Articles by "CSS Tips"
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10 Tips for Successful Career Planning

Career planning is not an activity that should be done once -- in high school or college -- and then left behind as we move forward in our jobs and careers. Rather, career planning is an activity that is best done on a regular basis -- especially given the data that the average worker will change careers (not jobs) multiple times over his or her lifetime. And it's never too soon or too late to start your career planning. 

Career planning is not a hard activity, not something to be dreaded or put off, but rather an activity that should be liberating and fulfilling, providing goals to achieve in your current career or plans for beginning a transition to a new career. Career planning should be a rewarding and positive experience. 

Here, then, are 10 tips to help you achieve successful career planning.

1. Make Career Planning an Annual Event


Many of us have physicals, visit the eye doctor and dentist, and do a myriad of other things on an annual basis, so why not career planning? Find a day or weekend once a year -- more often if you feel the need or if you're planning a major career change -- and schedule a retreat for yourself. Try to block out all distractions so that you have the time to truly focus on your career -- what you really want out of your career, out of your life. 

By making career planning an annual event, you will feel more secure in your career choice and direction -- and you'll be better prepared for the many uncertainties and difficulties that lie ahead in all of our jobs and career. 

2. Map Your Path Since Last Career Planning


One of your first activities whenever you take on career planning is spending time mapping out your job and career path since the last time you did any sort of career planning. While you should not dwell on your past, taking the time to review and reflect on the path -- whether straight and narrow or one filled with any curves and dead-ends -- will help you plan for the future. 

Once you've mapped your past, take the time to reflect on your course -- and note why it looks the way it does. Are you happy with your path? Could you have done things better? What might you have done differently? What can you do differently in the future? 

3. Reflect on Your Likes and Dislikes, Needs and Wants


Change is a factor of life; everybody changes, as do our likes and dislikes. Something we loved doing two years ago may now give us displeasure. So always take time to reflect on the things in your life -- not just in your job -- that you feel most strongly about. 

Make a two-column list of your major likes and dislikes. Then use this list to examine your current job and career path. If your job and career still fall mostly in the like column, then you know you are still on the right path; however, if your job activities fall mostly in the dislike column, now is the time to begin examining new jobs and new careers. 

Finally, take the time to really think about what it is you want or need from your work, from your career. Are you looking to make a difference in the world? To be famous? To become financially independent? To effect change? Take the time to understand the motives that drive your sense of success and happiness. 

4. Examine Your Pastimes and Hobbies


Career planning provides a great time to also examine the activities you like doing when you're not working. It may sound a bit odd, to examine non-work activities when doing career planning, but it's not. Many times your hobbies and leisurely pursuits can give you great insight into future career paths. 

Think you can't make a hobby into a career? People do it all the time. The great painter Paul Gauguin was a successful business person who painted on the side. It actually wasn't until he was encouraged by an artist he admired to continue painting that he finally took a serious look at his hobby and decided he should change careers. He was good at business, but his love was painting. 

5. Make Note of Your Past Accomplishments


Most people don't keep a very good record of work accomplishments and then struggle with creating a powerful resume when it's time to search for a new job. Making note of your past accomplishments -- keeping a record of them -- is not only useful for building your resume, it's also useful for career planning. 

Sometimes reviewing your past accomplishments will reveal forgotten successes, one or more which may trigger researching and planning a career shift so that you can be in a job that allows you to accomplish the types of things that make you most happy and proud. 

For more about accomplishments, read: Tracking and Leveraging Accomplishments. 

6. Look Beyond Your Current Job for Transferable Skills


Some workers get so wrapped up in their job titles that they don't see any other career possibilities for themselves. Every job requires a certain set of skills, and it's much better to categorize yourself in terms of these skill sets than be so myopic as to focus just on job titles. 

For example, one job-seeker who was trying to accomplish career planning found herself stuck because she identified herself as a reporter. But once she looked beyond her job title, she could see that she had this strong collection of transferable skills -- such as writing, editing, researching, investigating, interviewing, juggling multiple tasks, meeting goals and deadlines, and managing time and information -- skills that could easily be applied to a wide variety of jobs in many different careers. 

For more about transferable skills, read: Transferable Skills. 

7. Review Career and Job Trends


Everyone makes his or her own job and career opportunities, so that even if your career is shrinking, if you have excellent skills and know how to market yourself, you should be able to find a new job. However, having information about career trends is vital to long-term career planning success. 

A career path that is expanding today could easily shrink tomorrow -- or next year. It's important to see where job growth is expected, especially in the career fields that most interest you. Besides knowledge of these trends, the other advantage of conducting this research is the power it gives you to adjust and strengthen your position, your unique selling proposition. One of the keys to job and career success is having a unique set of accomplishments, skills, and education that make you better than all others in your career. 

