Originally Posted by bkcynical

My academic background is engineering. However, I've been interested in philosophy, psychology, literature, poetry, art and music since childhood. I often see people seeking advice on optional subjects, which would turn out to be easier and scoring. Some people rely completely on opinions, or choose subjects because they lack interest in the other ones in the group.



Personally I don't want to seek anyone's advice, but that sounds very hubris. I just need a discussion, enlightenment. The conflict is that, sometimes I even wonder why should I opt for Political Science or IR, if I could also choose Physics. My academic background with Physics is intermediate, but I've always studied it with great interest. When I look at the syllabus, I know most of the topics and always find it easy to explain physics to any other person. But then I'm worried about the risk, some people say you can't go for physics with the intermediate level. Don't let the risk ruin your chances.



Even if I let Physics aside.. The problem is, some people take Political Science out of either interest or because they don't like history, hence they don't pick IR. My conflict is, both of them interest me at some place. The reason for that, I've already studied Plato, Socrates, and others listed in the syllabus. I know that's only one segment of the syllabus. On the other hand, I don't find anything unappealing in IR either, I've always been curious about history and wars in particular.



Furthermore, keeping in my current academic status i-e civil engg.. I don't want to opt for Public Admin, trust me I saw past papers and syllabus it seemed do-able but an inner conscience stops me from not taking Town Planning, that wouldn't be justified because I've the technical, academic background for it and rather I should make it my strength. But again the risk, if its the right move or not. I've studied Transportation Engineering and Town Planning in my university, I've the technical understanding of the concepts and principles of the subject. I believe if I choose it and with proper line of direction, It would be a good choice. BUT, Public Admin appears to me more easier.



It seems to be a popular opinion not to choose Indo-Pak because of the lengthy syllabus and what not. US History, European History are suggested. My conflict is, if anyone ever in the history chose Indo-Pak and scored good, why can't I? Even though I've no issue with US History, it seems I'll just go for this one. But I want to know your opinion.



Talking about gender studies. I'm not a feminist, or lets say I don't fancy the current wave of feminism, I think they are a group of purposeless elite classes addressing the wrong issues. But It seems do-able, because I understand there are issues which exist, and I'm actively following the feminist issues on youtube, facebook etc and often get into discussions with a few friends as well. BUT, WHAT ABOUT ENGLISH LITERATURE? I've spent half of my childhood into this subject. I've already read 80 pc of the authors, books which are mentioned into the syllabus.



Now, we are coming to the crux of the situation.

I've no background in law, but so do many other aspirants, who cares. A friend of mine read criminology on google and she passed CSS. Don't think it would be a crisis if I choose criminology or any other law-related subject but what wakes me up nights is, philosophy. I took a past paper and I could solve most of it, except Muslim philosophers, and even relate to the questions with relevant philosophers and their references. But it's very subjective, what if the examiner has no common ground with my opinions, he'll fail me. What should I do?



Similarly, sociology is a good subject, its easy to me and I've read a little bit during college days. Problem is, I've also read abnormal psychology on my own. I follow tons of psychology channels on youtube, facebook and read different authors and their literature. Now I've interest and capability for both, hence the confusion.



Moreover, I want to know if books are necessary. Can I not rely on research papers, scholar articles and what not. Internet is more widespread and resourceful. Problem is, I don't know what books are good for these css subjects. I'm just 20 yr old xD.