Fear and persistent feelings of doubt may come to your mind when you decide to prepare for CSS exams. Aspirants feel mired in a quagmire when it comes to CSS/PMS exams. Despite tall claims by the prominent institutions in various cities, the situation on the ground presents a gloomy picture.

Just a 1.94% passing ratio is enough to land you on the island of self-doubt. In simple words, the CSS/PMS exams are the competitive exams at the federal and provincial levels to recruit the most talented aspirants into the civil services.

You are offered grade 17 posts in a number of departments that are mentioned in the advertisement. At present, most of the students hanker after ready-made notes and shortcuts to success, which is sufficient to dash your dreams to the ground. As a CSS mentor, I consider the following points to be most important while starting your journey.

Various Factors Doubling the Trauma of Many Aspirants

I consider it necessary to talk about the various factors that exacerbate the already confusing scenario and are a major cause of doubting your capabilities.

  • Absence of Proper Guidance Leading to a Higher rate of Failures
  • Wrong Selection of Options
  • Study of Substandard material
  • Essay Paper Being Made A Hard Nut to Crack
  • Not Participating in Mock Exams
  • Most of the Aspirants lack Dedication

Absence of Proper Guidance Leading to a Higher rate of Failures

First, the most important cause of flunking in competitive exams is the lack of direction and guidance. Most of the aspirants find themselves unable to find a suitable mentor who would guide them individually about all the aspects.

Wrong Selection of Options

In the same way, another major reason for the dwindling passing ratio is the selection of options based on others’ guidance.

Study of Substandard material

Likewise, most of the aspirants study second-hand market books and notes made by someone else instead of consulting recommended books and making their own notes.

Essay Paper Being Made A Hard Nut to Crack

In the same way, the aspirants of competitive exams do not find any guidance or mentorship regarding the essay paper. They do not read research papers, or grammar to consolidate their sentence structure and rules to be followed in essay writing.

Not Participating in Mock Exams

Aspirants like to read only but when it comes to practice they turn their eyes to the other side. As a result, they cannot develop a standard English expression. They are unable to rectify their mistakes before final exams.

Most of the Aspirants lack

Last but not least, most of the aspirants lack motivation, dedication, and commitment. They do not follow a fixed timetable to complete their syllabus. Their study routine is sporadic.

How to Ace CSS/PMS Without Extra Pressure on You

You will be amazed to know that CSS and PMS exams are one of the easiest exams in Pakistan but aspirants make it uncertain due to their own loopholes. Following are the suggestions to make your timetable and journey worth enjoying:

  • Instilling in A Potential Aspirant A Sense of Motivation
  • Use Youtube Channels
  • Researching through Different Websites to Make Your Answers Unique
  • Effective Notes Making
  • The Secret Of Making Effective Notes From A Newspaper
  • Witten Practice
  • Selection of Options
  • Fixed TimeTable
  • Important Books for Beginners

Instilling in A Potential Aspirant A Sense of Motivation

First of all, an aspirant who wants to commence this journey should watch the videos of successful officers to gauge how they braced for difficult challenges and converted them into opportunities. It will give you a sense of motivation, dedication, and perseverance. It is the thing that helps you on your journey.

Use Youtube Channels

In the same manner, you should not be panicked about paying exuberant fees to academies. You can subscribe to YouTube channels for lectures and crash courses. This channel will provide you with a very detailed and comprehensive e-picture of all your related topics.

Some of the most recommended YouTube channels are:

  • Fatima Batool
  • World Times Videos
  • Nearpear
  • Crash Course
  • Arsalan Zahid Khan

Researching through Different Websites to Make Your Answers Unique

Similarly, if you read a topic on Current Affairs, Pakistan Affairs, or any other option, you should subscribe to Jstor, Reseachgate, etc. These platforms will provide you with an in-depth analysis of each and every question that the examiner demands.

Besides, you must consult the following newspapers and magazines:

  • Jahangir World Times Magazine
  • The Economist
  • Dawn Newspaper
  • Washington Post
  • Press Review

Effective Notes Making

Much of the same applies to this reality. Most of the aspirants do not know how to make effective notes. For note-taking, you should give a book a general overview, then, at your second reading start extracting points.

You should extract quotations, the crux of the topic, and the latest data to be added to your notes to enhance the quality of your notes. Your notes should not be more than 4 pages. When it is about one to two months before exams, you should summarize your first notes on one page to revise.

The Secret Of Making Effective Notes From A Newspaper

In the same way, Daily Dawn should be read to extract facts, figures, and arguments. The most important thing is that you should take a cursory glance at the front page and read all its bullets. You should turn to the opinion page.

Read at least two editorials and one article. It will enhance your argument. Then turn to the business page to read about the dynamics of the Pakistani economy. Finally, the international page should be read to learn about global politics and relations.

After reading a newspaper, put a register beside you and make different dimensions like national politics, economy, terrorism, social issues, etc. Then write under these heads the facts, data, or reports you gather in the newspaper. Every article contains two or three arguments. You should jot it down in your respective current affairs dimensions on your register.

Witten Practice

Written practice is the key to success. Many aspirants fail because they only read and do not practice. You should jot down at least 5 pages daily to improve your written expression. You can summarize an article, an editorial, or even a book.

Selection of Options

Go for those options in which you have background knowledge or interest. You should look at the syllabus and search for those subjects that are shorter and complementary to those that are rather optional or compulsory. Finally, the scoring trend should be followed to opt for scoring subjects.

Fixed TimeTable

You should make your short-term and long-term goals regarding the syllabus and put them in your timetable. Then follow this timetable very strictly.

Important Books for Beginners

Here is a list of important books for beginners in CSS/PMS:

  • Bertrand Russell Selected Essays
  • The CSS Wisdom
  • The Little History of the World by Yale University
  • Caravan Essays
  • Wren and Martin High School English Grammar
  • Trek To Pakistan
  • Nearpear Course

Wrapping Up

To sum up, we may say that passing CSS exams is not a hard nut to crack we hope that many of your queries have been addressed. Following these tricks, you will be able to ace this exam. The main thing is to stay positive and believe in Allah. If you wanna prepare for the CSS exams or have any queries please feel free to contact us. We are going to initiate this portfolio for needy students who are not in a position to pay exuberant fees.

Do not Pray for an easy life rather pray that may Allah make you strong enough as per the strength of your problems. Then your living will not be a miracle but you will be a miracle.

Frequently Asked Questions


Success in CSS is achieved through early preparation, consistent study, and focus on understanding concepts rather than rote memorization. Utilize practice exams, stay updated on current affairs, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Seek guidance from mentors and stay motivated to excel in the exam.

Start preparing for the CSS exam by creating a detailed study schedule that allocates time for each subject. Gather the right study material, focus on understanding concepts, and stay consistent in your study routine. Begin at least six months before the exam date to ensure thorough preparation.

To achieve good marks in CSS, prioritize understanding concepts over memorization. Take regular practice exams to assess your progress, revise regularly, and stay updated on current affairs. Utilize mnemonic devices, seek guidance from mentors, and focus on developing strong writing and analytical skills.

Aim to study for at least a few hours daily to prepare for the CSS exam effectively. Consistency is key, so allocate time slots for each subject in your study schedule. Take breaks at regular intervals to avoid burnout and maintain focus during study sessions.

While 14 years of education provides a foundation, additional preparation is necessary for CSS. Start early, focus on understanding concepts, and allocate sufficient time for study. Utilize resources such as practice exams, study groups, and mentorship to enhance your chances of success in the exam.