Tips by CE 2014 Qualifiers
 

I am requesting the CE 2014 qualifiers to give us aspirants tips and advice regarding qualifying written and interview.

We shall be much obliged.

I sat for the 2013 attempt just for the fun of it with 0 preparation and was absent from Islamiat paper on account of a family emergency. Didn't even know back then that being absent from a compulsory paper meant game over for the entire attempt!

Sat for my only remaining attempt in 2014. With a preparation of just 2.5 months...and by the grace of Allah made it all the way. Thank God!

I don't know about anybody else, but I sure feel so fortunate for what I have received from Providence. Alhumdulilah.

May Allah give me the strength to do His good work. Amen sumameen.

How many of you did it without any coaching or academy or tuition?
I am planning to not go to[B] any [/B]academy.

Guidance is necessary, but going to academy for whole of 4 months is waste of time

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

[QUOTE=Nazish Hina Shafiq;825456]Okay.[B]A new Question[/B]?
How many of you did it without any coaching or academy or tuition?
I am planning to not go to[B] any [/B]academy.[/QUOTE]

I did it without any coaching/academy. CE-12 was my first attempt, I passed but could not get allocation, appeared again in 2014 and allocated this time.

And I am the first lady to do this from my area where people are hardly aware of CSS. This forum had been my only academy. Indeed the team, community and pioneers of this forum are doing a great job. May Allah bless them all.

[QUOTE=siddiqui88;825468]I did it without any coaching/academy. CE-12 was my first attempt, I passed but could not get allocation, appeared again in 2014 and allocated this time.

And I am the first lady to do this from my area where people are hardly aware of CSS. This forum had been my only academy. Indeed the team, community and pioneers of this forum are doing a great job. May Allah bless them all.[/QUOTE]

Girls like you are an inspiration for people like me.Hats off to you.
I might be from the same area where girls are rarely educated let alone knowing about CSS exam.
[I][B]I just want to know how to get the maximum out of this forum.[/B]??
[/I]

[QUOTE=imrancl;825459]Guidance is necessary, but going to academy for whole of 4 months is waste of time
[/QUOTE]

What kind of guidance are you implying??

[QUOTE=siddiqui88;825468]I did it without any coaching/academy. CE-12 was my first attempt, I passed but could not get allocation, appeared again in 2014 and allocated this time.

And I am the first lady to do this from my area where people are hardly aware of CSS. This forum had been my only academy. Indeed the team, community and pioneers of this forum are doing a great job. May Allah bless them all.[/QUOTE]
It's great that you have done it on your own. Allah bless you with many more successes. But how did you do it? How did you manage all the things?
I mean how much time did you give to the prep of CSS?
Please reply

[QUOTE=amnasharif;825365]I sat for the 2013 attempt just for the fun of it with 0 preparation and was absent from Islamiat paper on account of a family emergency. Didn't even know back then that being absent from a compulsory paper meant game over for the entire attempt!

Sat for my only remaining attempt in 2014. With a preparation of just 2.5 months...and by the grace of Allah made it all the way. Thank God!

I don't know about anybody else, but I sure feel so fortunate for what I have received from Providence. Alhumdulilah.

May Allah give me the strength to do His good work. Amen sumameen.[/QUOTE]
How did you manage your studies or prep?

[QUOTE=zaroonsiddiqui;825482]How did you manage your studies or prep?[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=zaroonsiddiqui;825482]How did you manage your studies or prep?[/QUOTE]

Well, I am used to studying under immense stress. So I took a leave without pay from my job, and on 1st dec, 2013 I just hit the books!
Used to start from 10 am taking it all the way to 1 am or so.. With short breaks in between n an hour afternoon nap.

Divided all prep days by 12 (for number of papers) and tried to finish each subject within the allotted time. Of course it never went as planned. Studied two to three subjects in a day to avoid time wastage due to boredom. Made my own notes / keys while studying. Totally exiled myself from the world.

