Selection Of Optional Subjects
Selecting the right optional subjects for the CSS exam can significantly impact your overall score. Here is the complete guidance to help you make the best choice:
1. Do Your Homework Before Choosing Optional Subjects
a. Choose subjects aligned with your educational background, but avoid going for highly technical natural sciences unless you’re confident.
b. Be cautious with subjects that are literary in nature, like English and Urdu Literature, unless you have a strong foundation in them.
c. Review the latest revised syllabus issued by FPSC thoroughly to understand the scope of each subject.
d. analyze past papers to get insights into recurring themes and question patterns, which will help gauge the depth of the subject.
e. Assess whether you’re capable of handling the subject by attempting past paper questions and understanding the difficulty level.
f. Remember, FPSC can ask application-based questions, especially in subjects like International Law, where you may be tasked with resolving real-world scenarios using theoretical principles.
2. Scoring Trend vs. Overlapping Subjects
a. While some subjects are perceived as scoring, this is not universally true. Scoring trends fluctuate and depend heavily on preparation quality.
b. Since 2016, subject overlap has become more important. For instance, International Relations overlaps with Essay, Current Affairs, and Pakistan Affairs, providing synergy between papers.
c. Regional languages and history subjects are often more scoring, so if they align with your strengths, they can be good choices.
d. Opt for subjects that not only build your knowledge base but also expand your intellectual capacity. This holistic approach increases your overall preparedness.
e. Many optional subjects overlap, and this can work to your advantage:
f. International Relations overlaps with International Law and History of the USA/European History.
g. Political Science complements Constitutional Law and any history subject.
3. Aptitude: Your Ability and Interest Matter
a. Your aptitude includes your ability to comprehend and tackle the subject. Only choose subjects that align with your strengths and interests.
b. Never select a subject that you’re inherently uncomfortable with. If your heart rejects a subject, your mind will struggle with it too.
c. Personal experience matters—if a subject like Agriculture & Forestry seems too challenging, don’t force yourself into it. Ensure you can do justice to your choice.
4. Safe Choices: Balance Interest with Practicality
a. Opt for subjects that provide a safer pathway based on your educational background, concise syllabus, recurring questions in past papers, and subject overlap.
b. Choose subjects that allow you to express your general opinions, such as Sociology or Journalism, where analytical and creative responses are rewarded.
5. Focus on Maximum Marks
a. CSS is not just about clearing the exam—it’s about maximizing your score.
b. Some compulsory subjects, such as Essay, English Composition, and Islamiat, are the most unpredictable. Your focus should be on passing them rather than aiming for exceptionally high scores. Invest your energy where it’s easier to gain marks, like in optional subjects that align with your strengths.