CSS Forums - Need Assistance and Guidance

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Need Assistance and Guidance

AOA,
Hello Eveyone,

This is Hani Iqbal, I have done my MBA in Marketing with a CGPA of 3.80, Currently i am working at the State Bank of Pakistan as a grade-17 officer and i am also a CSS aspirant as it has been a long time ambition to become a CSP and join the Foreign Services Group.
However, it is pertinent to mention that I belong to Karachi, where you rarely find people going for Government jobs, hence, i am finding it very difficult to get proper guidance on how to prepare, from where to prepare and how to attempt the paper.
I have been going through different threads on this forum but there are quite contrasting opinions which in turn become quite confusing.

I want to use this forum as a medium of proper guidance, and since i haven't got much time left as i am already 26 and have a couple of attempts left, its time to get serious.

There are some queries to which i need answers from people who have actually been able to clear the test(CSPs):

1) Is it possible to prepare for CSS being on job as i have already mentioned?

2) Also, i am not planning to join any academy. is that ok?

3) I think I have good command over english language, also, i have been an editor for my college magazine but i have a really pathetic handwriting although i can write pretty fast, so how do you guys evaluate this?

4) Kindly suggest atleast 2 books each for compulsory subjects which would be good enough for preparation, for some subjects where there are no prescribed books kindly suggest reading material

5) I have shortlisted these as my optional subjects:
-Muslim Law & Jurisprudence
-Business Administration
-Indo-Pak History
-Sociology
-Journalism
-International Relations
Are these subjects scoring, also, I have never studied sociology or journalism.

6) Kindly suggest atleast 2 books each for the aforementioned optional subjects.

7) I have a total commerce background and have never studied Physics, Chemistry, etc. So what should be the strategy with Everyday Science and i have also heard that its a very high scoring subject.

I guess that is enough for now, looking forward to a positive response.

Regards
HANI

It has been 3-4 days since i posted the above thread, but I wonder if the queries put forward by me were so difficult or redundant that nobody has bothered to reply.
I thought this forum provides assistance or is there a special criteria on which replies are given???

w salam
i am not an expert not much experience.............but ans ur query
according to my point of view.........job ka sath css ho sakta ha.........thori effort extra karni parti ha..........but if it is ur aim then i think no pro..........u can surly do it with job........best of luck
ur second question about accedmy.............if u think that u have ample knowledge and capability that u can understand the sub and do it then dont join it.............but if u think u cant do and u cant make ur routine then go for any good accedmy.........it is beneficial.............as u r doing job so i dont think u have so much time that u spare for accedmy..............rest u can think
3 question about writing..........likha huwa samhaj ana chaye...........ap writing competion main nahi ja rahi..........so i think it is not a big pro according to my point of view.........jo kuch likha ha woh samhaj ana chaye bas
books recomedation...........abhi main khud book select karna ki stage sa guzar rahi hon..............so cant ans ur this question
best of luck
regards

@ Miss. Very Special: Thankyou for your help
Btw are you planning to to give an attempt in 2012 or 2013?

@ Mr. Usman Cheema: Thankyou brother and i got the sarcasm :happy:

[QUOTE=hani.idgaf;312756]
@ Mr. Usman Cheema: Thankyou brother and i got the sarcasm :happy:[/QUOTE]

Not at all brother I didn't meant that. No hard feelings please. Here are the answers of your questions to the best of my knowledge:

1) It is little difficult to manage the studies with the job but you can do it with a little more effort. In my opinion if you are able to give 4 hours per day to your studies from now on your job will be done.
2) Joining an academy is not necessary for preparation infact according to most of the seniors preparation on your own is much better option.
3) Handwriting should be clear enough for reading. And speed is a real blessing believe me in CSS.
4) Regarding books follow the link:
[url]http://www.cssforum.com.pk/beginners-guide/frequently-asked-questions/books-suggestions/3582-books-compulsory-subjects.html[/url]
5) Among the subjects which you have short listed I have reservation on International Relations, it is not much scoring and you will have to cover a lot of things. Moreover journalism is going through a hard phase since last two years in terms of scoring. My suggestion is to give a look at International law and Mercantile law, I think they will suit you. Sociology is a very general and scoring subject and can be manged easily even if one does not have bachground in it.
6) Regarding books follow this link:
[url]http://www.cssforum.com.pk/beginners-guide/frequently-asked-questions/books-suggestions/11723-books-optional-subjects.html[/url]
7) No worries EDS includes only basic knowledge of sciences, and is very easy to handle. If prepared well can fetch very good marks.
For anyother query feel free to ask brother.

