Competitive Examination (CSS) – 2022

THE STRUCTURE OF THE CSS EXAM IN PAKISTAN

These exams are based on 4 main types of tests, to quantify the knowledge, skills, and mental abilities of the candidate.

Theory Test
Medical Test
Psychological Test
Viva Voce

THEORY TEST:

The series of theory tests in CSS Exams are constructed on 12 papers, out of which 6 papers are compulsory and the remaining ones are optional. To qualify for compulsory papers you need 40% marks and for optional exams, you need 33%. You can pick from the list of optional papers specified by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) according to your preferred educational discipline. The names of compulsory and optional subjects have been listed.

Compulsory Subjects in CSS Syllabus
(600 Marks)

Subject	Marks
English (Precis and Composition)	100
English Essay	100
General Science and Ability	100
Current Affairs	100
Pakistan Affairs	100
Islamic Studies Or Alternative Subject for Non-Muslims	100
Total Marks	600

Optional Subjects in CSS Syllabus (600 Marks)

Note: The optional subjects in CSS Syllabus have been categorized into seven different groups for uniform distribution of marks

Group 1: Here you have to select one subject only

Subject	Marks
Accountancy & Auditing	200
Economics	200
Computer Science	200
Political Science	200
International Relations	200

Group 2: Here you can select one or more than one subjects carrying equivalent to 200 marks

Subject	Marks
Chemistry	200
Pure Mathematics	100
Applied Mathematics	100
Physics	200
Geology	100
Statistics	100

Group 3: Here you have to select one subject only

Subject	Marks
Public Administration	100
Business Administration	100
Government & Public Policies	100
Town Planning & Urban Management	100

Group 4: Here you have to select one subject only

Subject	Marks
Islamic History and Culture	100
History of Pakistan and India	100
British History	100
European History	100
History of USA	100

Group 5: Here you have to select one subject only

Subject	Marks
Gender Studies	100
Agriculture and Forestry	100
Environmental Sciences	100
Zoology	100
Botany	100
English Literature	100
Urdu Literature	100

Group 6: Here you have to select one subject only

Subject	Marks
Law	100
International Law	100
Constitutional Law	100
Criminology	100
Mercantile Law	100
Philosophy	100
Muslim Law and Jurisprudence	100

Group 7: Here you have to select one subject only

Subject	Marks
Journalism and Mass Communication	100
Psychology	100
Geography	100
Anthropology	100
Sociology	100
Punjabi	100
Pashto	100
Balochi	100
Sindhi	100
Arabic	100
Persian	100

Note: Any exam carrying 100 marks has one paper. Similarly, exams with 200 marks are split into two papers.

MEDICAL TEST

Once you get done with your writing test, the next for you as a CSS student is to undergo a medical test. The purpose of a medical test is to check the physical health of the candidate. Candidates who fail to fulfill medical requirements will not be chosen.

In the case of a disabled candidate, the disability certificates, which should be issued by a recognized authority, must be submitted beforehand. Physically challenged people are allowed to give CSS Examinations in four disciplines: Pakistan Audit and Account, Postal Service, Commerce and Trade, and Information Services. Upon special request, physically impaired candidates can also be provided with a helper who can assist them during exams.

 

Pro Tip: It is suggested for candidates to have a thorough medical examination by a well-reputed medical institution before appearing in the CSS Exam.

 

PSYCHOLOGICAL TEST AND VIVA-VOCE

The psychological test in CSS Examination is designed to judge the mental aptness, attitudinal aspects, and behavioral traits of the candidates with regards to their competency to undergo civil services. Both Psychological Test and Viva Voce carry 300 marks together. To pass Viva Voce, which is basically an interview to assess the intelligence and readiness of mind of a CSS candidate, you must possess good general knowledge and communication skills.

 

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

In order to apply for a CSS Exam in Pakistan, you must fulfill the following eligibility criteria.

Nationality Criterion: The candidate must be Pakistani National

Educational Criterion: CSS applicants needs to have completed their Bachelor’s Degree with at least 2nd division from any university in Pakistan or outside Pakistan, which is recognized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC).Age Criterion: Candidates ranging between 21 and 30 years of age can appear in CSS Exam in Pakistan.

 

WHERE IS THE CSS EXAMINATION CONDUCTED IN PAKISTAN?

CSS Exam is conducted in multiple cities across Pakistan like Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Faisalabad, D.I. Khan, Gilgit, Hyderabad, Gujranwala, Khuzdar, Larkana, Multan, Okara, Muzaffarabad, Quetta, Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Skardu, Sialkot and Sukkur.

However, interviewing sessions for CSS Examination is only held in five major cities namely Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Quetta and Peshawar.

 

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE CSS EXAM IN PAKISTAN?

CSS Exam is conducted during February and March each year. Advertisements regarding the announcement of these exams usually appear in the newspaper in the month of September. Below is the schedule of application submission dates and commencement of the Central Superior Service Exam.

Submission of Online Application: 1st to 31st October 2019

Last Date For Receipt Of Hard Copy Of Online Application: 11th November 2019

Cut-Off Date For Determining Eligibility Criteria: 31st December 2019

Commencement of CSS Examination: 12th February 2020

HOW TO APPLY FOR CSS EXAM ONLINE?

The submission of an online application is a must. If you are also a CSS applicant, then you need to take care of the following requirements

Information like CNIC Number, Bank Details, Mention of Optional Subjects, educational and professional experience details of the applicant.

All of the information must be carefully and correctly punched online as the information provided in the online application form can’t be edited later.

Once you submit your online application, you will get a confirmation email, which will also contain the tracking ID for your online CSS application.

 

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO SUBMIT ALONG WITH THE HARD COPY OF ONLINE CSS APPLICATION

The hard copy of your online CSS application needs to be submitted along with the following documents

Copy of Educational Certificates

Photographs

Bank Receipt of Exam Fee

Experience Certificates, if required

Pro Tip: Document requirements may vary from applicant to applicant so read the CSS advertisement in the newspaper thoroughly before applying.

 

FEE STRUCTURE FOR CSS EXAMINATION DECLARED BY FPSC

Exam Application Fee: PKR 2,200

Paper Rechecking Fee: PKR 500

Note: A candidate can only appear in CSS Examination for three times.