Global Age talks to Miss Cheema, who joined KIPS
in 2013 and passed her CSS exam with merit number 15, about her educational
background and pre-exam preparation
‘I would advise them to
try to find an answer to the 'why' part of their decision. In this specific
answer they are going to find the motivation for choosing this path which can,
of course, be different for everyone. But this motivation will carry them
through sleepless nights and tiresome days’
Global Age:
Could we start with your educational background?
Yes. I did
my BBA (marketing) from NUST in 2013 and completed my MBA with the human
resource management as specialisation in 2015 from NUST in Islamabad.
What
was the source of your inspiration to sit for CSS?
I've had
work experience of seven years in the development sector. I've been associated
with multiple NGOs [non-government organisations] and at a very early age I had
decided that I always wanted to opt for a field job. I felt that CSS would lead
me to a career that would suit my interests and present a platform to
contribute in a significant way. And that was why I sat for the 2014 exam and
got allocated to IRS [Inland Revenue Service]. The interest then motivated me
to give the exam again to improve better.
What were your
optional subjects and what one should look for while selecting them?
I
had international relations, international law, the US history, business
administration and psychology. As for the second part of your question, I dare
say one should consider three factors while selecting them: i. scoring trend of
the subject, ii. length of the syllabus and iii. the interest one must show.
What
was your strategy for preparation?
I had four months for
preparation and focussed more on past papers than the syllabus. I set priority
to those topics which were set in previous papers and then spent the rest of my
time on the remaining syllabus.
In your point of view, how
much time is required for preparation?
There is no right
answer to your question. It varies from person to person, but I guess the
preparation takes at least 3 to 4 months to score good marks.
What
do you recommend to candidates in the light of your experience regarding
paper-attempting techniques, preparation and books one must consult, besides
other sources?
Your answers should be well structured and
well reasoned which can be done by introducing and concluding every answer.
Candidates often don't pay much attention to proper time management during the
exam. One should always divide time equally between questions; this will lead
to consistency in quality of writing and length of an answer. I'd also like to
recommend that candidates consult more than two to three sources for every
subject. Magazines, such as The Economist and Foreign Affairs, could add value
to your written and interview preparation.
How do you see
KIPS as an ultimate source of guidance for the CSS aspirants, and how did this
platform benefit you?
KIPS and I go way back. I joined the
academy in 2013 which introduced a defined structure to my study routine. The
constructive feedback and guidance of teachers served as a huge benefit. The
candidates can seek help from teachers on a daily basis and get their sample
answers marked − what more can they ask for?
Which civil
service are you in now?
I am currently serving as AC (IR)
[Assistant Commissioner of Inland Revenue] in Inland Revenue Service and got
re-allocated to PAS [the Pakistan Administrative Services] in 2017 though my
training for PAS has not started yet.
How much did you
score in your written exam as well as in your interview?
I
got 724 in my written exam and 210 in my interview.
Which
subject did you score most and how did you prepare?
I
scored 76 in international law. Since I had international relations too as my
optional, it helped a great deal in my understanding and application of
international law. Furthermore, I consulted two to three books for preparation.
Would you like to share with us your experience in your
service and your achievements, if any?
I got posted to the
Regional Tax Office in Islamabad in January 2017 and the experience so far has
been rewarding and fulfilling. One of the best things about IRS is that one can
actually see and quantify the result of one's efforts. During my third month of
service I recovered a tax of Rs. 64 million through bank attachment. Quite a
satisfying feeling!
Is it luck or hard work, in your
opinion, that ul...