Struggling to Understand BA1 – Looking for Guidance

Hi everyone,

I’ve recently started preparing for the CIMA BA1 exam and to be completely honest, I’m finding it a bit overwhelming. I come from a non-finance background, so while some concepts make sense, others—like time value of money and financial instruments—are a bit difficult to grasp.

I’m currently using the official CIMA learning materials, but I’m not sure if that alone will be enough.
Here are a few questions I’d really appreciate help with:

Are there any specific sections in BA1 that tend to be more heavily weighted in the exam?

For someone who’s not great at math, how deep does the exam go in terms of calculations?

Are there any recommended practice resources (free or paid) that helped you the most?

Is OpenTuition enough if I supplement it with mock exams, or should I consider a tuition provider?

Also, how much time did you realistically need to feel prepared and confident before sitting the exam?

Any tips, strategies, or insights from those who’ve already passed BA1 would mean a lot. I’m trying to stay motivated, but I don’t want to waste time using the wrong approach.

Thanks in advance for your support and guidance!