It's common for individuals to feel frustrated and attribute their failure in competitive exams like CSS or PCS to personal biases or favoritism by the examiners or organizations like FPSC and BPSC. However, there are often underlying reasons for failure that can be addressed. Some key reasons for failure include: 1. Irrelevant Content Aspirants often prioritize market materials over recommended content, which can lead to a lack of understanding of the required topics and formats. Recommended content is carefully curated to cover the syllabus, and ignoring it can result in poor performance. To avoid this, aspirants should focus on reading and studying the recommended books and materials. Elaboration: Aspirants should be cautious of relying on guidebooks, notes, or online resources that claim to cover the entire syllabus. These materials might not be comprehensive or up-to-date, and could lead to a lack of understanding of key concepts. Instead, aspirants should prioritize reading the recommended books and materials, which are often written by experts in the field and cover the syllabus in-depth. 2. Overreliance on Artificial Input Relying too heavily on ready-made inputs from mentors or study groups can hinder critical thinking and originality. Aspirants should develop their own thoughts and ideas, rather than relying solely on others' inputs. This requires practicing critical thinking, analyzing complex issues, and forming one's own opinions. Elaboration: While mentors and study groups can provide valuable guidance and support, aspirants should not rely solely on their inputs. Instead, they should strive to develop their own understanding of the subjects, think critically, and form their own opinions. This can be achieved by reading widely, analyzing complex issues, and practicing writing and discussion. 3. Social Media Distraction Excessive reliance on social media can lead to a lack of in-depth knowledge and understanding of the subjects. Social media can be a distraction, and aspirants should prioritize reading and studying recommended materials. Aspirants should focus on developing a thorough understanding of the subjects, rather than relying on short-form content. Elaboration: Social media can be a useful tool for staying updated on current events, but it should not replace in-depth study and reading. Aspirants should prioritize reading and studying recommended materials, which provide a comprehensive understanding of the subjects. They should also be cautious of relying on short-form content, such as social media posts or blog articles, which might not provide a thorough understanding of complex issues. 4. Lack of Critical Thinking Competitive examinations require the application of knowledge to real-life issues, which demands strong critical thinking skills. Aspirants should practice analyzing complex issues, evaluating information, and forming their own opinions. Critical thinking involves identifying patterns, relationships, and biases, and making informed decisions. Elaboration: Critical thinking is a crucial skill for success in competitive examinations. Aspirants should practice analyzing complex issues, evaluating information, and forming their own opinions. This involves identifying patterns, relationships, and biases, and making informed decisions. Aspirants can develop critical thinking skills by reading widely, analyzing complex issues, and practicing writing and discussion. 5. Inability to Address Key Questions Aspirants often struggle to address the "why" and "how" parts of questions, which are crucial for critical thinking and problem-solving. Aspirants should practice breaking down complex questions, identifying key issues, and providing well-structured answers. This requires developing a deep understanding of the subjects and practicing critical thinking. Elaboration: Aspirants should practice breaking down complex questions, identifying key issues, and providing well-structured answers. This requires developing a deep understanding of the subjects and practicing critical thinking. Aspirants should focus on addressing the "why" and "how" parts of questions, which demonstrate their understanding of the underlying concepts and their ability to think critically. 6. Fixation on Corrective Approach Many aspirants adopt a straightforward or corrective approach, whereas competitive examinations require a preventive approach. Aspirants should focus on developing a preventive approach, thinking critically about potential problems and solutions. This requires anticipating and mitigating problems, rather than just solving them. Elaboration: A preventive approach involves anticipating and mitigating problems, rather than just solving them. Aspirants should focus on developing this approach, thinking critically about potential problems and solutions. This requires analyzing complex issues, identifying potential problems, and developing strategies to mitigate them. 7. Politicized Image Aspirants who express politically motivated ideology or strongly side with a specific political party can create a negative impression. Aspirants should strive to maintain a neutral and objective perspective, avoiding politicized or biased views. This requires developing a nuanced understanding of complex issues and avoiding emotional or ideological responses. Elaboration: Aspirants should strive to maintain a neutral and objective perspective, avoiding politicized or biased views. This requires developing a nuanced understanding of complex issues and avoiding emotional or ideological responses. Aspirants should focus on providing balanced and informed answers, rather than promoting a particular ideology or agenda. 8. Lack of Written Practice Even if aspirants read relevant content, they may still fail due to a lack of written practice. The ability to write clearly and effectively is crucial in competitive examinations. Aspirants should practice writing regularly, focusing on clarity, coherence, and grammar. Elaboration: Written practice is essential to develop the skills required for competitive examinations. Aspirants should practice writing essays, answers to questions, and other written exercises to improve their writing skills. This will help them to express their thoughts clearly and effectively, and to present their answers in a well-structured and coherent manner. 9. English Style and Expression Many aspirants struggle with English expression, including breaking down complex essay titles, writing relevant answers, and using proper grammar and syntax. Aspirants should practice writing in clear and concise language, avoiding jargon and technical vocabulary unless necessary. Effective English expression requires a good understanding of the language, as well as practice and feedback. Elaboration: Aspirants should focus on developing their English language skills, including grammar, syntax, and vocabulary. They should practice writing in clear and concise language, avoiding ambiguity and confusion. This will help them to express their thoughts effectively and to present their answers in a well-structured and coherent manner. 10. Error-Free English Passing the English paper requires error-free writing. Excessive mistakes can lead to failure, even if the aspirant has a good understanding of the subject matter. Aspirants should focus on developing their writing skills, practicing regularly to minimize errors. Elaboration: Aspirants should prioritize developing their writing skills, focusing on accuracy and precision. They should practice writing regularly, paying close attention to grammar, syntax, and vocabulary. This will help them to minimize errors and to present their answers in a clear and effective manner. 11. Use of Jargon and Technical Vocabulary Aspirants who use complex language or technical vocabulary without fully understanding its meaning can create a negative impression. Proper positioning and usage of terminology are crucial. Aspirants should focus on using clear and concise language, avoiding jargon and technical vocabulary unless necessary and well-understood. Elaboration: Aspirants should be cautious when using technical vocabulary or jargon, ensuring that they understand the meaning and context of the terms they use. They should focus on using clear and concise language, avoiding ambiguity and confusion. This will help them to present their answers in a clear and effective manner, and to demonstrate their understanding of the subject matter. By : CSP Noorullah Ibrat