For more about researching careers, review our Career Research Checklist. 

8. Set Career and Job Goals


Develop a roadmap for your job and career success. Can you be successful in your career without setting goals? Of course. Can you be even more successful through goal-setting? Most research says yes. 

A major component of career planning is setting short-term (in the coming year) and long-term (beyond a year) career and job goals. Once you initiate this process, another component of career planning becomes reviewing and adjusting those goals as your career plans progress or change - and developing new goals once you accomplish your previous goals. 

9. Explore New Education/Training Opportunities


It's somewhat of a cliche, but information really does lead to power and success. Never pass up chances to learn and grow more as a person and as a worker; part of career planning is going beyond passive acceptance of training opportunities to finding new ones that will help enhance or further your career. 

Take the time to contemplate what types of educational experiences will help you achieve your career goals. Look within your company, your professional association, your local universities and community colleges, as well as online distance learning programs, to find potential career-enhancing opportunities -- and then find a way achieve them. 

10. Research Further Career/Job Advancement Opportunities


One of the really fun outcomes of career planning is picturing yourself in the future. Where will you be in a year? In five years? A key component to developing multiple scenarios of that future is researching career paths. 

Of course, if you're in what you consider a dead-end job, this activity becomes even more essential to you, but all job-seekers should take the time to research various career paths -- and then develop scenarios for seeing one or more of these visions become reality. Look within your current employer and current career field, but again, as with all aspects of career planning, do not be afraid to look beyond to other possible careers. 

Final Thoughts on Career Planning

Don't wait too long between career planning sessions. Career planning can have multiple benefits, from goal-setting to career change, to a more successful life. Once you begin regularly reviewing and planning your career using the tips provided in this article, you'll find yourself better prepared for whatever lies ahead in your career -- and in your life. 

REGARDS

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According to the preset trend of FPSC/PPSC past papers, one should cover each of the following areas:

1. English Literature (Books to be consulted are: Emporium Publishers' MCQs of English Literature,, B.R Mullick's History of English Literature
2. English Grammar Wren & Martin's High School Grammar,
3. Linguistics (Famous publishers' Linguistics' book,)
Along with them, one should try to consult some material for Literary Terms. For this purpose, Dictionary of Literary Terms by Martin Grey is best.
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10 Questions with ROSHAN LAL WADWANI (FSP)

Candidly, Jahangir's World Times (JWT) worked as a mentor for me as it has been a constant source of knowledge. It provided me with all the required information about the CSS and its preparation.

Jahangir's World Times (JWT): First of all, tell us about your education?
Roshan Wadwani (RW): Basically, I hail from Sindh province. In fact, I had braved numerous hardships as the region I belong to is extremely backward in terms of education facilities and guidance as it lacks good institutions. Actually, being a victim of polio, I could not attend school. My parents had to arrange a home-teacher to start my studies. Later, my family had to shift to India where I got educated for nearly two years. This was a real turning point in my life because thenceforth my devotion to studies further strengthened. When we moved back to Pakistan, I continued my studies and did my matriculation in “A” grade from a Government High School Jarwar, district Ghotki.

After, I earned my master's degree in English from Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur, I started teaching at a private school. Teaching really helped me in discovering my potentials, developing confidence and enhancing my capabilities.

JWT: When you were growing up, what was your dream career? Was being a CSP always your aim?
RW: Joining the Civil Services has never been my aim. It might be surprising for you that till 2005, I didn't have much knowledge about CSS. I always wanted to be a doctor but, unfortunately, my disability frustrated my dreams. Nevertheless, I did not lose hope and my resolve to prove my potential always encouraged to go on with my studies.

JWT: What made you go for the CSS?
RW: What made me aspire to be a CSP was a passion for social work. Philanthropy has been at the core of my heart. Furthermore, Civil Service guarantees a prestigious career as there is a wider circle of influence as you become a part of policy making circles.

JWT: What, in your opinion, is the reason that we do not see a substantial representation of minorities, especially Hindus, in Civil Service of Pakistan. And, what inspired you to join it?

RW: I think, it's due to lack of sufficient awareness of Civil Service. Although, I had qualified yet fewer people in my town really know what, after all, Civil Service is. However, awareness is increasing and more and more candidates from Hindu Community are taking CSS exams.

JWT: Polio has scarred the image of Pakistan in the world. Although you yourself are a polio victim yet your successes are definitely phenomenal. How you can portray the positive image of our country?

RW: Polio is, of course, a serious challenge for Pakistan. Actually, there is a little awareness among common people about the rights of the disabled and facilities to be provided to them. I myself had to face a lot of problems to reach this stage. I believe Pakistan is a country abounding in opportunities because I, myself, have become a part of this prestigious fraternity without any political backing or influence.
Foreign Service of Pakistan — my first choice in the occupational groups — is the right platform to present a positive image of Pakistan as through this, I can represent Pakistan all over the world.

