Queries of CSS Aspirants

1. What is ‘Trend’ in the context of CSS Exam?

It is one of the myths associated with this exam, with some element of coincidence, which creates confusion among the aspirants. When a subject yields high scores, it is referred to as scoring trend. In past five years’ papers, such trend is seen in Islamic History & Culture, Journalism, Sociology, Geography, etc. In fact, when a number of candidates opt for a subject, it gives the examiner a good lot to choose from. Thus, the average scores in such subjects remain lower. Next time, when discouraged by the low-scoring ‘trend’, fewer candidates opt for these subjects, they become scoring. Thus, the so-called ‘trend’ phenomenon is determined by the candidates not the examiners. Ignore such trend and focus on the subject which you can better understand, and prepare it thoroughly.

2. What are the main causes of failure in Essay paper?

English Essay is the only paper in which you are to attempt only one topic. Therefore, there is no margin of error. The basic reason behind failure is the reproduction of crammed knowledge obtained from stereotype sources, mostly academy notes. Most candidates couldn’t get through because they bank on expired or outdated information without updating it. Besides, poor grammar skills, punctuation and sentence formation are major causes as well. Thus, it is highly advised that the candidates focus more on grammar. The material being written in paper should be relevant and most updated with correct grammar. That’s the only way to success.

3. How one should manage the GK papers in a way to reduce the risk of aggregate?

The aggregate can be surely enhanced if candidates focus well on GK papers. First of all, EDS paper is purely technical having a broad range of marks; ranging from 70 to 90. Therefore, preparing well for it is indispensable for an excellent score. To get familiar with the pattern, solve past papers of at least five years. Current Affairs paper is broad-based and general and it requires a better understanding and comprehension of the issues. For a thorough preparation, divide it into four segments: Foreign Policy and Pakistan’s Foreign Relations; International Organisations; International Issues and National Affairs. In Pakistan Affairs paper, most candidates get around 40% marks because they don’t write answers in accordance with the requirement of the questions.
Therefore, read carefully and comprehend the questions asked before writing the answers.

4. The pattern of Islamiyat paper has changed from last few years, what one should do now?

Like other papers, Islamiyat also has changed a lot. Now questions are more objective and current rather than subjective and theoretical. Thorough study and proper application of mind is essential now. Besides Islamic concepts and practices, they must prepare contemporary problems concerning the world in general and Muslims in particular from an Islamic point of view.

5. Should one attempt for CSS after graduation or complete a Masters degree first?

It doesn’t make much difference. In last year’s exam, nearly 75 candidates, with a Bachelor’s degree only, were allocated. The number doubles if Bachelors in Medicine, Engineering and Law are included. It’s sufficient to prove the point that only the quality of answers makes the difference. Nevertheless, attaining a higher degree is always desirable and well-recommended.

6. Are the candidates having previous job experience better placed than those who have none?

Absolutely not! It doesn’t matter at all. We have seen many candidates without any job experience securing top positions and getting allocated in PAS and PSP.

7. Why candidates are confused when choosing optional subject of 200 or 100 marks?

There is no valid reason for such confusion. Subjects of 200 marks are equally important and many candidates score high and obtain positions with these subjects. An analysis of past years data reveals that the majority of allocated candidates had optional subjects of Indo-Pak History, Geography, Journalism, Sociology, International Relations and British History. Thus, it is a mix of 100 and 200 marks papers.

8. Language gives maximum marks, is it really true keeping in mind the result of CE-2012.

Regional language papers mostly fetch good marks. Keeping in view the trend of past few years, especially CE-2012, it may safely be deduced that languages are usually high-scoring. Candidates obtained excellent marks in Sindhi and Punjabi this year as well.

9. Is psychology a good and scoring subject?

Psychology is a science and generally, science subjects fetch more marks simply, because science is fact based. A correct answer assures maximum marks. Thus, the candidates who prepare for this subject well are expected to score high. Another factor is the suitability of candidates. Psychology, being a technical subject, is opted by the candidates with a prior knowledge of it or who can grasp it quickly due to their background of science study.

10. What sort of books and personality one should choose and how one should prepare it for the psychological test and interview?

You are free to choose any book. But this choice can make it more difficult. Your selection means that some particular book has inspired you. Thus, it must have a strong element of inspiration for the examiners as well. Choosing books from curricula is never advised. Select books from different field like science, literature, fiction, contemporary affairs, etc. Similarly, favourite personality is a very tricky question. It must be a renowned personality having distinguished achievements. Candidates must focus on the lesson they get from the life of a personality or from the book.

11. What is the significance of psychological examination in interview marks?

A very senior and responsible officer was famously quoted as saying that there is no weightage in terms of marks for the psychological examination. But it does matter a lot for the impression it creates before the panel as a candidate’s performance evaluation report for psychological is placed before the panel at the time of interview. Therefore, psychological part must not be taken casually and candidates should practice more and more for its various tests.