The preparation of Central Superior Services (CSS) exams need a comprehensive approach. The first step is to understand the structure of the exam itself. Once you know the format, you can prepare with clarity and confidence.
1. The Purpose of the CSS Exam
The CSS exam in Pakistan is held every year by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC). The exam recruits candidates for the country’s top civil services. Successful candidates join different groups based on their merit and performance.
These groups include:
No.
Group Name
Abbreviation
1
Pakistan Administrative Service
PAS
2
Police Service of Pakistan
PSP
3
Foreign Service of Pakistan
FSP
4
Inland Revenue Service
IRS
5
Pakistan Customs Service
PCS
6
Railways (Commercial & Transport Group)
–
7
Postal Group
–
8
Information Group
IG
9
Military Lands and Cantonment Group
MLCG
10
Office Management Group
OMG
11
Audit and Accounts Service
PAAS
12
Commerce and Trade Group
CTG
ude:
“Each group plays an important role in Pakistan’s governance and administration. They work in law enforcement, foreign affairs, tax collection, trade, and public services. In short, the CSS exam is not just an academic test; it is the pathway to positions where decisions that shape the nation are made.
2.Stages of the CSS Exam
The exam is not only appearing in papers. It has many stages that test knowledge, reasoning, health, and personality.
CSS Exam at a Glance
Stage
Details
Marks / Nature
Screening Test (MPT)
MCQs-based qualifying test; must pass to sit in written exam
Qualifying only
Written Examination
12 papers: 6 compulsory + 6 optional (chosen from groups)
1200 marks
Medical Examination
Physical fitness test
Qualifying only
Psychological Test
Group tasks, written assessment, personality evaluation
Qualifying only
Viva Voce (Interview)
Final oral test before FPSC panel; evaluates confidence, knowledge & suitability
300 marks
(a) CSS Screening Test (MPT)
Introduced recently, the MCQs Based Preliminary Test (MPT) acts as the entry gate.
It is a qualifying test, which means you must pass it to appear in the written examination.
The test is objective. It consists mainly of multiple-choice questions. This design helps filter serious candidates.
(b) Written Examination
This is the heart of the CSS exam.
Candidates take 12 papers: six are compulsory and six are optional. The optional papers come from different subject groups.
Total marks: 1200.
The written exam checks both breadth of knowledge and depth of understanding.
(c) Medical Examination
After clearing the written papers, candidates must pass a medical fitness test.
It guarantees that future civil servants possess physical fitness for service.
(d) Psychological Assessment
Here, the examiners evaluate personality, analytical ability, and mental balance.
Group discussions, written tasks, and interviews are usually part of this stage.
(e) Viva Voce (Final Interview)
This is the last stage.
Experts interview the candidate. They check for confidence, clear thinking, general awareness, and fit for civil services.
Marks: 300
Quick Facts
Total Attempts: 3
Age Limit: 21–30 years (relaxations available)
Education: Minimum Bachelor’s degree
Total Marks: 1500 (1200 written + 300 interview)
3. Distribution of Subjects and Marks
Compulsory Subjects (600 Marks)
Subject
Marks
English Essay
100
English (Precis & Composition)
100
General Science & Ability
100
Current Affairs
100
Pakistan Affairs
100
Islamic Studies OR Comparative Study of Major Religions (For Non-Muslims)
100
Total
600
Optional Subjects (Choose Subjects of 600 Marks)
Group I (Choose 1 Subject Only)
Subject
Marks
Accountancy & Auditing
200
Economics
200
Business Administration
200
Public Administration
200
Group II (Choose 1 Subject Only)
Subject
Marks
Political Science
200
International Relations
200
Governance & Public Policies
100
Comparative Politics
100
Group III (Choose 1 Subject Only)
Subject
Marks
Pure Mathematics
200
Applied Mathematics
200
Computer Science
200
Statistics
100
Physics
200
Group IV (Choose 1 Subject Only)
Subject
Marks
Agriculture & Forestry
100
Botany
100
Zoology
100
Environmental Science
100
Gender Studies
100
English Literature
100
Urdu Literature
100
Group V (Choose 1 Subject Only)
Subject
Marks
Islamic History & Culture
100
Indo-Pak History
100
British History
100
European History
100
History of USA
100
Group VI (Choose 1 Subject Only)
Subject
Marks
Law
100
Constitutional Law
100
International Law
100
Muslim Law & Jurisprudence
100
Mercantile Law
100
Criminology
100
Philosophy
100
Group VII (Choose 1 or more subjects of total 200 marks only)
Subject
Marks
Journalism & Mass Communication
100
Psychology
100
Geography
100
Sociology
100
Anthropology
100
Punjabi
100
Sindhi
100
Pashto
100
Balochi
100
Persian
100
Arabic
100
Grand Total = Compulsory (600) + Optional (600) = 1200 Marks
4. Attempts, Age, and Eligibility
A candidate may attempt the CSS exam three times only.
**Age limit:** Usually, it’s between 21 and 30 years. There are some relaxations for government employees and those from backward areas.
Education requirement: At least a Bachelor’s degree (14 years of education).
5. Why Understanding the Structure Matters:
Many aspirants fail, not due to lack of ability, but because they don’t understand the exam format. Understanding the stages, subjects, and requirements helps you avoid confusion and prepare effectively.
