Well it was originally posted by Nadir Chatta on "www.css.com.pk", if i m not mistaken he was the 2nd position holder of 2003 css exam. so i thought to share his thoughts and experience with u all.


"Getting into the superior services is undoubtedly a big deal because this will allow you to become the member of the elite class in Pakistan with in a matter of days i.e. as soon as the result is announced of your CSS exam you will suddenly be somebody out of nobody. People will show more respect and a greater degree of understanding. You might even get phone calls from distant relatives whom you may have met only on family weddings or funerals. Well, why not. People should call and you should also feel special because some years down the line you will be making decisions for a country that was established some 55 years ago as a result of great sacrifices. In other words you will be carrying the beacon forward to the future which was passed on to you by your elders starting from Muhammed Ali Jinnah, Allama Iqbal, and Syed Ahmed Khan.

So go ahead and become one of those who will take this country well in to the 21st century. Become a part of the change. Become the force behind development. Become the person who will direct the industry, finance, agriculture, social services, healthcare service, community planning, and so forth. Become a civil servant. So far so good.

But there is a catch. You cannot be a part of all what I said in the last two paragraphs unless one hurdle is crossed. You have to pass the Central Superior Services’ exam. Commonly known as the CSS, this exam is one of the most difficult tests of endurance, consistency, attitude, and maturity. However, contrary to the commonly held belief, you do not have to be a Abdul Kader Khan to pass CSS. Your intellect level shall equal that of Mr. Ramzan Ulfat Ali Usman i.e., average.

Those who have met young officers in DMG, PSP, CEG, and foreign services and have taken advice from them regarding CSS exam might have noticed two things. One, an impression might have been portrayed that CSS is an Everest and only “they” can pass it. Two, CSS can be done in as less a period as only three months supported by a strong conceptual background and an immense grasp over general knowledge.

Well this is half the truth because for some reason successful civil servants are not too keen to share their true experience. Maybe this has to do something with our societal structure because we generally do not want to be honest to others. Only siblings and a best friend might give you the truth: cousins and referrals are not reliable at all because they do not have a direct interest in your success.

To cut it short, CSS is not that big a deal and anyone who works hard can do it. All it requires is the right advice blended with the right amount of effort and luck. Effort and luck totally depends upon you but what others can do is give you the right advice. What is meant by the word “right advice” is that you should have a precise idea about the correct subjects to choose, how many books to read, which one’s to read, what relevant chapters to read, how to make notes, and most of all how to retain and reproduce what you have read.

Hence, if you have the right advice, from the right people, the right preparation, at the right time, and the right study material, there is no doubt that you cannot become a civil servant."

Nadir Chatta,2nd Position,CSS Exam 2003,DMG Gorup

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Sohail Ahmad

"People demand freedom of speech to make up for the freedom of thought which they avoid. " (Soren Aabye Kierkegaard)