Jahangir's World Times (JWT): First of all, please tell us about your educational background.
Syed Ahsan Abdullah (SAA): I completed my secondary education at Laureate School, Pakpattan, followed by my intermediate studies at Government College University, Lahore. Most recently, I obtained my Bachelor of Laws from the PU, Lahore.
JWT: How much helpful did you find Jahangir's World Times (JWT) magazine in your preparation for the PMS exam?
SAA: JWT magazine proved to be an invaluable resource, providing structured guidance and comprehensive coverage of the PMS syllabus. Its focused analysis of current affairs and exam-oriented study materials were helpful in streamlining my preparation and enhancing my analytical skills.
JWT: What was the significance of newspaper reading in your preparation? How did staying updated with current affairs shape your success?
SAA: Regularly reading newspapers, particularly editorials, was instrumental in developing the critical thinking and nuanced perspective required for the PMS exam. This practice significantly enhanced my vocabulary and analytical skills, allowing me to construct well-informed arguments.
JWT: What was your strategy for cracking the PMS exam?
SAA: My strategy focused on achieving comprehensive syllabus coverage and developing strong conceptual clarity, supplemented by regular updates on current affairs. I maintained a disciplined revision schedule and prioritized rigorous writing practice through mock tests to refine my analytical expression and time management.
JWT: What was your approach to time management throughout the preparation process? How did you balance multiple subjects and cover the vast syllabus?
SAA: My approach involved strictly adhering to a structured timetable that balanced my professional responsibilities with the need to cover multiple subjects simultaneously. By setting and achieving specific daily, weekly, and monthly targets, I ensured consistent progress across the vast syllabus while maintaining a disciplined study-life balance.
JWT: What, in your opinion, is the key to getting through compulsory papers of the PMS exam?
SAA: To excel in compulsory subjects, I focused on comprehensive syllabus coverage tailored to the requirements of past papers, followed by rigorous revision. For the General Knowledge paper, my strategy involved an area-wise approach, utilizing specialized books to master each segment of the syllabus systematically.
JWT: How answers should be written to get maximum marks in the written part of the PMS exam?
SAA: Answers should be concise and well-structured, typically spanning 7–8 pages while incorporating relevant references and a personal critical analysis. Maintaining high-quality handwriting and providing to-the-point responses ensures that each argument is persuasive as well as academically rigorous.
JWT: How did you structure your Essay?
SAA: I followed a comprehensive methodology which involved meticulously understanding the topic, crafting a relevant outline, writing an appealing introduction, developing persuasive arguments paragraph by paragraph in simple language, and concluding effectively.
JWT: Since you have scored excellent marks in General Knowledge and Urdu, what was your strategy for that?
SAA: To excel in General Knowledge, I adopted an area-specific approach, utilizing specialized books to master segments such as Current Affairs, Science, Mathematics, and History alongside rigorous past paper analysis.
For Urdu, I focused on maintaining high linguistic quality, prioritizing structured essay writing, nuanced poetic explanations, and precise translation to ensure maximum scoring potential.
JWT: Should there be some word limit kept in mind while writing answers?
SAA: While I did not adhere to a specific word count, I maintained a consistent length of 7–8 pages per answer to ensure comprehensive coverage.
JWT: Is it better to attempt optional papers in Urdu or one should go with English only?
SAA: While the choice is subjective, I believe opting for English is more advantageous, as high-quality research data and academic resources are primarily available in this language.
JWT: As interviewers usually grill the interview candidates, how did you manage the situation?
SAA: While my interview was not overly confrontational, I focused on presenting my arguments in a polite yet convincing manner. I managed the discussion by maintaining professional composure and ensuring that my responses were backed by logical reasoning and a respectful tone.
JWT: Who deserves the credit for your success?
SAA: My success is primarily attributed to the prayers of my mother, younger brothers, cousins and relatives alongside the unwavering support of my close friends in Pakpattan. I am equally grateful to my batchmates across Punjab Police—specifically Inspector Kalsoom Fatima—as well as my batchmates and colleagues within Pakistan Meteorological Department, Punjab LG&CD Department, and FIA. While it is impossible to name every individual, I remain profoundly indebted to all the mentors and friends whose encouragement was instrumental to my journey.