Merely by the blessings of Allah Almighty, I was able to pass the Competitive Examination (CSS-2018) with a preparation of 3 months and I would like to share the tips for aspirants and those who want simple tips.
Excuse the ramblings in this topic. Its part of the content writing I learned and wait you can read my blog here: https://streetgrand.com/
Also, I can be followed on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/haidersays/.
Duration
Oct 10 to December 31st, I devoted time from around 6 PM to 12 midnight as I was employed somewhere and used to get back home around 5 after which I took food, tea and then used to study. Even in that window of 6-12, I slept often in between studying for like 25-30 mins.
From Jan to exams (in February) I had taken off days to fully devote my attention to CSS.
If you devote 12 hours to study everyday then this overall duration for me came around 3 months.
Optionals
International Relations
I opted this instead of Political Science because I thought I am in touch with current and international affairs generally and so it is better to choose the subject where I can analyze different topics instead of cramming theories of Political Science.
For Paper-I, I consulted IR book by Safdar Mullick compiled by Kips and got 56.
For Paper-II, I consulted notes available at Student-Teacher Centre Punjab University Lahore.
They were written by Muhammad Qasim Zia and are available at Tahir Iqbal Photocopy. (0334, 0321, 0345- 4734258).
BTW, I started preparation of Paper-II on January 17th 2018 and again Allah Almighty was so kind that I secured 69 marks.
Gender Studies
I opted this because it was a bit short and I wanted to learn how we humans are different in our approaches toward life.
I only consulted SP Hammad notes available at Student-Teacher Centre, Punjab University Lahore. I got 62.
Criminology
I selected this because of the short syllabus and I thought I knew some stuff already about this subject like Parole, Probation, Cyber Crime, Money laundering etc.
I consulted book by Advance Publications written by Nasir Khan and Ammar Sattar and secured 74 marks.
Indo-Pak History
I ditched US History in favour of this subject because for US History, I had to learn and memorise even the NAMES and for Indo-Pak History, I thought I had some knowhow of subcontinent and additionally, I analyzed its past paper and thought I can attempt it somehow even without any preparation. I got 52 in the subject.
I consulted book by World Times penned by Mian Azmat Farooq for this.
Mass Communication
I opted this because I was interested in media ever since I graduated.
Moreover, I was doing something related to current affairs as part of my job and had an interest in media so I thought I might be able to correlate topics a bit.
I consulted book by HSM publishers and got 55 in this subject. This is not the best book, in fact very average one. I found it to be a copy paste content from the internet and has many grammatical errors which shows that the publisher is more interested in profit than actually guiding the public.
You can consult any book, but be assured that it has all the relevant topics for first reading and then you can search online for added knowledge to add to that.
Compulsory
Essay Paper
I didn't write even a single Essay before the paper because I didn't have much time and I found it complex to write an Essay, get it checked for just to be disappointed.
I simply read a book by Nasir Jamal and fetched notes of KIPS Essay outlines which are available at Punjab University, Student-Teacher Centre to get an idea of how outlines are made.
I memorized some statistics on different issues like global warming, terrorism, water scarcity and fortunately attempted the Essay on global warming.
My strategy was to simply use the statistics I had crammed. My outline was simple like starting from whether global warming and climate change are actually a problem or not.
Then I wrote 'Stats Don't Lie' as a heading (in outline) and used different supporting arguments and made their subheadings (in outline) like ice sheets melting and other aspects confirming my viewpoint.
Then I outlined the reasons and used sub-headings in outline as well. Afterward, I incorporated whether Pakistan is endangered and used statistics related to Pakistan.
Then I gave the heading (in outline) of how to curb global warming and in subheadings wrote 'Measures at international level' followed by 'Steps to be taken at national level' and then 'What humans can do' and concluded the topic.
My Essay was simple as well as the outline. My Essay spanned some 1900 words and I got 42 by the blessings of Almighty Allah. I just kept it relevant, did not do grammar or spellings mistakes.
I committed a blunder in outline as well as in the body of Essay as I mentioned Pakistan is at 5th most vulnerable spot though it was at 7th spot.
