Help needed to choose PMS optional subjects and their study material
 

I am going to appear in coming PMS exam for the first and the last time. I need suggestions for optional subjects. I have taken Psychology as optional in CSS so, I am sticking with it in PMS as well. I need suggestion for other two subjects. Please suggest them with respect to scoring trend, shorter syllabus and easy to digest content. I can tackle that theoretical subjects well which have less cramming and more conceptual content. I am going to appear in CSS as well so cannot give much time to PMS.
I am confused about following subjects. Please help me choose 2 subjects from following 4 subjects.
1- Mass communication
2- Geography
3- Education
4- Public administration.

I also need suggestions for books for these subjects. Please also suggest one good book for Urdu as well.

Your help will be greatly appreciated.

Though I do not know the scoring trend of PMS, I can give you a piece of advice. Mass Communication is a pretty good subject, considering its scoring trend in CSS, it yielded robust scores all the time in my case. Since it is not a cramming based subject, one can score really auspicious if attempted up to the mark. Again Geo is another solid scoring. It is my favourite subject, If I were you I would opt it. Geo lies in sub-scientific subjects; it is ever green scoring discipline. It also helps in interview. Rest as usual being unique and confined in your cadge, you are the master of your own choice. Lekin opt wohi karne jo mene bataye hen :D Wishing you all the very best.

[QUOTE=Wonderworld;1048988]Though I do not know the scoring trend of PMS, I can give you a piece of advice. Mass Communication is a pretty good subject, considering its scoring trend in CSS, it yielded robust scores all the time in my case. Since it is not a cramming based subject, one can score really auspicious if attempted up to the mark. Again Geo is another solid scoring. It is my favourite subject, If I were you I would opt it. Geo lies in sub-scientific subjects; it is ever green scoring discipline. It also helps in interview. Rest as usual being unique and confined in your cadge, you are the master of your own choice. Lekin opt wohi karne jo mene bataye hen :D Wishing you all the very best.[/QUOTE]
Thank you for your reply. I am also inclined towards Mass communication for PMS since it's syllabus is conceptual and last year's students have fetched pretty good marks in it. Can you please suggest one good book for preparation?

I like geography but I think PMS geography syllabus is vast as compared to CSS. I have no idea about its scoring trend in PMS. In CSS, it is one of the least scoring subject since 2016. I think for geography at least 1 week is needed to prepare and I do not want to spent more than 2 days on each optional subjects of PMS. I will like to get more opinions about 2nd choice.

Also I will highly appreciate if someone can suggest me 1 good book for preparation of Urdu.

Thank you for your suggestions and best wishes. I wish the same for you.

I am also confused. I have taken Maths but I can't see any other subject that overlaps with my CSS prep. And since I only started CSS prep in Oct, I don't know if its a good idea attempting PCS(last attempt because of age).

What should I do? Any subjects that can be covered in a week max?

[QUOTE=Anum Zara;1048990]Thank you for your reply. I am also inclined towards Mass communication for PMS since it's syllabus is conceptual and last year's students have fetched pretty good marks in it. Can you please suggest one good book for preparation?

I like geography but I think PMS geography syllabus is vast as compared to CSS. I have no idea about its scoring trend in PMS. In CSS, it is one of the least scoring subject since 2016. I think for geography at least 1 week is needed to prepare and I do not want to spent more than 2 days on each optional subjects of PMS. I will like to get more opinions about 2nd choice.

Also I will highly appreciate if someone can suggest me 1 good book for preparation of Urdu.

Thank you for your suggestions and best wishes. I wish the same for you.[/QUOTE]

For Mass Communication I had read different books. I do not believe in one book policy. Scoring auspicious requires to go through different books. Since you are short of time, I would recommend you to read A to Z (100 pages or so) Journalism, Mass Communication by Jokhio (little one) and if possible refer to AP series for the sake of concrete material. This combination seems to be better for the disposal time. As far as Geo is concerned, I strongly insist you to opt it, because it is not that difficult. There must be two papers in it for PMS; the Physical & General Geo. You need to focus on only specific topics in physical Geo. For General Geo it is all around the bush we already know. Geo will never let you down in allocation. However, I would suggest you to opt those subjects which emancipate you from the yoke of scoring dilemma. Thank you for reciprocation.

