• CSS is such a difficult exam which can’t be passed by an ordinary student
• CSS process is not transparent and some references work particularly in interview or allocation
• Many misconceptions exist regarding subject selection, specifically scoring-non scoring phenomenon
• At least one year is required for the preparation of css
• It is impossible in first attempt
• 14-16 hours continuous studies is required
• Multiple views exist about joining/not joining academies
• Isolation is required to concentrate

The above mentioned thoughts generally exist in the minds of beginners, but the reality things are different.

• There are many examples of csps who remained ordinary students in their academic career. It is a different exam in which different abilities are assessed, which can be present in an ordinary student.
• As per my personal experience, I know many students including myself who don’t have strong references even to get into a government job, but they qualify this exam. No reference work at any stage during the whole process, everything is systematic, though a few inefficiencies do exist as far as speed is concern, but otherwise this is a transparent process.
• Always follow your heart and mind while selecting subjects, but after thorough analysis. Prefer your interest level, background studies, ability to focus on particular subject, Ability to write effectively in a subject you are selecting, so that if any general question comes in the paper, you would be able to reproduce a reasonable answer. As far as scoring/non-scoring trend is concerned, it is a psychological factor that a less-scoring subject can’t be opted easily but this is something uncontrollable, so focus should remain on the aspects that are handy.
• The duration of preparation varies from person to person, few do it in 1 month, others may take 2 years to prepare, but for an average student, css is doable in 5-6 months (If one starts from scratch).
• Css is practical and manageable in the first attempt easily, many people say that one should give first attempt for getting an idea and then should appear as a serious candidate, but no one should waste any of the attempts in this process.
• Study hours can’t be generalized, as some students have sharp mind and they get the things quickly, others are slow learners, so always set your study hours according to your own way, relaxation hours are also crucial for having a balanced schedule.
• Academies play an important role as they provide a competitive environment, motivation, assessments are helpful for knowing one’s abilities, you meet with csps and get an ideal to follow, they tell you the importance of passing this exam including inspirational lectures, so if one gets opportunity, he/she must join academies, but on the other hand, it shouldn’t be assumed that without academies, success is not possible. Use forums, meet csps, experts, who can play the role of academies, but never rely on unauthentic sources of information. Taking guidance is very important to plan your strategy.
• Isolation is not required at all; you have to consult people, with everyday conversations even you learn so many things, so never assume that closed-door studies will help alone. Plan everything systematically, try to meet people from whom you will get some knowledge this kind of indirect/secondary knowledge will help you a lot while attempting paper and during interviews.

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what humbugs we r,who pretend to live for beauty and never see the dawn :)