After going through the revised syllabus for CE-2016, I am finding it quite difficult to decide on optional subjects to opt for. I have recently completed my MBBS but there are not many subjects included in the syllabus, which are directly related to MBBS syllabus.
My current mentality about attempting CE-2016 is that I want to give myself a chance and to avoid having regrets in the future that I didn't try to achieve something better. This means that its not a "do or die" situation for me.
With this mentality, I find myself attracted towards subjects that either have any close or distant relation to MBBS syllabus or those which have no such relation but for some unknown reason appear interesting to me.
However, before embarking on this tedious journey of "subject preparation", I would love to have advice and suggestions from fellow members and seniors on this forum about my subject selection.
I am thinking about the following subjects:

• Psychology (because of its relation to MBBS)
• Gender studies (because it appears appealing to me and I don't know why but I think Psychology and Gender studies will make a good combo)
• Chemistry (Because I was good in chemistry in FSC, which means I have a good "chemical base" )
• Computer Science (Because I have "better than zero" knowledge about the subject but more importantly because without its 200 marks, I am unable to complete the 600 marks requirement)

Other subjects that I can also opt for, but are not in my preference are:

• Zoology (Same reason as chemistry)
• History of USA (Because of friend of mine said that its a high scoring subject and doesn't take that much time to prepare)

Any suggestion or advice is welcome, especially the one related to "score trends" vs "time required for preparation". Thanks

Firstly , I would suggest you to replace Computer Studies with International Relations].There are various reasons behind this suggestion, like:
1- The major portion of syllabus of Pakistan Affairs and Current Affairs overlaps with International Relations.
2- I believe at least bachelors degree in Computer Studies is required to handle it effectively.
3-IR will save you time(Reason stated in point 1)

Secondly,I would recommend environment sciences because of its scientific nature.Its syllabus also overlaps with General Science, Current Affairs and Town-Planning.

Thirdly, You can take International Law. It is related with International Relations. Some topics are also overlapping.

Fourthly, If you are into history, then you should go for European history.It is also related with IR.

Otherwise, Town Planning is also good choice. It has short syllabus and can be covered in less time.

Fifthly, Psychology is a good choice.Otherwise, you can opt regional language (if you are good at it)

Furthermore, Nothing can be said about trends till the result of CE-2016, as all previous trends are obsolete now.Regarding time I would say that It varies from person to person. But i can assure you that if you are focused and motivated, you can still make it. Best of Luck!

I liked the suggestion about replacing "Computer sciences" with "International Relations". But in my current state, I have no idea even about the meaning of International relations. This means I have to take a start from "Zero".
Generally, I am good with subjects where one is not supposed to remember the hard facts and figures, but only ideas. This is why I hate history and literature. So my preference would be to avoid subjects related to history and literature as much as possible.
"Anam Akram", can you tell me more about "International Relations"? Or can you share some resources that can give me an overall introduction of the subject?

If I choose to opt for International relations, then the possible combinations for me are:

Replace Computer sciences with IR

• International Relations (200)
• Psychology (100)
• Chemistry (200)
• Gender studies (100)

Take Environmental sciences instead of Gender studies

• International relations
• Psychology
• Chemistry
• Environmental sciences

Leave out chemistry (which is totally unrelated to the rest of the subjects) and opt for International law + Town planning

• International relations
• Psychology
• International law
• Town planning
• Environmental sciences

Which combination would be better ??

a.a.
i have opted for
psychology because i took it last year too
sociology because i took it last year too
IR subject is totally new to me, can any one guide me how to prepare it
confused about:

mercantile law (i am aware of all the sllaybus as i hv studied it before) or Public admn (i hv seen sllaybus, requires some prepration from me)

gender studies (for me its tuff sllaybus) or International law

pls if any one guide me accordingly as well give me a timetable to follow as i can never set timings with my job.

thank u

I would recommend this combination:
International relations
Psychology
International law
Town planning
Environmental sciences

Go through this book, it will give you the overall introduction of the subject.It is also recommended by FPSC for Pakistan Affairs.

International Relations by Joshua Goldstein
https://www.dropbox.com/s/d7gwtnnr8r...stein.pdf?dl=0

Kindly tell me about your Academic background, Interests and your previous experience of taking CSS exam,then i would be in a better position to give you advice.

Thank you Anam Akram for your recommendation and for sharing the ebook. Can you please share more ebooks for all the five subjects you are recommending?
I am also inclined to ask whether or not you yourself are preparing for CE-2016. If yes, what are the optional subjects you are opting for?

"Shimmring sea", how was your experience with psychology? How much time did you give to preparation and was your score? Were you satisfied with the questions (in terms of being attemptable after preparing the FPSC recommended course outline)?
Please share your experience with me. I will really appreciate it.

Avoid regular use of "Netspeak" or other "cute" grammar or spelling (For example: writing "R U a woman?" instead of "Are You a woman?").It is against Forum Rules. Use "you" instead of "u".

__________________
The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion !

You can check the links below for books:

International relations:
http://www.cssforum.com.pk/css-optio...ded-books.html

Town Planning:
http://www.cssforum.com.pk/css-optio...-readings.html

International law:
http://www.cssforum.com.pk/css-optio...nded-book.html

Psychology:
http://www.cssforum.com.pk/css-optio...sychology.html

For environment sciences, you can search material on Internet.

Yes! i am also CSS 2016 aspirant and here is my subject combination:
International Relations
Muslim Law
Environmental Sciences
Punjabi
Urban management & Town Planning

I am a doctor too, appeared in CE-2015. I would suggest that you reconsider your choice of "Chemistry". Take a detailed look at its syllabus and past papers, you will know why I am asking you to reconsider. These science subjects (Chem., Physics etc), even if you manage to cover them, are a headache when it comes to revision. And the marks they fetch (i.e. 'scoring trend') is not worth the effort they demand.

Secondly, do not let this "I don't know anything about it" thought influence your subject selection. Simply go for those subjects that are scoring. Trust me when I say this: nothing is difficult for a medical graduate once he/she has decided to study. I would suggest you choose from the following:-

IR/Pol. Science (whatever floats your boat; see the syllabi of both and choose that which is more appealing)
Int. Law (complements Int. Relations and C.A.)
Psychology (easy to understand given your medical background)
U.S./Euro History (whatever you like; I suggest U.S History because it will consume lesser time)
Punjabi (evergreen, easy to score)
Zoology (40% of the syllabus overlaps with your background directly or indirectly)
Gender Studies (if you find it better than Zoology; personally I would choose Zoology over it)

-->If you find neither I.R nor Pol. Science doable, then I would suggest Computer Science over Chemistry.

__________________
"Everything the light touches, is our kingdom."

Anam Akram, thanks for sharing the links.
Can you please tell me more about "International law vs Muslim law". I am guessing that "muslim law" shares syllabus with "islamiat".
Since International Law shares syllabus with International relations, I would love to know which combination is supposed to be better.

Cogito Ergo Sum, thank you for your valuable suggestions. I will also like to know what optional subjects you opted for in CE-2015 and how was your experience with them? And, are you appearing in CE-2016? If yes, have you made any changes to your optional subjects?