JWT: Impressed by your endeavours, if some readers decide to go for CSS, then what advice would you give them? And, how do you see Jahangir's World Times (JWT) as far as guidance for CSS-exam is concerned?

RW: I would exhort readers and new aspirants to believe in hard work. Always keep in mind that there is no substitute to hard work. When hopes are high and eyes are towards target then nothing is impossible, that is what I have learnt from my life and, of course, personal experiences.
Candidly, Jahangir's World Times (JWT) worked as a mentor for me as it has been a constant source of knowledge when I couldn't join any academy during the preparation for written part as well as for interviews. It was JWT that provided me with all the required information about the CSS and its preparation. All its articles are very informative and thought-provoking. I would strongly recommend the new aspirants to consult JWT while preparing for the CSS.

JWT: How one can make a difference in written part?
RW: One can make a real difference through vast reading and by developing one's analytical skills. Elements like coherence, clarity of ideas and logical arguments must be kept in mind while answering the question. Strong introductory and concluding paragraphs also prove really helpful.

JWT: How did you manage to get through Essay and Précis & Composition papers? Although these two are the most crucial papers, yet you fetched good marks especially in Composition paper?

RW: I drew up a simple strategy; write, write and write. I used to write and practice complete essays and it helped me a lot in developing writing skills and rectifying any mistakes. This ultimately paid off and I got excellent marks in Composition paper. Students usually shun practicing essay or précis which is not the right approach. The more you write, the more you know about your weaknesses and the more you sharpen your writing and analytical skills. As regards English composition paper, one should work on the basic syntax, enrichment of vocabulary, and above all, one should always work more and more on précis, comprehension and expansion of ideas.

JWT: How one can adopt a balanced approach to equally focus compulsory and optional subjects?
RW: Generally, the aspirants choose optional subjects while keeping in mind the scoring trend. This factor should be considered but the thing that really matters is one's interest in a particular subject. So don't follow the popular trend and just follow your heart. During preparation equal importance and time should be allotted for both compulsory and optional subjects. Consult one or two good books on each subject and prepare your own notes.

JWT: Would you like to give any message to our readers especially those from minority communities?
RW: I urge the youth especially belonging to minorities to take CSS exam and to succeed, you must first believe YOU CAN!

Source: Jahangir's World Times

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10 Questions with Talha Masood

JWT provides CSS aspirants with complete guidance on all aspects of CSS.

Jahangir’s World Times (JWT): Kindly tell us about your educational background and achievements in detail.

Talha Masood (TM): I was never so fortunate as to get educated from quality institutions. My schooling till class 9th was at Pak Public Model School, Panjgur. Then I did matriculation from Babar School, Quetta. Afterwards, I continued my education primarily as a private candidate. Then due to considerate guidance of Ma’am Faiza Meer, a lecturer at Balochistan University, I got enrolled in Master’s in International Relations programme from University of Balochistan and earned this degree with first division.

Actually, being an over-ambitious sort of person, I wanted to do a lot of things.

I got a diploma in Hotel Management and started working at Karachi Marriott as Housekeeping Coordinator. But, that was the place that instilled in me fervour to do something extraordinary for me as well as my family. So, I resigned from there and went on to work in many other organizations including Quetta Serena Hotel. I always worked hard and owing to my relentless struggle, Allah helped me in coming at the right track. So, I appeared in CSS and by the grace of Allah Almighty, I stood fourth in Balochistan. This still is among the biggest achievements in my life.

Besides qualifying CSS, I also co-founded the “Organization for the Development of Youth,” — another great achievement in my life — whereby we endeavour to steer the youth of Balochistan to right direction and make them capitalize their incomparable talents in diverse fields.

JWT: In your opinion, how the Inland Revenue Service (IRS) is better than other groups?
TM: Firstly, I would say that all the groups have distinctive attraction and charm. IRS is a lot more preferable group especially after excellent procedural reforms. After the inclusion of sales tax department in the ambit of IRS, it is now the collector of almost 90% of country’s total tax.
Besides, as an IRS officer you will mostly perform your duties in big cities. Most of the RTO’s and LTU’s are located in such cities. You can get postings in the cities of your choice almost all the time; another hallmark of the IRS. Besides attractive salary packages, the IRS offers fastest growth in terms of promotion and important assignments.

JWT: Did you join any academy or prepared for CSS on your own?
TM: I had some mentors of very good repute including Sir Noor Ahmed Samoon and Sir Mohammad Ishaque. They always rated me very high and under their patronage, I never felt the need to join any academy. I was of the view that resorting to academies for preparation would temper my originality. Nevertheless, aforementioned teachers helped me a lot in preparing for CSS.