Needless to say it was a very bad and unhealthy study approach as I got sick a couple of times too in preps...but thank God it paid off. I wouldn't advise anyone to do what I did. It is a huge risk. For me unfortunately studying earlier was not possible cuz my job took a lot of my time

I hope I have answered your question.

[QUOTE=Nazish Hina Shafiq;825478]What kind of guidance are you implying??[/QUOTE]

Nazish,

The question is not directed to me but I will take the liberty if answering it nevertheless, having walked this path myself.

Academy can help you in making an informed subject choice and in selection of good books for your subjects chosen. This is the initial direction you definitely need. Your teachers can help you regarding how to answer what sort of questions etc. that may come up in the exam. And that is it.

The rest you have to do yourself. You must study at least one book that has been suggested by FPSC in its syllabus. You must make your own notes. You must never depend upon the notes of the academy (though you can seek guidance from them, but they are not conclusive or absolute)

Academy's effort, in spite of being great and commendable is only just the tip of the ice berg. You have to deal with the rest of it yourself.

[QUOTE=amnasharif;825506]Nazish,

The question is not directed to me but I will take the liberty if answering it nevertheless, having walked this path myself.

Academy can help you in making an informed subject choice and in selection of good books for your subjects chosen. This is the initial direction you definitely need. Your teachers can help you regarding how to answer what sort of questions etc. that may come up in the exam. And that is it.

The rest you have to do yourself. You must study at least one book that has been suggested by FPSC in its syllabus. You must make your own notes. You must never depend upon the notes of the academy (though you can seek guidance from them, but they are not conclusive or absolute)

Academy's effort, in spite of being great and commendable is only just the tip of the ice berg. You have to deal with the rest of it yourself.[/QUOTE]
thanks a lot.
What about Essay? did you get it checked by someone??I think this is where academies would matter most.What do you think?
For know I am planning to write an essay every monday.But I don't have any teacher I am planning to find a teacher in September because right now I am living in a small town.And we will move in September.
How is this approach?

Originality is everything!

Cramming never helps. That is just a burden on your memory. Try to understand concepts and learn to see how they work in real life and how you can apply them in a given scenario.

I understand what my respected batchmate Daniyal Ahmed means when he says that he broadened his tastes and interests. This is expanding your horizons and it gives u a much better appreciation and understanding of the world we live in. This includes reading good, relevant books on your subjects too, but definitely not cramming the material in those books. Given the kind of papers that FPSC is now producing candidates need this ability of linking knowledge to life, to real problems and the ultimate ability to express themselves eloquently on paper and in person.

Of course when the knowledge in question is a theory, or a formula, or a concept or a definition, for that you need to reproduce almost the same thing for you are quoting the author/originator. But any explanation or critical analysis that would follow it must be conceived and produced by your own mind.

[QUOTE=amnasharif;825503]Well, I am used to studying under immense stress. So I took a leave without pay from my job, and on 1st dec, 2013 I just hit the books!
Used to start from 10 am taking it all the way to 1 am or so.. With short breaks in between n an hour afternoon nap.

Divided all prep days by 12 (for number of papers) and tried to finish each subject within the allotted time. Of course it never went as planned. Studied two to three subjects in a day to avoid time wastage due to boredom. Made my own notes / keys while studying. Totally exiled myself from the world.

Needless to say it was a very bad and unhealthy study approach as I got sick a couple of times too in preps...but thank God it paid off. I wouldn't advise anyone to do what I did. It is a huge risk. For me unfortunately studying earlier was not possible cuz my job took a lot of my time

I hope I have answered your question.[/QUOTE]
Yeah. I got my answers.
How did you prepare for English Precis and Composition and Essays?
Thanks :)

[QUOTE=Nazish Hina Shafiq;825508]thanks a lot.
What about Essay? did you get it checked by someone??I think this is where academies would matter most.What do you think?
For know I am planning to write an essay every monday.But I don't have any teacher I am planning to find a teacher in September because right now I am living in a small town.And we will move in September.
How is this approach?[/QUOTE]

You are most welcome.

