Best Strategy for selection of Optional Subjects for the CSS Examinations

The selection of optional subjects for CSS examinations can be controversial depending on whom you ask. Some people say there is no method to it and one should select whatever they are comfortable with; whereas, others will argue it is an extremely important decision and should not be taken lightly. Either way, attempting CSS in itself is a huge decision so it makes no sense to take any aspect of it lightly. One should do their best to leave no space for error.

There are 45 optional subjects divided between 7 groups and a total of 600 marks worth of subjects must be selected. For example, one can choose International Relations (200), Business Administration (100), US History (100), Gender Studies (100), and Sociology (100) for a total of 600 marks. The list of optional subjects and requirements are attached at the bottom of this article for extra clarification.

The first aspect from which subjects should be analyzed and selected is a strategic one. This includes figuring out if the subject is high scoring, low scoring or average scoring, which is determined based on past and current trends. A subject is designated as high scoring if, on average, candidates have been scoring more than 70 marks in it, an average scoring subject would be one where the score usually lies in the 50’s and 60’s, and a low scoring subject is one that consistently delivers a score below 50 marks. Accounting and Auditing, Business Administration and Regional Languages are generally considered among the high scoring subjects. It goes without saying that a CSS aspirant would want to select a subject that is high scoring.

Past trends are important because they show when a subject was last targeted. Sometimes a subject is targeted and over 90% of people who selected it end up failing. For example, every 4 years later certain subjects are targeted and others are targeted after every 10 years. These trends also show a pattern of when a subject is low scoring or high scoring. A classic example is International Relations, which scores well every alternate year.

Personal interest should be taken into consideration because if one finds the subject boring, it becomes tedious spending time preparing for it and the student is prone to distractions. To avoid making things difficult during CSS preparation, one should choose something they find interesting. Some people absolutely cannot tolerate history, so they should avoid group 4 and choose something from another group in its place.

Another factor to consider is if the subject has any overlapping content with another, which means that preparing for one subject would be the equivalent of preparing part of another. This strategy helps with saving time and energy. Political Science has content that overlaps with 30% of Governance and Public Policy, 30% of US History, 25% of Public Administration and 10% of Gender Studies. It also helps with English Essay and Pakistan Affairs.

The second aspect from which subjects should be analyzed from is a tactical and operational one, meaning that factors such as course length and time needed to cover the syllabus are important. Before 2016, Indo-Pak History, Islamic History, British History, and even European History, all used to be subjects worth 200 marks but since then they are worth only 100 marks; however, their syllabi have not been reduced in length. When choosing a history subject, one should be cognizant of this factor and know that they are preparing for a 200 marks subject that is only worth 100 marks.

Furthermore, does the CSS aspirant have any background in the subject? Do they have a degree in the subject? Do they have any exposure to it at all? Is the subject one that requires Master’s level knowledge, Bachelor’s level knowledge, or no background at all? One must ask themselves these questions before selecting certain subjects. Computer Science, Economics, Accountancy and Auditing, Botany, and Agriculture and Forestry are all subjects that cannot and should not be selected without a solid background, otherwise they lead to failure.

There are 2 types of students: those who employ the method of rote memorization and those who are more conceptual, everyone else lies somewhere on the spectrum. Those who are strong at rote memorization should select different subjects than those who are more conceptual. International Relations is a conceptual subject and requires the application of clear concepts during the examination. Whereas, Political Science suits those who use rote memorization because it focuses on philosophers and constitutions.

Finally, the CSS aspirant should do some research and find out if the subject they are interested in has good books that are easily available. And if they intend on joining an academy, they need to find out if there are teachers available for the subjects they want to select. There are 45 optional subjects plus 6 compulsory subjects, which makes it impractical and unfeasible for any academy to have teachers for every single one.

At National Officer’s Academy (NOA academy), students preparing for CSS examinations are provided with expert professional guidance on subject selection. The 2nd day of NOA academy’s 3-Day seminar (first 2 days are free) is a 3-hour session with the CEO of NOA, Dr. Muhammad Atif Ali, who goes over every single optional subject in detail and discusses all of the above factors. On the 3rd day of the seminar, a team of highly qualified and experienced faculty members provide individual guidance and support based on the student’s education, background, interests and aptitude.

Written by,

Zareen Nayyar
PR Coordinator
National Officers Academy

 

 

13 Responses
  1. Zuhaib Ali

    Need some guidance towards the preparation of CSS.

    I belong to a commerce background pursuing C.A as my professional degree. I will be appearing in my CSS exams for the first time in 2022, In Sha Allah. Could I please be guided with the choice of subjects I must make. I am certain about 1000 marks (600 pertaining to the compulsory subjects), leaving me with 200 marks of subjects that I need to begin afresh.

    Secondly, should I go with my field relevant subjects or opt for subjects that carry overlapping and comparatively shorter syllabus?