Even then, I passed the paper.
Tip: Simple, grammatically correct, without spelling mistake and relevant stuff would help you pass the paper.
Precis & Composition
I did not learn some 2000 words for vocabulary. I knew a bit more than an ordinary graduate in terms of vocabulary but equal to the one who reads the newspaper.
I didn't practice precis for paper, but the work I was doing somewhat involved shortening stuff. I didn't prepare Comprehension. I was in the thorough practice of translation. I got 51 in this paper.
Tip: If you can't memorise 2000 words, don't worry. Divert your attention towards Precis, Composition, Direct-Indirect, Active-Passive and translation.
Islamiat
I started preparation of it on December 24th 2017 and only consulted Karim Dad Chugtai's book
(Some of my fellows said the book contains wrong references, like the Quranic verses are right but they are numbered wrong; I have not cross-verified it).
I penned Ahadees and Quranic verses on a separate paper (1 or 2 pages in total) and memorized them to be used in paper.
I skipped the letters written by the Khulafas as I didn't have time and I got 48.
Pakistan Affairs
I consulted only Akram Rabbani's book as its comprehensive and nothing else. I was in touch with current affairs generally as well though I scored miserable, only 36.
General Science & Ability
I consulted book by Current Publishers written by Razza Ullah Khan for this subject. The IT portion related to Computer is somewhat missing in this though. I secured 57 marks.
Current Affairs
I had the knowhow of current affairs but not in detail. You can say I knew the headlines but not the body of news stories.
What I did was that I sat down in December and thought over the affairs that happened in 2017 and made notes of them on my own.
Like Qatar-Saudi Arabia crisis, Doklam Standoff, Islamic Military Alliance and others were the hot issues and so I understood what were the reasons behind the issues and learned some statistics on that and a bit of history ENTIRELY through the internet and prepared the subject. NO BOOK was consulted and I scored 56 marks.
Pro Tips
Don't try to fool the examiner. They have been marking the papers for so long and if you try to beat about the bush, they would sense that very soon and would hit you hard. Be precise and relevant if you are unsure about any topic.
Learn some terms like Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is the name for Iran Nuclear Deal and operation to hunt down Osama bin Laden was 'Neptune Spear'. Use these in your body.
I did not draw diagrams and charts in my papers because I DID NOT KNOW them as I didn't have any time. I did not draw margins on answer sheets and my handwriting is not very good. My handwriting is just legible but you can't say it great or excellent. It's just Okay.
I did not prepare any notes (in terms of actual lengthy notes). Like I penned one-liners and basic crux of different theories (of IR, Gender Studies) which confused me a bit.
I did not appear in any mock exams as I did not have any time. I did not consult any teacher or ACADEMY for written part preparation and learned on my own through books, internet, Youtube etc. I did not read foreign authors and simply read the local authors mentioned above because I wanted to complete the course which was possible only if I could consult a single book without the hassle of exploring different books.
I only consulted two of my friends (Babar Ali Rai and Waleed Ashraf).
Both of these gems guided me on which books should I consult and I owe them a lot. They were a great help throughout the process.
Simply don't believe in myths. If you are an average student and have more than 3 months, you can pass the exam. Believe in Allah Almighty, be humble, sit tight, keep studying and forget about the results. I didn't know I could pass the exam but Karma worked.
I am not suggesting that those who invest more time and read from different sources are wasting their time. All I am saying is that my strategy is just another solution and method which could work for you to pass the exam.
And during the papers, don't discuss the question paper after you are done. Sometimes you would feel that you might fail a subject and think over quitting the attempt but DON'T DO THIS.
I was sure that I would fail in one of the papers but somehow I passed and so even if you are sure that you might fail in one subject, simply ignore this feeling and move on and attempt every paper with the same energy and dedication.
Books
The books mentioned above are not the best one. I just shared so that those who are starting could grab one and read it thoroughly.
