It is widely believed that Economics, as a subject backfires most of the time and is not worth the risk since many of the aspirants attribute and associate a larger portion of the blame to it as a result of lower DMC's. This perception is rather very wrong and misleading, or perhaps I for one, would play the devils advocate and many would agree.

The opportunities and openings the discipline in discussion leads to is in all another matter (BUT evident) and therefore, not pertinent to the topic hence kept aside.

Economics is a 200 marks worth of paper in CSS examination as we all know divided into 2 parts (In general terms, Economic Theory and Pakistan Economy). Although I would have to agree that the aspirants wanting to go for it should only opt for it provided they have a firm background of the subject.

It is both scoring and rewarding. The approach one should adopt is to make their preparation of MCQs (In both papers) and Subjective Parts of Paper I as concrete as possible within the available time frame. That is where one can (almost) accurately determine the outcome before the marks are out. Paper I is basic economics that is based on theory. The art of scoring is to frame your answer patterns over three criterions being Diagrams, Equations (Algebra if possible to justify your proofs unless the question is purely theoretical in nature) and Effective Essay explanation BUT Pertinent to the question. Although I do not have any up-to-date ''Authentic Reference Source'' to back my argument, I am sure I have something that would best serve the purpose and none would be skeptical about it, a note on Economics alongside other subjects which are perceived to be high scoring (although they may be) by FPSC themselves in their Annual Report of inductions to the President of Pakistan in 2010 since that is the latest available version on their website

http://www.fpsc.gov.pk/icms/admin/do...ort%202010.pdf

As far as paper II is concerned, if observed closely, that is mostly opinion based therefore one should not expect to score high since our views and justifications may differ than those of the examiner unless backed by factual details. I shall reiterate that common sense, and logic do not work in this paper, it strictly requires and adheres to scientific proofs. One should fill himself in with as much as he/she can about Pakistan Economy. Even better would be to relate frameworks such as IS-LM or AD-AS or Marshall-lerner condition to questions relating to Public Expenditure; Trade of Pakistan etc and hacing them depicted with mathematical proofs and diagrams.

Alongside the opportunity to score high, it is highly rewarding. The nature and scope of Economics goes beyond a defined horizon. Its domain would extend greatly to current affairs, essays, even Islamiyat as well as Pakistan affairs therefore preparation of Economics is complementary to the rest. Not to mention, preparation for Paper II would greatly help with Pakistan affairs as it is always better to put in additional, relevant information on the paper and derive greater pleasure from scoring the ''unthinkable 70+'' rather than the conventional highest scores of 50-60+ .

One should think high, and by that I mean HIGH ENOUGH, though a score of 100 or 200 is virtually impossible, only then would you land somewhere close. If you aim for a 60, you might end up getting a 40 or a 50 or even 60 if your lucky. its the benchmark you set for yourself according to which you put in the effort. One should break that barrier since it is merely an obstruction in a GREATER success than 'just' a success. Point is to encourage you all. Besides, it's something to think about, ''Why will you not score well if you do the paper right and answer the questions correctly?'' And besides, marking is done more leniently on papers not many candidates opt for because the true competition lies where most of the candidates are concentrated, that too is a point not to be overlooked.

You should work to make your paper different, presentable, relevant and professional so it interests the examiner and tempts him to go through every detail you have put in (This is what you would do pretty much for any paper, doesnt demand any extra). I hope I have made my views clear, I am open to any comments or queries from any of the comrades. Just believe in yourself. What 'Able' a person will you make of yourself if you 'cannot' decide on a subject and go by what others tell you just because they couldn't do it. There is a very obvious and clear ''Divergence'' between guidance and Discouragement....Food for thought

I should point out that my post is not meant to challenge the competence of the aspirants who share views opposite to mine regarding the subject. One may simply not be good at it because I am, just as I may not be good at sociology or journalism or Psychology or Geology or whatever because somebody else is pretty good at it, Not everything is every ones cup of tea. There are better, and even the best in you that you have to let out, just believe in yourself. That's all it demands, like do the rest.

Page 52 and onwards on the link that I have shared.