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Ali Waseem

1st Position, PMS 2009

Jahangir's World Times
Vol/5.....Issue/VIII.....May/11

Education and achievements.

I graduated from Government College University, Lahore, and did my masters in International Relations from Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad. I started my career as Sub-Editor in Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation. I was also selected as 'analyst' in Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission and Assistant Director in ISI (Ministry of Defence). However, I didn't join any of the above jobs as PMS was my first choice and I cleared it in the first attempt by securing first position.


Tips for getting top position.

In my opinion, candidates should put more emphasis on preparing for compulsory subjects as most of the students fail in these subjects.


What sort of guidance should be sought?

Candidates should seek guidance pertaining to English essay and grammar paper. Moreover, they should also read newspapers and make short notes for general knowledge paper.


Role of academies.

Personally, I don't think that academies are helpful for the candidates. Most of the academies are in the business of minting money. However, these are a bit helpful for interview preparation.


Discuss books or notes; what should be prepared and how?

Selfnotes are of fundamental importance for the preparation of competitive examination. They should be prepared thoroughly and diligently.


What is the key to success?

1.Set clear objectives in mind
2.Patience and perseverance
3.Diligent preparation of notes
4.Make notes as short as possible
5.Skillful execution


What should be the strategy how to make oneself differentiate from the rest of the students and secure top position? How many months and daily hours are required for final preparation?

1. Diligent preparation and execution

2.At least eight months and five to seven hours per day are enough.


What are the steps for the preparation, especially English Essay and Composition?

Write essays on diverse subjects. It is also proper and effective to have them checked from friend or some experienced teachers. The most important thing is to practise by writing on different issues as there is no other way around. After that, things start becoming easy with practice and I have learned this technique through my experience. First thorough read the question and divide it in parts then attempts it accordingly. This technique shows the examiner that the student knows the answer and he/she is hitting it directly. Make intelligent use of blue pen and black marker to create a good impact.

Secondly, as far as English grammar is concerned, I think students should make précis of the Dawn editorials. They are really helpful in this regard.

So students should also memorise pair of words and idioms. Moreover, practice of short essay is also very vital.

What combination should the students opt for the optional subjects?

In any competitive exams, candidates have to compete with thousands of other candidates. So the selection of subjects should be judicious. I would strongly recommend the following subjects; Punjabi/ Persian, Geography, Social Work and Mass Communication.

How to get excellent marks in written and interview?

Give proper and equal time to each question. First thoroughly read the question and divide it in parts then attempt it accordingly.

It is handy to give a brief outline of every question before attempting full answer. This technique shows the examiner that the student knows the answer and he/she is hitting it directly. Make intelligent use of blue pen and black marker to create a good impact.

Whereas interview is concerned, following is the strategy:

1.Read newspapers and make short notes.

2.Develop your opinion whatever it is. There is nothing right or wrong in humanities, politics and international relations.

3.Be frank and give normal answers to the interview panel. Confusion and nervousness are your biggest enemy.

4.Give mock interviews to your friends and seniors.

My marks are following:

English essay: 70, English composition: 80, Urdu: 59, Islamiat: 67, Pak Affairs: 65, General Knowledge: 61, Geography: 126, Social Works: 127, Mass Communication: 115 and in interview: 142.

Any message

First of all, I would like to pay tributes to my teachers and above all a great selfless human being Prof Irfan Waheed Usmani for his all out efforts and sacrifice not only for me but also for all students and candidates of PMS/CSS. The key to success in PMS lies in patience, perseverance, faith, hardwork and above all prayers and good wishes of your parents and loved ones.