Your approach on Essay is a very sound one. If you are not used to writing then you should constantly develop this skill and must get your essays checked too.

I wrote only two essays and showed them to two separate teachers. That's all I could manage given the time I had! Nevertheless didn't actually practice writing essays much cuz I am already a masters in English Literature and writing was not a big issue as it is already my hobby.

Do yourself a favour while you have time get the book: Essays of Sir Francis Bacon. Or see if you can find them on the Internet. Similarly ESSAYS of Bernard Shaw are very famous too. So Google these and essays by other famous literary writers and you will come up with some real quality material that you may get to use in paper.

[QUOTE=amnasharif;825518]You are most welcome.

Your approach on Essay is a very sound one. If you are not used to writing then you should constantly develop this skill and must get your essays checked too.

I wrote only two essays and showed them to two separate teachers. That's all I could manage given the time I had! Nevertheless didn't actually practice writing essays much cuz I am already a masters in English Literature and writing was not a big issue as it is already my hobby.

Do yourself a favour while you have time get the book: Essays of Sir Francis Bacon. Or see if you can find them on the Internet. Similarly ESSAYS of Bernard Shaw are very famous too. So Google these and essays by other famous literary writers and you will come up with some real quality material that you may get to use in paper.[/QUOTE]

Yes,Currently I am reading conquest of happiness by Bertrand Russel.Because I have also opted English Literature.I will look for the book.
I have been educated in Army Public Schools and I have good command over English.(Or I would like think so..).
Sorry if I am a being a constant nuisance.
But I need to ask about precis and comprehension.The people on this forum are practicing it constantly.I don't think about it that much.[B]Am I making a mistake?[/B]

[QUOTE=zaroonsiddiqui;825513]Yeah. I got my answers.
How did you prepare for English Precis and Composition and Essays?
Thanks :)[/QUOTE]

You are welcome.

For précis grasp the rules of how to write one. Once you understand it the next thing is practicing.

Try to be a smart reader. Next time you read notice that a paragraph has one or two major lines that are the heart of that para..and all the other lines are just an expansion of those two lines. Those two lines will either be in start or in the end of the para and without them the para would not have any sense or weight.

Just make sure you don't compromise or miss out on the central idea of every para in a précis, and that you expand well on a central idea and make it into a decent paragraph while writing essays. Both essay and précis complement each other.

Grammar and idioms etc are all just pick up a book and read and remember and hope to God k paper mai Wo Aye ju ap ok ata ho!

[QUOTE=Nazish Hina Shafiq;825520]Yes,Currently I am reading conquest of happiness by Bertrand Russel.Because I have also opted English Literature.I will look for the book.
I have been educated in Army Public Schools and I have good command over English.(Or I would like think so..).
Sorry if I am a being a constant nuisance.
But I need to ask about precis and comprehension.The people on this forum are practicing it constantly.I don't think about it that much.[B]Am I making a mistake?[/B][/QUOTE]

It's always a pleasure to help where one can so your questions are not a nuisance and are very valid.

I have just answered Zaroon Siddique about précis and essays etc. even if you can write English well, writing a good précis is an art and I would NOT advise you to take it lightly.

If you don't want to particularly practice précis you can shrink long and huge concepts of other subjects for yourself by making them into a précis, (following the rules of a précis) this way you would kill two birds with one stone: perfecting the art of writing a précis and ingraining other concepts in your mind.

[QUOTE=Nazish Hina Shafiq;825528]Thanks a lot I have downloaded Esayys of Sir Francis Bacon.
You are an angel and you truly deserve the success you have gotten![/QUOTE]
Hey Nazish,
Can you send me the link to the book?

[QUOTE=Nazish Hina Shafiq;825528]Thanks a lot I have downloaded Essays of Sir Francis Bacon.
You are an angel and you truly deserve the success you have gotten![/QUOTE]
Nazish, can you send me the link to the book?

