Jahangir's World Times First Comprehensive Magazine for students/teachers of competitive exams and general readers as well.
‘Proper time management and well-planned preparation are indispensable to success’
Jahangir’s World Times (JWT): Tell us about your educational background and achievements in detail?
Muhammad Imran Khan (MIK): After my early education at my hometown, Mianwali, I did MBBS from Nishtar Medical College, Multan. After graduation, I embarked on my professional career as a doctor. I did house job and also pursued post-graduation (FCPS Gastroenterology training). Then I appeared in exams for the recruitment as regular Medical Officer in Punjab Health Department conducted by the Punjab Public Service Commission. By the grace of Almighty, I got through. It was during my job and training that I decided to appear in CSS. Here again, I successfully qualified this prestigious exam in 1st attempt.
Besides being very good at studies, I have been fond of participating in various sports, especially cricket, table tennis and athletics. I also had the honour to be ‘The Best Athlete’, and also Sports Secretary of my college.
(JWT): Why did you select PSP and how did you find it better than other service groups?
(MIK): Serving as a CSP officer is always a great honour, may it be any occupational group. I think the preference for any group varies according to priorities and aptitude of aspirants. Police Service of Pakistan (PSP) is a highly-specialized group having diverse nature of functions. Its nature of work includes managerial or office work, and at the same time, it is quite adventurous, having command and control field work. It has very good prospects of promotion and career development as well.
(JWT): Did you join any academy or prepared for the exam on your own?
(MIK): I made my whole preparation while I was residing in Multan, and never joined any academy there. However, fortunately, I got opportunity of studying English grammar from Sir Aamir Bukhari. His guidance proved extremely helpful and I got very good marks in Essay and Composition papers. Mostly, I had prepared on my own.
(JWT): What would you prefer between books and notes for good preparation?
(MIK): I suggest aspirants to focus on the syllabus and equally on past papers. They should prepare all the aspects to the maximum through books, notes, internet, and finally prepare their own short but comprehensive notes. That is the key to quick revision during exam days.
(JWT): What strategy one should adopt to make a difference?
(MIK): Being highly competitive, CSS demands high score rather than just success. I think, smart work, proper time management, focused and well-planned preparation are indispensable to success. First, utilize your energy and precious time in the areas and subjects which are more rewarding, for instance, English and EDS. Secondly, while attempting paper, present the answers in well-organized and systemic way. According to my experience, this helps make a difference. Facilitate the examiner by attempting the paper neatly and coherently to score higher.
(JWT): As you know, most candidates fail English Essay, and Composition papers. What steps would you suggest for these two crucial papers?
(MIK): What I have learnt is grammatical mistakes, irrelevant material and incoherent expression are the major reasons behind this fact. To pass these papers, aspirants are advised to learn and understand basic grammar rules, consolidate their grip on these rules by actually applying them in writing. In short, write simple but correct English, convey your idea and message effectively with cohesion of thought and language.
(JWT): Who should opt psychology? How far is it true that only those having science background can perform well in this subject? What, in your opinion, are some good books and tips to score well in Psychology?
(MIK): Psychology is a safe, scoring and interesting subject. Anyone can opt it and do well, though candidates having medical background have some advantage as they are familiar with some topics of Psychology. I prepared Psychology from Feldman, Shehar Bano, and Virtual University notes. One should understand the terminologies used in psychology along with their scientific definitions and then present them in the answers. The more the scientific language is used in attempting paper, the higher the score is.
(JWT): What sort of guidance should the fresh aspirants seek for, and how do you see Jahangir’s World Times (JWT) as far as CSS exam is concerned?
(MIK): The fresh CSS aspirants need guidance regarding basic information about the exam, selection of subjects and books, preparation techniques, and attempting paper to fetch high scores. They also want comprehensive and up-to-date source of knowledge, especially for compulsory subjects. JWT is doing commendable work for CSS aspirants as it provides very useful guidance and encompasses every aspect of the examination from basic information to written part and final viva voce.
(JWT): Do you believe in luck-factor in CSS?
(MIK): There are many factors which are crucial for ensuring success in CSS, luck is one of them. But, it is not the sole determining factor. One should try one’s best, and then leave to Allah Almighty.
(JWT): Would you like to give any message for those who wish to join the CSP community?
I would say that your desire for success must be greater than your fear of failure. Though CSS is a lengthy process, it is also test of nerves. It demands commitment and consistency. Don’t lose hope at any stage. Always continue your efforts with positive attitude and dedication.
Finally, I consider my success special blessing of Almighty Allah, and I dedicate it to my parents and siblings whose countless prayers made it possible for me, and to my teachers Sir Aamir Bukhari, and Sir Abdul Rasheed whose continuous guidance and encouragement paved the way for this achievement.
