My Subjects for CSS bu Hassan Qadri

Outline:

·         Introduction

·         A word about optional subject selection

·         My optional subjects

Ø  Political science

Ø  History of Islam

Ø  Gender Studies

Ø  International Law

Ø  Arabic

·         Conclusion

Civil Services is an integral part of any government. Without it, policy making as well as its implementation is impossible. That is why, many of the Nations’ finest opt and strive to join this prestigious department.

                                           To be a part of the services, one has to successfully go through a series of exams: which are divided into the categories of compulsory and elective. Candidates are allowed to choose from a variety of subjects, based on their abilities, interests as well as prior studentship. Applicants are also influenced by the recommendations of their teachers, parents, or sometimes qualified relatives.

                                           I, being a C.S.S. aspirant, have also chosen my electives after giving them due consideration. My subjects are Political Science, History of Islam, Gender Studies, International Law, and Arabic.

                                           The first subject which I have opted for is the Political Science; it is an analytical subject which not only explains the art of governance but also other diverse topics related to society and man. In the words of my father, “Political Science is a subject imperative for every social animal”. On the other hand it also offers 200 marks, and comparatively speaking, going for it saves one the trouble of an additional subject because most of the other subjects are worth 100 marks.

                                            History of Islam is the second subject which I have chosen, and it is also my favorite subject. From my early childhood I have been reading books about the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) and his companions, attending sermons about famous Caliphs, listening to the tales of Muslim heroes, moreover, I had the same subject in my Intermediate and Bachelor examinations as well.

                                           Coming to my third subject which is Gender Studies, it is a relatively new subject in the C.S.S. curriculum and explores topics we have been ignorant of in the past. I have chosen this subject particularly, owing to my interests in Human Rights Law. Gender Studies has limitless scope when it comes to Human Rights in Pakistan.

My fourth subject would be International Law. Being a Law student, I explored all the relevant subjects and found International Law to be the most suited for me, thus, I went for it. The reason is simple, International law is comparatively simpler, tackles global challenges, and has International prospects as well.

                                         My reasons for selecting Arabic as a subject in C.S.S. examination are rather similar to the ones I gave for History of Islam. A history of scholarship in the subject runs in the family, and I have also thoroughly studied the subject in question in a seminary, not to mention the interest and the liking which I have developed for it.

                                        I think every student should opt for a subject he or she has prior knowledge of, or which comes recommended from someone experienced, and more than anything, which the student has an appetite for.