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CSS Competitive Exam in Pakistan: Step-by-Step Guide to Success
Every year, Lots Of candidates from different and well reputative educational backgrounds diligently prepare for the CSS exam, aspiring to contribute to the nation by serving in various government departments.
Below is a comprehensive guide detailing the rules, regulations, and process for taking the CSS exam in Pakistan according to the latest criteria compiled by leocssforum
What CSS Competitive Exam is?
The CSS Stands For Central Superior Services. CSS Exam is conducted by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) for the recruitment of candidates as gazetted officers to hold BPS-17 positions in a certain department.
Applicants go through a Specified process and after they qualify, they have options to join different services under the Federal Government.
Services Under Federal Government Through CSS Competitive Exams
There are 12 federal government departments where candidates are generally posted after they qualify for the CSS exams:
- Foreign Service of Pakistan
- Pakistan Administrative Service
- Police Service of Pakistan
- Inland Revenue Service of Pakistan
- Pakistan Customs Services
- Commerce & Trade Group
- Information Services of Pakistan
- Military Lands & Cantonment Group
- Office Management and Secretariat Group
- Pakistan Audit and Accounts Service
- Postal Group
- Railways (Commercial & Transport) Group
CSS Competitive Exam Eligibility
Nationality: Pakistani National
Education: Bachelor’s degree with at least 2nd division from any Pakistani or foreign university recognized by HEC
Age Limit: 21-30 years with a 2-year upper age relaxation (32 years)
CSS Competitive Exam Structure / CSS Competitive Exam Syllabus
Previously, the CSS exam comprised four steps. However, due to a large number of candidates, FPSC decided to change the structure of the CSS exam recently and add a screening test.
It now consists of 5 steps, which are as follows:
- CE CSS MPT
- Theory Test
- Medical Test
- Psychological Test
- Viva Voce
Let’s discuss these steps in detail.
MCQs-Based Preliminary Test (MPT)
According to CSS Rules, candidates have to pass the MPT Test For Initial Screening.
The following table shows the division of marks according to 5 different subjects:
| Subject | Syllabus | Marks |
| Islamic Studies / Civics & Ethics | Islamic Studies Basics | 20 |
| Urdu | Grammar Usage, Translation | 20 |
| English | Vocabulary, Grammar Usage, Comprehension | 50 |
| General Abilities | Basic Arithmetic, Algebra & Geometry, Logical Problem Solving & Analytical Abilities, Mental Abilities | 60 |
| General Knowledge | Everyday Science, Current Affairs, Pakistan Affairs | 50 |
There will be no negative marking and the candidates are required to score at least 33 marks. The MPT test is valid for only that specific year.
MPT Eligibility Criteria
Candidates having a bachelor’s degree in any CSS subject with at least a second division can apply for CSS MPT.
Theory Test
After a candidate has passed the MPT test, he or she is eligible to apply for the major part of the CSS exam, which is the theory test. Consisting of 12 papers (with 6 compulsory subjects and 6 optional), the test is spread over a week.
For each compulsory subject, the candidates need at least 40% marks and, for each optional subject, 33%. The FPSC has a list of optional subjects, each of different marks. Candidates can choose the subjects according to their educational qualifications.
Compulsory Subjects for CSS
These are 6 compulsory subjects according to the division of marks:
1, English (precis and composition)
2, English Essay
3, General Science and Ability
4, Current Affairs
5, Pakistan Affairs
6, Islamic Studies and Alternative Subjects For non-Muslims
Each subjects have 100 marks
General Science and Ability, Current Affairs, and Pakistan Affairs are usually grouped under the General Knowledge category. These three subjects are to be passed collectively by scoring 120 marks out of 300.
Optional Subjects
FPSC has divided the optional subjects into 7 different categories for a comprehensive distribution of the marks. The following is a list of these groups and the division of marks:
