1. Opt for subjects that you have a HIGH apptitude for.Go through the last ten years to help you decide.

2. Practice writing on blank sheets.You'll be given these at the time of the
exam.

3.Preparing notes well in time is a good idea but arranging for already prepared notes is an even better one.

4. Candidates are advised to reserve the last TWO months for revision only,if they hope to sustain any information.

5. Current Affairs should be the last subject prepared.However,this doesn't mean that you become oblivious to it and casually toss the dailys aside.In other words,scanning NEWSPAPERS everyday should become a second nature to you.If pressed on time,issues later than the second last month can be safely ignored as the question papers are prepared atleast a month before the actual exam.The recommended dailies are DAWN and the FRIDAY TIMES.Develop a command over the issues in them cause the latest trend is current affairs oriented papers.Classical examples of this can be seen in the PAKISTAN AFFAIRS,ESSAY,and ISLAMIAT papers of 2005 pasted on another thread.

6.Don't overburden your self with books and material.I know of a batchmate who did and ended up exhausting all three attempts due to this.

7. For the recommended books on the compulsories and optionals,refer to the thread concerned with the issue.

8. Never ignore the last year's paper in this case 2005's papers.Most of the times the MCQ'S,and sometimes the DESCRIPTIVE questions are repeated to test one's indepth knowledge.

9. CSS is all a game of nerves so don't loose them.Take enough sleep but don't loose focus during your preparation and specially during the exams.

10. The exam lasts for maximum 3 hours,with exception to disabled candidates who get extra 15 minutes.DIVIDING and ALLOCATING your time to each question well in advance will be a good idea.Reserve 15 minutes for revision and unexpected disturbances.

11. At the commencement of each exam,devote the first FIVE minutes to read the question paper carefully and completely.Make your choices pragmatically.

12. At times the question is cunningly divided in 2,3 and even 4 parts,sometimes to test your knowledge and at others,just your nerves. Marks are reserved for each part of the question so ensure that you know the answer to each part before you select a question.

E.g: "What are POLITICAL PARTIES?Discuss various theories on their origin and elucidate their functions.Do you think the political parties in Pakistan are loyal to their constitutions?

13. "Basically educational in character,the Aligarh Movement was not devoid of political objectives". Discuss.
This type of question is called a JUSTIFICATION.It must be divided into 2 parts.The first providing data in support of it's being EDUCATIONAL in character and the second OPINING with SOLID arguments whether the Aligarh Movement was political or not.

14. A CSS candidate's answers are expected to depict more QUALITY than QUANTITY.Your answers should be well worded and written neatly but with the minimum possible margin between lines.The examiner can always see through an attempt to use extensive space and this might be encouraged in INTERMEDIATE but not CSS.

15. Avoid any political leanings in your answers.It's best to agree with your examiner unless you have strong arguments to support your case.But don't disagree just to prove your potence. Your delibarations should be mature.

16. Last but not the least,with the exception to the ESSAY paper,your answers should ideally confirm to the following chronological order:

(a)----- INTRODUCTION
(In a few terse lines,it should contain an answer to the question asked

(b)-----EXPLANATION
(Witholds the main body of the answer.The answer proceeding the explanation paragraph should be divided into subheadings,the more the merrier but must hold relevance)

(c)-----CRITICISM/APPRAISAL/CRITICAL ANALYSIS/CANDIDATES OPINION
(Justify here whether you agree or disagree,your observations and suggestions on the topic)
E.g:Whether the Devolution Plan is a success or failure.If failure,why...if successful then why again...Suggest measures to improve it also.This will reveal mature mental processes)

(d)-----CONCLUSION
(Make logical dedutions and close your question here)


NT:This is a feeble attempt to share my observations with you as i made them during the CSS exam and certainly not an exhaustive list of rules to remember.Any addition will be appreciated.

Regards