I have started this thread to share my experience regarding CSS exam. ALHAMDULILLAH, I have cleared it for the second time in my three attempts. During all my attempts, what I observed was uncertainties and surprises. CSS is an exam of nerves, it really exhausts you and demands a lot of patience due to its lengthy process. After a long wait, when result is not as expected especially after putting so much effort, obviously it hurts a lot. Although, it requires hard work, determination, commitment, patience and what not to secure a good position in this exam but at the same time, there are somethings which are not in our control. Some of these are ALLAH's will and Luck. These two things are very important along with hard work for success.

To start with, I appeared in CSS for the first time in 2008 with 3 months preparation along with a job at a bank. Before this, I didn't know ABC of CSS. Although, it was a naive attempt but I put in my best and qualified the written. But unfortunately, a thing 'scoring trend' threw me out of the race. I appeared for the second time in 2010 with much better preparation. This time I was sure about my success and gave my CSS books / notes to other aspirants because I thought I would not be needing them now! But, again this time essay paper sealed my fate. Thus, despite scoring very good marks in written, everything was multiplied by zero. I did not intend to go for the third attempt after this failure but my family and friends mustered up my courage to give it an other try. So, I made up my mind in December 2010 to reappear when few days were remaining to apply for the exam. I was not well prepared, did not have any books/notes (because I already had given them to other aspirants). So, I appeared on the basis of experience gained from previous attempts! This time I got what I deserved!

I have made a DMC taking out best scores from my three attempts!!!

Essay: 47 (2008)
Precis: 78 (2010)
EDS: 75 (2008)
CA: 69 (2011)
PA: 53 (2011)
Islamiat: 64 (2008)

IR: 61 (2010)
Sociology: 76 (2010)
Journalism: 64 (2010)
Punjabi: 81 (2010)
Arabic: 153 (2010)

Total: 821
Viva: 203 (2011)

Grand Total: 1024

This shows that one cannot be perfect at one time. Sometimes, things go in your way and next time same thing with a better performance may not go in your way. This is where luck plays its part which is as equally important in CSS as any other thing. (If things had gone my way and I had obtained above marks in one particular year, I would have been topper and record holder for highest ever marks in CSS )

What I want to convey to aspirants is to never lose hope. Nothing is impossible if you are determined and consistent. Also, hard work should be accompanied with smart work. Aspirants should know what to read and what not to read, how to make maximum out of short period of time, how to attempt paper, how to make presentation attractive to fetch maximum marks. Make a strategy for each paper by looking at the past papers. Make points which may help them in revision during exams. Examiner is not much concerned about one's hard work of one year or more, he/she is only concerned what one has produced on pieces of sheets in 3 hours. CSS is full of uncertainties and surprises. If one is not successful in the first attempt, keep trying with same zeal and zest and INSHALLAH you will find yourself successful one day.

Having said all this, remember ALLAH is the best planner. HE surely does what is best for us. Despite all hard work, smart work and other things, if result is not in your favour, surely HE will have better plans for your future. It is HIS will which Will win in every matter of our life.

May ALLAH bless you all with splendid success in all exams of your lives!
JAZAKALLAH!