[QUOTE=Norymberskie;1048992]I am also confused. I have taken Maths but I can't see any other subject that overlaps with my CSS prep. And since I only started CSS prep in Oct, I don't know if its a good idea attempting PCS(last attempt because of age).

What should I do? Any subjects that can be covered in a week max?[/QUOTE]

If possible, opt those subjects which overlap in both of your exams. Math is among the top scoring subjects, though.

[QUOTE=Norymberskie;1048992]I am also confused. I have taken Maths but I can't see any other subject that overlaps with my CSS prep. And since I only started CSS prep in Oct, I don't know if its a good idea attempting PCS(last attempt because of age).

What should I do? Any subjects that can be covered in a week max?[/QUOTE]
I am also confused but I am applying. I will decide about appearing later. I am preparing those subjects first which will overlap. Rest I have plans to give maximum 2 days tops to each optional subject of PMS. Go for subjects which will take less time to prepare. I am going with psychology, mass communication and public administration. As maths is overlapping you need not to prepare it separately like I do not have any need to prepare psychology separately except 1 topic. Rest all 4 subjects which I have mentioned to take guidance from seniors are general subjects and will not consume your much time. I love geography but I know i is hard to retain so many facts and figures, names etc in short time. Education is also easy and scoring but it's outline is very lengthy so I am going with public administration and mass communication. I have seen their books and they are not lengthy either.
You should apply but about appearing you can decide later depending upon circumstances on that time. :)

[QUOTE=Wonderworld;1048999]For Mass Communication I had read different books. I do not believe in one book policy. Scoring auspicious requires to go through different books. Since you are short of time, I would recommend you to read A to Z (100 pages or so) Journalism, Mass Communication by Jokhio (little one) and if possible refer to AP series for the sake of concrete material. This combination seems to be better for the disposal time. As far as Geo is concerned, I strongly insist you to opt it, because it is not that difficult. There must be two papers in it for PMS; the Physical & General Geo. You need to focus on only specific topics in physical Geo. For General Geo it is all around the bush we already know. Geo will never let you down in allocation. However, I would suggest you to opt those subjects which emancipate you from the yoke of scoring dilemma. Thank you for reciprocation.[/QUOTE]
I need only one good book. I just want to give maximum two days tops. I think 1 book will be sufficient for me. So please recommend me the one which covers the maximum syllabus. Geography is not difficult I know. I even have books of geography but the material needs cramming. I cannot retain material of geography by reading it in such short time. I am going with subjects in which I can reproduce material in the exam easily. Scoring trends are not persistent so, I am going with my strengths. Thank you for taking time to answer my queries. Please suggest me only one book which can cover maximum syllabus of mass communication. Rest I will leave to my paper attempting skills and off course Allah.

[QUOTE=Anum Zara;1049092]I need only one good book. I just want to give maximum two days tops. I think 1 book will be sufficient for me. So please recommend me the one which covers the maximum syllabus. Geography is not difficult I know. I even have books of geography but the material needs cramming. I cannot retain material of geography by reading it in such short time. I am going with subjects in which I can reproduce material in the exam easily. Scoring trends are not persistent so, I am going with my strengths. Thank you for taking time to answer my queries. Please suggest me only one book which can cover maximum syllabus of mass communication. Rest I will leave to my paper attempting skills and off course Allah.[/QUOTE]

Acha, then purchase "Journalism A to Z." This one is the most comprehensive and it covers nothing but complete syllabus. Just peep the 100 mini pages and you are done. :D

Public Administration by Sultan Khan.

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Physical and Human Geography by DEBLIJ.

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[QUOTE=Sherymirza;1049113]Public Administration by Sultan Khan.

