Suggested Books for CSS Preparation
Note: Before Choosing Books
The choice of books for CSS preparation is not the same for every aspirant. It depends on three things:
- Educational Background: Those with a Political Science degree may need fewer introductory texts.This is different for someone with an engineering background.
- Interest and Optional Subjects – The books you need will vary depending on your selected optional subjects.
- Learning Style – Some learners like short, exam-focused books. Others do better with detailed, scholarly texts.
Therefore, consider this list as guidelines, not rigid prescriptions. Select what fits your own background and build your notes around them.
1. Compulsory Subjects
English Essay
- Exploring the World of English by Syed Saadat Ali Shah
- High School English Grammar & Composition by Wren & Martin
Helps improve grammar, vocabulary, and writing style for CSS Essay and Precis papers.
English (Precis & Composition)
- High School English Grammar & Composition by Wren & Martin
- Dawn Newspaper (editorials for practice)
Improves precis writing, comprehension, and sentence correction skills.
General Science & Ability
- General Science and Ability by Mian Shafiq
- Everyday Science by Kashmiri / Ilmi
Covers general science concepts, basic math, reasoning, and analytical ability.
Current Affairs
- Current Affairs Digest (JWT / Caravan)
- The Economist / Foreign Policy articles
Keeps aspirants updated with national and international events, policies, and issues.
Pakistan Affairs
- Trek to Pakistan by Ahmed Saeed
- Pakistan: A Modern History by Ian Talbot
Explains Pakistan’s political, historical, and constitutional developments.
Islamic Studies
- Islami Nazria-e-Hayat by Khurshid Ahmad
- Towards Understanding Islam by Syed Abul Ala Maududi
Focuses on Islamic ideology, teachings, and contemporary issues.
Optional Subjects
Group I
Accountancy & Auditing
- Principles of Accounting by M.A. Ghani
Covers accounting concepts, financial reporting, and auditing principles for CSS.
Economics
- Economics by Paul Samuelson
- Advanced Economic Theory by H.L. Ahuja
Best combination for both fundamental and advanced economic theories.
Business Administration
- Principles of Management by Robbins & Coulter
Comprehensive coverage of planning, organization, and management theories.
Political Science
- Political Science by Mazhar ul Haq
- Western Political Thought by Judd Harmon
Mazhar ul Haq covers Pakistan politics; Harmon explains Western philosophers.
International Relations
- Global Politics by Andrew Heywood
- International Relations by Joshua Goldstein
Excellent for theories, global institutions, and international conflicts.
Group II
Physics
- Fundamentals of Physics by Halliday, Resnick & Walker
Explains CSS syllabus topics with examples and problem-solving exercises.
Chemistry
- General Chemistry by Raymond Chang
Clear explanations of general, physical, and organic chemistry concepts.
Applied/ Pure Mathematics
- Mathematical Methods by S.M. Yusuf
Focused on algebra, calculus, and applied mathematics for CSS aspirants.
Geology
- Physical Geology by Charles Fletcher
Comprehensive guide to earth sciences, minerals, and geological processes.
Group III
Public Administration
- Public Administration by Dr. Sultan Khan
Covers administrative theories, practices, and governance in Pakistan.
Governance & Public Policies
- Public Policy by Michael Hill
Explains policy-making, implementation, and governance models.
Town Planning & Urban Management
- Urban Planning by Ramachandran
Focuses on city development, housing, and urban issues.
Group IV
History of Pakistan & India
- History of Indo-Pakistan by K.K. Aziz
Detailed analysis of historical events shaping Pakistan and India.
Islamic History & Culture
- A Short History of Islam by Mazhar ul Haq
Explains Islamic history, culture, and civilization.
British History
- History of England by Southgate
Covers major political and social developments in Britain.
European History
- A History of Modern Europe by Thompson
Best for European revolutions, wars, and modern developments.
History of USA
- History of the USA by Majumdar
Explains political, social, and economic evolution of the US.
Group V
Gender Studies
- Gender Studies by Jackson & Scott
Explains gender roles, issues, and theories with CSS focus.
Environmental Sciences
- Environmental Science by Miller
Best for environmental systems, climate change, and ecology.
Agriculture & Forestry
- Agricultural Science by E. Taylor
Focus on agriculture development, farming techniques, and forestry.
Botany
- Botany for Degree Students by A.C. Dutta
Comprehensive book for plant physiology, genetics, and evolution.
Zoology
- Invertebrate Zoology by Jordan & Verma
Explains animal physiology, taxonomy, and biodiversity.
English Literature
- History of English Literature by Edward Albert
Provides overview of major writers, movements, and periods.
Group VI
Constitutional Law
- Constitutional Law by Kelly
Explains constitutions, legal systems, and comparative politics.
International Law
- International Law by Malcolm Shaw
Authoritative source on international legal principles and treaties.
Muslim Law & Jurisprudence
- Muslim Law by D.F. Mulla
Covers Islamic laws of marriage, divorce, and inheritance.
Criminology
- Criminology by Larry Siegel
Best book for theories of crime, criminal justice system, and policing.
Philosophy
- Philosophy by Frank Thilly
Explains Western and Eastern philosophical concepts for CSS.
Group VII
Journalism & Mass Communication
- Journalism for All by Mehdi Hassan
Covers basics of journalism, mass communication, and media ethics.
Psychology
- Psychology by Feldman
Comprehensive guide on human behavior, learning, and mental health.
Geography
- Human Geography by De Blij
Focuses on physical and human geography topics in CSS syllabus.
Sociology
- Sociology by Horton & Hunt
Best book for theories, culture, socialization, and institutions.
Anthropology
- Anthropology by Ember & Ember
Explains human evolution, cultural diversity, and applied anthropology.
Punjabi
- History of Punjabi Literature by Prem Prakash Singh
Covers Punjabi literature and its historical evolution.
Sindhi
- Sindhi Adab Jo Mukhtasir Jaiza
Explains Sindhi literature, culture, and writers.
Pashto
- Pashto Adabi Tareekh
Covers Pashto poetry, prose, and literary history.
Balochi
- Balochi Adab ki Tareekh
Details Balochi literature and cultural evolution.
Persian
- Mukhtasir Tareekh-e-Farsi Adab
Overview of Persian literature and writers.
Arabic
- Tareekh-e-Adab-e-Arabi
Explains Arabic literature, poetry, and prose.
Final Advice
- Pick two strong books per subject (one detailed, one exam-oriented).
- Never rely only on guidebooks; always combine with your own notes.
- Update examples regularly from newspapers and journals. Focus on Current Affairs, Pakistan Affairs, and Essays.