I wish i could have given equal time to all my Questions, thats where i lacked behind as 3 of my questions went Fabulous in all papers but Last one was only on 2 pages. Guys come and ave a word on time management........

It was a problem of every candidate. The examiner judges your inner talent from your first 3 questions most of the time. I have seen many folks quoting this. In 2008's attempt a girl in Psychology follows it and you know she scored 155 out of 200.

So first of all do not be panic. Inshallah Allah will help us all. I encountered the same issue like you

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"Always have the DETERMINATION like a MIRROR, who NEVER loses its ABILITY to Reflect back Even if BROKEN into THOUSAND pieces" BE DETERMINED.........

I think he was just plain mean. if he had spares he should not have said such a thing. what if he fails in one compulsory. then he will not even be in competition.

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Mahmood Khattak
Pakistan Customs Service
36th CTP

Good to hear so many experiences of respectable members of this forum.

I also took CE 2010. My optional subjects were International Law, Muslim Law and Jurisprudence, Islamic History and Culture and English Literature. Things were really tight for me by that time. My decision of taking the examination was opposed by many because I had simply no preparation at all. My father nearly scolded me for taking CSS Examination without getting prepared for it.

I was encircled by the worst situation, because my Mid-Term Examination for M.A. English Final Semester from NUML was going to be held simultaneously along with the CSS Exams. Luckily the date for my University examination got changed due to the Teachers-Administration conflict.

Now coming back to the topic. English essay was a great deal, but since we study Essay Writing as a subject in the final semester of M.A. English and fortunately got one of the best teachers of this cadre, I to some extent managed it. As all would agree, the topics were not much predicted before the commencement of Examination. The other compulsory papers were so so.

I took the optionals with one-night study, and you can guess what can become of me. But International Law paper was a present for me. English Literature was my subject, which I had learnt for nearly 1-1/2 year so no problem with that. Muslim Law and Islamic History were 50-50. Means one paper was good, the other not good… Simple!
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My Experience:

CSS is not a big deal if you have burned the midnight oil for many a months. Daring to appear in CSS without Prep is nothing but a fool’s dream… (I know it applies on me too…)

Discussion is the key to success. Whether you have people in person to discuss these things with, or you have an online forum like CSSFORUM, but you must have discussion. Things appear very complex but people who are experienced and know about the DEEP STRUCTURE of Competitive Examination can guarantee your guidance in the right direction.

Never get panic regarding your committing mistakes. I did a lot, do try to reduce them, but one can never get able to attempt 0 mistake paper. Quality should be kept in consideration in place of Quantity. Quality matters.

I am now preparing for CE2011 and will try to put my best in it. I am to opt the same subjects and will try to cover all the related fields. InshaAllah.

REGARDS

i have got 584 out of 1200. passed all subjects failed in aggregate. following, in my view, are my mistakes. I want others to read them and get lessons ......

1. In some cases used low quality books,....... imtiaz shahid etc.
2. Being an engineer, chose humanities subject ( less availability of time compelled me to do so).
3. consumed a lot of time in streamlining my studies. ( took less guidance and studied more).
4. kept a high pace, studied more and understood less...
5. had less comparative studies, focused on few books.

Now i have elected applied mathematics in place of indo-pak history. Focusing on english and current affairs. Learning the basics of everything.... education, religion, islam, economy, corruption, nuclear power etc.

Thanks for sharing your experience.
Well, I am doing research on Useful Tips and most common mistakes people make during CSS exams.
I am just a beginner going to appear in 2012 CSS exams. Can any one tell me whats the best start?

focus on english,essay,and general knowledge

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Forget safety.Live where you fear to live.Destroy your reputation.Be notorious

@ A good judgment comes from experience and experience comes from bad judgment. my friend this is your experience and you will take good judgment in future after having bad judgment. Good luck.

@ yes its true but to be very frank... one fall down if he/she not prepares his/her self in advance before going to achieve task.


@ for this i can only say.... A student without pen is like soldier without gun.


@css is not ping pong. it is the only exam that solely conduct upon merit. if an aspirant like you and me hope for what u described above will be injustice with all of us. its game of minds no need to ask from anyone.

@ A good judgment comes from experience and experience comes from bad judgment. my friend this is your experience and you will take good judgment in future after having bad judgment. Good luck.

is there necessary to write outline for every answer?
and have to put heading at every paragraph in answer?