In Conversation with TARIQ MEHMOOD, 9th in Punjab, PMS-2016

World Times Institute (WTI) is the best institution for preparation for competitive exams, especially CSS and PMS.

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

Tariq Mehmood (TM): I matriculated from Govt. High School Burj Dara (District Hafizabad) and did FSc (Pre-Med) from Leads College Lahore. later, I graduated from University of Agriculture Faisalabad with a BSc (Hons.) degree in Agriculture, in 2011, and then MSc (Hons.) in Agriculture from the same institution. I also served as an Agriculture Research Officer in Agriculture Department, Government of the Punjab, for more than one year, before my selection as a PMS officer.

JWT: How has been your experience at the World Times Institute? And, how much helpful did you find JWT in your preparation for PMS Exam?

TM: In my opinion, World Times Institute (WTI) is the best institution for preparation for competitive exams, especially CSS and PMS. I have observed a great deal of professionalism and dedication in the WTI faculty and this is what has made it emerge as the most distinguished institution of its kind nationwide.

Moreover, Jahangir’s World Times (JWT) magazine helped me a great deal in understanding many new concepts and issues related to Pakistan and the world.

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

TM: In my opinion, relevant and logical answers substantiated with facts and citations earn you good score in compulsory papers. The most important factor is practice of writing – that’s where students face problems; they read a lot but write very less before the exam.

To prepare for the General Knowledge paper, the best way, in my opinion, is to divide the syllabus into small portions like General Ability, Geography, General Science, Computer Sciences etc. and prepare notes for important topics.

JWT: What were the toughest and the easiest parts in the whole process of PMS exam?

TM: Toughest part was holding my nerves and coping with anxiety because this much persistence in study is often burdensome. However, the easiest part was debating and discussing various topics with my fellow aspirants.

JWT: How answers should be written to get maximum marks in written part of PMS exam?

TM: Understanding what is being asked is the most important factor in getting good scores. Aspirants must provide relevant data duly supported by sound arguments and examples. The other key is to highlight the important points by using headings and subheadings. Another factor you need to bear in your mind is that you have to facilitate the examiner; by making an outline and headings, etc. Always add introductory paragraphs having a summary of all what you will be going to establish as answer to the question asked.

JWT: How did you structure your Essay?

TM: Essay is the most important paper in PMS exam as it requires analytical mode of description. The right selection of essay topic while sitting in the examination hall is very important. I attempted essay on economic development and level of literacy. I provided a good outline, a precise introduction and a comprehensive conclusion. All the arguments were supporting the central idea. Introduction contained a brief description of all the dimensions of the topic. The body paragraphs were brief and embracive. And a finely-wrapped conclusion is a key to getting through this paper.

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

TM: I think, length of the answer does not matter. Your answer should address all the aspects of the given problem. It must also be balanced and properly concluded. Every argument must be supported with examples and quotes.

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

TM: Optional papers can be attempted in either language. However, I think, it has nothing to do with the marks. Nevertheless, I suggest the aspirants to opt for English as the material available for preparation is easily available in this language. Also, English has an upper hand when it comes to professional career correspondence or attending any international event.

JWT: How did you prepare your notes?

TM: In the beginning, I used to write important points while reading and revising those points time and again until they were known facts to me. While preparing for GK, I used to highlight any new piece of information that passed my eyes.

JWT: Who deserves the credit for your success?

TM: It is God’s blessing, first of all. Then, my parents and siblings and also my friends are the parties to receive the credit of my success.

JWT: what was your strategy to prepare for the interview?

TM: I prepared for my interview with my fellow aspirants through discussions. This proved very helpful in the final interview. I am indebted to World Times Institute and Ma’am Talat who helped me a lot during this session.

Selection of optional subjects

The choice of optional subjects has a lot to do with your standing in competitive exams. So, you must:

1. Choose subjects that are highly compatible to your aptitude and academic background.
2. Go through past papers of the subjects to know whether you would be able to cover the things or not.
3. Try to come up with combination suitable to your background knowledge and understanding.

My Interview Experience

Most questions asked were from current socio-political and economic developments of Pakistan, while some were related to international issues. There was also a discussion on the Middle East crisis and its impacts on the region and Pakistan. Some questions from optional subjects, especially agriculture, were also asked. Queries related to reforms in political and administrative system of Pakistan were also the part of my interview.

I dropped some of the questions. I believe it is better to say “sorry” than to give an incorrect answer.