Prepare for the PMS 2024/ CSS 2025

Shahid Hussain Raja

General Instructions
Kindly access the following documents and read them now and then on
the 1st of each month till one month before the examination. Act upon
the tips and pieces of advice contained in these documents.
1. What is CSS?
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1m3pBz9ICeaVdcj_dy8eLC
b2_e_uNWX_9/edit?
usp=sharing&ouid=104488633945385475805&rtpof=true&sd=tru
e
2. How to prepare for the CSS Examination
https://docs.google.com/document/d/11ewpSiBZHNQsdshe-
TaWSIvyvn3s1dUJ/edit?
usp=sharing&ouid=104488633945385475805&rtpof=true&sd=tru
e
Follow me on Twitter (@Shahid_H_Raja) and keep an eye on any tweet
related to the CSS
Follow me and subscribe to my newsletter at Medium
(https://shahidhraja.medium.com/) and save all those articles related to
your subjects.
Then paste these essays, one by one, in the prompt box of ChatGBT and
ask it to prepare its summary in bullet points. These summaries will be
your notes for these essays. Keep on improving them with additional
information you may come across

For in-depth study, "Criterion Quarterly" and IPRI briefs are sufficient.

English Composition
Kindly access these two books and documents and act as suggested
below.
 1. Common Mistakes in English:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pudFl_ca7hRWYPjfEifo
u777IVayol9s/view?usp=sharing
This book contains around 580 English sentences with wrong use of
parts of speech as well as their correct usage. Start your daily studies by
doing 20 sentences. It means you will cover the entire book in a month
2. Oxford Grammar:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pCvbt3ZnVoswQU0WL
mMGkj7YX_8T1kD3/view?usp=sharing
Once the book mentioned above is finished, start this book the same
way. One part of speech daily. It should also take one month. Once
finished, start the book mentioned above and so on.
3. Difficult English Words:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/19NmY_WMzMzCi
dc2dvDLTJhE8Chn_GR9V/edit?
usp=sharing&ouid=104488633945385475805&rtpof=tru
e&sd=true
After the grammar, concentrate on improving your vocabulary. Choose
10 words per day and learn how to use them in correct English
sentences. Use Google when in doubt.
4. English Idioms:
There are several websites where you can find lists of common idioms.
Do the same as suggested above; 10 idioms per day.
However, you can browse these books for additional study
 English Composition by Hafiz Karim Dad Chughtai
 Vocabulary and Idioms by Advanced Publishers.

English Essay
1. Please obtain past English essay papers, and create detailed
outlines for one essay every day
2. Then give a command to ChatGPT to compose a full essay based on
these outlines as well as its additional input
 Identify any points that may have been overlooked by you while
preparing the outlines.
 Copy past these essays in a separate folder and keep on improving
them
 Buy these books from the market:
o Authentic essays by Aamir Shakir Jajja
o Paragraphs and Essays by Prof. Iftikhar
o Essay by Nasir Jamal
 Listen to this series of lectures regarding how to write a good essay
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/
19opNUZm7cOS_iGyPLOHksrCByX3LkobB

