CANDIDATES often find it difficult to prepare for one-paper tests that are conducted by federal and provincial public service commissions for various job vacancies. The commissions announce the syllabus for various posts, but do not recommend books for preparation, making life tough for the aspirants.

The syllabus that is announced by the commissions includes a number of domains, like general knowledge, Pakistan affairs, current affairs, etc. In order to overcome this obstacle, the candidates purchase many books of well-known publishers to prepare for the exams. Even if the candidate is successful in cramming all the books, it is not certain that the question paper will be based on those books alone.

Moreover, they also access various websites offering multiple-choice questions (MCQs), but it is all a rudderless activity towards an unknown destination. Then, there are many ‘academies’ offering services related to exam preparations. Most candidates are unable to afford the exorbitant cost of such services though.

The solution is simple: the federal and provincial public service commissions should recommend a set of books for the preparation of tests so that every candidate may have an equal opportunity while competing for the post.

Books are recommended by these very commissions for the preparation of Civil Superior Services, Provincial Management Services, and Provincial Civil Services examinations. Such a practice can also be adopted for one-paper exams.

Naif Memon
Hyderabad

Published in Dawn, September 28th, 2021