Hi.

The following criteria is usually considered while selecting optional subjects:
1) Aptitude/background/comfort
2) Interest
3) Scoring potential, which is a bit different from scoring trend
4) Availability of books/guidance
5) Syllabus volume
6) Overlap with other subjects

You may apply these criteria to your combination and judge for yourself.

My comment, based on what you have shared, would be to go ahead with AMaths and Stats. I have explained in this thread (check previous posts) why I recommend people with strong mathematical background to go for these subjects. However, remember that because of the numerical nature of these subjects there remains a risk of disaster.

History of Pak and Ind has been low scoring in the last few years and I expect it to remain low scoring in the coming years. The syllabus is quite vast but there is the advantage of some previous knowledge of the subject that most of us have.

I don’t know much about Philosophy as a subject in CSS but my friends who had this as an optional never failed the Essay.

In my opinion, if your are opting philosophy it would be better to take Pol Sci in place of IR. Firstly because the same western and Muslim philosophers are part of both subjects. Secondly, Pol Sci has continued to be more scoring than IR in recent years. Again, all this depends on if you are taking the 2020 attempt or later. It might be too late to change a 200 marks subject at this stage.

Finally keep in mind that AMaths, IndoPak and Philosophy were all 200 marks subjects prior to 2016 and now have been reduced to 100 marks subjects while retaining much of their syllabi.

P.S do you think GPP is a viable alternative to IndoPak history and can you suggest any other alternatives.

Thanks

Thanks for this detailed answer.

I have replaced IR with Political Science.

Can you suggest any suitable alternatives to Indo-Pak which are high scoring and/or overlap my subjects.

You’re welcome. I had History of P & I in both my attempts. Scored 55 in 2018, waiting for 2019.

If I were to change it, I would go for either Environmental Sciences (somewhat related to my background) or regional language (Punjabi in my case).

Other members may suggest alternatives.

This is an excerpt from 2018 Examiner’s Report. You might find it useful.

“Philosophy:
The overall performance of the candidates was poor or below average. Most candidates lacked proper background of philosophy & philosophical problems and gave the impression that they have never been exposed to philosophy. However, some displayed excellent performance. They need to be careful while answering the questions. Philosophy cannot be self-taught, it needs mentoring and hard work. One cannot venture into it without proper background.”

Bro, i'm also thinking of changing Indo-Pak. I only opted it because of time shortage. I'm just waiting for the result.

Be careful with environmental science, it has been high scoring in 2016,17 and 18 and i've heard the paper this time was easy as well so FPSC may decide to pull out the sword in 2020 and put this subject to the slaughter.

I agree with your observation about Env Sci. However, as far as I am concerned, I don’t have the appetite for another attempt. Dunya mein gham aur bhi hain CSS ke siwa.

I don't have background in Environmental Science or any regional language therefore I have replaced IndoPak with Psychology. Although Psychology syllabus is lengthy, but with hard work, great score can be expected as has been the trend in recent years.

Can any other members suggest a more suitable alternative to IndoPak history than Psychology?

Thanks it really helped.

What I take away from this is that Philosophy shouldn't be taken lightly and good marks can be scored but only if due diligence is done.