Originally Posted by nish

Is Comparative politics & international relations by Prakash chandra a good book for CSS IR both papers? Waiting for kind response. Regards.

Originally Posted by ADIL KHESHGI

No. Parkash's book is a good one (owing to its simple and comprehensible easy language and contents of smart details) but that's not suitable for CSS. As it's an old one, if you're still interested in it? Then you'll be in need of some other sources to made up for the post 1990's era. Regards

Originally Posted by nish

@yousaf . i also have the latest edition of prakash Chandra book. What I concluded after having going through briefly it doesn't cover the whole syllabus of IR paper. Which other book that holds a comprehensive and relevant material according to IR new syllabus should be consulting to sail through this subject. Help required.

Originally Posted by Demonstrative

@ Shahkaar

I don't know why but I was very hopeful that you'make it anyway; Nonetheless "Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations".

@ Topic

I empathise with all those who couldn't make it. Anyone who has an iota of understanding of how this system works won't judge you for your competence or alternatively, for lack thereof. Not sure why certain predicaments in life remind me of what John Steinbeck wrote, "And all plans, safeguards, policing and coercion are fruitless. We find after years of struggle that we do not take a trip; a trip takes us."


Btw, there was this user Zainab S (if memory serves me). Does anyone have any idea if she made it or not? Not sure if she still logs in here. Just in case you are reading, Zainab, drop a post here.

Originally Posted by Shahkaar

Thanks for positive words. Waiting for DMC to find out what happened. How did you do?

Originally Posted by umark

First and foremost, I would like to congratulate everyone who has qualified the written exam of CSS 2017. Well done and best of luck for the next steps in the process.

For the ones who did not make it (I am one of them), can we please discuss and make sense of what went wrong and why we did not pass? I'm just completely blank right now and don't know how to make sense of it all. I know everyone must be very emotional right now but I feel like this could act as a catharsis.

Originally Posted by umark

Haha....Thank you!! I don't think I am any less determined or committed than I was before. But I'd be lying if I said that this whole process hasn't played with my self-confidence. I have had my essays crossed out at a mere glance by CSP Officers turned CSS gurus and mind you, the same essays were appreciated by retired government english professors. I have had to listen to comments such as "You need to dumb it down". I didn't know that was a thing but okay. So yeah, I've had my fair share of moments of self-doubt. Nonetheless, I am an optimistic person so it's all good. I have learned so much through this experience and made some great study buddies/friends in the way, something I will always cherish.

Originally Posted by umark

After sleeping on it, I think I have come to terms with the result. It wasn't meant to be and it is what it is. One has to reconcile with the facts and move on.
But what frustrates me is that after spending 2.5 years on CSS, I am still as clueless as I was when I started this journey in 2015. I came back from the United Kingdom due to my sheer passion for Foreign Services. I incorporated everything I was told or asked to; join academies, English professors, practice, mock exams, how to write an answer, headings, outlines and yet here I am after 2 attempts, simply clueless as to why I failed. A "well-wisher" called me last night and told me that I should definitely go for the third attempt but I just feel like I don't have anything else to give or add to my preparation which could make a difference this time around.
I will also take this opportunity to urge all the dreamers to keep dreaming and work towards realizing your dreams. If you want to do CSS, please do it. Maybe the system is rigged but if there is anyone who can bring about a change, it's us. This system needs to be infused with new blood. Don't let anyone tell you that your dreams and aspirations are not valid. Make it happen!! Best of luck!!!