An Article by Dr. Liaquat Ali Khan Niazi

[omarhanif]

CSS Q&A
“A civil servant enjoys a privileged social status”
Dr. Liaquat Ali Khan Niazi


Corporate sector is fast emerging in Pakistan but our youth is still much attracted towards civil service. Why is it so?
There is no blinking the fact that corporate sector is fast emerging in Pakistan but our youth is still much attracted towards civil service because of the following factors:

There is job security in civil service as compared to our corporate sector. A civil servant can ousted from the civil service only on the basis of misconduct for which he is charge-sheeted as per law. Dismissal or removal from government service involves a long procedure.

A civil servant enjoys a privileged social status as compared to corporate sector. Chances of promotion are also better in government jobs.

Being an experienced teacher of CSS students, what do you think students of what aptitude should get for CSS?
Those students get very good position in competitive examinations who have good expression of English language. Handwriting and style of presentation are also very important factors. Thus, every student who works hard can succeed in these exam.

Students keep changing optional subjects after first or even second attempt. Is it a right approach?
It is a very important question indeed. I have noticed them changing the optional subjects without of guidance. Students should choose those subjects which fetch maximum marks provided that they studied them earlier during BA/BSc or MA/MSc.
If their performance is poor in a subject, they may change it later on but it results in wastage of time also. It is better if they decide to opt those subjects which fetch more marks, otherwise it is risky to change the subjects later on.

How much the need to cram is important for CSS preparation?
In MCQ type of tests, cramming is meaningless but in subjective type tests, cramming is inevitable. Cramming has no part in viva voce tests/interview. Important definitions and questions must be crammed. The candidates are advised to read daily newspapers like “Dawn” or “The News”.

How do you assess role and importance of academies for CSS candidates?
You are right Academies for CSS preparation are expensive but their importance in imparting training, teaching/introducing various subjects cannot be under estimated. Students must seek guidance from teachers also. They must join the test sessions, it is a key to success.
The candidates must consult standard books on the relevant subjects.

How do you evaluate the recently revised pattern of CSS written examinations? Is there any change needed at the moment?
It is a very important question. As I have noticed the Federal Public Service Commission examination discourages cramming and these cover almost the whole syllabus. MCQs covering 20 marks are also up to the standard. Two years back many talented students failed in English compulsory subjects. It is very strange and discouraging. Personally I feel that total marks of English paper (A&S) must be counted. If a candidate secures 60/100 marks in English Essay paper but fails in English B paper. It is sheer injustice. Competent teachers should evaluate the subjects. Cynic examiners must be blacklisted who are bent upon failing the brilliant candidates.

Would you like to recommend any profession for those candidates of CSS who fail to qualify?
It is said that events of life are dictated by cosmic forces. You may call them luck or destiny. Luck also counts a lot. But hard work does not go wasted. The path to success is passed with the roughest and the sharpest stones that tire the heavy feet of those who walk bare-footed. But those who match the top are blessed with the light of God. God is Sustainer. This universe is very vast. There are endless openings for us. One must not be discouraged. Those candidates of CSS who unfortunately fail to qualify are advised as under:
They may appear in other examinations conducted by FPSC and other ministries FIA relating to intelligence etc.
They may try for PMS (Provincial Management Service).
They may join the education department. If they improve their qualifications by doing M.Phil or Ph.D, they have bright chances of upward mobility vis-à-vis their CSS counterparts.

Any special message you like to forward to our readers?
Yes, we must prepare for another utmost important examination also for our success in the life hereinafter. To quote Alexander Pope:
“The life his Sobre inn. And quite pilgrimage!”
In the end, I suggest that the CSS candidates must not opt for risky subjects like Economics, Mathematics and Statistics. Safe subjects are History (including Islamic History & Culture), Arabic (if you have Master's Degree in Arabic), Geography, regional languages, Public Administration, Mass Communication, Muslim Civil Law & Jurisprudence.