INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS FOR CSS IR is one of the most popular subjects of CSS yet remains controversial due to uncertain scoring trends. In the worst scoring year for IR in 2019, I managed to score reasonable marks and here is my preparation strategy for IR. I spent quite some time on preparation of theories. As a 200 marks subject, it demands extra time and effort. I consulted 5-6 different sources for preparation but that does not mean one should study them all. The real trick lies in studying a certain topic from a source which has better perspective on that very topic. I put half of my effort on understanding and application of theories, which is usually ignored by the candidates. For theory application, I consulted multiple sources and drew comparisons in the perspectives of different authors. For basic understanding I consulted “World Politics Trends and Transformations” by Charles Kegley. Not only does it help in basic understanding of theories, but it can also be treated as a basic textbook for IR to some extent. If one is having issues in understanding the Kegley, then one can look for “International Relations by Joshua Goldstein” which is easier to understand. For advanced level of understanding on theories one can look into “Theories of International Relations” by Scott Burchill. For topics related to South Asia, I consulted International Relations Today by Aneek Chatarjee. Many of the topics are overlapping and can be covered from other subjects. For instance, the Foreign Relations of Pakistan and South Asia would be covered in Pakistan Affairs. Similarly, if one has opted for US History of European History, as topics like WWI and Cold War would be covered from there as well. For overall analysis building one should read the Foreign Affairs magazine, which is an excellent source for IR, Current Affairs, etc For MCQ’s one should go through the past papers of past 10 years. But that won’t suffice as not every year the MCQs are repeated just like it happened in CSS 2019 IR exam when hardly any MCQ was repeated. So, prepare your own MCQ glossary as well with special focus on dates of events and treaties, books and their authors and proponents of ideas and theories, etc. Moreover, one should try to learn the language of IR and understand its glossary. For instance, using the term “state” instead of “country” is recommended. Similarly, other terminologies of IR must be understood and reflected in the scripts. Summing up the IR preparation strategy, the focus must lie on having grip on understanding and application of theories as much as possible. With comprehensive preparation one can manage to score well even in the worst scoring subjects in CSS. By : Syed Talal Shah (PSP) MA International Relations