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Kon Kehta hy k Main Gum-naam ho jaon ga
Main tu aik Baab hn Tareekh mein Likha jaon ga

Abdullah Khurram Niazi

2nd Position, PMS 2009

Jahangir's World Times
Vol/5.....Issue/VIII.....May/11

Education and achievements

I matriculated from Central Model High School, Lower Mall, Lahore. After that, I did my inter from FC College, Lahore. During my studies in school and college, I participated in domestic cricket. I continued my studies and cricket at the same time. I also played first class cricket and was selected among 30 players of Pakistan Cricket Team. It was a great achievement to join Pakistan Cricket Camp. I did my masters in Economics from Punjab University, Lahore. I got 649 marks and stood fifth in my university.


Factors behind getting second position in PMS

Regarding getting second position in the PMS Competitive Exams, I want to say that this is the exam of strategy and proper allocation of time. To spend 10 or 12 hours does not matter. Actually, to the point and productive studies matter a lot.

With the blessing of Allah Almighty, I got 808 marks in the written exam. I would like to thank my parents and teachers for supporting me to pass the PMS competitive examination with flying colours.


My marks are following:

English Essay: 70, English Composition: 70, Pakistan Affairs: 42, General Knowledge: 69, Islamiat: 77, Urdu: 67, Economics: 138, Punjabi: 150, Social Work:126. I got highest marks in Economics, General Knowledge and English Essay.

As far as the strategy is concerned, the students ought not to rely on notes. They should consult original textbooks and extricate their own notes from those textbooks. These notes are beneficial only to those students who exert efforts. In addition, reading quality newspapers is also lucrative for streamlining your concepts.


Favourite magazine

I had the subscription of “World Times” and “News-week.” I also consulted newspapers. These were my major sources for seeking information on different contemporary issues.

World Times gives diverse opinions about national and global trends, especially the international and national affairs.


Optional subjects for getting higher marks

I think selection of optional subjects play pivotal role in your total marks. Regarding selection of optional subjects, I like to prefer Punjabi, Social Work, Mass Communication, History and Public Administration. Over and above one should avoid to opt for science subjects.


Steps for PMS preparation

Following are the steps:
1.Proper guidance
2.Time management
3.Writing practice
4.Reading quality newspapers and World Times Magazine

I am highly indebted to my teachers, my father; Dr Liaquat Ali Khan Niazi, my mother; Tasnim Jahan, my elder brother; Mohammad Shahrukh, who got 11th position in PMS-09, Prof Agha Mohsin, Dr Ijaz Butt, Dr Ali Muhammad, Dr Shabi-ul-Hasan, Prof Izhar, Mr Kashif Rehman Khan, Prof Imran Bhutta, Prof Mashud-ul-Hassan Berlas, Dr. Shahbaz Malik and Prof Mussarat.


Key for getting higher marks in written

Two things play vital role: Firstly, consultation of the original source helps you get the top position. Secondly, written tests, as many as you can, are very beneficial to getting highest marks. And I adopted the same strategy for topping written exam.


“Luck Factor” in Competitive Exams

I personally believe that luck and your efforts count as well. If it is divided, I will say that 40 per cent luck and 60 per cent efforts count. Without efforts, one cannot achieve one's goals. Besides, there is no criterion for awarding score hence it is up to the mood of the examiner and his likings and dislikings.


Technique to prepare “English Essay” and “English Composition”

Regarding essay, one should attempt that essay which is in your grip. So, one should not attempt that essay which is unknown to him/her. In order to get higher marks in essay, write an essay daily within stipulated period of time of three hours. Secondly, reading and writing improve your English expression. Students cannot fail in these papers if they practise essay regularly.


Sometimes extraordinary students cannot qualify CSS while an average student gets allocation. Comment

Competition exams demand style and expression. If you are good in expression and get proper guidance from experienced teachers, I think one can remain on the track. If you are hard worker your luck favours. Moreover, to hold your nerves under control during papers plays a vital role.


Any message

Nothing is impossible in this world. With your painstaking efforts, you can touch the pinnacle of glory in life.

__________________
Kon Kehta hy k Main Gum-naam ho jaon ga
Main tu aik Baab hn Tareekh mein Likha jaon ga