JWT: What, between books and notes, should be preferred for better preparation?
TM: I think notes do matter but only if you prepare them by yourself. Ideally, more than one book must be consulted for each subject if one wishes to prepare for higher marks.
For each subject, use of its jargon and terminology adds a rewarding impact to one’s papers.

JWT: What strategy one should adopt to make a difference?
TM: Read more! Actually, problem is that most students have limited range of knowledge and that too is built on wrong frame of references. They usually stick to market books hence face mammoth problems in getting through the exam. The only panacea is to read quality material and reference books.

JWT: You know, most candidates fail English Essay and English Précis & Composition papers. What strategy would you suggest for these two crucial papers?
TM: These two papers — Essay and Composition — are most crucial. The other subjects are hugely reflected by sound grip on these very subjects. We tend to use various techniques in these papers; leaving aside the originality. One must invest extensive practice of these two subjects without having any pre-conceived notions of good command over English.

JWT: What sort of guidance is required for the fresh aspirants and how do you see Jahangir’s World Times (JWT) in this regard?
TM: JWT provides CSS aspirants with complete guidance on all aspects of CSS. I first studied it in 2009 and I am its regular reader till date. It helps candidates in their focused and result-oriented pursuits for this big exam.

JWT: Do you believe in luck-factor in CSS? You must be privy to the fact that a number of average students get allocated while the talented ones are left out of the race?
TM: Fishing out luck factor in CSS or in any other field of life is an epic folly. This exam is designed for those who work hard. I would suggest that the aspirants must employ all their weaponry. Besides, they must be open to new ideas. Prudent planning coupled with consistency is the only key to success in CSS exams.

JWT: Would you like to give any message to prospective candidates?
TM: Don’t let the window of practical idealism close in your life. This only would make you jump out of bed each morning in pursuance of cherished goals in your life.

Source: Jahangir's World Times

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Batool Asadi: 1st in Balochistan, 21st in Pakistan CSS-2012

“Jahangir World Times has been a constant source of knowledge for me. It brings CSS in a nutshell to our doorsteps.”

Jahangir's World Times

(JWT): Kindly tell us about your educational background and achievements in detail?

Batool Asadi (BA): I hail from Quetta. After acquiring elementary education, I started B-Pharmacy. But, I soon realized that it was not my cup of tea. I feel I am naturally inclined to literature. Therefore, I earned my Master's degree in English Literature by securing 2nd position. In 2008, I started my career as a lecturer in English Department of Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences. I continued my endeavours in pursuit of higher education, and in 2010, I was the only student from Balochistan to secure admission in MS (English Literature) at International Islamic University, Islamabad. My husband, a Civil Servant himself, convinced me to go for CSS. I attempted CSS in 2012 and stood first in Balochistan and 21st overall.

(JWT): What is so special in PAS and how it is better than other groups?

(BA): PAS holds a pivotal position and is like a nucleus in the very structure of the executive pillar of the state. Its tremendous scope along with diversity in postings and assignments make it a prime group.

(JWT): Between books and notes, what did you prefer for the preparations?

(BA): Proper guidance ensures smooth sailing in the sea of CSS. My husband recommended books and helped me prepare notes. I used nothing specific for English, as that has been my subject, but for other papers, I consulted books along with Dawn newspaper. Besides, internet, Jahangir's World Times and discussions with my husband have been the constant sources of help to me.

Moreover, I studied in accordance with past papers. I followed an ambitious schedule. I did not prepare detailed notes, rather made only the outlines. I focused higher conceptual clarity, rather than cramming. Finally, for the sake of conditioning or prior mock experience, I attempted all the papers at home. I would suggest that all aspirants must start preparation at least 8 months before the exam.

(JWT): What strategy, in your opinion, one should adopt to make a difference?

(BA): The dream of making a difference demands a walk of some extra—and intelligent—miles. This includes, proper guidance, study aiming at conceptual clarity, drafting introductory paragraphs beforehand, applying analytical and logical instruments rather than simple and plain narrations.

(JWT): As you know, most candidates fail English Essay, and English Précis & Composition papers. What steps would you suggest for these two crucial papers?

(BA): Very true! Despite being a thesis writer, it was really a tough task, even for me, to tune myself to the requirements of English Essay paper. I would suggest that to get a command over essay, the aspirants should prepare comprehensive outlines covering all the aspects of a particular topic. In addition, they should prepare introductory paragraphs which may be altered as per situation. They should strictly follow the format of essay and their writing should have spontaneity and logical flow. Do misused bombastic vocabulary, spelling mistakes as it is like a crime in competitive exams.