But if you find any other book, its equally perfect. Just make sure that it covers all the contents of the syllabus and then you can consult multiple sources. I won't get any sort of commission out of these books so I have no stakes attached to these books but yes I consulted these. I would love to help in case anyone is confused about the process. You can get in touch here: Twitter or drop an e-mail at: sewlix@yahoo.com
Duration
Oct 10 to December 31st, I devoted time from around 6 PM to 12 midnight as I was employed somewhere and used to get back home around 5 after which I took food, tea and then used to study. Even in that window of 6-12, I slept often in between studying for like 25-30 mins.
From Jan to exams (in February) I had taken off days to fully devote my attention to CSS.
If you devote 12 hours to study everyday then this overall duration for me came around 3 months.
Optionals
International Relations
I opted this instead of Political Science because I thought I am in touch with current and international affairs generally and so it is better to choose the subject where I can analyze different topics instead of cramming theories of Political Science.
For Paper-I, I consulted IR book by Safdar Mullick compiled by Kips and got 56.
For Paper-II, I consulted notes available at Student-Teacher Centre Punjab University Lahore.
They were written by Muhammad Qasim Zia and are available at Tahir Iqbal Photocopy. (0334, 0321, 0345- 4734258).
BTW, I started preparation of Paper-II on January 17th 2018 and again Allah Almighty was so kind that I secured 69 marks.
Gender Studies
I opted this because it was a bit short and I wanted to learn how we humans are different in our approaches toward life.
I only consulted SP Hammad notes available at Student-Teacher Centre, Punjab University Lahore. I got 62.
Criminology
I selected this because of the short syllabus and I thought I knew some stuff already about this subject like Parole, Probation, Cyber Crime, Money laundering etc.
I consulted book by Advance Publications written by Nasir Khan and Ammar Sattar and secured 74 marks.
Indo-Pak History
I ditched US History in favour of this subject because for US History, I had to learn and memorise even the NAMES and for Indo-Pak History, I thought I had some knowhow of subcontinent and additionally, I analyzed its past paper and thought I can attempt it somehow even without any preparation. I got 52 in the subject.
I consulted book by World Times penned by Mian Azmat Farooq for this.
Mass Communication
I opted this because I was interested in media ever since I graduated.
Moreover, I was doing something related to current affairs as part of my job and had an interest in media so I thought I might be able to correlate topics a bit.
I consulted book by HSM publishers and got 55 in this subject. This is not the best book, in fact very average one. I found it to be a copy paste content from the internet and has many grammatical errors which shows that the publisher is more interested in profit than actually guiding the public.
You can consult any book, but be assured that it has all the relevant topics for first reading and then you can search online for added knowledge to add to that.
Compulsory
Essay Paper
I didn't write even a single Essay before the paper because I didn't have much time and I found it complex to write an Essay, get it checked for just to be disappointed.
I simply read a book by Nasir Jamal and fetched notes of KIPS Essay outlines which are available at Punjab University, Student-Teacher Centre to get an idea of how outlines are made.
I memorized some statistics on different issues like global warming, terrorism, water scarcity and fortunately attempted the Essay on global warming.
My strategy was to simply use the statistics I had crammed. My outline was simple like starting from whether global warming and climate change are actually a problem or not.
Then I wrote 'Stats Don't Lie' as a heading (in outline) and used different supporting arguments and made their subheadings (in outline) like ice sheets melting and other aspects confirming my viewpoint.
Then I outlined the reasons and used sub-headings in outline as well. Afterward, I incorporated whether Pakistan is endangered and used statistics related to Pakistan.
Then I gave the heading (in outline) of how to curb global warming and in subheadings wrote 'Measures at international level' followed by 'Steps to be taken at national level' and then 'What humans can do' and concluded the topic.
My Essay was simple as well as the outline. My Essay spanned some 1900 words and I got 42 by the blessings of Almighty Allah. I just kept it relevant, did not do grammar or spellings mistakes.
I committed a blunder in outline as well as in the body of Essay as I mentioned Pakistan is at 5th most vulnerable spot though it was at 7th spot.
Even then, I passed the paper.
Tip: Simple, grammatically correct, without spelling mistake and relevant stuff would help you pass the paper.