      1. NOACSS

        NOA|CSS2023|Free Online Seminar
        *12 August 2022 (Friday )*
        National Officer Academy’s offers
        *Free Online Seminar for Screening & Written Preparation- CSS 2023 at 6:00pm to 9:00pm by Sir M Ali Khan(Addl Commissioner)* live at ZOOM ID:88544694186 or click
        Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88544694186
        *Complete 4.5 Months Online & On Campus Course covering Screening Test, Compulsory and Optional Subjects Including Mock Examination*
        Register NOW
        *For Free Registration:*👇 https://lms.noacss.pk/register.php
        Dear Aspirants!
        Be the First one to Join Our CSS 2023 -Batch & Join NOA Family of 1100 CSS/PMS officers
        *Time Slot Offered in Online Batch(33 & 34)*
        *Online Batch*
        Time offered 2:30pm & 6:00Pm online
        *Fee structure & Courses Offered*
        *ONLINE BATCH 33 & 34*
        Fee for 4.5 Month Online Complete Course(Screening+ all Subjects) Rs:75000
        -Fee for 3 Month Online Screening & Complusory Subjects RS: 50000
        *ON Campus fee*
        – Fee for 4.5 month Complete Course(Screening & all Subjects) RS: 85000
        -Fee For 2.5 Month On Campus (Screening & Compulsory Subjects) Rs: 60000
        *On Campus Batch Dates*
        *Islamabad Campus-2(Near High Court) 15 August,2022 at 2:30pm, & 6:00pm*
        *Rawalpindi-1 Campus(Rehmanabad) 16th August at 6pm*
        *Lahore Campus 16th August at 6:00pm*
        *Rawalpindi-2 Campus(Westridge) 17th August at 6pm*
        **Fee submission procedure for Online Batch 33 & 34*
        Submit fee in:
        Bank name: Alfalah Bank
        Account Title: Muhammad Tahir
        Account Number:00081002509364
        Bank Alfalah, Satellite Town, Rawalpindi
        Note: After depositing fee, send your payment proof on this number: *03215354091* along with the following details:
        Name
        Father’s name
        CNIC Number
        Email address
        Contact number
        WhatsApp number
        Course Selected
        Time slot
        *FEE Submission For On Campus Batches*
        Please Visit Concerned Campus and Submit Cash Fee at Campus Account Office in which Admission is Required
        In Case of Any Ambiguity:
        UAN: 051 – 111 – 662 – 277
        Visit : https://www.noacss.pk
        Email- info@noacss.pk
        Mob: 03215354091|03325666410
        Tele: 051-5158170
        Islamabad Campus
        03235045013
        Lahore:04235239622 03321125112
        Rwp1: 0514932373|03215354091
        RWP2: 0515158170|03325666410
        #noacss #css2025 #css2023 #css2024 #css2022 #noacssacademy

  2. Iqra

    I’m doing my bs programme in chemistry I wanna ask something from yuh! Either I’m able to give CSS and which subjects ill choose ?

  3. Mohsin ali abid

    Aoa
    I want to appear in css 2022 and its my first and last chance… I have read the above content but still i dont know from where could i learn the scoring trend in subjects.. I am from law background, i need guidence plz,what subjects should i opt… If there is seminar kindly let me know the dates.. Thank u

  4. Asif Arshad

    Sir I have currently did b.com now I want to do css exam and I am strong in accounting cost accounting subject plz help me to select subject

  5. Kiran Arshad

    Kindly guide me about the selection of CSS optional subjects! I’m from physics back ground. Which subjects are highly scoring?

    1. NOACSS

      NOA|CSS2023|Free Online Seminar
      *12 August 2022 (Friday )*
      National Officer Academy’s offers
      *Free Online Seminar for Screening & Written Preparation- CSS 2023 at 6:00pm to 9:00pm by Sir M Ali Khan(Addl Commissioner)* live at ZOOM ID:88544694186 or click
      Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88544694186
      *Complete 4.5 Months Online & On Campus Course covering Screening Test, Compulsory and Optional Subjects Including Mock Examination*
      Register NOW
      *For Free Registration:*👇 https://lms.noacss.pk/register.php
      Dear Aspirants!
      Be the First one to Join Our CSS 2023 -Batch & Join NOA Family of 1100 CSS/PMS officers
      *Time Slot Offered in Online Batch(33 & 34)*
      *Online Batch*
      Time offered 2:30pm & 6:00Pm online
      *Fee structure & Courses Offered*
      *ONLINE BATCH 33 & 34*
      Fee for 4.5 Month Online Complete Course(Screening+ all Subjects) Rs:75000
      -Fee for 3 Month Online Screening & Complusory Subjects RS: 50000
      *ON Campus fee*
      – Fee for 4.5 month Complete Course(Screening & all Subjects) RS: 85000
      -Fee For 2.5 Month On Campus (Screening & Compulsory Subjects) Rs: 60000
      *On Campus Batch Dates*
      *Islamabad Campus-2(Near High Court) 15 August,2022 at 2:30pm, & 6:00pm*
      *Rawalpindi-1 Campus(Rehmanabad) 16th August at 6pm*
      *Lahore Campus 16th August at 6:00pm*
      *Rawalpindi-2 Campus(Westridge) 17th August at 6pm*
      **Fee submission procedure for Online Batch 33 & 34*
      Submit fee in:
      Bank name: Alfalah Bank
      Account Title: Muhammad Tahir
      Account Number:00081002509364
      Bank Alfalah, Satellite Town, Rawalpindi
      Note: After depositing fee, send your payment proof on this number: *03215354091* along with the following details:
      Name
      Father’s name
      CNIC Number
      Email address
      Contact number
      WhatsApp number
      Course Selected
      Time slot
      *FEE Submission For On Campus Batches*
      Please Visit Concerned Campus and Submit Cash Fee at Campus Account Office in which Admission is Required
      In Case of Any Ambiguity:
      UAN: 051 – 111 – 662 – 277
      Visit : https://www.noacss.pk
      Email- info@noacss.pk
      Mob: 03215354091|03325666410
      Tele: 051-5158170
      Islamabad Campus
      03235045013
      Lahore:04235239622 03321125112
      Rwp1: 0514932373|03215354091
      RWP2: 0515158170|03325666410
      #noacss #css2025 #css2023 #css2024 #css2022 #noacssacademy

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