How to Write a Good Essay

 Writing a compelling essay requires finesse, structure, and
persuasive argumentation for which one must adopt the Socratic
method: incorporating diverse viewpoints while maintaining a
clear stance, It can significantly enhance the quality of your essay.
 Always start your essay by defining the topic under discussion. For
example, if you are writing about Climate Change, first define what
you mean by this term. Also, explain it cohesively; change refers to
the long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather
patterns in a place. This alteration can encompass various
phenomena, such as rising temperatures, melting ice caps, and
shifts in precipitation patterns.
 Upon establishing the definition, the essay should outline the
contrasting perspectives on the issue. In the case of climate
change, there are two predominant schools of thought: one asserts
that climate change is a tangible, imminent threat, while the other
posits that its severity is exaggerated or even disputed altogether.
 In expressing a personal viewpoint, it is crucial to assert a clear
position. In this essay, the stance taken is that climate change is
indeed real, and the subsequent argumentation will support this
assertion.
 The main body of the essay should present a comprehensive
examination of both viewpoints. While defending the position that
climate change is real, it is essential to acknowledge the opposing
viewpoint and refute it with empirical evidence.
 Supporting the assertion that climate change is real requires
presenting factual evidence and statistics. For instance, data from
reputable scientific organizations such as NASA and the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) can be cited to
illustrate trends in global temperature rise, carbon dioxide levels,
and melting ice caps.
 Furthermore, it is imperative to address opposing arguments
systematically. For instance, skeptics of climate change may argue
that natural climate variability is responsible for observed changes,
rather than human activities. However, this contention can be
rebutted by highlighting the overwhelming scientific consensus
attributing climate change primarily to human-induced
greenhouse gas emissions.
 Moreover, acknowledging potential counterarguments
demonstrates intellectual honesty and strengthens the overall
argument. By addressing opposing viewpoints and refuting them
with credible evidence, the essay bolsters its persuasive efficacy.
 While concluding the essay, which is extremely important,
reiterating the initial stance is essential. The conclusion should
succinctly summarize the key arguments presented in the essay,
reaffirming the assertion that climate change is indeed real. By
encapsulating the main points and restating the thesis, the
conclusion reinforces the essay's central argument.
 When providing suggestions or recommendations, it is crucial to
maintain balance and impartiality. Suggestions should be
grounded in evidence-based solutions that address the complexity
of the issue. For instance, advocating for a transition towards
renewable energy sources, implementing carbon pricing
mechanisms, and fostering international cooperation on climate
action are all viable suggestions that align with scientific
consensus.
 In summary, employing the Socratic method and incorporating
diverse viewpoints are effective strategies for crafting a persuasive
essay. By defining the topic, acknowledging opposing viewpoints,
presenting robust evidence, and reaffirming the central thesis, an
essay can effectively convey a compelling argument. Moreover,
providing balanced suggestions ensures a comprehensive approach
 to addressing complex issues such as climate change. Ultimately,
the art of essay writing lies in the ability to articulate a coherent,
well-supported argument that engages readers and influences their
perspective.
Pakistan Affairs
Start with “Pakistan Studies” by M.R. Kazimi to have a basic grounding,
just basic.
Access these books of mine
1. Milestones of the Pakistan Movement
https://docs.google.com/document/d/
1XkbpJFMVzDMmiqBBf46_JA05gGMdq9Xv/edit?
usp=sharing&ouid=104488633945385475805&rtpof=true&sd=tru
e
2. Pakistan Affairs: 25 Essays
https://docs.google.com/document/d/
1SfqVcuQegHkNHvXVPQ_QLRLg4xt_tX31/edit?
usp=sharing&ouid=104488633945385475805&rtpof=true&sd=tru
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3. Pakistan Foreign Policy-Part 1
https://docs.google.com/document/d/
15_tRi7eJqSV1ZQ3xH68VJKlqbyDiLNM9/edit?
usp=sharing&ouid=104488633945385475805&rtpof=true&sd=tru
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4. Pakistan Foreign Policy -Part 2
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SBtqYlGDyXTvL2PDd-
SL1zZdHmaXVVkt/edit?
usp=sharing&ouid=104488633945385475805&rtpof=true&sd=tru
e
5. The Kashmir Dispute: Stand of Stakeholders
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1r9v9KgTEMeLDwxvU-
vr8QaaT8NHQrfXE/edit?
usp=sharing&ouid=104488633945385475805&rtpof=true&sd=tru
e
6. Corruption in the Developing Countries: Challenges &
Response
 https://docs.google.com/document/d/
1QrbAUY8Z_nGznnQRfQuL2itkc1JWdvzh/edit?
usp=sharing&ouid=104488633945385475805&rtpof=true&sd=tru
e
Read this book thoroughly, particularly the framework I have developed
in the last three chapters. This framework can be applied to any
socioeconomic challenge in Pakistan such as environmental
Degradation, Climate Change, Education, Honour Killing, etc
Listen to this series of lectures.
https://youtube.com/playlist?
list=PLWB1vddFIClC8yHh1Hil1N4HDpLL6LtWM&si=HiAjC93uS
rSiNDmn
Access this document about constitutional developments from 1947-
2022
https://drive.google.com/file/d/
1vs3hZVfFLzGIWJFXimkt4a4wSJAAlL2O/view?usp=drive_link
Books you must read.
1. Trek to Pakistan, A Concise History of Pakistan
2. Pakistan: Search for Stability by Maliha Lodhi
3. Pakistan: A Hard Country
4. Constitutional and Political History of Pakistan by Hamid Khan
5. Pakistan's Foreign Policy 1947 -2019 by Abdul Sattar
6. Any report published by Wilson Centre about any issue of Pakistan