Cheers and best regards,

[QUOTE=hani.idgaf;311163]AOA,
Hello Eveyone,

This is Hani Iqbal, I have done my MBA in Marketing with a CGPA of 3.80, Currently i am working at the State Bank of Pakistan as a grade-17 officer and i am also a CSS aspirant as it has been a long time ambition to become a CSP and join the Foreign Services Group.
HANI[/QUOTE]
Welcome.
[QUOTE=hani.idgaf;311163]
However, it is pertinent to mention that I belong to Karachi, where you rarely find people going for Government jobs, hence, i am finding it very difficult to get proper guidance on how to prepare, from where to prepare and how to attempt the paper. HANI[/QUOTE]

I don't know much about urdu speaking people but most of the sindhis, reside at karachi,willing to go for government jobs rather than private.
As far your query of attempting the paper is concerned, there are various methods.
For Instance, In some papers you will have to mention headings,sub headings while in essay writing except outline you need not to mention any heading in the body of the essay.

[QUOTE=hani.idgaf;311163]
I have been going through different threads on this forum but there are quite contrasting opinions which in turn become quite confusing.

I want to use this forum as a medium of proper guidance, and since i haven't got much time left as i am already 26 and have a couple of attempts left, its time to get serious.

There are some queries to which i need answers from people who have actually been able to clear the test(CSPs):

1) Is it possible to prepare for CSS being on job as i have already mentioned?

2) Also, i am not planning to join any academy. is that ok?

3) I think I have good command over english language, also, i have been an editor for my college magazine but i have a really pathetic handwriting although i can write pretty fast, so how do you guys evaluate this?

4) Kindly suggest atleast 2 books each for compulsory subjects which would be good enough for preparation, for some subjects where there are no prescribed books kindly suggest reading material
HANI[/QUOTE]

Essay (dawn newspaper, jahangirs essay book,net etc)
Composition (Exploring the world of English ,micheal swan, paragraphs by sohail bhatti)

Pak Affairs ( Ikram Rabbani and Sohail bhati)

C A ( Contemporary Affairs and English newspapers)

Everyday science( Dr samo and kashmiri)

Islamiat ( Towards Islamiat by s m dogar and Islam at glance by Islahi)

[QUOTE=hani.idgaf;311163]

5) I have shortlisted these as my optional subjects:
-Muslim Law & Jurisprudence
-Business Administration
-Indo-Pak History
-Sociology
-Journalism
-International Relations
Are these subjects scoring, also, I have never studied sociology or journalism.

6) Kindly suggest atleast 2 books each for the aforementioned optional subjects.

7) I have a total commerce background and have never studied Physics, Chemistry, etc. So what should be the strategy with Everyday Science and i have also heard that its a very high scoring subject.

I guess that is enough for now, looking forward to a positive response.

Regards
HANI[/QUOTE]

INDO PAK ( I H QURESHI AND K ALI BOTH VOLUMES)

Journalism ( Imtiaz shahid mass communication and A to Z journalism)

International Relations ( Hameed akhond and parkash chandar)

Everyday science will be quite easy for you as you have mentioned that you do have background of science.
You can also use your previous science buks or notes in order to acquire gud command over this subject.

Best of luck

[QUOTE=hani.idgaf;311163]

1) Is it possible to prepare for CSS being on job as i have already mentioned?