As far as English composition is concerned, one should work on the basic grammatical structures, enrichment of vocabulary, and above all, more and more writing practice for précis, comprehension and expansion of idea is inevitable.

(JWT): Who can opt for psychology? Is it true that only the candidates having a science background can perform well? Also suggest some good books and tips to get high score in this very subject.

(BA): Any aspirant having an aptitude can go for psychology. For instance, I have studied literature and have a passion for it, but in psychology, I secured 157 marks. I would suggest the books of Feldman and other writers of such stature. Securing high marks in psychology requires memorization of some terms, but more emphasis must be on conceptual clarity and application of concepts in everyday life.

(JWT): What sort of guidance is required for the fresh aspirants and how do you see the Jahangir's World Times (JWT) as far as guidance for CSS is concerned?

(BA): As per my experience, guidance from the right people may be an Aladdin's lamp in the quest for CSS. Jahangir World Times has been a constant source of knowledge for me, even after exam. It brings CSS in a nutshell to our doorsteps. It has been enriching and enabling CSS aspirants to cope with examination needs in a smarter manner. I am grateful to Jahangir World Times for energizing me, when I was going through a period of fluctuating motivation.

(JWT): Do you believe in luck factor in CSS? We always notice numerous average students getting allocated while talented and scholarly students get out of the foray?

(BA): I do believe in luck factor, but it's not that simple to be addressed in 'Yes-No mode'. It will be an extreme fatalist view if only luck is considered the absolute factor. It is a blend of wise planning, smart execution, vigilant monitoring and evaluation. Having completed all the prerequisites, luck favours the bold.

(JWT): You message to CSS aspirants?

(BA): I believe that hard work hasn't killed anyone so far. Therefore, my message for upcoming CSS aspirants will be to adopt the following lines of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow as theme song of their life:

“Let us be up and doing
With heart for any fate
Still achieving still pursuing
Learn to labor and to wait”

Source: Jahangir's World Time's

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Essay by CSPs -Recommended
1. Intoduction

The most important part of an essay is introduction. Introduction is one of that part of an essay which makes a difference in ordinary and high profile essay. The introduction should be in proportion to the length of an essay. Neither too short nor too long introduction is preffered. A short intro shows your lack of knowledge and a long intro bores a reader. Intro should be of 1 or at the most of 2 paras of proportional length to your other paras. In CSS if you are writing a 20 page essay the intro should be of one page or just a few lines above or less then one page.
The intro should include the gist of your essay. It should include whatever you want to be in your essay. E.g. If one is writing essay on Economy its problems and remedial measures. Ones intro should include a hint regarding present condition, problems, and steps taken for its recovery. It should be a precie of your whole essay.
The Intro should be in simple but sober words and if some relevant quotation is included at the start will make it more powerful.

2. Motivational Phase

This is the part of essay which makes the reader to read the complete essay. These are a few lines and an ideal motivational phse should be the last lines of your intro. A new paragraph can also be used for this phase but should be in a complete harmony and continuation with the intro. This phase is a part which motivates the reader to go through the whole of your essay. This phase should produce some thrill and suspence for the reader. This phase is the conclusion of your intro and a start for the main body of essay

3. Body of the essay

This part of the essay should include all your ideas. It should be the explanation of your intro in which each and every idea is discussed in different paras. The paras should of normal length and in proportion to one another. Some very long and some short paras will destroy the beauty of your essay. One idea should be discuseed in one or at the most in two paras. The ending line of each para should be an introduction to the next para. This will give a chain like and a continuation to your essay. This continuation should not break else will destroy the beauty of your essay. Try to give all your ideas and disscuss all the available points in this part of the essay.

4. Own View point.

This is also one of the most important parts of an essay and is considered as the conclusion of your body of the essay and an introduction to the conclusion of the essay as a whole. This part should include your own views and ideas. E.g. if you are writing on the topic of economy and you have discussed the current situation, the problems and the steps taken by the government then this part should include what you suggest about the steps taken and the remedial measure.

5. Conclusion of the essay.

This is the other part of the essay which makes the difference between the normal and high profile essay. It is also the gist of what ever you have written in the essay. It is almost the copy of the intro but the difference is in the expression. The intro is in simple words whereas the conclusion is in poetic, dramatic and heavy words.

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How to prepare for essay
It is easy to prepare an essay. When you go through the news paper collect the important editorails in the form of cuttings. make in your mind different topics and collect relevent info regarding those topics.
In your free time think about those topics and make in your mind the intro of these topics, the conclusions, motivational phases and own view points. also think about different points which you can disscuss in the body of the essay. If possible make sketch of the complete essay. This practice will help you in getting grip on essay writting. Once you have your mind tuned to such activities then it will not be difficult for you to write an essay on any topic. You can also practice it on a rough page.