CSS Competitive Exam Group 1 optional Subjects
5 Undermentioned subjects carry 200 marks each. Candidates can choose one subject.
|
Code |
Subjects |
Marks |
| 11 | Accountancy & Auditing | 200 |
| 12 | Economics | 200 |
| 13 | Computer Science | 200 |
| 14 | Political Science | 200 |
| 15 | International Relations | 200 |
CSS Competitive Exam Group 2 optional Subjects
Candidate can Select One Subject From Undermentioned Subjects
| Code | Subjects | Marks |
| 16 | Physics | 200 |
| 17 | Chemistry | 200 |
| 18 | Applied Mathematics | 100 |
| 19 | Pure Mathematics | 100 |
| 20 | Statistics | 100 |
| 21 | Geology | 100 |
CSS Competitive Exam Group 3 optional Subjects
4 Undermentioned subjects carry 100 marks each. Candidates can choose one subject.
| Code | Subjects | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 22 | Business Administration | 100 |
| 23 | Public Administration | 100 |
| 24 | Governance & Public Policies | 100 |
| 25 | Town Planning & Urban Management | 100 |
CSS Competitive Exam Group 4 optional Subjects
5 Undermentioned subjects carry 100 marks each. Candidates can choose one subject.
| Code No | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 26 | History of Pakistan & India | 100 |
| 27 | Islamic History & Culture | 100 |
| 28. | European History | 100 |
| 29 | British History | 100 |
| 30 | History of USA | 100 |
CSS Competitive Exam Group 5 optional Subjects
7 Undermentioned subjects carry 100 marks each. Candidates can choose one subject.
| Code No | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 31 | Gender Studies | 100 |
| 32 | Environmental Sciences | 100 |
| 33 | Agriculture & Forestry | 100 |
| 34 | Botany | 100 |
| 35 | Zoology | 100 |
| 36 | English Literature | 100 |
| 37 | Urdu Literature | 100 |
CSS Competitive Exam Group 6 optional Subjects
7 Undermentioned subjects carry 100 marks each. Candidates can choose one subject.
| Code No | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 38 | Law | 100 |
| 39 | Constitutional Law | 100 |
| 40 | International Law | 100 |
| 41 | Muslim Law & Jurisprudence | 100 |
| 42 | Mercantile Law | 100 |
| 43 | Criminology | 100 |
| 44 | Philosophy | 100 |
CSS Competitive Exam Group 7 optional Subjects
11 Undermentioned subjects carry 100 marks each. Candidates can choose one subject.
| Code No | Subjects | |
|---|---|---|
| 45 | Journalism & Mass Communication | 100 |
| 46 | Psychology | 100 |
| 47 | Geography | 100 |
| 48 | Sociology | 100 |
| 49 | Anthropology | 100 |
| 50 | Punjabi | 100 |
| 51 | Sindhi | 100 |
| 52 | Pashto | 100 |
| 53 | Balochi | 100 |
| 54 | Persian | 100 |
| 55 | Arabic | 100 |
Medical Test
All the candidates are required to go through a complete medical examination and submit the reports to the CSS committee. Candidates who fail to meet the medical requirements are usually not recommended for the next step.
However, specially-abled candidates with visual, hearing, or speech impairments are allowed to take the CSS exams. Those with permanent visual impairment are aided by a helper (writer) at their special request. Moreover, visually impaired candidates are provided extra 15 minutes per hour during the test.
However, the Federal or Provincial Council for Rehabilitation of Disabled Persons is required to verify the data before any such approval.
Most CSS officers recommend a medical examination from a well-reputed medical centre before the test appearance.
Psychological Test
All those candidates who qualify for the viva voce are required to clear a psychological test where their attitude, personality, and abilities are assessed according to the requirements of the job. Keeping in view their aptitude for civil services, candidates must go through written tests and group assignments.
The psychological test does not carry any separate marks; however, the 300 marks of viva voce do take the psychological assessment of the candidates into account. Candidates not appearing in the psychological test are not recommended for the viva voce.
Viva Voce
To determine the suitability of the candidates who have cleared their written, medical, and psychological tests, a viva voce is conducted. The test Consists of 300 marks.
Candidates are assessed based on their moral and ethical qualities, alertness of the mind, intelligence, vigor and strength of character, and potential leadership qualities.
The candidates are expected to answer a few basic questions about Islam, Pakistan, and related subjects. Questions related to academic and extramural interests are also asked.
Candidates are required to secure at least 100 marks out of 300.
How to Apply for the CSS Competitive Exam?