[/QUOTE]

[B]Ofcourse you can, many of the forum members are doing this practise. and many of the CSP cleared their exam while doing another jobs. just make your proper time table for studies, it is easy to do that if you had proper planning. [/B]

[QUOTE=hani.idgaf;311163]
2) Also, i am not planning to join any academy. is that ok?
[/QUOTE]

[B]Academy would not feed any student with spoon, they will only provide a guidence for study, but if you think you had ability to do it by yourself then you dint need any academy, [B][COLOR="Indigo"]by the way i think academy will only loss your time, beacuse you are doing job, and if after job timings you will suppose to go to academy, then you woudnt got any time for self study[/B].[/B[/COLOR]]

3) [QUOTE=hani.idgaf;311163]I think I have good command over english language, also, i have been an editor for my college magazine but i have a really pathetic handwriting although i can write pretty fast, so how do you guys evaluate this?
[/QUOTE]

[B]Profeciency in english is basic factor for CSS examination. [/B]

[QUOTE=hani.idgaf;311163]
4) Kindly suggest atleast 2 books each for compulsory subjects which would be good enough for preparation, for some subjects where there are no prescribed books kindly suggest reading material

[/QUOTE]

[B]visit the book suggetion section, link given below

[url=http://www.cssforum.com.pk/beginners-guide/frequently-asked-questions/books-suggestions/]Books Suggestions - CSS Forums[/url][/B]

[QUOTE=hani.idgaf;311163]
5) I have shortlisted these as my optional subjects:
-Muslim Law & Jurisprudence
-Business Administration
-Indo-Pak History
-Sociology
-Journalism
-International Relations
Are these subjects scoring, also, I have never studied sociology or journalism.

[/QUOTE]

[B]there isnt any funda of scoring and non scoring subject, so just choose those subjects which suits your knowledge, and ability to deal with the subject.[/B]

[QUOTE=hani.idgaf;311163]
6) Kindly suggest atleast 2 books each for the aforementioned optional subjects.
[/QUOTE]

[B]visit the link[/B]
[url=http://www.cssforum.com.pk/beginners-guide/frequently-asked-questions/books-suggestions/]Books Suggestions - CSS Forums[/url]

[QUOTE=hani.idgaf;311163]
7) I have a total commerce background and have never studied Physics, Chemistry, etc. So what should be the strategy with Everyday Science and i have also heard that its a very high scoring subject.
[/QUOTE]

[B]it is not about core physics and chmistry, EDS is a having slight touch of all informative and basic knowledge off all those kind of science subjects, so dont be panic. just start your study you will find it very easy[/B]

AOA
i am planing for 2012
regards

[QUOTE=hani.idgaf;311163]AOA,

5) I have shortlisted these as my optional subjects:
-Muslim Law & Jurisprudence
-Business Administration
-Indo-Pak History
-Sociology
-Journalism
-International Relations
Are these subjects scoring, also, I have never studied sociology or journalism.[/QUOTE]

Wa Salaam

If you have good knowledge of World/Current affairs then opt International Relations other wise consider any regional language or International law instead of IR. And Indo Pak history is not a good option, its syllabus is lengthy and its not a scoring subject, consider Psychology instead of Indo-Pak history.
Do not worry, sociology and journalism, both are easy and can be prepared without any background knowledge.

[QUOTE=hani.idgaf;312692]It has been 3-4 days since i posted the above thread, but I wonder if the queries put forward by me were so difficult or redundant that nobody has bothered to reply.
I thought this forum provides assistance or is there a special criteria on which replies are given???[/QUOTE]

[B][SIZE="3"]Essay; [/SIZE][/B]

U should prepare top ten Essays. Recent package of Sir zahoor + other important essays relating to current affairs. Prepare another 5 essays. So ur total essay will b 15. Also study guideline of Sir HOW TO ATTEMPT ESSAY IN EXAMINATION HALL.
Inshallah u will qualify essay paper.

Method of choosing Esay Topic;

1. Study paper for 10 mints.
2. Select easy topic.
3. Make outline in 2o mints at the end of paper sheet.
4. Choose topic from current issues.
5. Add statics where u can add.
6. Becarefull in writing introduction and conclusion, Give 15 mints each, Write other essay body in remaining time.