While reading different topics in News papers or magazines collect different paras which can make a good start or ending for the essay.
material For essays...
The material for essay needs a vast study and includes your complete background of your education and life long study but one can get through these materials to prepare the best essay...
1. DAWN Newspaper
2. Strategic Studies Digest Quartely Digest(issued by Strategic studies Centre, Islamabad)
3. national Development and Security Quartely Digest(issued by Friends Association Of Mirza Aslam Baig, rawalpindi)
4. economist Magazine.
5. Contemporary Affairs
From the first three one can collect complete essays and all relevent info required. Similarly one can follow the styles of these magazines. One can collect some good sentences, good words and material for introduction as well as Conclusion.
Besides that one needs some relevent and most appropraite quotations. Which one can collect from these books.
The outline or sketch is given before the essay which gives the complete picture of what you will be discussing in the essay.

Example for the Sketch/outline
Let the topic is economy of Pakistan
Outline
1. --------- Introduction --------
2. Economy of Pakistan ------ A historic sketch
a. After partition ---- the british indian conspioracy
b. In 50s ------ The political setbacks
c. In 60s ------ The golden era
d. In 70s ------ The dose of nationalisation
d. In 80s ------ The Afghan War and American support
e. In 90s ------ The Dose of sanctions, and habit of loans
f. After 1999 ----- The injection of recovery and the after maths of September the 11th.
3. Economy of Pakistan ----- The problems
a. The Problems ----- Social aspect
b. The Problems ----- Poliotical scenirio
c. The Problems ----- Lack of sound policies investments
d. The Problems ----- Law and order situation
4. Economy of Pakistan ----- Road map to recovery
you can make a sub outline of this topic
5. Economy of Pakistan ---- In the near future
6. Economy of Pakistan ---- Problems with the road map
7. economy of Pakistan ---- What is really needed
Can also make sub outlines of this head
8. ------ Conclusion --------.
I hope this example will help all of you. It is just an example and you people I am sure can make much much better than this.

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Now I will discuss different sources of knowledge for the preparation of Essay.I want to make it clear that there is no quick-fix for the preparation of CSS in general and Essay in specific.It concerns me that most of the people either get the advice as taken for granted or they get it so burden-some and avoid to take it seriously.I humbly advise all the aspirants to be serious.I ve nothing to do with who qualifies or who does not as I ve no competition with anyone of you.So whatever I am sharing with you is a practical experience.Though the sources I will suggest,may sound difficult to conult with but I am telling you with complete responsibility that whoever wants to be a good,career civil-servant must try to ponder over what I am suggesting.This is a humble advice of your senior brother.
I will suggest the following sources:
ONE, get the following reference books:

a)DICTIONARY OF POLITICS;
B)DICTIONARY OF ECONOMICS;
c)DICTIONARY OF SOCIOLOGY.

Acquaint yourslef with the major terminologies and the perspectives(Schools of thought) of the afore-mentioned disciplines.
TWO, always read current ECONOMIC SURVEY OF PAKISTAN.It contains valuable information regarding the policies of the Government.
THREE,there is another very important document,currently available on the website of Finance Division.That is POVERTY REDUCTION AND GROWTH FACILITY(PRGF)Paper II.This will make your concepts crystal-clear.
FOUR,make it your habit to read the REPORTS prepared by different renowned organizations like WORLD BANK etc.I recommend World Bank,s annual Development Report and Mehboob-ul-Haq Centre,s yearly report on different issues.I can provide it copies to you.
FIVE,a famous source of knowledge for the competitioners--NEWSPAPER.Yes it is a good source if one can consult it properly.
I ve mentioned the sources.There are many other documents,reports and periodicals which can be cited here but we want to be good examinee and not scholars.So try to consult these books and sources of knowledge.
These things may sound difficult but I assure you these are very simple,interesting and easy to comprehend.
In the next postings I will discuss the organization of Essay and how to consult these sources of knowledge.

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Anatomy of Essay Paper

I have provided this to facilitate people who have yet to see a CSS essay paper.
This will tell them a bit about the nature of the paper.

One is required to write an essay on a single topic. Essay paper is of 100 marks and also it is compulsory. You need to score 40 to pass this paper. Fail in essay means fail in CSS.

Million dollar question: How could one cross this obstacle named essay paper?

There are many ways to do this.

In the first place, one should be quite sure of the fact that he/she could write correct English. No body is totally immune to mistakes but one has to try to learn to write correct English.

Work on basic Grammar is helpful. But in my personal opinion, it is much better to practice writing. Remember a maxim, "The more you read, the better you write".
Try to read as much as possible especially newspapers and magazines. Literature would also be helpful but some people are not interested in reading Lit.

