CSS Exam Complete Guide With Free Preparation Material
The Central Superior Services (CSS) Exam is the top competitive exam in Pakistan for BPS-17 posts. Conducted by FPSC, it selects the most capable and disciplined candidates for civil bureaucracy.
This guide gives you all the key information and free preparation resources needed to succeed in the CSS exam.
Introduction to CSS Exam
The CSS Exam includes a written exam, medical check, psychological assessment, and a viva voce interview. It opens doors to high-level jobs in various government departments.
Successful candidates may join services like Foreign Affairs, Inland Revenue, Police, Railways, and more. The exam seeks individuals with strong academics and leadership skills.
CSS Exam Syllabus
The exam has three parts: MPT Exam (MCQ-Based Preliminary Test), Compulsory Subjects, and Optional Subjects.
CSS Exam Rules & Regulations
As Per CSS Rules 2019MPT Exam
MPT is a screening test conducted by FPSC to filter serious and eligible candidates for the written CSS exam.
The 200-mark MPT includes:
- General Knowledge & Ability: English, Urdu, Islamic Studies, Ethics (for non-Muslims), Maths, and Analytical Reasoning.
- Current Affairs: Pakistan Affairs, International Affairs, and Current Events.
CSS Compulsory Subjects
- English Essay
- Test of essay writing skills and coherent expression.
- English (Precis and Composition)
- Evaluates grammar, comprehension, and precis writing ability.
- General Science & Ability
- Tests general knowledge, logic, and analytical skills.
- Current Affairs
- Focus on global and national current events.
- Pakistan Affairs
- Tests knowledge of history, geography, and politics of Pakistan.
- Islamic Studies / Comparative Religion
- Understanding of Islamic principles or other major religions.
Optional Subjects of CSS Exam
Candidates select six optional subjects totaling 600 marks based on interest and background. Fields include Law, Political Science, IR, Economics, Accounting, Pure Math, and more.
Review the official FPSC syllabus carefully and build your preparation strategy based on each subject’s requirements.
Passing Marks for CSS Exam
You need 40% in compulsory and 33% in optional subjects. An aggregate of 600 out of 1200 marks is required to qualify for the interview. The interview carries 300 marks. Candidates scoring 650–700 in the written exam and at least 150 in the interview usually qualify easily.
Places of CSS Interview
Interviews are held in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, and Quetta.
How to Apply for CSS Exam?
- FPSC publishes the exam schedule in all newspapers every September.
- Deposit the fee in Govt. Treasury / State Bank / National Bank under the head: CO2101 - Organs of State Exam fee (FPSC Receipt).
- Fill the online application form on the FPSC website and print the form.
- Send the printed form with documents and bank receipt to FPSC Headquarters, Islamabad.
Free Preparation Material for CSS Written Exam
Many aspirants fail due to poor educational background and substandard bachelor's programs. CSS is a dream job, but it demands effort, focus, and consistent study.
We offer a full CSS Exam guide with free preparation material. Most market sources are unreliable—our goal is to help serious candidates prepare properly online.
CSS Written Examination Preparation Material
CSS consists of 6 compulsory subjects and optional subjects totaling 600 marks. Here is the complete subject list:
| Subject (Compulsory Subjects) | Marks |
|---|---|
| English Essay | 100 |
| English (Precis and Composition) | 100 |
| General Science & Ability | 100 |
| Current Affairs | 100 |
| Pakistan Affairs | 100 |
| Islamic Studies OR Comparative Study of Major Religions (For Non-Muslims) | 100 |
| Group-I (To select one subject of (200 marks only)) | Marks |
|---|---|
| Accountancy & Auditing | 200 |
| Economics | 200 |
| Computer Science | 200 |
| Political Science | 200 |
| International Relations | 200 |
| Group-II (To select subject(s) of 200 marks only) | Marks |
|---|---|
| Physics | 200 |
| Chemistry | 200 |
| Applied Mathematics | 200 |
| Pure Mathematics | 200 |
| Statistics | 200 |
| Geology | 200 |
| Group III (To select one subject of 100 marks only) | Marks |
|---|---|
| Business Administration | 100 |
| Public Administration | 100 |
| Governance & Public Policies | 100 |
| Town Planning & Urban Management | 100 |
| Group IV (To select one subject of 100 marks only) | Marks |
|---|---|
| History of Pakistan & India | 100 |
| Islamic History & Culture | 100 |
| British History | 100 |
| European History | 100 |
| History of USA | 100 |
| Group V (To select one subject of 100 marks only) | Marks |
|---|---|
| Gender Studies | 100 |
| Environmental Sciences | 100 |
| Agriculture & Forestry | 100 |
| Botany | 100 |
| Zoology | 100 |
| English Literature | 100 |
| Urdu Literature | 100 |
| Group VI (To select one subject of 100 marks only) | Marks |
|---|---|
| Law | 100 |
| Constitutional Law | 100 |
| International Law | 100 |
| Muslim Law & Jurisprudence | 100 |
| Mercantile Law | 100 |
| Criminology | 100 |
| Philosophy | 100 |
| Group VII (To select one subject of 100 marks only) | 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 |
CSS Exam Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between CSS Exam and PMS Exam?
