AoA,

InshaAllah i will be starting this September, 5th Semester of BS Accounting & Finance from NUST. After passing FSC, i made my goal to pass a CSS competitive exam. As i have two years left till graduation, and soon after my graduation i will apply for CSS exam for the first attempt. I just need a advice on how should i start preparing myself mentally for this Exam from now, keeping in mind of tough routine of NUST Business School. I will be very grateful if anyone (qualified) gives me a serious advice because i am very much determined towards my goal.

P.s I know all basics of CSS Exam which a beginner should know.

Here is what you need to do: Download CSS syllabus from the FPSC website. Go through the topics of Current Affairs and Pak Affairs. Start reading DAWN, and other good newspaper/magazines daily keeping in mind the syllabus of PA and CA. Only read stuff that is relevant to the syllabus. Then start writing daily, it could be a paragraph or a small essay on any topic you like related to CA or PA. Try to get it checked from an English teacher at NBS or any other department at NUST. Slowly increase the length and try to reach 3000-word essay length by the time you graduate. If you do these two things daily (reading newspaper and writing) your 60% preparation (that is English and General Knowlege) will be done by the time you graduate.

Now you have an added advantage, which is your degree. You can easily opt for 200 marks accounting paper. Look at its syllabus and try to fully prepare it before you graduate. The topper of 2017 opted for accounting.

If you follow the above guidelines then you will be done with almost 70% of your prep. The rest of 30% is learning how to write an essay as desired by CSS examiners and preparing for the remaining subjects. Best of Luck.

Also if you can then stop watching movies and seasons, instead start reading quality books related to History of Pakistan, International Relations, biographies, etc. For example books like Why Nations Fail, Making of Terrorism in Pakistan, etc. Making this a habit will have huge benefits not only in CSS but also in any other career you may choose in life.

Thank you Sir for your time and advice, and InshaAllah i will try to develop such habits from today. Please pray for me that i stay focused till my exam and become a civil servant and serve my nation.