Jahangir's World Times First Comprehensive Magazine for students/teachers of competitive exams and general readers as well.
‘I believe Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity’
Jahangir’s World Times (JWT): Kindly tell us about your educational background and achievements, especially your success in CSS.
Javed Nabi Khoso (JNK): I did Masters in Business Administration, with distinction, from University of Sindh, Jamshoro. Before joining Civil Service, I have been serving as Patrol Officer in National Highways and Motorways Police. By the grace of Allah Almighty, I passed the CSS exam in second attempt and stood third in Sindh (Rural). I have opted for the Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS) Group.
JWT: Please share the experience of your first attempt, and also tell how did you secure this prestigious position?
JNK: I attempted for the first time in 2010 but couldn’t get enough marks to make the required aggregate. The main cause of my failure, I believe, was the selection of optional subjects (like History of India and Pakistan) along with imprudent time management. I couldn’t give proper time to studies mainly due to my job. Nevertheless, I achieved the ultimate goal of my life by strong determination, dedication, hard work and last but not the least, prayers of my parents.
JWT: What is so special in PAS and why did you prefer it over other groups?
JNK: Well, I believe all the groups have their own importance and prestige but, PAS is a general management cadre. It was my dream to join this finest service of Pakistan. PAS gives you full opportunity to deliver your best for the well-being of the marginalized segments of the society while reaching the grassroots level. Besides, PAS has a tremendous scope of mobility and easy access to public while at the same time, gives you an opportunity to provide timely assistance to the needy as well.
JWT: In the light of your experience, what strategy the aspirants should follow to score high in CSS?
JNK: I believe that securing good marks in different subjects is a key factor to realize the dream of a brighter future in Civil Service. There is no shortcut to success, at all; this is the first thing one should keep in mind. Therefore, one has to work hard, grasp the subject with thorough understanding of the key concepts. He must be able to present a discourse on the given topic.
Solving the past papers and choosing the productive material can be helpful in this regard. For instance, I acquired good marks in Everyday Science, Islamiyat, Journalism, Sociology and Current Affairs. The reason behind it was that for all the subjects, I divided the time properly and devised effective strategy coupled with consistent practice. I think the aspirants should avoid reading too lengthy study material rather they should stay focused, composed and write legible and attractive material while attempting the questions. In addition, I would say that do write clearly and avoid writing irrelevant and ambiguous information. Solve past papers and get your work checked by seniors or seasoned teachers.
JWT: Should the students consult books or they should rely on already prepared notes.
JNK: One may find countless books, available on almost each and every subject, and every book has its own importance and utility. I think careful selection is necessary in this regard as books play a vital role in organizing, developing and channelling your knowledge. The best practice while preparing for the written part of the exam is to go through the books especially those suggested by the FPSC. Reading books is extremely helpful to enhance and improve your writing skills along with developing thorough understanding of the subjects. However, making notes to secure good marks is also important, but, notes should be brief yet comprehensive.
JWT: What strategy one should follow to make a difference in the final result?
JNK: I think the best strategy to make a difference is the effective time management and three P’s i.e. preparation, practice and precision. Careful selection of optional subjects, constant evaluation of writing standard, guidance and suggestions from seniors and determination coupled with self-confidence are imperative as well. Just focus on your goal and don’t care of the competition.
JWT: Most candidates fail Essay and English Precis and Composition papers. What steps would you suggest to pass these?
JNK: I think the main cause behind failure, in these papers, is the lack of practice and weak writing skills. The best way to pass them is to ‘write, write and write’ because more you write more improvement will be in skills, and ultimately, it will ensure your success. One can improve English by regularly reading newspapers like Dawn and reputed magazines like Jahangir’s World Times. While attempting the Essay paper, choose the topic over which you have full command. Avoid spelling mistakes and grammatical errors because both of these are the main causes of low scores or failure in the said papers.
JWT: Seeking guidance prior to exams is a prerequisite of CSS. What sort of guidance is required for the fresh aspirants and how do you see Jahangir’s World Times (JWT) as far as guidance for CSS-exam is concerned?
JNK: I think guidance plays a pivotal role in CSS preparation. The fresh aspirants should seek guidance for matters like selection of subjects, attempting the paper, do’s and don’ts of solving the paper, allocating time to different subjects, and last but not the least, I would say again, effective writing skills. I think Jahangir’s World Times is the best and most resourceful magazine for CSS aspirants. It defines and covers all areas and dimensions which are of fundamental importance in passing this prestigious exam. JWT abounds in information and guidelines with defined parameters. So, I recommend it to all the aspirants to better understand the ‘course of success’. JWT helped me a lot during my preparation especially for interview.
JWT: Do you believe in luck factor in CSS? We notice so often that many average students get allocated while talented and brilliant students, at times, are unable to make it?
JNK: I believe luck is when hard work meets opportunity. So, without thorough and elaborate preparation, there is no luck especially in case of competitive exams like CSS. The main reason behind allocation of average students is the way they present their ideas which exhibit simplicity and brevity and, at the same time, are centred on objectivity.
