your career in international tax.

Now comes the big question:
💭 “How many ADIT papers should I attempt in one sitting?”

If you’re like most ambitious candidates, your first instinct might be to go all in.
“I’ll take two papers at once, easy.”
“Maybe even three—I just want to get it done.”
“How hard can it be? I’ve studied tax before.”


And then reality hits…
😵 “Wait… why is this syllabus 800 pages long?”
😰 “How am I supposed to memorize all these tax treaties?”
📅 “Oh no, the exam is in two months and I’m still on Chapter 3.”


Welcome to the Ambition Trap—where excitement and determination trick you into overcommitting before fully understanding the challenge ahead.


Why One Paper at a Time is the Smarter Choice

Many first-time ADIT candidates underestimate the intensity of the syllabus. Unlike university exams or even professional tax courses, ADIT requires a deep understanding of international tax principles, complex case studies, and real-world application.


Here’s why attempting one paper at a time is often the best strategy:


1. ADIT Exams Are Deep, Not Just Wide

Each ADIT module is like its own mini-tax degree. The Principles of International Taxation (PIT) module alone covers:

  • Double tax treaties and OECD models
  • Transfer pricing
  • BEPS (Base Erosion and Profit Shifting)
  • Global tax systems
  • Cross-border transactions

Now, imagine doubling or tripling that reading load by adding another module. Sounds painful, right?

If you’re new to ADIT, focus on fully mastering one subject before adding another to your plate.


2. First-Time Candidates Need Time to Adjust

Starting ADIT means adjusting to:
✔ A self-driven learning structure (no spoon-feeding here!)
✔ A high volume of reading (tax laws, treaties, case studies)
Applying concepts rather than just memorizing facts

Many students find that their first ADIT exam sitting helps them understand how the exams work—which makes future attempts easier. But if you overwhelm yourself in the first sitting, you might burn out before you even get there.


3. Work, Life, and ADIT – Finding the Balance

Unless you have unlimited free time, you’ll need to balance ADIT with:
📌 A full-time job
📌 Family and social commitments
📌 Other studies (like domestic tax laws)

The most successful candidates pace themselves—allowing time for proper revision and mock exams rather than last-minute cramming.


4. The Best Strategy for Success

So, what’s the best approach?

If this is your first ADIT attempt – Stick to one module in your first sitting. Get a feel for the exam structure and difficulty before attempting multiple papers.

If you’re confident and have enough study time – You may consider attempting two papers, but only if you fully commit to a structured study plan.

If you failed a paper before – Focus on retaking it before adding new modules. A strong foundation is key.

If you’re unsure – Book a study consultation with MojiTax, and we’ll help you create a realistic exam plan.



Final Thoughts: Pass Smarter, Not Harder


ADIT is not a race—it’s a marathon. The key to success is strategic planning and structured learning rather than rushing through multiple papers. Taking the right approach from the start will increase your chances of passing and building a solid foundation in international tax.


At MojiTax, we provide expertly crafted Tutor-Led and Self-Paced ADIT courses designed to help you study effectively and stay on track. Whether you're preparing for Principles of International Taxation, Transfer Pricing, or Energy Resources, our courses give you access to study materials, practice questions, and live tutor sessions to maximize your success.

📢 Ready to take the next step in your ADIT journey? Explore our ADIT courses and study plans here:
🔗 MojiTax ADIT Courses

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