[B][SIZE="3"]Composition.[/SIZE][/B]

Solve precies of Previous years rom 1971. Also study comprehension of previous papers. Cram pairs and ideoms of previous papers. Study narration and voices MAID EASY by Prof. Afzal Mufti. Also Study Pairsd, Ideoms And Correction of F.A and B.A level. For Expansion of Idea, U study Sun Dry Reflections by Prof Manzoor Mirza. Cram All Short essays, u can leave sum topics like literary tpes.
By doing this Inshallah u will Pass composition paper.

Method of Attempting;

1. First attempt grammar portion. Which can not attempt leave place for that and attempt it in the end. In vocabulary first u mark with lead pencil on computr sheet and then check it, then fill the box with marker. While filling the box u check ur breathe so u fill box accurately. Time for vocabulary will b 10 mints. U should solve Other grammar portion in 20 mints.
2. Then attempt expansion of idea. Time u spend for it should b 30 mints.
3. Then solve comprehension. Time for it u spend 45 mints
4. Then solve precies in 5o mints

In remaining time u will study paper and correct ur mistakes.

[SIZE="3"][B]Pakistan Affairs;[/B][/SIZE]

Study previous papers of pakistan affairs from CSS Guide by Doger Unique. Make alist of questions. Almost there will b 20 to 30 questions which will cover Indo-pak 11 and Pak Affairs. U dont worry about, as its score remained around 50. So u more concentrate on EDS and Islamiat in options, Score in other compulsory subjects will depend on ur luck.

Study Top 20 Questions by Afshan Manzoor CSP.

Also study objective book of any publisher.

Method of attempt;

1. Study paper in 10 mints and choose questions u want to attempt. Decide the arrangement of four questions which u will attempt. Also write time on question paper on respective question. Dont give time of one question to other.
2. Try to choose easy and clear questions.
3. Make graphics.
4. Attempt current affairs question in priority.
5. Do practice in writting on white paper. Give proper space in between lines and in between words so it will easy in study.
6. Give 5 mints for study whole paper and correct ur mistakes.
7. Make short outline of question at the end of sheet and then elaborate it.

[B][SIZE="3"]Current Affairs;[/SIZE][/B]

Ur marks r good in this paper. So u dont worry about it. Only study Dawn. Also study Previous papers from 1971 to pick an idwea how to attempt question from CSS Guide by Doger Unique.

Method of Attempt is same as in Pak Affairs.

Study objective book of Imtiaz Shahid on current affairs. Cram lanuages, currency,capitals of counteries which is given at the end of a DIARY.

[B][SIZE="3"]Islamiat;[/SIZE][/B]

Dr Sohail Bhatti book is good. U also purchase it.
U study those material for it which i mention in my post on forum about Islamiat. I got 74 marks in this paper.

Method of Attempt;

1. Dont choose controversial question.

2. Make a short outline at the end of sheet of question which u want to attempt, then elaborate that key in respective time.

3. Give 10 mints in choosing of questions. Write order of attempting questions on paper and also write time on question paper on related question.

4.Make graphics.

5. In this paper, u will attempt 5 questions., remember this thing as u normally attempt 4 questions in other papers.

6. It is not essential u write more and more ayats of Quran and Sunnah. If u can write it is good. I wrote only one Ahadis and one Qurani Ayat in whole paper and Alhamdulillah good score in this paper.

7. Write clearly, give proper space in between lines and words.

8. Dont write controversial things in answer

9. Dont favour or criticise any sect.

10. Try to attempt current affairs questions.

11. Prepare objective portion.

[B][SIZE="3"]EDS;[/SIZE][/B]

While attempting objective portion, first u tick box with lead pencil and check them again. Tick the related box on answer sheet according to question paper. At the end u will fill box with marker

Tips about diagrams and statistics
When u see aquestion, u will observr that it is possible to make any diagram, graphics. e.g;

If question is about pak and afghan relations, In this situation, u will make the graphics of pak and afghanistan.

If question is about middle east, form ghraphics of countries of middle east.

If question is about CARS, form graphics of these counties.

