QUERIES of CSS, PMS, PCS Aspirants

For all your queries about CSS, PMS, PCS and other Competitive Exams, please write to us or email at the following address: CSS GURU Jahangir’s World Times 121-D, Gulberg II, Lahore. email:cssguru@jworldtimes.com

Dear Guru
Assalam-o-Alaikum
I am going to appear in the CE-2014 with English Literature as one of the optional subjects. Some say it is very tough and also the syllabus is quite lengthy. Should I go for it? Kindly suggest some books and also the way how I should prepare it.
Sartaaj Ahmed
Hyderabad

Dear Sartaaj,
Let me make it very clear that if you have studied English Literature as a major subject and you have an aptitude for literature, you must go for it. I would suggest two books on History of English Literature. The candidates can consult any of the two books:

1) A History of English Literature by Arthur     Comptin-Rickett
2) A Critical History of English Literature by David Daiches

For some topics, the History of English Literature by T. Singh is also a good book. The questions regarding some novelists and movements are sort of ready-made material. Similarly, ‘Norton Anthology of English Literature’ volume 1 and 2 also provide a handy reference for preparation.

Assalam-o-Alaikum Guru
I’m dwelling in Chitral, a far-flung area of KP. Chitral is such a place where newspapers can’t be read on daily basis that is why we are weaker regarding current affairs. What should be done for this? Could you please recommend a book or journal apart from JWT?
Secondly, I have opted Islamic History & Culture, Sociology, Journalism, Business Administration and Mercantile law. How does this strike you? Can I score in these subjects particularly in Islamic History and Culture?
Sikandar Shah

Dear Sikandar,
In an age of information technology, access to newspapers or journals is not that hard. You may browse all newspapers and most journals on their websites. Some of the useful websites for Current Affairs include:

www.newsweekpakistan.com
www.economist.com
www.foreignpolicy.com
www.spiegel.de/international

As far as your subject selection is concerned, Sociology and Journalism are tricky subjects for you need to outshine a number of other candidates. A sound grasp of relevant theories and their application in paper is indispensable for obtaining good scores. Islamic History & Culture has a similar issue. Recently, a number of candidates have opted for this subject with an impression that it’d fetch them good scores. Remember, in such papers you need to put an extra effort to prepare it really well to ensure decent scores.

Assalam-o-Alaikum Sir
I qualified CSS 2011 but couldn’t get allocated. I think it was due to lesser marks in Indo-Pak History (I scored just 80). Now, I want to replace Indo-Pak with Islamic History & Culture while Sociology & Journalism with Arabic. Please guide me on scoring trend in Arabic and Islamic History. Do these two play a synergistic role in preparation?
Dr Sohaib Rana

Dear Dr Sohaib,
Arabic and IHC are related to the same period in history but the syllabi are mostly different. Only a small portion of Paper-II of IHC related to Muslim Arts and Achievements in Natural and Social Sciences covers a part of Arabic paper. Arabic is advised for those who have an aptitude for this language as the most significant part of this paper is the Arabic essay where the candidate is expected to impress the examiner with his command over language. Both Arabic and IHC have been good scoring subjects for well-prepared candidates. My suggestion, therefore, would be to get your head down and focus on subjects you have opted for.

Dear GURU
Is it sure that screening test shall be conducted for CSS-2015? And if it is so, then what shall be the criteria for qualification? Please guide me in this regard.
Muhammad Fayaz Khan
Charsadda

Dear Fayaz,
Screening Test is likely to be conducted for CSS-2015 as announced earlier by the FPSC. However, a final announcement is this regard is still awaited.

Dear Sir
I have appeared in CSS-2013 with Physics, International Law, Punjabi, Mass Comm. and Muslim Law as optional subjects. Please tell me scoring trend of these subjects. Also suggest me a good book on Precis & Composition.
Bahadur Khan
Jhang

Dear Bahadur Khan
Traditionally, we have witnessed candidates obtaining good scores in Physics, International Law, and Punjabi. Mass Comm., and Muslim Law experienced the so-called ‘discouraging trend’ due to candidates over-relying on these subjects. You should stick with these subjects and give it your best in next attempt. For Precis & Composition, I can suggest you ‘Discovering the World of English Grammar & Composition’ published by the JBD Press.

Dear Sir
I am doing my M.Com from University of Central Punjab, Lahore with specialization in Accounting & Finance. I want to appear in CSS exam and it is difficult for me to choose optional subjects for CSS. Please guide me.
Wajid Ali

Dear Wajid,
Given your educational background, you may go for ‘Business Administration’ as it is a technical subject comprising three parts i.e. Management, Marketing, and Financial Management. ‘Accountancy and Auditing’, too, makes an excellent choice for students with background of accounting like ACCA and ACMA. A proper preparation in this subject yields highest marks which helps a candidate lift his aggregate score. Economics is another option.

Other options include Geography, British History, Punjabi, Public Administration, Sociology, International Law, Mercantile Law, etc. you need to peruse syllabi of these subjects along with past papers before deciding on your optional subjects.