Opting for English Literature as an optional for CSS is always a tricky decision. Agreeing with Tassawur, a lot many people who had strong English literature background didnot opt for it in the CSS. The trend of low/high scoring has badly influenced selection of this subject.

Agreeing with mangat1, there are still some hardcore admirers of English Literature, who negating all the facts and figures and common perception, dare to opt it. I have been one of such. In my view, English literature is a subject worthy to be selected only if the person has thorough knowledge of not only the prescribed literature but also the overall subject. In contrast to the true spirit of English Literature, most of the objectives (that hold 40 marks) are about remebering dates, which for a student of literature is a tough work to do.

I have been in contact with a number of CSS aspirants who have, just like me, despite all risks, decided to opt English Literature in CSS 2013 and 2014. I encourage them. For interest of those aspirants who are interested in English Literature, my score in CE 2010 (without any preparation) was 118 and in CE 2011 (with least preparation) was 128.

At the end of the day, the decision rests upon you. Keep in mind all the risks and precedents, your own aptitude and understanding for this subject, before making a decision. All the very best.

Regards

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Conscious does make cowards of us all...