Current Affairs

Access my book: International Relations and Global Issues

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZJ185DFY5OJc0_YoDVqxo-
xHtNE4Rbg_/edit?
usp=sharing&ouid=104488633945385475805&rtpof=true&sd=true

Current Affairs top 20 question series by JWT.

You must read these journals
 NOA magazine plus Jahangir World Times,
 Foreign Affairs,
  Modern Diplomacy
 Project Syndicate.

YouTube channel “Caspian Report”-an excellent source

You must be familiar with the terms and concepts/jargon used in global
affairs such as CPEC, BRI, OBOR, IMEC, QUAD, JCPOA, 'Neptune
Spear'., Pivot to Asia etc. Write down these terms and concepts on a
sheet of paper and place it on your table.

Islamiat

You can do this paper in Urdu or English. Make up your mind which
language is more suitable for you and then do not waver. There is no
discrimination in scoring whether you attempt it in Urdu or English. Do
not listen to anyone on this issue.
Start with “Islamiat” by Karim Dad Chugtai for acquaintance with the
subject
Access the following lectures
1. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aDJ7z-
sv5xrCwbVUMTzxnWGlp4tO2a-U/view?usp=sharing
2. https://drive.google.com/file/d/
10F_M4zqDZM3Ig_RgujLmn7Oeqs-xSl4y/view?usp=sharing
3. https://drive.google.com/file/d/
1VGHC_tqittWr8zpXWIhB8rbY_J9Oi3Fr/view?usp=sharing
4. https://drive.google.com/file/d/
1qACZbC65bC539RmwRIutUQc5ct2ExWLX/view?usp=sharing
5. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fz2b2Mew_OC-
DTMj2Z_z1LGMCKuIM73O/view?usp=sharing

Books you must read

 After the Prophet by Leslie Hazelton
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1j_ogodCaTzKe7GOAxHV06MF8
VgUnAlkR/view?usp=sharing
 Reconstruction of Religious Thought by Allama Iqbal
 Book by Hafiz Arshad Iqbal
 Islamia Nazria Hayat by Khurshid Ahmed.

Documents to access
1. https://docs.google.com/document/d/
1rfatxsrp9xC2xtk7eMzF3AxYuC7lEW0m/edit?
 usp=sharing&ouid=104488633945385475805&rtpof=true&sd=tru
e
2. https://docs.google.com/document/d/19-
p5sF3ZTKKK38sTDInMqlx5YKZFBU4v/edit?
usp=sharing&ouid=104488633945385475805&rtpof=true&sd=tru
e
3. https://docs.google.com/document/d/
18a2QXbqiET_11jjjA8d0YulWsnzm6cWw/edit?
usp=sharing&ouid=104488633945385475805&rtpof=true&sd=tru
e
4. https://docs.google.com/document/d/
1du3bUBw3n6cJ6_uvmdhQUVSRoOY3zJUk/edit?
usp=sharing&ouid=104488633945385475805&rtpof=true&sd=tru
e

General Science & Ability

1. Start with Razza Ullah Khan’s book on this subject.

2. Then, General Science and Ability Mian Shafiq's book
3. For the Maths & Logical Reasoning part, there are dozens of
websites. Such as
http://homeschoolmath.net
http://corbettmaths.com
4. For everyday science, you can consider grade 7,8 science books
5. Access this document
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1haBnUSlzdDebvsgG8fDn_nyyRl
7GwL8W/view?usp=sharing