Precis & Composition
I did not learn some 2000 words for vocabulary. I knew a bit more than an ordinary graduate in terms of vocabulary but equal to the one who reads the newspaper.
I didn't practice precis for paper, but the work I was doing somewhat involved shortening stuff. I didn't prepare Comprehension. I was in the thorough practice of translation. I got 51 in this paper.
Tip: If you can't memorise 2000 words, don't worry. Divert your attention towards Precis, Composition, Direct-Indirect, Active-Passive and translation.
Islamiat
I started preparation of it on December 24th 2017 and only consulted Karim Dad Chugtai's book
(Some of my fellows said the book contains wrong references, like the Quranic verses are right but they are numbered wrong; I have not cross-verified it).
I penned Ahadees and Quranic verses on a separate paper (1 or 2 pages in total) and memorized them to be used in paper.
I skipped the letters written by the Khulafas as I didn't have time and I got 48.
Pakistan Affairs
I consulted only Akram Rabbani's book as its comprehensive and nothing else. I was in touch with current affairs generally as well though I scored miserable, only 36.
General Science & Ability
I consulted book by Current Publishers written by Razza Ullah Khan for this subject. The IT portion related to Computer is somewhat missing in this though. I secured 57 marks.
Current Affairs
I had the knowhow of current affairs but not in detail. You can say I knew the headlines but not the body of news stories.
What I did was that I sat down in December and thought over the affairs that happened in 2017 and made notes of them on my own.
Like Qatar-Saudi Arabia crisis, Doklam Standoff, Islamic Military Alliance and others were the hot issues and so I understood what were the reasons behind the issues and learned some statistics on that and a bit of history ENTIRELY through the internet and prepared the subject. NO BOOK was consulted and I scored 56 marks.
Pro Tips
Don't try to fool the examiner. They have been marking the papers for so long and if you try to beat about the bush, they would sense that very soon and would hit you hard. Be precise and relevant if you are unsure about any topic.
Learn some terms like Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is the name for Iran Nuclear Deal and operation to hunt down Osama bin Laden was 'Neptune Spear'. Use these in your body.
I did not draw diagrams and charts in my papers because I DID NOT KNOW them as I didn't have any time. I did not draw margins on answer sheets and my handwriting is not very good. My handwriting is just legible but you can't say it great or excellent. It's just Okay.
I did not prepare any notes (in terms of actual lengthy notes). Like I penned one-liners and basic crux of different theories (of IR, Gender Studies) which confused me a bit.
I did not appear in any mock exams as I did not have any time. I did not consult any teacher or ACADEMY for written part preparation and learned on my own through books, internet, Youtube etc. I did not read foreign authors and simply read the local authors mentioned above because I wanted to complete the course which was possible only if I could consult a single book without the hassle of exploring different books.
I only consulted two of my friends (Babar Ali Rai and Waleed Ashraf).
Both of these gems guided me on which books should I consult and I owe them a lot. They were a great help throughout the process.
Simply don't believe in myths. If you are an average student and have more than 3 months, you can pass the exam. Believe in Allah Almighty, be humble, sit tight, keep studying and forget about the results. I didn't know I could pass the exam but Karma worked.
I am not suggesting that those who invest more time and read from different sources are wasting their time. All I am saying is that my strategy is just another solution and method which could work for you to pass the exam.
And during the papers, don't discuss the question paper after you are done. Sometimes you would feel that you might fail a subject and think over quitting the attempt but DON'T DO THIS.
I was sure that I would fail in one of the papers but somehow I passed and so even if you are sure that you might fail in one subject, simply ignore this feeling and move on and attempt every paper with the same energy and dedication.
Books
The books mentioned above are not the best one. I just shared so that those who are starting could grab one and read it thoroughly.
But if you find any other book, its equally perfect. Just make sure that it covers all the contents of the syllabus and then you can consult multiple sources. I won't get any sort of commission out of these books so I have no stakes attached to these books but yes I consulted these. I would love to help in case anyone is confused about the process. You can get in touch here: Twitter or drop an e-mail at: sewlix@yahoo.com
