In Conversation With

Rizwan Qadir

7th in Sindh, PMS 2018-19

Rapid Fire

Your inspiration	My siblings
Attempts	01
Schooling medium	Sindhi and English
Your qualification	Bachelor of Engineering
Alma mater(s)	Mehran University of Engineering & Technology, Jamshoro
Your study schedule	8-9 hours a day
Your sources	Recommended books, Foreign Affairs and JWT magazine
Your strength	Consistency
Hobbies & activities	Reading newspaper and books, and watching movies
Fave personality	Dr. Adeeb-ul-Hassan Rizvi
Fave book	‘How to Win Friends and Influence People’ by Dale Carnegie
Fave quote	“Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.” — Robert F. Kennedy
Secret of your success	Perseverance
Your role model	Sohail Ahmed (My brother)

 

Detailed Marks Sheet

Subject	Marks
Compulsory Subjects
English	77
English Essay	18
Essay in Sindhi	40
General Paper in Sindhi	72
General Knowledge	90
Optional Subjects
History of Sindhi Literature	125
Islamiat	103
International Relations	108
Total Written	633
Viva Voce	138
Grand Total	771

 

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

Rizwan Qadir (RQ): I did my matriculation from Government High School, Therhi, Khairpur Mirs. Then, I passed the intermediate examination from Superior Science College, Khairpur. Later, I earned a bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering from Mehran University of Engineering & Technology, Jamshoro.

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

RQ: No doubt, World Times magazine played a key role in my preparation for General Knowledge paper in PMS. Its articles enhanced my analytical approach towards handling difficult topics.

 

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

RQ: In order to get through compulsory papers of PMS, a candidate should do the following:

1. Read newspapers daily.
2. Collect important material from magazines like Jahangir’s World Times, The Economist, Foreign Affairs, and others.
3. Also go through research articles, especially on JSTOR.
4. Read at least two recommended books.
5. Consult the renowned websites and original source(s) for the preparation of topics
6. Go through past papers of 10 years.

 

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

RQ: Firstly, you must understand what is exactly being asked in the question. Secondly, writing organized, neat and clean answer with necessary headings is necessary. Thirdly, one should use reliable references to justify one’s point of view. Fourthly, drawing maps, giving flowcharts, etc. is also of critical importance. Lastly, you should write a paragraph containing your critical analysis of the topic prior to the conclusion.

 

JWT: How did you structure your Essay?

RQ: I believe the Essay paper plays a crucial role in deciding your success in the PMS examination. So, I made a rough draft of outlines and introduction to ensure that sentences are organized in proper manner. I ensured that arguments are clear, coherent and relevant to topic.

 

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

RQ: As I have already discussed, one must read magazines and newspapers, and must also consult past papers to comprehend the spectrum of the paper.

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

RQ: I think, instead of word limit, managing your time is important as limited time would compel you to write to the point and specific answers. Nonetheless, in my opinion, 5-6 pages for one question are enough. If one exceeds this limit, one might encroach upon the time limit of the next question. At the end, one would run out of the time.

 

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

RQ: Actually, one can get the best reading material, easily and readily, in English language. So, it would be convenient to prepare for and take the exam in it. However, if one is not comfortable with and confident in English, one should go with Urdu.

 

JWT: How one should choose Optional Subjects?

RQ: The three things which should always be given weight while selecting the optional subjects are as under:

1. One must take those subjects that appeal one’s strength and interest.
2. One must check the spectrum of the paper. Choose the subjects the syllabus for which is manageable.
3. The scoring trend must also be analysed during this process.

 

JWT: Who deserves the credit for your success?

RQ: The credit for my success goes to my family that always provided me moral and material support; to my mother who always motivated me and prayed for my success; to my brother Zeeshan who helped me in selecting optional subjects; and also to my friends Sajjad and Mehtab who also supported me in this process.

 

JWT: As interviewers usually grill the interview candidates, how did you manage the situation?

RQ: Although it was the first-ever interview of my life, I maintained a confident and composed demeanour. I made myself believe that this was the final and a game-changer event. And, if I did not perform well, I would be out of the competition. It boosted my confidence and everything went fine.

Advice for Fresh Aspirants

1. Be always optimistic about yourself!
2. Never let anyone to discourage you.
3. Find a solid reason for passing the PMS because it will never let your energies exhaust.
4. Have always faith in Allah and, after Him, in your abilities.
5. Do some physical activities (running and jogging).

My Interview Experience

It was an outstanding experience. There were four member and all were cooperating. I was confident when I entered the interview room. The interview started with a congratulation note by Chairman SPSC. Then, the panellists asked a few questions related to my bachelor’s degree. They, then, went on to ask questions in national and international issues. My interview continued for almost half an hour. In the end, it was an amazing experience.