Your Guide to the CSS Exam: Everything You Need to Know

Explore CSS Exam details: eligibility, structure, prep tips & career paths. Your ultimate guide to mastering the CSS Exam in Pakistan!
Discover everything you need to know about the CSS Exam in Pakistan, from eligibility criteria and examination structure to preparation tips and career paths. Your ultimate guide to acing the CSS Exam.
Your guide to CSS exam everything you need to know

Introduction to CSS

➡️➡️ The Central Superior Services (CSS) is a competitive examination in Pakistan, conducted by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) for recruitment to posts in BS-17 in various services under the federal government. This exam is intended to select the best candidates for leadership positions in the bureaucracy.

Objectives of CSS

➡️➡️ The main goal of the CSS exam is to find smart and capable people who can help run the country well.

Eligibility Criteria

Nationality

➡️➡️ You need to be a citizen of Pakistan or a permanent resident of Azad Jammu and Kashmir to take the CSS exam.

Age Limit

➡️➡️ You should be between 21 and 30 years old. But if you work for the government or come from certain areas, age relaxation of 2-year given to  government employees and candidates from recognized backward areas.

Education

➡️➡️ You must have at least a Bachelor’s degree (14 years of education) from a recognized university.

All Process is given below

1. MPT (Multiple Choice Questions Preliminary Test): 

➡️➡️ You need to pass the MPT to qualify for the written exam. The MPT is a screening test to shortlist candidates for the written exam.
➡️ MCQs based test
➡️ 200 questions
➡️ 200 minutes (3 hrs 20 min) duration
➡️ No negative marking

 Syllabus

1. Islamic Studies (20 MCQs, 20 marks)
2. Urdu (20 MCQs, 20 marks)
3. English (50 MCQs, 50 marks)
4. General Abilities (60 MCQs, 60 marks)
5. General Knowledge (50 MCQs, 50 marks)

Note: Total MCQs = 200, Total Marks = 200

2. Written Examination

➡️➡️ This is the first and biggest part of the CSS exam. It’s divided into compulsory and optional subjects.

Compulsory Subjects (600 marks)

➡️➡️Each subject contain 100 marks 

➡️➡️You have to pass all these compulsory subject. If you fail any subject from compulsory you will not be eligible to pass the exam. You have to score at least 44 marls in each compulsary subject to pass the exam.

➡️➡️ Everyone has to take these six subjects:

  • English Essay - Write a clear and well-organized essay on a given topic.
  • English (Precis and Composition) - This part tests your grammar, comprehension, and writing skills.
  • General Science & Ability - Answer questions about basic science and solve problems.
  • Current Affairs - You need to know about the latest national and international events.
  • Pakistan Affairs - This section is about the history, politics, and current issues of Pakistan.
  • Islamic Studies (or Comparative Study of Major Religions for non-Muslims) - Answer questions about Islamic principles, history, and teachings. Non-Muslims can choose to study major world religions instead.

Optional Subjects (600 marks)

➡️➡️There are many group in option from which you can select your favourite subjects in which you can score more.       

➡️➡️These subjects are scoring subjects.  

➡️➡️ You get to choose subjects that add up to 600 marks from a list. It’s smart to pick subjects you already know well or are really interested in.

➡️➡️ If you have selected a subject of 200 marks then you have to select only four others to complete 600 marks.

➡️➡️ If you want to select the subjects of 100 marks then you will have to select six subjects to complete marks.

➡️➡️ If you fail in an optional subject in the CSS exam, it will affect your overall pass status. You must score at least 33% in each optional subject and 40% in each compulsory subject to pass the CSS exam overall.

Seven groups of optional subjects with their marks are given below

Group 1 (200 marks each)

1. Economics
2. Accounting and Auditing
3. Political Science
4. Computer Science
5. International Relations

Group 2 (200 marks each)

1. Chemistry
2. Physics
3. Pure Mathematics (100 marks)
4. Applied Mathematics (100 marks)
5. Geology (100 marks)
6. Statistics (100 marks)

Group 3 (100 marks each)

1. Public Administration
2. Governance and Public Policies
3. Town Planning and Urban Management
4. Business Administration

Group 4 (100 marks each)

1. British History
2. History of Pakistan and India
3. European History
4. Islamic History and Culture
5. History of the USA

Group 5 (100 marks each)

1. Agriculture and Forestry
2. Botany
3. Zoology
4. Environmental Sciences
5. Gender Studies
6. Urdu Literature
7. English Literature

Group 6 (100 marks each)

1. Law
2. International Law
3. Constitutional Law
4. Mercantile Law
5. Muslim Law and Jurisprudence
6. Philosophy
7. Criminology

Group 7 (100 marks each)

1. Psychology
2. Sociology
3. Geography
4. Punjabi
5. Anthropology
6. Persian
7. Balochi
8. Arabic
9. Pashto
10. Sindhi
11. Journalism and Mass Communication

2. Medical Examination

➡️➡️ They check to make sure you’re healthy and fit for the job.

3. Psychological Test

➡️➡️ This test looks at your personality and mental skills.

4. Viva Voce (Interview)

➡️➡️ Finally, there’s an interview where they see how well you can communicate and if you’re suitable for the civil services.


Preparation Tips

➡️➡️ Make sure you understand the syllabus and exam format.

➡️➡️ Create a study plan that covers all subjects.

➡️➡️ Use good study materials and recommended books.

➡️➡️ Practice with past papers and take mock tests.

➡️➡️ Stay updated on current events by reading newspapers and watching the news.

➡️➡️ Take care of your health and manage stress.

Career Path After CSS

➡️➡️ If you pass, you can get into top groups like the Pakistan Administrative Service, Police Service of Pakistan, Foreign Service of Pakistan, and many more. Each group offers exciting roles in running the country.

I hope this helps! If you have any questions or need more details, just ask!

6 comments

  1. Fruitful information sir thanks
  2. Sir can you tell how to pass out this process.
  3. Join our whatsapp group we will provide you books
    1. how I join whatsapp ? or is it paid or free?
  4. thanks sir for information and how to give css exam for that
  5. Thanks graceful info ... God bless you
    dear sir interview mei jo subjects select hongy unsy question answer hongy ???