TIPS by Toppers - Page 3

zuhaib ahmed · #21 Friday, December 07, 2012

Getting information or knowledge from the books and giving answers in examination are two very different things. Each must be dealt with differently. The candidates have to learn the art of examinations by taking pre-exam tests.

In fact, for both written and interview, one should be very expressive. Your answers should not reflect a general or readymade opinion but your understanding and analysis of things along with your viewpoint. Candidates must write to the point. Don’t go for unnecessary details and introductions. In addition, one must manage the time and his ability of writing that how much one can write on any particular topic in the given time. As far as interview is concerned, being original and acting as one’s own self are the keys for good marks.

Moreover, in interview one must be confident even if one does not know the answer, simply say, “Sorry”, instead of giving an illogical answer. Remember everyone does not know everything. Lastly, one must have good knowledge about their optional subjects and convincing arguments for the desired groups which they prioritised as top three.

Foreign Service of Pakistan (FSP) 38th Common, CSS-2009
Saeed Rehman

zuhaib ahmed · #22 Thursday, December 27, 2012

Compulsory paper of 'English' in PCS exam is easier than CSS because there is only one paper which includes both essay and composition. If one is weak in essay than composition part can be helpful and vice versa. Candidates should work out effectively on sentence structure, punctuation and technique of essay writing for this paper along with extensive practice of précis writing.

Dr Mohammad Yasir Bazai
First position in PCS-2010, (Balochistan)

zuhaib ahmed · #23 Sunday, December 30, 2012

Give proper and equal time to each question. First thoroughly read the question and divide it in parts then attempt it accordingly.

It is handy to give a brief outline of every question before attempting full answer. This technique shows the examiner that the student knows the answer and he/she is hitting it directly. Make intelligent use of blue pen and black marker to create a good impact.

Ali Waseem
1st Position
PMS Competitive Examination 2009/10

zuhaib ahmed · #24 Tuesday, January 01, 2013

A second division at graduation level and determination are the foremost pre-requisites for the CSS. First of all, one should consciously select the optional subjects and in my opinion guidance is inevitable for subject selection because high score in one or two optional subjects will take you towards your desired group.

Secondly, one must improve one’s writing skill in English because it is the fundamental requirement for written part of the CSS exam.

Moreover, candidates must have a good collection of quotations on a wide range of topics that will adorn their written presentation. As far as précis, comprehension and expansion are concerned the best remedy for all is extensive practice.

Foreign Service of Pakistan (FSP) 38th Common, CSS-2009
Saeed Rehman

zuhaib ahmed · #25 Monday, January 21, 2013

Candidates should practice as much as they can and be well read. Since writing expression matters it would be beneficial for the candidates to work on that.

Looking broadly at the CSS exam, over time, it has evolved and candidates should too. It is no longer an exam of how good you are at rote learning; instead, it is an exam of your personality and nerves. Those who have given the exam recently can vouch for that. So most importantly, in order to be differentiated, candidates should work towards being informed, critical, and opinionated.

Mir Reza Ozgen 2nd Position,
in CSS-2011.

zuhaib ahmed · #26 Sunday, March 10, 2013

Passing a CSS exam is a big achievement. Preparation must be initiated with utmost motivation and dedication particularly by those candidates who do not possess strong academic background. Performance judgment through self-assessment and accomplishment of little tasks in time always proves positive. Similarly, command over English language, grip on analytical writing and art of presenting the thoughts nicely in oral exam will lead you to the excellence. In fact, three-hour paper time carries more weightage than three years of preparation. Thus, CSS needs passion and perseverance.

Ameer Fazal (PAS)
2nd Position in Sindh, 2011

zuhaib ahmed · #27 Monday, April 08, 2013

I strongly recommend taking coaching classes from professional senior English teachers who have vast experience in teaching CSS candidates. I don't recommend taking guidelines even from CSP fellows because no one has complete command over English like the English teachers have. Extensive writing and reading can improve your English skills as there is no short-cut to it.

Dr. Zeeshan, PAS,
20th Position CSS-2011

zuhaib ahmed · #28 Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Writing crammed sentences may not create much difference. Aspirants more or less consult same sources/books/notes for preparation and if they just write the crammed wording, examiner might not get impressed as many other candidates would be writing the same. Aspirants should remember the main points/ideas of the question and try to write this in their own words. Presentation also does matter. Aspirants should facilitate the examiner by writing neatly with appropriate space between the words and lines. Do include important statistics/facts and figures, quotations etc. wherever applicable.

Muhammad Usman Khalid
(PAS) 22nd CSS-2011

zuhaib ahmed · #29 Saturday, June 29, 2013

Work hard; because it does not mean taking more books beyond your capacity to read; it means selecting one or maximum two good books for each subject is enough. Go through and then revise them as well. I think every hopeful should first of all choose the optional subjects wisely, instead of just running after "scoring" subjects as the trend changes every year. In fact, they should opt subjects in which they have a genuine interest. I took psychology but then I took IR as well and neither of the choices was made because of scoring trends since everybody knows that IR is not scoring at all and I even did not know that psychology was a scoring subject then. Secondly please do go through from past papers since I found them the most useful guide in my preparation for the CSS.

Saba Asghar Ali CSS
3rd, 2011 (PAS)

zuhaib ahmed · #30 Tuesday, July 02, 2013

The best strategy to make a difference is the effective time management and three P's i.e. preparation, practice and precision. Careful selection of optional subjects, constant evaluation of writing standard, guidance and suggestions from seniors and determination coupled with self-confidence are imperative as well. Just focus on your goal and don't care of the competition.

Javed Nabi Khoso
3rd in Sindh
(Rural) CSS-2011

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