The application process for CSS competitive exams is now easy as FPSC has introduced an online portal. The procedure consists of the following 5 stages:
Stage 1: Registration of the applicant
Stage 2: Create/edit the profile of the applicant on the system
Stage 3: Applying online
Stage 4: Printing of computer-generated pre-filled form
Stage 5: Dispatch of computer-generated pre-filled form
Documents Required by FPSC For CSS Competitive Exam
Once the candidates have registered online on the FPSC portal, they are required to apply online for the exam. After completing the online form, candidates have to print the pre-filled form and dispatch it to the FPSC office with the following documents:
- Original bank treasury receipt
- Recent 04 passport size photographs
- Attested copy of CNIC
- Attested copy of Matriculation Certificate showing date of birth (Provisional Certificate/Result Card/Marks Sheet is not acceptable)
- Attested copy of Intermediate Certificate. Provisional Certificate/ Result Card/Marks Sheet is not acceptable
- Attested copy of the degree(s)
- Attested copy of self-domicile certificate
- Certificate to be produced for candidates belonging to scheduled caste/Buddhist community
- Certificate for candidates from Provincial/Federal Tribal Areas and those belonging to Gilgit-Baltistan
- Certificate from Kashmir Affairs Division for Azad Kashmir nationals
- Certificate for minorities
- Departmental Permission Certificate for Government Servants
- In the case of ex-employees of the Pakistan Armed Forces, a No Objection Certificate from the relevant authority is required
- In the case of disabled candidates, a certificate of disability from the competent authority is required
CSS Competitive Exam Centres
FPSC has designated exam centers across Pakistan. The following table enlists all those cities:
| Karachi | Bahawalpur | D. G. Khan |
| Lahore | D. I. Khan | Faisalabad |
| Islamabad | Okara | Gujranwala |
| Peshawar | Rawalpindi | Sialkot |
| Abbottabad | Sargodha | Multan |
| Gilgit | Muzaffarabad | Sukkur |
| Khuzdar | Quetta | Hyderabad |
| Skardu | Larkana |
Instructions for Change of Test Centre
If a candidate wants to change his or her written exam center, he/she can apply through the online portal.
However, approval of the CSS committee is essential before the candidate formally receives any confirmation about any change in their center.
CSS Competitive Exam Interview Centres
CSS interviews are usually conducted in 5 FPSC designated centers in 5 major cities:
- Islamabad
- Karachi
- Lahore
- Peshawar
- Quetta
CSS Fee Structure
The basic application fee for the CSS competitive exam is pretty low; however, for different stages and activities, FPSC has provided the following fee structure:
- Written Examination Rs 2200/-
- CSS Pakistan Review Petition Rs 500/-
- CSS Pakistan Re-counting of Marks Rs 500/- per paper
- CSS Pakistan MPT Test Rs 250/-
- CSS Pakistan Fee to Medical Examination Rs 100/-
- CSS Pakistan Fee to the medical board (before examination by the medical board) Rs 1400/-
FAQs
Here are some FAQs related to the CSS Exam in Pakistan
What is the qualification for the CSS exam?
The qualification for the CSS exam is a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or institution.
How many marks are required for the CSS exam?
To qualify for the CSS exam, candidates must achieve a minimum passing score set by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC), which administers the exam.
What are the CSS subjects?
The CSS exam covers a wide range of subjects including but not limited to English Essay, English (Precis & Composition), General Science & Ability, Current Affairs, Pakistan Affairs, Islamic Studies, and a variety of optional subjects.
Is the CSS test hard?
The CSS test is known to be challenging due to its comprehensive nature and competitive environment. It requires thorough preparation and a deep understanding of various subjects.
What is the salary of a CSS officer in Pakistan?
The salary of a CSS officer in Pakistan varies depending on the grade and position. CSS officers are appointed to various government departments and can earn a competitive salary along with additional benefits and allowances.
Which subject is considered the best in CSS?
The choice of the best subject in CSS varies according to individual interests, strengths, and career aspirations. Popular subjects among CSS aspirants include International Relations, Public Administration, and Law, among others.
How can I prepare for CSS at home?
CSS exam preparation at home requires a disciplined study routine, comprehensive study materials, and practice of past papers. Self-study, online resources, and joining virtual study groups or coaching centers can also aid in preparation.
What is the hardest topic in CSS?
The perception of the hardest topic in CSS varies from person to person, as it depends on individual strengths and weaknesses. However, subjects like Mathematics, Statistics, and abstract concepts in certain optional subjects are often considered challenging.
Does CSS have scope?
Yes, CSS offers a wide range of career opportunities and scope in Pakistan. CSS officers can be appointed to various government positions, including administrative, diplomatic, police, and taxation services, among others, allowing for diverse professional growth and impact.
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