CSS Exam is conducted by Federal Public Service Commission and is conducted each year to fill the vacant seats in federal civil departments and bureaucracy, whereas, PMS Exam is conducted by the respective Provincial Service Commissions. It is not conducted regularly and selected candidates fill the vacant positions in provincial bureaucracy.
Where are CSS candidates appointed?
They are placed in departments like:
- Commerce and Trade Group
- Customs and Excise Service
- Foreign Service of Pakistan
- Income Tax Group
- Information Group
- Military Lands and Cantonment Group
- Office Management Group
- Pakistan Administrative Service
- Pakistan Audit and Accounts Service
- Police Service of Pakistan
- Postal Services Group
- Railways (Commercial and Transportation) Group
What comprises the CSS Exam in Pakistan?
The exam includes:
- Written examination
- Medical examination
- Psychological assessment
- Viva voce
There are 600 marks for compulsory subjects and 600 for optional subjects.
What is the age limit of the CSS Exam?
Candidates must be 21–30 years old on the cut-off date. That's the official age limit.
What is the minimum qualification?
A candidate must hold at least a second division or grade ― C bachelor‘s degree in any discipline of one of the Pakistani Universities or an equivalent degree of a foreign university recognized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC).
In case a candidate has a third division or D grade in his bachelor‘s degree shall be eligible for the competitive examination in cases where he has obtained a higher division or grade in master‘s degree.
How to apply for the CSS Exam?
Apply online at the FPSC website. Pay the fee at the National Bank of Pakistan.
How to select optional subjects?
Optional subjects must be selected carefully as wrong selection leads to failure. If you are confused and do not know which subjects to choose, you may contact us. We provide free online guidance for all those candidates who are hardworking, serious, and do not have the provision of joining any academy.
What is the age for CSS Exam?
The cutoff age for the CSS exam is 21 years to 30 years. However, if you are currently serving federal or any provincial government the age relaxation is 2 years. The age relaxation is also applicable if you belong to recognized tribes or areas.
Which degree is best?
Although there is not any specific degree requirement for this exam, however, if you have done a bachelor’s in Law, International Relations, Psychology, Sociology, Literature, or economics then it will be very helpful for you during the preparation
Is the CSS Exam difficult?
CSS exam is not difficult if you prepare it with proper guidance. The exam consists of 6 compulsory papers and 6 optional papers. The optional papers are selected by you according to your academic background, whereas, the compulsory papers are those which are being studied by you throughout your academic life. Hence, this exam only requires hard work and perseverance along with proper guidance. Click here to see CSS Exam’s complete preparation material.
How many papers are there?
It consists of 12 papers. Six papers are compulsory namely; English Essay, English Precis & Composition, General Science & Abilities, Pakistan Affairs, Current Affairs, and Islamic Studies. The optional subjects are divided into 6 groups from which you have to select six subjects.
Is academy preparation necessary?
It is not necessary, if you have proper guidance and relevant material for the preparation then you do not need the academy. Academy preparation for CSS Exam is costly as well. All the relevant guidance and preparation material is available online on the websitehere.
Is CSS better than PMS?
CSS is better than PMS due to the following reasons. Firstly, the CSS exam is conducted every year. Secondly, the CSP officer gets promotion very easily during their service as they have a proper service structure. Last but not the least, you get the chance to serve in Federal Government Departments such as Income Tax, Foreign Office, Inland Revenue, and many more.