This is the link
Essays of Sir Francis Bacon
[url]https://ia802701.us.archive.org/31/items/essaysfrancisba00hudsgoog/essaysfrancisba00hudsgoog.pdf[/url]

1) Ask yourself first why are you heading for css exams. The best answer that you could find from your inner-self would be : I want to enrich myself intellectually, groom myself , diversify my outlook, etc etc. Once identified that you are heading towards it out of your personal intuitive-liking for css exams,you are sure to proceed with unprecedented courage,zeal and enthusiasm... Define and identify your ambitions clearly.Consider this as the wonderful life time opportunity of grooming yourself personally!!

2) When your passion becomes your pleasure, you are sure to soar higher.......

2) Never ,never, never, never give up
3)Don't waste you times in undermining your intuitive insight, your self-esteem, your own individualism by being intimidated by others.Choose the optionals of your own set-preferences first, and then seek suggestions or do research over your preferred ones to make a room for adjustments.
There will be some who would impose their choices/suggestions on you and you might succumb to them just because you think they are experienced/ qualified ones.Remember that even the experienced/ qualified ones are not necessarily always right. Hence, follow your own intution even if you are getting guidance from some one.


4) Abstain from going to academies as there are hordes of opportunists who are exploiting students to generate revenues...........They have turned this noble profession of teaching into a trading agency. Paying them the remunerations in token of their commensurable services could have been fine, but they are not even honest to their commitments in delivering the services they are being paid for!!

5) Instead, try to do research of everything on your own. You may seek guidance from the professors or your acquaintances who are qualified enough in the disciplines you might be seeking help from. Prefer group studies with good students in your home town and try to remain intouch with the aspirants. Because this is like the war of nerves, and you would feel psychologically relieved being member of any css-study group..

6) Try appearing in other scholarship tests, pms exams, other provincial,national,international competitive exams for boosting your resources that could be channelized in preparing for css exams, in the best possible manner.

7) There is no specific timeline for preparations. Your time transpires the moment you feel you have done justice with the preparation of subjects and when you have not left any stone unturned in thoroughly familiarizing yourself with the entire course contents. Do progressive repetitions and keep on updating your already acquired knowledge. Once you have been through all this rigorous process, then give tests to the people who you think are dedicated and qualified enough to be hired as mentors.

Would keep on sharing other tips from time to time.......

[QUOTE=Nazish Hina Shafiq;825476]Girls like you are an inspiration for people like me.Hats off to you.
I might be from the same area where girls are rarely educated let alone knowing about CSS exam.
[I][B]I just want to know how to get the maximum out of this forum.[/B]??[/QUOTE]

Go through the tips shared by experienced people here. [URL="http://www.cssforum.com.pk/beginners-guide/tips-experience-sharing/arena-golden-tips/"][/URL] Its the largest and best compilation of tips you can find at a place. It will give you enough insight.
Study syllabus of subjects thoroughly, shortlist those you are sure to get grip over at your own. Then you can seek consultation from seniors. You can post here in subject selection section but along with that seek experts opinion too if you can find any. Recommendation of books is also at your click. Do check the study plans too and then make your own. You can also involve other members. Just be sure not to waste too much time. Be targeted.

[QUOTE=zaroonsiddiqui;825480]It's great that you have done it on your own. Allah bless you with many more successes. But how did you do it? How did you manage all the things?
I mean how much time did you give to the prep of CSS?
Please reply[/QUOTE]
Thanks a lot. Well, my first attempt was quite haphazard. Started meaningful preparation after submitting my admission form and I was doing job; it was not quite well managed. For second attempt I did proper planning; picked topics; made comprehensive study plans; made bullet point notes; scheduled everything. I used to give some 6-8 hours daily. One plus with me was that I had experience of teaching along with literature background. Essay and English never gave me any tough time; I could manage these on my own with least preparation. For current affairs I visited authentic websites and made notes. Rest was easy. You need to have some writing potential and good analytic skills. If you don't have; you must develop these.