Second, one should have fair bit of knowledge on the type of topics that regularly appear in the examination.
If I am asked, I would broadly categorize them in;

1) Literature Related
2) Philosophy
3) International Politics
4) Economics related
5) Social issues
6) Religious Issues

A candidate in my personal opinion should atleast be able to write on three of the categories. Like, I was quite at home in the latter three.

You should also work on specialization.

Third, how exactly to write essay on the day of paper?
There are debates like of egg and chicken going on in the CSS since eternity and shall continue. Like outline/no outline, large essay/ short essay, even heading/ not heading etc
In my personal opinion, Outline should be preferred on no-outline, no heading on heading and short essay (800 to 2000 words) to large essay (More than 2000 words).

Two plus two makes four so does three plus one. So surely you are going to meet people with different opinion.

One of the finest sources to prepare for CSS in general and essay in particular is Dawn (www.dawn.com).

You are advised to consult other sources as well.
For further on the minute techniques of writing essay for examination, consult A-Levels General Paper book.

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All about Islamiyat(DMG Officer)-Recommended

Why is Islamiyat included in css?

As far as I think to judge ones study about the basic of Islamic techings, the Value of Islam as a Deen and the status of human in Islam.
The course is generally based on the status of human and relation of Human with Allah, Islam a religion or Deen, comparison with other religions, Basic Beliefs i.e. (Tauheed, Risalath, books, Angels, Akhirath), Basic Ibadath known as the pillars of Islam (Nimaz Roza, Hujj, Zakath, Jihad), Status of woman (as woman, mother, wife, daughter etc.) the systems (political ,social, economic, judicial etc.)and above all the sources of Shariah both primary (Quran, Hadith, Ijma) and secondary (Analogy, Ijthihad, Customs and Usages, Istinah, Istidlal, Taqleed, Different Schools of thoughts).

Islamiyat In Urdu or English

My own findings ...
In Islamiyat FPSC offers a choice to attempt paper in English or Urdu. It depends upon the candidate to choose. But I think it depends upon the student his expression and his memory.

A student like me who has weak expression specially in Urdu, Weak memory in memorising Ayahs and Hadiths and specially a few Prose from Urdu Poetry related to the topics, should opt for English. but those who have strong memory and good Urdu writing speed should opt in Urdu caz it is easy to remember and express your Ideas in Urdu. Similarly if your paper is well decorated with Ayahs, Ahadees and a few Ashar it gives good reward.
So selecteing whether to opt in english or urdu one should judge his capabilities. If he wants to just go through the paper and is weak in the related fields as is discuused in how to get good marks in Islamiyat should opt in english otherwise Urdu is a best option.

Views of Ahmad Bilal Khan (One of our old Forum Fellows)
a person must keep the following three things in mind before reaching a decision whether to opt it in Urdu or English.
1. Islamiyat is a subject which a Pakistani Muslim starts reading from the class-1 and continues uptil his degree level. So the important question is: what was his major medium in studies? that is whether he was a student of English medium or Urdu. If he had been studying this subject for the past 14 years in Urdu and this time he decides to go for it in English or vice versa, that can be a problem for him.
2. What sort of grasp he has on some language. The grasp over language is of pivotal importance. If he thinks his Urdu is very good(regardless of the fact how good he is at English which he certainly can be(very good) as he is taking 11 subjects in English)he should go for Urdu. Because to me the best impression a candidate could impart on the checkers mind is going via Urdu if the pre-requisites are fulfilled. Especially when one comes to Islamiyat in particular. But again the best expression he has is the best he could give.
3. Islamiyat is a subject which we read, understand, and talk about almost everyday but even then we need some healthy source to prepare from. If he is equally good at both expression and fluency with the pen, he should also ponder the need of better sources available for him in the market.

Views of DDG (CSP)
there ia another stronger factor favoring any candidate to attempt this paper in Urdu. We, as Pakistani Muslims, have been socialized and relgiously trained in Urdu. That makes the Urdu terminologies much more familiar and frequently-heard-of. This can, in turns, boost your speed during the paper by allowing a regular flow of thoughts without continuity hickkups. This can further save time and ensure that you provide more material to the examiner to access your knowledge.

However, in case an individual is not confident about his Urdu experssion, it is recommended that he should go for English language while attempting Islamiat.

How to get good Marks

Islamiyat is a technical paper and one can get even upto 75% marks easily. It needs a bit of memory and technique.... One of my colligue humera (usually comes to this forum) secured arround 75 marks in this paper in 2001 exams. We will be glad if she gives her findings to us.

My findings are....

