CSS vs PMS EXAMS – Detailed Comparison (Province-Wise)
Thinking of a government career but confused between CSS and PMS? You’re not alone. Both exams open doors to prestigious administrative roles in Pakistan, yet they differ in scope, authority, and eligibility. Whether you’re aiming for a federal-level post through CSS or a provincial position via PMS, it’s essential to understand the key differences before you commit your time and energy.
CSS (Central Superior Services) is conducted by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) and recruits officers for federal government departments. On the other hand, PMS (Provincial Management Services) is organized by respective Provincial Public Service Commissions like PPSC, SPSC, KPPSC, or BPSC, and places candidates in provincial administrative roles. This article offers a province-wise comparison to help you choose the right path based on your goals, qualifications, and preferences.
| Feature | CSS (FPSC) | PMS Punjab (PPSC) | PMS Sindh (SPSC) | PMS KPK (KPPSC) | PMS Balochistan (BPSC) |
| Conducting Body | FPSC (Federal Public Service Commission) | PPSC (Punjab Public Service Commission) | SPSC (Sindh Public Service Commission) | KPPSC (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Public Service Commission) | BPSC (Balochistan Public Service Commission) |
| Official Website | https://www.fpsc.gov.pk | https://www.ppsc.gop.pk | https://www.spsc.gov.pk | https://www.kppsc.gov.pk | https://bpsc.gob.pk |
| Jurisdiction | Federal Government (All of Pakistan) | Punjab Government (Punjab only) | Sindh Government (Sindh only) | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government (KPK only) | Balochistan Government (Balochistan only) |
| Minimum Qualification | Bachelor’s degree (14/16 years), at least 2nd division | Bachelor’s degree (14 years), at least 2nd division | Bachelor’s degree (14 years), at least 2nd division | Bachelor’s degree (14 years), at least 2nd division | Bachelor’s degree (14 years), at least 2nd division |
| Age Limit | 21 to 30 years (2-year relaxation for specified categories) | 21 to 30 years (2-year relaxation for govt. employees) | 21 to 30 years (up to 15-year relaxation for govt. servants) | 21 to 30 years (2-year general relaxation) | 21 to 30 years (3-year relaxation for backward areas & employees) |
| Screening Test | Yes – MPT (MCQ-Based Preliminary Test, 200 marks) | Yes – MCQ screening test (100 marks) | Yes – MCQ screening test | Yes – Written screening test (100 marks) | Yes – Screening test for shortlisting |
| Compulsory Subjects | 6 subjects – English Essay, English Precis & Composition, GSA, Current Affairs, Pakistan Affairs, Islamiat | 6 subjects – English Essay, English Composition, GK-I (Pakistan Studies), GK-II (Current Affairs), GK-III (General Knowledge), Islamiat | 6 subjects – Essay, English, Pakistan Affairs, Current Affairs, General Knowledge, Islamiat | 6 subjects – English Essay, English Grammar, General Knowledge, Pakistan Studies, Islamiat, Current Affairs | 6 subjects – English Essay, English Composition, General Knowledge, Pakistan Studies, Current Affairs, Islamiat |
| Optional Subjects | 6 subjects (600 marks) selected from 7 groups | 3 subjects (200 marks each = 600 total) chosen from list | 3 optional subjects (200 marks each = 600 total) | 3 optional subjects (200 marks each = 600 total) | 3 optional subjects (200 marks each = 600 total) |
| Written Exam Total Marks | 1200 (600 compulsory + 600 optional) | 1200 (600 compulsory + 600 optional) | 1200 (600 compulsory + 600 optional) | 1200 (600 compulsory + 600 optional) | 1200 (600 compulsory + 600 optional) |
| Interview/ Viva Marks | 300 | 200 | 250 | 300 | 300 |
| Total Marks | 1500 | 1400 | 1450 | 1500 | 1500 |
| Job Type | Federal Civil Services (e.g., PAS, PSP, FSP, IRS) | Provincial Services (e.g., PMS Officer, Section Officer, AC) | Provincial Services (e.g,AC, DSP, SO, ETO, DDO) | Provincial Services (e.g., PMS Officer, AC, SO) | Provincial Services (e.g., AC,SO, Tehsildar) |
| Salary | Rs. 80,000 – 100,000/month | 75,000 – 95,000/month | Rs. 70,000 – 90,000/month | Rs. 80,000 – 100,000/month | Rs. 70,000 – 85,000/month |
| Posting Location | All over Pakistan | Punjab province only | Sindh province only | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa only | Balochistan province only |