In Conversation with

M. Annas Khan Bhatti

42nd in Punjab, PMS 2020-21

Jahangir’s World Times (JWT): First of all, please tell us about your educational background.
M. Annas Khan Bhatti (AKB): I have done BSc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Lahore. I am also an inter-Ravian as I did my FSc Pre-Engineering from Government College University (GCU), Lahore. 

JWT: How was your experience at World Times Institute (WTI)?
AKB: The WTI helped me a lot in my mock assessments and interview preparation. It helped me identify my weaknesses and loopholes and then overcome those to ace the exam.

JWT: What, in your opinion, is the key to getting through compulsory papers of PMS exam, especially that of General Knowledge?
AKB:  GK paper of PMS exam is quite tricky. A candidate must equip himself/herself with the trends of GK paper and the question bank of the examiner. It can easily be managed if one has a grip on topics asked in the past papers of PMS exam. 

JWT: How answers should be written to get maximum marks in the written part of PMS exam?
AKB: I am a firm believer in honing one’s writing skills to take a competitive exam; be it CSS or PMS. To me, there are two parts of an answer: the first one is the comprehension of the topic and the second one is approaching that correctly. Candidates should focus on what is asked, not what they know.

JWT: How did you structure your Essay? 
AKB: My outline was brief, simple and crisp. I focused on the topic right from the very first sentence. I substantiated my arguments and supported those with proper evidence. Moreover, I gave policy recommendations at the end of my essay. I tried to write introduction and conclusion parts with diligence. I wrote simple sentences with minimal verbosity.

JWT: Since you have scored excellent marks in Physics and Public Administration, what was your strategy for these papers?
AKB: Since I had an engineering background, Physics suited me. 
As far as Public Administration is concerned, I was a bit confused about it as it was a new subject to me. Nonetheless, I tried to stick to the basics by focusing on recommended sources. In the end, it helped a lot.

JWT: Should there be some word limit kept in mind while writing answers?
AKB: Generally, 7-8 pages are enough for an answer. But, if one has ample data and writing prowess, one must go for even 10 pages. It will definitely give one advantage provided one has given correct and reliable data.

JWT: Is it better to attempt optional papers in Urdu or one should go with English only? 
AKB: I think it is a personal choice. For optional subjects, in my opinion, English should be given priority as overall vibe of this exam is based on this language. Moreover, most candidates feel it easy to start writing from the left side.

JWT: How one should choose Optional Subjects?
AKB: One should choose optional subjects based on one’s educational background and interest. I do not believe in scoring trends as they keep changing. Those having good knowledge perform very well either way.

JWT: Who deserves the credit for your success?
AKB: My mother deserves the credit for my success more than anyone. She has a huge role in making what I am right now. She has supported me in an exceptional manner, particularly during my low zones.

JWT: As interviewers usually grill the interview candidates, how did you manage the situation? 
AKB: My interview was based on optional subjects. I was grilled on questions related to Physics but I kept my nerve and stayed composed and confident. Overall, the panel was quite gentle, and it turned out to be a nice experience.

My Tips on: 
Selection of optional subjects
Optional subjects should be chosen keeping in view an aspirant’s interest and educational background. Parent subject should be given priority.
Notes-Making
Notes should be made by hand as it is a written exam. They should be very brief and understandable for revision purpose.
Revision
A good candidate must do 3-4 revisions of the syllabus before the final exam; your notes play an important part in this. If notes are lengthy, revision becomes impossible.