I believe that written part of CSS is not a test of knowledge of the candidates; Rather it is the test of their analytical skills. Most of the questions in the papers are of application level in which candidates are required to apply their knowledge. So in order to get good marks in written, the candidates need to improve their analytical and application skills by practising questions from the Past Papers after they have completed their preparation.

ASP Mufakhar Adeel 2nd Position, CSS-2006

English Essay is the only paper to evaluate writing skills of the candidate on any topic. Students must have good understanding and knowledge about societal issues like poverty, gender discrimination, social inequality, women empowerment; economic issues like tax reforms, budget, national finance commission award; religion like Islam and West, Islamophobia, Islam and terrorism, pluralism; scientific issues like global warming, pollution; national issues like democracy, military intervention, provincial autonomy , energy crisis, indepedence of judiciary, media; international issues like global terrorism, credit crunch, new world order.

-Syed Nadeem Abass 37 common, PSP

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 for getting highest marks. And I adopted the same strategy for topping written exam.

-Abdullah Khuram NiaZi

2nd Position PMS Competitive examination 2009/10

I got 215 marks in interview and they are considered to be quite high. The main theme in interview is your confidence. In interview they are looking how well you communicate verbally. so you should speak good English with correct pronunciation. Next what matters are your regarding various national and international issues. You should have clear views which you should be able to support when called upon. One should not have extremist views- a moderate and balanced approach is preferable.

-Zeeshan Shafique Siddiqui 8th Postion, CSS 2007, PSP

A candidate must consider his/her own ability to understand and grasp all those subjects which he/she thinks appropriate for selection. The second consideration must be based on choosing those subjects which can fetch good marks.

Hussain Sarder Deputy Secretary (Finance) Government of the Punjab.

Those who get proper guidance at the time of selecting their optional subjects, they remain very comfortable throughout their preparation and also get the desired result in the long run. So the subject selection must be given due consideration in the beginning.

ASP Mufakhar Adeel 2nd Position, CSS-2006

I did masters in English and LLB. But I neither took English nor any subject of law as my optional. I went for entirely new subjects, the subjects in which I had the interest. My combination included Islamic history, Urdu, Sociology and journalism. It was mainly because of these subjects that I managed to score 76% marks in optional subjects and hence secured second position overall.

ASP Mufakhar Adeel 2nd Position, CSS-2006

The first and foremost requirement is good command of English language. Every candidate should be able to represent himself/herself. Actually, when one joins the Civil Service then the official language is English; so one has to communicate and interact with people in this language.

Ahmed Farooq FSP 28th common

It is handy to give a brief outline of every question before attempting full answer. This technique shows the checker 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. In my opinion, candidates should put more emphasis on preparing for those compulsory subjects where most of the students fail in those subjects.

1st Position, PMS Competitive Examination 2009/10

Regarding getting 2nd position in 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 studies and productive studies matter a lot. As far as the strategy is concerned, the students ought not to rely on notes. They should consult original text books and extricate their own notes from those text books. These notes are beneficial for only those students who make their own efforts. In addition, reading quality newspapers are also lucrative for streamlining your concepts.

Abdullah Khurram Niazi 2nd Position, PMS Competitive Examination 2009/10

The strategy for preparing any competitive exams includes the following tips; proper management including short and long term, choosing elective subjects according to one’s interest and keeping in mind the scoring trends, preparation of notes in two fold manners consisting of comprehensive notes and short/brief notes, reading of journals and newspapers, time management, writing practice and performance during the exam. Frankly speaking, I believe in smart work but as far as the proposition of luck is concerned, God awards you when you show Him your commitment and perseverance.

Kaiser A. Rind 4th position, PMS Competitive Examination 2009/10

Reason is quite obvious, as there is no set syllabus and book that could cover these two subjects, so candidates put the preparation of this subject on the back burner. As you can’t learn to play cricket just by watching it on TV, similar is the case with English, you can’t master this subject just by reading books. Unless you improve the English written expression by practising it, you will not be able to master it. At least dedicate two days a week exclusively for the English preparation. Don’t cram five or six essays but try to be at home in writing essays on any topic.

1st in Pakistan, CSS Exam-2011 Dr. Fahad Mumtaz

Check past papers first. Then go for “Text Books” that are recommended by the FPSC. Select any book which covers maximum of the questions or chapters that are repeated in the last 10 years. This gives an idea of what to prepare and what not to. Make long notes first and then (for the last night study before CSS papers) make shorter notes in the form of outlines of the notes which you made from the text book. No doubt, making notes is a time consuming process but at the end you are the one to be benefited.

Sahibzada Najeebullah, PAS 1st position in Balochistan CSS 2011

I strongly recommend taking coaching classes from professional senior English teachers who have vast experience in teaching CSS candidates. I don’t recommend taking guidelines even from CSP fellows because no one has complete command over English like the English teachers have. Extensive writing and reading can improve your English skills as there is no short-cut to it.

Dr. Zeeshan, PAS, 20th Position CSS-2011

Books are an essential part of preparation and one must consult them because they not only boost your knowledge but develop your expression as well. While making selection, always prefer the books which cover the syllabus to the maximum extent. One may prepare notes out of them for quick revision.

Muhammad Tayyab Tahir 2nd Position PMS-2012

Build vocabulary from Barron’s GRE. Focus on grammar and sentence structure. Learn special techniques from a qualified talented CSP to score high in Essay, Précis, Comprehension and Expansion. Always remember that practice makes a man perfect, so make it a must for you.

Hassan Afzal 2nd Position CSS-2012

I don’t think that one can make difference only by studying difficult or different books. More or less, all the candidates consult same books. I think the real difference lies in the way you actually present your thoughts. Presentation of material needs a lot of acumen coupled with abilities to discourse. Make your paper more and more attractive with flowcharts, graphs, relevant diagrams, tables, headings, etc.

Sayyed Muhammad Abbas Shah —3rd in CSS-2012

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