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Thank you. I already have this book for public administration. :)

[QUOTE=Anum Zara;1049177]Thank you. I already have this book for public administration. :)[/QUOTE]I am half way through, read till Administrative Adjudication.

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[QUOTE=Sherymirza;1049114]Physical and Human Geography by DEBLIJ.

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Geography by Imran Bashir is best and totally according to new syllabus. However, I am not taking geography as optional subject.
What are your optional subjects for PMS?

Its gon' be my first attempt of CE-18 (CSS).

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[QUOTE=Anum Zara;1049256]Geography by Imran Bashir is best and totally according to new syllabus. However, I am not taking geography as optional subject.
What are your optional subjects for PMS?[/QUOTE]Why i can't reply by writing something detailed. Weird message pops up.

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[QUOTE=Norymberskie;1048992]I am also confused. I have taken Maths but I can't see any other subject that overlaps with my CSS prep. And since I only started CSS prep in Oct, I don't know if its a good idea attempting PCS(last attempt because of age).

What should I do? Any subjects that can be covered in a week max?[/QUOTE]

I will suggest you to opt Social works ... easiest subject and scoring to just go through topics once and you can write on your own

and if you are a science graduate go for geography the easiest one. Punjabi for PMS is very easy as compared to CSS

it depends a lot on the nature of your degree in the bachelors. you can easily adjust yourself to the subjects which you have studied (at some extent) in your bachelors degree.

[QUOTE=Sherymirza;1049261]Why i can't reply by writing something detailed. Weird message pops up.

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I guess you have less than 10 posts. After ten posts, you can use the forum fully.
I thought you are appearing for PMS as well. It is going to be my first and the last PMS attempt and 2nd CSS attempt. Taking Public administration as optional in CSS was the worst decision of my life.

[QUOTE=zulqarnayn;1049280]it depends a lot on the nature of your degree in the bachelors. you can easily adjust yourself to the subjects which you have studied (at some extent) in your bachelors degree.[/QUOTE]
I disagree. It is impossible to adjust all subjects according to degree. One has to choose other subjects as well. Also there are several other factors which one should consider while choosing optional subjects like aptitude, interest, nature of content, scoring trend, overlapping of content, estimate time to prepare a particular subject etc. I was looking for book and subject suggestions from seniors for PMS only. For, CSS after 1 attempt, I have enough know how of the system. It is not easy to select the subjects. Degree does not matter. I am commerce graduate and doing M.Phil in accounting and finance but still I have not taken any of the subjects from my previous degree as optional. Seniors can guide better.

[QUOTE=Anum Zara;1049361]I guess you have less than 10 posts. After ten posts, you can use the forum fully.
I thought you are appearing for PMS as well. It is going to be my first and the last PMS attempt and 2nd CSS attempt. Taking Public administration as optional in CSS was the worst decision of my life.[/QUOTE]Though, you have to make the worst, the better for you. Everyone, has their state of mind as well as depends on their capacity, Public Administration is way easy to pursue and study but it is terribly lenghty to memorize and study each and every thing.
The regarded subject totally consists of Human resource except some other topics in relation with the Law and state. You'll find tons of similarities if you try to compare its topics with eacother.

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[QUOTE=Anum Zara;1049363]I disagree. It is impossible to adjust all subjects according to degree. One has to choose other subjects as well. Also there are several other factors which one should consider while choosing optional subjects like aptitude, interest, nature of content, scoring trend, overlapping of content, estimate time to prepare a particular subject etc. I was looking for book and subject suggestions from seniors for PMS only. For, CSS after 1 attempt, I have enough know how of the system. It is not easy to select the subjects. Degree does not matter. I am commerce graduate and doing M.Phil in accounting and finance but still I have not taken any of the subjects from my previous degree as optional. Seniors can guide better.[/QUOTE]I took I.R and Soiology from my bachelors, thou i also opted Pol'Science during my graduation, but the subject has low score trends, so i didn't opt it now.

