In Conversation with Yussra Sohail Butt

23rd in Punjab, PMS 2020-21

Jahangir’s World Times (JWT): First of all, please tell us about your educational background.
Yussra Sohail Butt (YSB): I did my Bachelors in Software Engineering from University of the Punjab, Lahore. Afterwards, I worked with several multinational organizations.

JWT: How was your experience at World Times Institute (WTI)? And, how much helpful was JWT in your preparation for this prestigious exam?
YSB: I must say that WTI truly transformed my journey of competitive exams. All the faculty members have always been there, whenever I needed any kind of guidance. Moreover, JWT magazine provides high-quality content that aspirants must read.
So, in a nutshell, it’s a great institute for aspirants of competitive exams.

JWT: What, in your opinion, is the key to getting through compulsory papers of PMS exam, especially that of General Knowledge?
YSB: For compulsory subjects, aspirants must read quality content. Facts and figures, quotes and flowcharts are the keys to making an actual difference.
As for GK paper, it, certainly, is one of the trickiest in PMS exam. For that, one must go through PPSC past papers. They give a fair idea about the path that an aspirant actually needs to follow.

JWT: How answers should be written to get maximum marks in the written part of PMS exam?
YSB: An aspirant is required to come up with three things: quality, quantity and creativity. Here, I would like to mention that an aspirant must be clear in his/her thoughts while writing. Answers should be clear and concise. The use of facts and figures, references and flowcharts is the master key.

JWT: You have scored outstanding marks in Essay paper. How should one structure that?
YSB: First of all, choose the topic wisely. Then, for the essay, coherence and relevance are required. Make a rough outline and then refine it. It should depict the clarity of your thoughts. A critical analysis must be inculcated in your essay.

JWT: You have scored very good marks in Political Science and Punjabi. What was your strategy for these papers?
YSB: For Political Science, I used to add my critical analysis in most of the topics. Other than that, I used to draw certain flowcharts that clearly illustrated the true essence of the answers. In a nutshell, I used to write on all the aspects of the topic.
For Punjabi, aspirants are required to add maximum couplets. I used to listen to various poets. It really helped me to score well. Other than that, one must add ahadith and Quranic reference in Tashreeh part.

JWT: Should there be some word limit kept in mind while writing answers?
YSB: Word limit is a significant factor. In terms of pages, I would recommend that an answer must span 6-8 pages. However, quality, facts and figures and references must be incorporated in your answer.

JWT: Is it better to attempt optional papers in Urdu or one should go with English only?
YSB: It is a subjective question, yet I suggest that a candidate must go for English as most of the study material is available in English.
But as far as Islamiyat is concerned, it can be attempted in Urdu as you can quote Quranic verses, ahadith and poetic references.

JWT: How one should choose Optional Subjects?
YSB: This is one of the most critical things while preparing for PMS exam. First of all, a candidate must go through the course outline so as to have a basic understanding of the course. However, personal interest and the scoring trend must be kept in mind while choosing subjects. If a candidate selects such subjects that overlap Pakistan Affairs or Current Affairs, this can also play a good role.

JWT: Who deserves the credit for your success?
YSB: I owe a lot to my family and friends, especially my parents as they always have motivated me in all terms.

JWT: As interviewers usually grill the interview candidates, how did you manage the situation?
YSB: Interview plays a decisive role in your allocation. Certainly, grilling is one of the favourite jobs of the panellists; however, one must stay calm and confident. That is the thing required during the interview. Although I dropped many questions, yet I still remained calm, and tried to play every single ball.