In Conversation with MONAZZA KARAMAT, 4th in Punjab, PMS 2016

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

Monazza Karamat (MK): I did matriculation from St. Doris high school Sargodha and FSc (Premedical) from Punjab College for Women Sargodha. Later, I did B.Com from GIFT Colleges Gujranwala and earned my M.Com degree from PU’s Hailey College of Commerce.

JWT: How much helpful did you find Jahangir’s World Times (JWT) during your preparation? And, how was your experience at the World Times Institute?

MK: JWT is immensely helpful in grooming analytical ability of the aspirants for competitive exams and, you know, being analytical is the key to score high marks in any competitive exam.

Moreover, my experience at World Times Institute for interview preparation was extremely helpful to get to know about my weaknesses. It helped me to identify the areas I needed to work on. Through mock interviews, I learned to handle pressure, and the exercise groomed me a lot.

JWT: What, in your opinion, is the key to get through compulsory papers especially the General Knowledge? 

MK: I think, the real key is to be relevant and assertive in your answers. For the GK paper, one should go through the general knowledge portion published in JWT magazine every month and should especially focus on General Science.

JWT: How answers should be written to secure maximum marks in written part?

MK: An answer that is relevant and explains, with facts, figures and examples, all parts of the question in an assertive way, surely fetches high scores.

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

MK: Word limit matters but what matters more is the time management. Divide the allotted time according to number of questions to be attempted and write maximum in that time. However, in my opinion, a question should not be less than 5 pages.

JWT: How did you structure your Essay? 

MK: I made an outline in rough. Then, I wrote introduction to my essay. When I completed 70 percent of the main body of essay, I wrote the actual outline for the essay. Then, I wrote my conclusion in 15 minutes.

JWT: What was your strategy for the General Knowledge paper?

MK: As negative marking is done in this paper, my strategy was to answer maximum correct answers rather than squandering my time in making guesses. I attempted only those questions about whom I was 70-80 percent sure. In the end, I attempted 65 questions and got 58 marks.

JWT: What were the questions you found challenging during the interview? 

MK: The token questions are always challenging and I was asked 7- 8 token questions. That part was a bit challenging.

JWT: As interviewers grill the candidates, how did you handle the situation? 

MK: I was grilled with various token questions. I answered the questions with great confidence and politely passed the ones I didn’t know the answers. In all, I remained composed and confident throughout the interview.

JWT: Who deserves the credit for your success?

MK: First of all, all the praises and thanks be to Allah Almighty.

Second, I have no words to thank my family. I am highly indebted to my parents who provided me best education, my father-in-law who encouraged me to go for competitive exams; without his support I wouldn’t have achieved this coveted goal. The support of my husband and my mother-in-law was also a blessing indeed. I owe my success to all of them.

JWT: How did you prepare your notes?

MK: I consulted past papers to determine the scope of a topic and then studied on that from an authentic book or from the internet. Then, I would make short notes on that very topic.

JWT: How one should choose Optional Subjects?

MK: First, one should go through the syllabus of the subject, one wants to opt for. A cursory view on the past papers also helps to determine what sort of questions are asked in actual exam. However, aptitude of a candidate is what matters most in this regard. So, choose what is interesting to you.

JWT: Is it better to attempt optional papers in Urdu or one should go with English only? 

MK: Language doesn’t matter, your command on the language does. If one is good in Urdu and has extensive Urdu vocabulary, one may attempt in Urdu. However, based on personal experience, I would prefer English because when one is an aspirant for competitive exam(s), the best ideas come in English.

My Interview Experience

First of all, I was asked to introduce myself. I gave detailed introduction touching areas like family, academic background, hobbies, strengths and future goals.

Some questions asked during the interview are:

Mr Chairman

1. What triggered you to go for competitive exams?

2. There is a general moral decline in the society. In my opinion, it is because mothers are not playing their due part in-character-building of children. What do you think?

3. Consider us as students in your class and you need to inculcate “Pakistaniat” in us. What would you say? You have three minutes to speak.

4. Till Bashar al-Assad is in power, ISIS cannot be defeated. What’s your take on it?

5. If the US is against ISIS, then who is arming the terrorist group?

6. What and how much natural resources does Afghanistan possess?

Second Panellist

1. What is laissez faire? Name two proponents of laissez faire of 20th century.

2. Who is Martin Feldstein?

3. Who was the first to give the idea of commerce or the concept of demand and supply?

4. Who is your favorite Punjabi Sufi poet?

5. Who is your favorite modern Punjabi poet?

Third Panellist

1. What are the pressures a housewife has to face?

2. What is ROI?

3. What are the advantages of CPEC for China and its disadvantages for Pakistan?

My Advice for fresh aspirants

Focus on all subjects as all are equally important. Choose optional subjects carefully and be persistent.