In Conversation with

Aadil Aamir (PSP)

30th in Pakistan, CSS 2018-19

Catch line: “Police Service of Pakistan will allow me to work with and for the people at the grassroots level.”

Jahangir’s World Times (JWT): First of all, please tell us about your educational background?

Aadil Aamir (AA): I completed my O-levels and A-levels from Aitchison College, Lahore, followed by a BA and an MA degree from University of the Punjab, Lahore, with majors in Political Science.

JWT: Since you have been allocated to the Police Service of Pakistan (PSP), what was the feature of this service that attracted you most?

AA: Discipline, integrity and dignity that comes with a uniformed regimental service.

JWT: What, in your opinion, is the key to making a difference in written part of CSS exam?

AA: Consistent study backed by a strict evaluation mechanism.

JWT: Generally, compulsory subjects are considered low-scoring, what was your strategy to get through these very papers?

AA: My strategy was two-fold; attain basic knowledge and then read different perspectives on various issues to enhance my analytical ability.

JWT: What was the key to your phenomenal success?

AA: Believing that the outcome is determined by the will or permission of God and, therefore, I must focus on trying to prepare in the best possible way.

JWT:  How answers should be written to get maximum marks?

AA:  The answer should span 6 to 8 pages. It should include headings, subheadings, analysis, quotations, references, maps, flowcharts and box diagrams.

JWT:  Should there be some word limit kept in mind while writing answers?

AA:  No!

JWT:  How did you structure your Essay and what was your strategy for Précis and Composition Paper?

AA: I would recommend the following strategy:

Essay: An introduction, brief history, causes of the issue, consequences of the causes (present situation), solutions (reversal of the causes), incorporating solutions from systems of other countries, and conclusion. Moreover, I would recommend writing an essay that would span the entire answer sheet. Use your own expression, and don’t focus on using difficult words. Use words that you are familiar with to build and write a beautiful piece.

Précis and Composition:  Writing in past tense and third person when it comes to universal truths. Starting answer from the second half of the question and using my own words.

JWT: JWT:  How a new aspirant should start his preparations and what areas should he focus?

AA: By looking at the syllabus and getting basic information about every topic. As regards the second part, you know, everything has several perspectives and all these perspectives can be summarized under the following major headings: economic, political, security/strategic, social/cultural and ideological/philosophical.

My tips on:

Selection of optional subjects

Choose subjects that you are familiar with or you find interesting. Prefer choosing subjects that overlap others.

Notes-making

Make your notes in bullet form and google every topic you learn to add ideas and perspectives.

Revision

Revise from your notes with a calm mind. This is a race; push yourself till the finish line. Follow your schedule, be consistent and don’t give up.

My Interview Experience

My interview started with questions about my favourite book. I was asked about the problems in the political system of Pakistan, economic terrorism, polo, education and judicial activism. The environment was cordial.

Books I Recommend

Pakistan: Beyond the Crisis State by Maleeha Lodhi

Foreign Policy by Abdul Sattar

Islam at the Crossroads by M Asad

Islam The misunderstood Religion by M Qutb

Making of Pakistan by KK Aziz

Modern World History by Norman Lowe

World Order by Henry Kissinger

Sectarian War by Khaled Ahmed

Lessons of History by Will Durant

World Politics by Kegley & Blanton

Political Thought by Judd Harmon