International Relations

International Relations (IR) is a nuanced subject with fluctuating scoring

patterns. Reviewing recent papers off and on can provide insights into
the current focus areas.
Unlike current affairs papers, IR papers require a deeper analysis.
Incorporate IR terminology in your answers and provide fundamental
approaches to each topic, even if not explicitly asked. For instance, when
discussing security impacts, explore perspectives from realism,
liberalism, and constructivism.
A. Start your studies with the book “Introducing International Relations”
by Farhan Hanif Siddiqui and Nadeem Mirza, published by Oxford
University Press, Pakistan.
B. Then read works by John Baylis, William Kegley, and Andrew
Heywood. Heywood's theories are particularly useful, while Kegley offers
valuable insights into IR terminology.
C. Access this book by Henry Nau
https://drive.google.com/file/d/
1zpAMYUyh_7LlbgnKG_Gj0k2VOBmufVO6/view?usp=drive_link
D. Access These Notes by Ayesha
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sllz1d8ITnoCrAFKa_qFW-
LcMNTXDdl5/view?usp=sharing

E. Access reputable sources for IR-related articles and analyses.

Publications like Dawn feature insightful pieces by writers such as Mahir
Ali, Aasim Sajjad Akhtar, and Maliha Lodhi.
F. Explore credible online platforms like carnegieendowment.org,
wilsonquarterly.com, and politico.com for further reading. "In Focus
South Asia" by @ejazhaider offers valuable insights into both IR and
current affairs.
G. Access this document which explains the Indian version of
Quadrilateral Cooperation (QUAD)
https://docs.google.com/document/d/
19s5TdjNo_xLC3zyqSSjOPe5VLGfoTQuQ/edit?
usp=sharing&ouid=104488633945385475805&rtpof=true&sd=true
H. Access this document to know the IR theories and their application in
global politics
https://docs.google.com/document/d/
1Ht6fp0ws88K5bDiwIEBVomfWqKmpQ8BW/edit?
usp=sharing&ouid=104488633945385475805&rtpof=true&sd=true
I. YouTube channel “Caspian Report” -it is a must
J. Finally, this website: https://www.e-ir.info/
Political Science
Start with Political Science 1 & 2 by HSM Publishers for basic grounding.
Supplement it with “Political Science Theory & Practice” by Mazhar Ul
Haq, and “Modern Islamic Political Thought” by Hamid Enayat
However, you must then read “Political Thought: Plato to Present” by
Judd Hermon
Access my book “Muslim Political Philosophers”
https://docs.google.com/document/d/
1pQWo2YEk9hAGtQS0evJ7iOvwoUdwRIGd/edit?
usp=sharing&ouid=104488633945385475805&rtpof=true&sd=true
No need to study all; concentrate on 5/6 Muslim political philosophers
such as Al Mowardi, al Farabi, ibn Khaldun, Allama Iqbal, Al Ghazali, Al
Tayamma
Access my book “European Political Philosophers”
https://docs.google.com/document/d/17C69USme8oTLSfzzY_KfUy-
yAu0xJYUU/edit?
usp=sharing&ouid=104488633945385475805&rtpof=true&sd=true
Listen to these lectures For paper 1
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWB1vddFIClBIwz5-anRnh1wb-
kMp2fXA&si=VlKpTQ5jB6Yole5X
Listen to these lectures for Paper 2
https://youtube.com/playlist?
list=PLWB1vddFIClCGLNDZaNnh6HfZeURPa7i7&si=_Z-
tH9l6N9miPHOS

Public Administration/Governance and Public Policy

A. Start with these notes

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/
1nA7vhbN1JizhKYHaEQfavEJnLvnfgcmc?usp=sharing

B. Access these books of mine

 1. 10 Essential Skills for Public Servants: A Handbook
https://docs.google.com/document/d/
1p9AkGzgAHy5MoYNW2JjgqorWveP2Asda/edit?
usp=sharing&ouid=104488633945385475805&rtpof=true&sd=tru
e