Tip for aspirants
 

Hello everyone,

I was told by my mentors that the trend of scoring subject selection is just a useless term which aims at misleading aspirants. So I opted for those subjects I had interest in. For instance, Journalism, Sociology, International Law, Sindhi, and British History. Though British History proved good scoring this year, yet all other subjects first grilled me and then fried me deep not in healthy looking vegetable oil but in local BANASPATI GHEE... :-P. Jokes apart, I mean British History saved my skin, while all others subjects gave me pathetically low score. Whereas, my fellow qualifiers scored exceptionally high in subjects like philosophy, psychology, business administration, international relations, arabic, etc.

However, Allah Almighty was so merciful that He awarded me 210 marks in my interview which out of no where helped me in getting me allocated to my first preferred prestigious group Police Service of Pakistan, PSP

So My first tip for aspirants is,

1- Go for intelligent choice of optional subjects especially keeping in view the scoring trend.

2- Work equally hard for the interview after getting through the written part of CSS because it will create an overwhelming difference. Take My Words Seriously, OVERWHELMINGLY DIFFERENCE.


Best of Luck !!!

Warm Regards,

[QUOTE=Bertrand Russell;826932]Hello everyone,

I was told by my mentors that the trend of scoring subject selection is just a useless term which aims at misleading aspirants. So I opted for those subjects I had interest in. For instance, Journalism, Sociology, International Law, Sindhi, and British History. Though British History proved good scoring this year, yet all other subjects first grilled me and then fried me deep not in healthy looking vegetable oil but in local BANASPATI GHEE... :-P. Jokes apart, I mean British History saved my skin, while all others subjects gave me pathetically low score. Whereas, my fellow qualifiers scored exceptionally high in subjects like philosophy, psychology, business administration, international relations, arabic, etc.

However, Allah Almighty was so merciful that He awarded me 210 marks in my interview which out of no where helped me in getting me allocated to my first preferred prestigious group Police Service of Pakistan, PSP

So My first tip for aspirants is,

1- Go for intelligent choice of optional subjects especially keeping in view the scoring trend.

2- Work equally hard for the interview after getting through the written part of CSS because it will create an overwhelming difference. Take My Words Seriously, OVERWHELMINGLY DIFFERENCE.


Best of Luck !!!

Warm Regards,[/QUOTE]
[SIZE="3"][FONT="Century Gothic"]How did your exams of these subjects went?The ones in which you scored low or high,Was there a difference.Were you expecting that?[/FONT][/SIZE]

Desperately require guidance.
 

I guess in order to fully understand my situation and guide me properly you would need some background information.

I am doing articles of CA, and have spent about 1.5 years in training now remaining period is 2.5 years. I am married with a child (Alhamdulillah), belong to white collar family. I am a graduate and my DOB is Feb 3rd 1988. Thus, making CES-2016 my last attempt and also would be my first.

Now the conundrum that I am going through is, whether I should leave my current professional training and attempt CES-2016 (cuz not only I have passion for Civil Services but also don't want to regret missing this opportunity) or should I just brush this idea off.
I have been following this blog and understanding that many CSPs are here to help aspirants. I want an honest opinion on this matter.

I have studied the syllabus and even choose the optional that I would opt but the thing is, I am standing on the edge at the moment and desperately need a nudge either towards CES- 2016 or back to my professional training.

Waiting in anticipation.

me and my friend really need help in regarding of preparation of css exam. we both are the students of Mphil and working on thesis. due to thesis burden we can not properly manage the time for academy or coaching (also hostels are faraway from islamabad/pindi). But we wish that we will give exams. We need proper guidance from the person(here alot of information but we need just selective guidance). i have questions
1) will we join academy or not? if(yes) which one in isb/rwlpindi
2) any person here will help us in this regard personally (Jazakallah)


Please urgent we are in confusion.