I'm an Electrical Engineer with very fine English language, grammar and debating skills, owing to my good schooling. I've had excellent grades throughout. I've always worked more intelligently instead of blind hard work with a proper guidance and course material.

1. In my optionals, I've so far selected Physics and Journalism. For the rest, I'm confused between IR+IL or US History+PA+Environmental Sciences. Which should be a better choice in terms of more marks and preferably short study time?

2. Every course has lots of books while I prefer to the point and specific study. I bought an Islamiat book from JahangirWT and started studying it. I find it good enough. Is it a good choice instead of the actual text books which are too lengthy and have a lot of unrequired things to study?

3. I plan to study 6-8 hours everyday and I've divided all my subjects into specific days which I'll cover in almost 5 months. I'd join Officers academy for guidance and to set my direction. Do they have everyday tests or a revision test session a month before actual exams? Also, how do I manage my self-study alongside it or should I change that and study according to what the academy teaches?

4. I've looked at some past papers. What kind of things should we filter out from the books? Do we really need to remember things like 14 points of Quaid word by word or would the important dates/definitions and scenario of it be enough?