Six ways to start your CSS preparation

Almost every graduate in Pakistan once thinks of appearing in Central Superior Examination (CSS). CSS exams, held once a year in Pakistan, are the most prestigious examination of the country because the bureaucracy of Pakistan comes from these competitive exams.

In the beginning, most of the CSS aspirants get confused in very basic questions such as where to start, how to start, and what to choose. Therefore, they end up losing much of their time and enthusiasm.

Here are the six most useful way to kickstart your CSS preparation journey.

1.   Choose CSS subjects wisely

Subject selection in CSS is the most critical part of your preparation which can extensively increase your chances of success in CSS examination. 

Two things are highly essential while selecting optional subjects.

First of all, follow your aptitude; what you can do best. Begin from reading the syllabus of optional subjects which is available on FPSC official website, pen down your interest and knowledge about the possible topics. It can help you in knowing your interest.

Secondly, check the Scoring trend. Analyze the past results on the FPSC website. Some subjects score higher on a particular year and some low. Therefore, by checking the scoring pattern, you can quickly analyze which subject have the chances of high scores at your time of the appearance in exams.

2.   Read CSS syllabus Carefully

CSS aspirants often start scrutinizing the subject so intensely that they ignore the actual curriculum. Always keep in mind that CSS is neither a specialization nor a degree. It’s a competitive exam, and you are supposed to prepare the syllabus, not extra details. Thus, one should keep following the CSS syllabus prescribed by FPSC and develop the syllabus topic wise to save one’s time and efforts.

3.   Choose between academy or Self-preparation

It is another question which almost every aspirant asks from his or her seniors. Well, it depends on how you feel comfortable. If you have zero knowledge about CSS exams, you should join an academy for necessary guidance. Academies will only guide about CSS structure, examination, and teach you the syllabus. 

 However, in any case, there is no alternative to self-preparation. One will have to self-study extensively whether to go for academy or not.

4.   Stick to a Schedule

Believe or not but researches show that if one thing is common in the lives of successful people—it is the discipline. 

 First, select how much time are you going to allocate for CSS preparation and what time you can give.

Secondly, make a weekly schedule of your compulsory and optional subjects. 

5.   Make your Notes

 Every CSS qualifier has prepared his or her notes. In the beginning, it’s a good idea to use the notes of the academy or a person, but for better preparation, it is always recommended to make your notes. It is the only way to clarify your concepts.

6.   Practice English Writing Skills daily

 English should be a body language of CSS aspirant. What counts in the exam is how well you can express your opinions, and those opinions must be backed up by facts and figures. You can only present your ideas better when you have a command over the language. So practice English regularly and get it checked. It would further help in memorizing essential points and increase the writing speed, which would be helpful in the exams.