Potential of central Asian states? in this q u write statics in this way,

Oil; 20 billon barrel initajikistan
gas ; u can write any aprox. amount

coal; 79 tonns

It is not essential u will write accurate statics. U write only aprox. statics

Take another example i attempted essay on pak war on terror and its impact on our psyche , socio-economic , polictcal front.
in this essay i wrote figures

social front.

poverty increasd by 30%. This 30% is statistics

Crime increased by 20 %
Economic front

35 bn doller fly to abroad as aresult of terrorism

mention aprox. population of country in respective question
__________________

1.Make diagram, graphics whereevere it is possible.

2. Write statistics where it is possible

3. Use headings and sub- headings

4. Use pen instead of ballpoint in paper.

5.Writing of headings and sub-headings should b different from main stuff.

6. Give some space between Heading and start of paragraph.

7. u should cram objectives of all papers. Take objective question very seriously. Only objective question will raise ur score from 40 to 50 marks. It is essential to gain at least 16 marks out of 20 marks.

In EDS, u should score 40 out of 50 marks in objective question.

8. Now u follow this technique:

9. U should give proper time to each question in paper. Divide the time according to each question. Let say there r 4 subjective questions and one objective.

U divide the time in this way;

Total time 180 mints

Time to select questions which u solve 10 mints

Time to revise paper at the end 5 mints

Time for objective 30 mints

Time for each subjective question 33 mints

So time for one subjective question is 33 mints. U futher divide this time in this way, 28 + 5

U make a short outline just like essay paper at the end of answer sheet for each question. 5 mints time u will give to make this short outline. By doing this ur hand and nerves will take a short rest during making short outline.

U have only 28 mints to write. During this time u can only write planned material.

Write relevant material. B careful in this regard. IF u took 17 marks in one question, 10 in 2nd, 8 in 3rd and 6 marks in 4th question. In final u got 41 marks. It is not a good approach.

U follow this technique,

U took 15 marks in first one, 13 in 2nd, 11 in 3rd and 10 in 4th one, u got 49 marks. So dont give time of one question to other.

@ Mr. Chaudhry: Thank you brother
@ Mr. Ijaz Gill: Thank you so much brother for taking some time out of your busy schedule and helping us out. You have been of immense help, can't thank you enough. Also, kindly suggest the books or the reading material you went through while preparing for the compulsory subjects and do you know of any good teachers in KARACHI for Essay preparation?

Inconvenience caused, if any, is regretted.

Thanks again & regards
HANI

The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who can't read them.
- Mark Twain

@ Mr. Ijaz Gill: Thank you so much brother for taking some time out of your busy schedule and helping us out. You have been of immense help, can't thank you enough. Also, kindly suggest the books or the reading material you went through while preparing for the compulsory subjects and do you know of any good teachers in KARACHI for Essay preparation?

@hani.idgaf

Pakistan Affairs;

Study previous papers of pakistan affairs from CSS Guide by Doger Unique. Make a list of questions. Almost there will b 20 to 30 questions which will cover Indo-pak 11 and Pak Affairs. U dont worry about, as its score remained around 50. So u more concentrate on EDS and Islamiat in options, Score in other compulsory subjects will depend on ur luck.

1) CSS GuIDE by Dogar Unique

2) Study Top 20 Questions by Afshan Manzoor CSP by Jahangir Book Depot

Ikram Rabbani Book for Pak Affairs
In this book, u will study according to the requirement of paper. No need to cram book from A to Z.

Also study objective book of any publisher.

Method of attempt;

1. Study paper in 10 mints and choose questions u want to attempt. Decide the arrangement of four questions which u will attempt. Also write time on question paper on respective question. Dont give time of one question to other.

2. Try to choose easy and clear questions.

3. Make graphics.

4. Attempt current affairs question in priority.

5. Do practice in writting on white paper. Give proper space in between lines and in between words so it will easy in study.

6. Give 5 mints for study whole paper and correct ur mistakes.

7. Make short outline of question at the end of sheet and then elaborate it.

Current Affairs;

study Dawn. Also study Previous papers from 1971 to pick an idea how to attempt question from CSS Guide by Doger Unique.
Also take help from net:
Orginizations like SCO , UNO, ASEAN, SAARC, ECO and other important organizations.

