Asalam-o-Alaikum everyone!

I apologize in advance for the somewhat long essay but this is something I'm quite stressed about and need guidance on. I've highlighted my main questions underneath in case anyone can't be bothered to read the entire thing, quite understandably.

Background and Information

I'm 24 years old and based in Islamabad. I've had a few issues in my life over the past few years which barred me from pursuing higher education at the right time.

I graduated from A levels in 2012. However, due to financial and domestic issues in my family, I had to work for three years and had to hold off on pursuing an undergraduate degree. In 2015, I had the opportunity to either stay in Pakistan or go abroad for higher education. Unfortunately, I chose the latter.

After two years of training to become a film-maker, I was met with another crossroad in my life. Not only was it no longer financially feasible for me to do so, being solely responsible for my ailing parents meant that I had to return to Pakistan and uphold my responsibility to them as a son and leave my dreams behind.

Whilst I did pursue a career in film-making, I have come to the realization that there really isn't much scope for me in that industry down the road. Job security, financial stability etc all factor in when I consider my current situation.

My younger sister is majoring in IR (in her final year) and is currently employed at a Research Institute. As most of my relatives have pointed out, I could have excelled beyond her in the field considering that I'm the one in the family who is most keen on starting conversations on topics regarding geo-politics and current affairs. It's something that has developed into a personal interest. My sister is considering opting for CSS after her graduation, something friends and family have asked me to consider as well.

Therefore, I've decided to appear for a Private B.A. and give a composite exam over the coming academic year (2018). This, to me, seems like a feasible option. I've been told that after completing this, I could either go for an M.A. through the same route (private) or gain an admission into a University to go for a full B.A. (Hons) in a major of my choice starting from the 5th semester, though I need some clarification on that.

I've had a look at Punjab University's course outline for B.A. I could opt for Journalism and Political Science as elective subjects (200 Marks) as I feel that I already have a good command on those subjects from a personal interest perspective. I'm still on the fence regarding the optional subject (100 marks).

Questions

Now the questions I have are the following:

1. Is it a good idea for me to start studying for B.A. composite right away in order to give them in 2018? The Examinations, to the best of my knowledge, are held in April. Should that be ample time for me to study them? Is it challenging?

2. From a career standpoint, I've been told that international relations would be a good choice for me. I am very interested in going for CSS, with my primary focus on Foreign Services. Is a major in IR a necessary prerequisite if I want to go down that path? Would majoring in Media Studies or Development Studies instead be a good idea?

3. Is it necessary to go to coaching centers/academies to study for B.A. especially if you consider my situation?

4. What options are open to me in Islamabad? I'm based in Islamabad and I wish to remain here with my family. This includes coaching centers, application and appearance for B.A. and subsequently pursuing higher education in the foreseeable future.

5. Will universities like Bahria or IIUI accept me from the 5th semester into their B.A. program for social sciences if I appear for B.A. privately?

6. Since CSS requirements have been raised to 4 years of higher education, would opting for the aforementioned route be feasible? I want to save a year of my life and through this route, I could have an undergraduate degree by age 27. That would leave me with 2 years to study for and give the CSS exam, the other route would only leave me with 1 year.

I sincerely apologize for the wall of text but this is something that's been depressing me for a while. Most of my peers and juniors from school are currently graduated and employed. It's quite depressing to think that you're 24 and you're five to six years behind in your academics. Any advise and guidance would be greatly appreciated.

If you want to sit for the 2 year BA degree, 2018 is the last chance because the 2 year BA will be discontinued beyond that. Likewise, 2 year MA will be discontinued beyond 2020. So, go for it!
Regarding preparation, you said that you were an A levels student, so i'd recommend just get the books and read them for yourself, its straightforward stuff. I, too, did my BA after my A levels and trust me you dont need to go to any academies. I started my preparation in February, exams started in the first week of April and i passed it with First Division (Over 60%). Thats like getting an A in A levels. So you've got ample time.
Lastly, you're wrong about 16 year education being the requirement for sitting in CSS exam, its 14; for now, at least!

hi can you tell me if BA exam is still composite i.e can be given in one year? I am thinking about it, how much time do you think one needs to study for it as i'll be on job and cant start before january atleast.
I'll be studying privately for it and since I am self studying for ACCA subjects so I guess BA wont be much of a problem
Thanks.