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[QUOTE=Sherymirza;1049364]Though, you have to make the worst, the better for you. Everyone, has their state of mind as well as depends on their capacity, Public Administration is way easy to pursue and study but it is terribly lenghty to memorize and study each and every thing.
The regarded subject totally consists of Human resource except some other topics in relation with the Law and state. You'll find tons of similarities if you try to compare its topics with eacother.

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It was used to be one of the easiest subjects in CSS but now things have changed. Style of asking questions in paper has been dramatically changed. Although, it was my blind attempt last time and I did not study the subject at all. I thought being a business graduate it will be easy for me to tackle but paper was different and difficult as compared to past papers. Also it is very lengthy and boring.
Sociology is very low scoring at the moment. Political science is high scoring subject at the moment and it will remain scoring for coming attempt as well in my opinion. This year IR and US history were slaughtered. Scoring trends change every years.

[QUOTE=Anum Zara;1049366]It was used to be one of the easiest subjects in CSS but now things have changed. Style of asking questions in paper has been dramatically changed. Although, it was my blind attempt last time and I did not study the subject at all. I thought being a business graduate it will be easy for me to tackle but paper was different and difficult as compared to past papers. Also it is very lengthy and boring.
Sociology is very low scoring at the moment. Political science is high scoring subject at the moment and it will remain scoring for coming attempt as well in my opinion. This year IR and US history were slaughtered. Scoring trends change every years.[/QUOTE]It also relies on how you attempt the paper. The Clarity and the Coherence.

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[QUOTE=Sherymirza;1049373]It also relies on how you attempt the paper. The Clarity and the Coherence.

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I appeared in previous attempt with a little to no preparation at all. I had less than 15 days to prepare all subjects. I did not even know about the syllabus of some subjects. I tried to attempt the most general questions. I went for the topics on which everyone can write a little. My luck helped me in all papers except public administration. I attempted the papers in the best way possible addressing all key points and my presentation skills are matchless. I can bet on that. Clarity and coherence are very important and I took care of them. Still, I failed only in Public administration. In rest of the subjects, I scored above 50 even in essay. It was used to be one of the easiest and general subjects of CSS. Now, things are not the same. Now general questions are not being asked. You need to study cover to cover to pass this paper. That is why I have not taken it as optional subject for coming attempt. In PMS, it is still a good choice. However, I am expecting it to become an average scoring subject in coming 1,2 attempts if not high scoring. Prepare past papers of 2016 and 2017. You may get lucky. In 2015, 1 student scored 94 in it. After that, scoring trends have shown one of the worst scores. Same is happening with sociology and geography of CSS.

I agree, that they don't allow you the text book version of the questions on this present CSS era. Somehow they have managed to hire those people to choose the paper Entirely based on to judge out analytical skills of the candidate. Although, they even publish some illogical and out of syllabus questionnaire.

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[QUOTE=Anum Zara;1049521]I appeared in previous attempt with a little to no preparation at all. I had less than 15 days to prepare all subjects. I did not even know about the syllabus of some subjects. I tried to attempt the most general questions. I went for the topics on which everyone can write a little. My luck helped me in all papers except public administration. I attempted the papers in the best way possible addressing all key points and my presentation skills are matchless. I can bet on that. Clarity and coherence are very important and I took care of them. Still, I failed only in Public administration. In rest of the subjects, I scored above 50 even in essay. It was used to be one of the easiest and general subjects of CSS. Now, things are not the same. Now general questions are not being asked. You need to study cover to cover to pass this paper. That is why I have not taken it as optional subject for coming attempt. In PMS, it is still a good choice. However, I am expecting it to become an average scoring subject in coming 1,2 attempts if not high scoring. Prepare past papers of 2016 and 2017. You may get lucky. In 2015, 1 student scored 94 in it. After that, scoring trends have shown one of the worst scores. Same is happening with sociology and geography of CSS.[/QUOTE]Sometimes, i just get fed up of this CSS written interrogation process.

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