CSS Exam Centers 2026 – Complete Province-Wise List for Screening, Written Exam, Medical & Interviews
Why Knowing Exam Centers Matters
For CSS aspirants, knowing the exam centers in advance is more than just a logistical detail—it’s essential for proper planning and preparation. The Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) allocates exam centers based on the number of candidates in each region, ensuring an organized and efficient process. However, understanding where the CSS Screening Test (MPT), Written Examination, Medical Test, Psychological Assessment, and Interview (Viva Voce) will take place helps aspirants plan travel, accommodation, and budget well in advance.
By knowing your center locations, you can prepare for all stages of the exam effectively and avoid last-minute confusion. Here’s the province-wise list of CSS exam centers for 2026.
CSS Exam Centers – Province Wise
| Province / Region | Screening Test (MPT) | Written Examination | Medical Examination | Psychological Assessment | Interview (Viva Voce) |
| Punjab | Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Bahawalpur, Sargodha, Rawalpindi, D.G. Khan, Gujranwala, Sialkot | Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Bahawalpur, Rawalpindi | Lahore, Multan, Rawalpindi | Lahore, Rawalpindi | Lahore, Islamabad |
| Sindh (Urban) | Karachi, Hyderabad | Karachi, Hyderabad | Karachi | Karachi | Karachi |
| Sindh (Rural) | Sukkur, Larkana, Nawabshah | Sukkur, Larkana | Sukkur | Karachi | Karachi |
| Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) | Peshawar, Abbottabad, D.I. Khan | Peshawar, Abbottabad | Peshawar, D.I. Khan | Peshawar | Peshawar |
| Balochistan | Quetta, Khuzdar | Quetta | Quetta | Quetta | Quetta |
| Islamabad (Capital) | Islamabad | Islamabad | Islamabad | Islamabad | Islamabad |
| Gilgit-Baltistan | Gilgit | Gilgit | Gilgit | Islamabad | Islamabad |
| Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) | Muzaffarabad | Muzaffarabad | Muzaffarabad | Islamabad | Islamabad |
Exam Center Planning Tips
| Planning Aspect | Action Required | Importance Level |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Booking | Book tickets 2-3 weeks in advance | 🔴 High |
| Center Location | Check distance via Google Maps | 🔴 High |
| Accommodation | Keep backup hotel list ready | 🟡 Medium |
| Documents | Carry allotment letter + CNIC | 🔴 High |
| Weather Check | Monitor forecast 1 week before | 🟡 Medium |
| Local Transport | Research taxi/ride options | 🟡 Medium |
| Emergency Contacts | Save local police/hospital numbers | 🟢 Low |
| Practice Route | Do trial run if possible | 🟢 Low |
Note: Red = Critical, Yellow = Important, Green = Good to have
CSS Center Selection Strategy 2026
Center Selection Criteria:
| Selection Factor | Advantage | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Home City Center | Less travel stress, familiar environment | ✅✅✅ High |
| Major City Center | Better accommodation, transport facilities | ✅✅✅ High |
| Weather Considerations | Avoid seasonal travel disruptions | ✅✅ Medium |
| Backup Planning | Alternate arrangements for distant centers | ✅✅ Medium |
Recommended CSS Exam Centers:
| Rank | Center City | Key Advantages | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Islamabad | All facilities available, FPSC headquarters | All Regions |
| 2 | Lahore | Maximum center options, best accommodation | Punjab/AJK |
| 3 | Karachi | Sindh region hub, international facilities | Sindh/Balochistan |
| 4 | Peshawar | KPK main center, mountain region access | KPK/Northern Areas |
Key Points for Aspirants
FPSC’s Center Allocation: The FPSC assigns centers based on the number of candidates in each region. Larger cities with more aspirants will have multiple exam centers.
Multiple Centers for Screening Test & Written Exam: These tests are conducted in many cities across the country to accommodate as many candidates as possible.
Limited Centers for Medical, Psychological, and Interview Stages: These stages take place in only major cities, such as Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Peshawar, and Quetta.
Changing Centers: Once you are allotted a center, changes are generally not permitted. Be sure to plan your travel and stay in advance.
Get Ready for CSS Success: Plan Your Exam Journey Today!
Are you preparing for the CSS exam and want to stay ahead of the curve? Check out our detailed CSS preparation guide and CSS syllabus for more information. Don’t forget to share this article with fellow aspirants to help them plan their journey!
Conclusion
The CSS Exam Centers 2026 are distributed across Pakistan based on the volume of candidates in each region. While the initial stages of the exam, including the Screening Test and Written Examination, are widely available, the medical, psychological, and interview stages are conducted only in key cities like Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Quetta, and Peshawar.
Knowing your assigned exam center early can help you plan your travel, accommodation, and expenses, giving you peace of mind as you approach this critical stage of the CSS exam.