Pak Relations with other Counteries;

India, Iran, China, Afghanistan, USA,

International Issues, National Issues. From Dawn Newspaper , u will find idea about national and international issues.
Study past history of issues and relations from net and update it from newspaper.

Also took notes from Prof Zahoor who lives in Cant Lahore.

Method of Attempt is same as in Pak Affairs.

Study objective book of Imtiaz Shahid on current affairs. Cram lanuages, currency,capitals of counteries which is given at the end of a DIARY.

Islamiat;

Dr Sohail Bhatti book is good. U also purchase it.

CSS solved papers by Malik Asif.

Book for Islamiat by Jahangir Book Depot

Took notes from Sir Zahoor

Study regularly Friday features of Dawn, Also study friday feature of Niawaiay Waqat.

Also study objective books of Sohail mbhatti and Jahangir Book Depot

Method of Attempt;

1. Dont choose controversial question.

2. Make a short outline at the end of sheet of question which u want to attempt, then elaborate that key in respective time.

3. Give 10 mints in choosing of questions. Write order of attempting questions on paper and also write time on question paper on related question.

4.Make graphics.

5. In this paper, u will attempt 5 questions., remember this thing as u normally attempt 4 questions in other papers.

6. It is not essential u write more and more ayats of Quran and Sunnah. If u can write it is good. I wrote only one Ahadis and one Qurani Ayat in whole paper and Alhamdulillah good score in this paper.

7. Write clearly, give proper space in between lines and words.

8. Dont write controversial things in answer

9. Dont favour or criticise any sect.

10. Try to attempt current affairs questions.

11. Prepare objective portion.

EDS;

EDS Encylopaedia by Dr Rab Nawaz Samo

Ur EDS is very weak. U give more time to it. Cram book of Dr Akram kashmiri. Fomation of diagram is very productive in this paper. Purchase 2 to 3 books of objective of any publisher.

While attempting objective portion, first u tick box with lead pencil and check them again. Tick the related box on answer sheet according to question paper. At the end u will fill box with marker

@ Mr. Ijaz Gill: Sirjee thanx alot for giving so much of guidance and devoting so much of your precious time and knowledge. Kindly forgive me for being too inquisitive but can't help but wonder what do you mean by Graphics and diagrams and things like that, as in, what can be graphical with Islamiat or for that matter anyother subject? Please guide me with this.

Thank you loads and loads.

Regards

Here Ali qureshi
AOA,
I also need a guidance man;

A little knowledge may be dangerouse

[QUOTE=hani.idgaf;315220]@ Mr. Ijaz Gill: Sirjee thanx alot for giving so much of guidance and devoting so much of your precious time and knowledge. Kindly forgive me for being too inquisitive but can't help but wonder what do you mean by Graphics and diagrams and things like that, as in, what can be graphical with Islamiat or for that matter anyother subject? Please guide me with this.

Thank you loads and loads.[/quote]

@hani.idgaf

Dear GRAPHICS mean MAPS.

If question is asked about relations between PAK and INDIA u will wil form maps of pak and India..

If question asked about infiltration of terrorists from Afghanistan and india helps those elements in Balochistan.

U can show cities of afghanistan along border in the map, also mention indian map in answer.

Let say a question was asked in Current Affairs in 2009;

Economic Potential of Central Asian States.

In this question after introduction, u should make map of CARs.

Then start to write ur stuff.

If question asked about ASEAN and SAARC, make maps of respective region.

Diagrams:

It means like in EDS if digestive system of man asked, make its diagram at the start of answer after introduction.

If Global Warming or Green House Effect is asked, also make its diagram,
show sky, rays of sun falling on earth, then reflecting rays from earth.

In botany, zoology papers and like that in other papers, always make diagrams.

Graphics in Islamiat:

in Islamiat, paper is mostly about current affairs,
if question is asked about terrorism in kashmir, Palistine, make graphics of Kashmir and palistine.

if question is relating to Middle East, make the respective graphics.

Always those people win the game who have the habit of inquisitive.

Ur further quaries r welcum.

Best of Luck