Jahangir's World Times First Comprehensive Magazine for students/teachers of competitive exams and general readers as well.
In Conversation With
Ghazala Yasin
21st in Punjab, PMS 2017-18
Jahangir’s World Times (JWT): First of all, please tell us about your educational background?
Ghazala Yasin (GY): Since I was raised in a village, therefore, carrying on with the customary patterns of my region, I passed middle-class examination from the only available public school in the vicinity. Later, I did graduation from Govt. College for Women, Madina Town, Faisalabad, and acquired a master’s degree in Economics from University of Sargodha.
JWT: How much helpful did you find Jahangir’s World Times (JWT) in your preparation for PMS exam?
MSS: JWT proved instrumental in my preparation for PMS as it provides information, motivation and proper guidance, simultaneously, at your doorstep especially for those with limited access to resources.
JWT: What, in your opinion, is the key to getting through compulsory papers of PMS exam, especially that of General Knowledge?
MSS: Compulsory subjects of PMS have slightly unique combination with the inclusion of Urdu and General Knowledge papers. In order to prepare for these subjects well it is necessary to examine the syllabus of each paper thoroughly and to prepare various areas justifiably as per the division of marks.
For General Knowledge, one should keep abreast of the current happenings through newspapers. Furthermore, one should assign time to GK on daily basis by revising past papers n books available in the market.
JWT: How answers should be written to get maximum marks in the written part of PMS exam?
MSS: In order to secure maximum marks in written part of PMS exam, first of all you need to go through the question carefully, and structure your answer accordingly. Never go for the examination with preconceived notion by just memorizing a few terminologies and hurrying to write maximum number of pages. Elaborate your answers with relevant headings, diagrams, maps and charts as these will add credence to your answers.
JWT: How did you structure your Essay?
MSS: I took some time in selecting the topic. Keeping in view the importance of outline and introduction, I wrote introduction in an elaborative way which set a base on which I built my arguments logically.
JWT: What was your strategy for the General Knowledge paper?
MSS: I solved various past papers conducted by PPSC. Furthermore, I divided various portions of the syllabus and prepared my own notes in the form of maps, charts, lists and diagrams so that I could retain the knowledge.
JWT: Should there be some word limit kept in mind while writing answers?
MSS: No such strategy is advisable. One should justify one’s stance in a logical and coherent manner with relevant data.
JWT: Is it better to attempt optional papers in Urdu or one should go with English only?
MSS: For someone preparing for civil service exam, no such bar should be left as far as the medium is concerned. Notwithstanding, in terms of the availability of reading material the more is available in English hence English proves handy to keep a good flow.
JWT: How one should choose Optional Subjects?
MSS: Optional subjects should be chosen on the basis of:
- Scoring trend of the subjects; and
- The interest of the aspirant in that subject.
JWT: Who deserves the credit for your success?
MSS: The credit of my success goes to my mother and my siblings who always stood there for me even in very trying circumstances. It specially goes to my guardian angel, my brother, Lt. Commander Asad Yasin, who instilled this dream in me and stood there for me with nerves and resources unless I finally achieved my goal.
JWT: As interviewers usually grill the interview candidates, how did you manage the situation?
MSS: It was my first-ever interview. I was overburdened with the length of my fruitless efforts but my heart kindled with hope and my nerves were strong as those of a warrior. I managed to sustain my confidence along with being logical while interacting with the panellists. Finally, I succeeded in securing good score in interview.
Advice for Fresh Aspirants
Reading is the key to crack competitive exams. Read whatever genre that interests you, e.g. fiction, non-fiction, sci-fi, thrillers, travelogues, biographies, etc.
Watch good movies and documentaries. However, writing skills are equally important and, therefore, demand equal effort.
My Interview Experience
It was a very interesting experience. I believe that you have the ability to determine the course of your interview to a certain extent. As I am a bibliophile, I succeeded every time in linking the question to my hobby. It turned out to be more of a discussion and sharing of experiences we had while reading several classics. Hence, it smoothly concluded in a pleasant manner.
