Aoa, I'm one of the 37th commoners allocated to PAAS.Ive read all the relevant threads but still there are many Qs puzzling me. Please if anyone could help me extinguish my insomnia over certain details, ill be immensely grateful

1. When is the CTP commencing?Im told it may start in Jan,10

2. Ive heard from various sources that the training is very greuling.I just want a clear picture as to the magnitude and the terms on which strictness is maintained.To be precise, elaborate the strictness and its contours.

3. a)A guideline on the level of subjects taught e.g Bachelors level, Matric level. O and A level? Because like many i have no background of ECO. Accounting or Statistics.
b) Is Contemprary Islamiat or Pak Affairs taught as well?

4. Is theft a normal feature?Can one bring valuables like laptop, camera, ipod , etc.What is the security scenerio?

5.Is the ladies hostel comfortable?How are the rooms , bathrooms etc.How many probationary officers per room this time since we sure are a bumper crop

6. Do the probationary officers excercise any choice in the decision of the country study tour?

7.Ive heard that there are a couple of clubs that each Officer has to be a part of?What club do the seniors recommend is the most happening yet least cumbersome?

8.There is a rumour that the tyrant of a Director CTP is being posted to the DMG campus?Are we really the lucky ones or was it just someone's wish-turned-rumour?

9. Ive heard that there is also the Book Review activity?What kind of books?Any examples?


10.What is the duration of the STP of the PAAS?

11. My sincerest apologies to everybody who will answer the Qs ive bombarded But trust me the collateral damage will certainly help all probationary officers

Thank you very much for your patience.

@ B. A

Aslam o Alaikum,

First of All congrats on your brilliant success in making it to 37th common.

Secondly, in my humble opinion, the simplest answer to all of your queries is to make a visit to CSA & to clarify your doubts yourself

But if its impossible for you to do that, then I try answering some of your queries.

1. afoot Rumors are indicating that CTP is commencing on 15 Dec but if not than be assured that 15th Jan would be the final date.
   
   
2. Training is not that 'Grueling'. its one of the most enjoyable tenure of every probationer.
   
3. Most of the probationers are not having any familiarity with the subjects to be taught at CSA but don't worry since if you have cleared the CSS, Clearing the Training's academic session won't be a hurdle for you.
   
   
   
4. Theft is not a normal feature but ensure the security & safety of your valuables yourself i.e. properly lock your room while going out for training activities etc.
   
5. Yes hostel is comfortable & logistics are satisfactory but its standard varies with the hostel. Newly built hostels are more comfortable & vice versa.
   
6. Half of the badge is supposed to tour North whereas the other Half will be touring South than during the 2nd tour, the reverse takes place. so don't worry because one has to tour the entire country in two stages.
   
7. Choice of club depends upon your interests.
   
8. Ms. Arfa Sabohi is the most dreaded DG of CSA but don't worry, after all you are a probationer now & this is not a Military Training
9. REgarding her Posting, there are only rumours but no authentic reports.
   
10. Normally the book review activity is meant to improve the knowledge & skill of probationers but mostly, simple "copy" & "paste" techniques do the trick for most of the probationers Normally the books are related to current affairs or renown dignitaries i.e. New arrivals along with some prominent ALL TIME FAVOURITES (you can expect Toltstoy's War & Peace)
    
    
11. Regarding the STP of PAAS, I don't know but it must be of, at least, an year.

__________________
There is Nothing Worse than Aggressive Stupidity!!!

Academy Subjects

1.Economics (Beware of the cynical but very sweet teacher)

2.Govt. Functioning(Where everything will be discussed except the functions of the government)

3.National Issues of Pakistan(Get prepared for another series of lectures on Pakistan Studies)

4.Contemporary Issues and Islam (There will be nothing "CONTEMPORARY")

5.Communication Skills(a SUBJECT DESIGNED ONLY FOR GIRLS AND GUPPSHUP)

6.Computers (Pray that you get some good teacher)

7.Public Speaking(a subject for making many OFFICERS embarrassed)

8.Office Management and Procedures(a very important but at the same time, an extremely boring subject)

9.Public Sector Finance(Koi batlayey ke hum batlaen kia!!)

10.Public Sector Management

11.Syndicate Work(in which the probationers will be divided in groups of twenty.There will be a President and a Secretary of the SNDCT.Please dont try to be one of them as the whole workload will be shifted on your head as the time of presentation would get closer.

Thank you very much Leopard and Sheryar Khan for the valuable and exhaustive input.Highly appreciated.Comforting to know that the training is not as draconian as portrayed.

Im in sync with you on the fact that my queries do warrant a visit to the CSA.

Does anyone know the nature of the syndicate topics?

And most crucial of all:How to kill time before the much awaited academy finally takes a start.What should one do that would help them through the training as well?

Thank you.

Best regards,

B. A.

B . A .

one day visit CSA n with one cam n notebook. capture pics n prepare all events there n post it here . it wil help u, us n all.

__________________
"My life was too short to acheive the conquest of the whole world." Gengis Khan

Mongol Emperor

@ B A
a gud suggestion but no reply
hurry up as CSA is free these days n wud welcome any visitor.....after all

Does anyone have any idea at all when the CTP is going to start and when r we going to receive letters from CSA?

contemporary issues and islam is not being taught anymore. there is no subject about public speaking.

__________________
Mahmood Khattak
Pakistan Customs Service
36th CTP