It's an interesting question, rather a series of questions. Many newcomers inquire about time-space framework during their preparation phase. The answers to these most commonly asked quereies are, as far as I believe, as follows:

1-It's is very much possible that you pass rather excel in CSS and any other field in your first try if you have following ingredients which are considered as prerequisites:

*--- A clear aim in mind what are you going to do and how can it be achieved.

*--- A love, dedication, and craziness for your cause and goal post, i.e. css in this case.

*--- A firm and full-time commitment to css and denial of all other pleasures during the time period when you get into the preparation phase.

*--- A masterplan of exams preparation based on clear, sincere and correct guideline. It means finer details and all nuts and bolts.

*--- A workaholic spirit. A thirst, an unquenchable thirst for knowledge.

*--- A cooperative family and circle of friends.

*--- Avoidance of all discouragers, rumour-mongers, and jealous-of-bureaucracy type folks.

*--- Prayers of all your well-wishers, especially yours own and of your parents.

*--- As much extensive reading as one can do.

*--- A smart plan of the exam-preparation. Including at least three revisions.

*--- A thorough and deep understanding of all your subjects.

*--- Excellent communication skills, public relationing, a confident and humble personality and no arrogance at all.

*----Knowledge of all technologies (I mean tricks) of attempting written papers. It is extremely important besides full preparation of subjects and excellent grasp of your subjects.
Remember, the transfering of knowledge on the paper is an art and you must master it as well for a successful going.

*--- A firm grip on English languge as it is the key to success if you want to excel it.If you have a beauty of expression, a diligent insight into the subject matter and know the intricacies of communicating your knowledge to others , you can control and command the brain of the examiner.

*---Please stay away from those who discourage and those who may be appropriately termed as envious of css and rabble-rousers.

*--- Keep yourself upto date in all matters relating CSS. Don't be discouraged at any stage.

*---- As far as timings, it varies and depends on your abilities and preparation level. As a rule of thumb,it fluctuates between 8-15 hours a day.
There are times when you are fully energetic and put a lot of time into this business and sometimes you are exhaust and don't spend much time. But the golden rule is that do as much as you can absorb and reproduce well and beautifully. Don't do donkey work just to keep yourself satisfied that you are doing a great job.

*--- Just one month before the exams you need to through all your energy into the engine and give a nitro-boost. For this you must save your energy and the graph of daily time spent on studies should take-off slowly. If you spend a major chunk of your fuel in the previous month, you will be exhaust and soon feel feeble near the exams. But if you are taking off slowly near the exams just two months befor their starting, you will feel rejuvenated just before the exams.

*---- You must need not be voracious for as many books and bundle of notes. Just get some good material and try to have a full command.

(Asim Ali Khan---FSP)