2. Public Policy Formulation and Analysis: A Handbook

https://docs.google.com/document/d/
1NvkX3AaCeo4iq86ZZOaDKDBSxuRzsGIw/edit?
usp=sharing&ouid=104488633945385475805&rtpof=true&sd=tru
e

C. Access this report by Wilson Centre

https://drive.google.com/file/d/
1nfkKB_X4AM8bytIwi83BIe2TxJ_04h5e/view?usp=sharing
D. Buy these books
 Implementing Public Policy by Michael James Hill and Peter Hupe
 Governance: South Asian Perspectives by Hasnat Abdul Hye
 Governing the ungovernable by Eshrat Hussain
E. Read reports of international bodies on governance indicators.
F. Access these Notes
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yW5cq9ycfKtigMJUu5hjK1t67pF3AQpa/edit?
usp=sharing&ouid=104488633945385475805&rtpof=true&sd=true

Indo-Pak History

Access this book by Satish Chopra about Medieval India

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1k1-Q2KnHQ52qbrGMec31-g6-
yiu_3zVE/view?usp=sharing

Buy these books

 Medieval India by Stanley Lane pool
 Sohail Bhatti's Book.
 Book by Mian Azmat Farooq published by World Times

Gender Studies

A. Start with these notes

 https://drive.google.com/file/d/
1wtPTzmdMe4YTWQfFRPRguA6mQVVHKck9/view?usp=drivesdk
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1D4TwdUllOM-EDw0-
XK60efniujrbnRVM/view?usp=sharing
B. Access this document about the terms to use
https://docs.google.com/document/d/
1NjqPJJva6YlCrHXzUsfH4xYWlOy7peph/edit?
usp=sharing&ouid=104488633945385475805&rtpof=true&sd=true
C. Access this book for details of the above terms
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KcOxXK0Cy8TyV1c24bL5EwmP8CbZ-
Eo3/view?usp=sharing
D. Access this document about Femisim and its four phases
https://docs.google.com/document/d/
1VOfZceEiZNnev9XTbRbBeZriNlO8r6pa/edit?
usp=sharing&ouid=104488633945385475805&rtpof=true&sd=true
E. Listen to these Lectures
https://youtube.com/playlist?
list=PLWB1vddFIClBTNEh70PshqnlDxF7MTFkI&si=_eEY325b7jPJEH
EO
F. The best source of the latest information about women is the UN
Women website
https://www.unwomen.org/en
G. Articles by Rubina Saigol and Farzana Bari
H. Buy these books
 Faith and Feminism in Pakistan by Afia Zia
 The New Pakistani Middle Class by Ammara Maqsud

Sociology
1. Start with these notes
https://docs.google.com/document/d/
1MhCWHSTXeMkS8mbPbjx00sqlLytayuL4/edit?
usp=sharing&ouid=104488633945385475805&rtpof=true&sd=tru
e
 2. Sleepy classes UPSC and IAS
3. Sociology by Paul B. Horton and Chester L. Hunt
4. An Introduction to Sociology by Abdul Hameed Taga and Abdul
Aziz Taga
5. Access MCQS of past papers from this website:
http://cssforum.com.pk/css-optional-subjects/group-vii/sociology
/44815-past-papers-mcqs-2000-2013-a.html
History of the USA
Access this folder
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/
1XWnxxgZWnZwx2OOu3zL9MZ30JW-XgW8A?usp=sharing
Watch these video
https://youtube.com/playlist?
list=PLWB1vddFIClDW80_gFixcMN851S7PFesu&si=d3av36HXeF2F5D
lD

Criminology
Buy book by Nasir Khan and Ammar Sattar published by Advance
Publishers
Access this folder
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/
1AvAIgz5i2ceG8sZ8BgIPp4_Rk5050kVV?usp=sharing

Constitutional Law
Constitutional & Political History of Pakistan by Hamid Khan
Comparative Constitutional Law by Hamid Khan
Selected Constitutions of the World by Dr. Sultan Khan
Youtube: The national academy by Sir Umer