1. paper should be well decorated with ayaths, hadiths and ashaars related to the topic. Atleast three per page.
2. Write as lenghthy as you can and discuss all related items in a question.
3. Be a true Mulla and never use any word which can give an expression of liberalism.
4. Attempt the best question first. and second best the last.
5. Give heasdings if possible and use colour markers of a change colour pen (allowed by FPSC) for Ahadiths, ayaths, Ashars and headings to make them prominent.
6. Try to attempt all the required question in full. For this you can cut down your questions specially that you attempt on second, third, and fourth number but do not compromise on first essay type and last essay type question (excluding The Sura) regarding length.
7. Try to write as bigger words as you can so that your hand writting is clear and readable.

Books For Islamiyat

In English

Towards Islamiyat by SM Shahid
Islamiyat by Doggar Sons
For last ten Suras Any good Tafseer

In URdu
Islami Nazriya i hayath by Professor Khursheed Ahmad
for ten Suras Any Tafseer better is that of Maududi Sahab but u have to squeez it a lot.
Beside that articles on Islamic topics in on Friday in Daily Dawn and I think also in The News.

Common mistakes in Islamiyat Paper

1. attempting 5 questions... It is usually a pattern in all papers to attempt 5 questions in all but in Islamiyat one has to attempt 6 in all. this misleads some people and they just attempt only 5. So be careful in this paper
2. those who attempt in English use the word GOD avoid this and Use the word ALLAH.
3. Students who can explain the Ayaths or hadiths in their own words but do not remember the exect words avoid this but my suggestion is to write the Hadith or ayath in your own words if you do not remember the exect words and at the end write in ()s Abstract from Quran or hadith as the case may be.
4. Never show that you are of liberal thoughts. The papers are checked by ordinary Islamiyat teachers who are of very fundamantalist thinking
5. Avoid criticising any school of thought. You don't know one who is going to chk the paper
6. Always use the word DEEN for Islam and not religion. Always concentrate on this that Islam is a DEEN and eleborate it time and again.
7. Read the question carefully and give start and ending related to the question. A start and end with hadith, ayath or a Shaeer is best

How to Prepare for the paper

here are my findings regarding how to prepare for the Islamiyat paper...
Subjective questions....
Devide your course in following parts..

1. (Question 1)including...
Need of Religion, Status of man, sources of knowledge, comparison of religions with Islam and all that is before Basic beliefs.

2. (Question 2) including...
Basic beliefs (Tauheed, Risalath, angels, books and Akhirath)
Thoroughly prepare Tauheed, Risalath and Akhirath. Chk the last two years paper and you will get the queswtion that will be in the next paper.

3. (Question 3)
Pillars of Islam (Nimaz, Roza, Hajj, Zakat, Jihad)
Chk last papers and you can easily find the question in the comming paper... (Zakath was in last year paper so it had its chance... This time Jihad and Roza are most important though others cannot be taken out of the list.

4. Question 4..
Woman her status and duties including responcibilities

5. Question 5....
Sources of shariah (Primary Quran, hadith and Ijma) secondary (Ijthihad, Analogy, Istidlal, Istisnah, fatwa, Customs and usages, Taqleed)...

6. Question 6.
Systems (political, social, economic, judicial etc)

7. general Question
related to Islamic world in the present scenirio.
get last years paper... prepare a few questions in the form of notes and collect as many ayaths and ahadiths as you can...

memorise these and reproduce these ayaths and ahadiths to the best... atleast 2 to 3 per page...

Go through the last 3 to 4 years papers and you can easily calculate the questions and trend of the paper..

How to Attempt

It is your expression and presentation that fetch you good marks... In Islamiyat it is the decoration of your paper that makes what you want...
How to arrange a question....
Always start from a hadith, Sura or a saying of a renowned scholer.... If started from hadith or Ayah... try to remain in this and try to explain this ayath and hadith in relation with the question.... Try to insert another Ayath or hadith after explaining the previous hadith in a para or 2. and keep with the Ayath or hadith as the case may be...
try to write with great speed and blacken as much papers as you can.... but keep youe eyes on the watch.... Do not sacrifice one question at the cost of other...


Complete Islamiat Prepration MCQs Questions & Answers

Quran General Knowledge
Prophets of Islam General Knowledge
Islam General Knowledge
Namaz General Knowledge
Zakat General Knowledge
Fasting General Knowledge
Hajj General Knowledge
Propher Muhammad General Knowledge 
Battles General Knowledge
Companions of Muhammad (PBUH) General Knowledge 

 Here is list of complete islamiat lectures.
Lecture 1     -     Lecture 2     -     Lecture 3     -     Lecture 4
Lecture 5     -     Lecture 6     -     Lecture 7     -     Lecture 8
Lecture 9     -     Lecture 10   -     Lecture 11   -     Lecture 12
Lecture 13   -     Lecture 14   -     Lecture 15   -     Lecture 16   


Other Update Soon.....








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