Source: Graana.com
Every year, thousands of individuals from different educational backgrounds prepare for the CSS exam to join a government department and serve the country.
Graana.com has compiled a comprehensive guide to taking the CSS exam in Pakistan below – including its rules and regulations, process, timeline etc. – according to the latest nomenclature.
The Central Superior Services (CSS) Exam is conducted by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) for the recruitment of candidates as gazetted officers to hold BPS-17 positions in a certain department.
The candidates go through a defined process and, after they qualify, they are asked to join different services under the Federal Government.
The following are 12 federal government departments where candidates are generally posted after they qualify for the CSS exams:
In order to appear in the CSS exam, candidates must fulfil the following eligibility criteria.
Nationality: Pakistani National
Education: Bachelor’s degree with at least 2nd division from any Pakistani or foreign university recognised by HEC
Age Limit: 21-30 years with a 2-year upper age relaxation (32 years)
Previously, the CSS exam comprised four steps. However, due to a large number of candidates, FPSC decided to change the structure of the CSS exam recently and add a screening test.
It now consists of 5 steps, which are as follows:
Let’s discuss these steps in detail.
According to the new CSS CE Rules 2020, an MCQs-based preliminary test (MPT) has been introduced for screening candidates for the competitive CSS exam. The test comprises 200 MCQs, each of one mark.
The following table shows the division of marks according to 5 different subjects:
| Subject | Syllabus | Marks |
| Islamic Studies/Civics & Ethics* | Islamic Studies Basics | 20 |
| Urdu | Grammar Usage, Translation | 20 |
| English | Vocabulary, Grammar Usage, Comprehension | 50 |
| General Abilities | Basic Arithmetic, Algebra & Geometry, Logical Problem Solving & Analytical Abilities, Mental Abilities | 60 |
| General Knowledge | Everyday Science, Current Affairs, Pakistan Affairs | 50 |
There is no negative marking and the candidates are required to score at least 33 marks. The MPT test is valid for only that specific year’s CSS exam.
Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in any CSS subject with at least a second division are eligible to apply for CSS MPT.
After a candidate has passed the MPT test, he or she is eligible to apply for the major part of the CSS exam, which is the theory test. Consisting of 12 papers (with 6 compulsory subjects and 6 optional), the test is spread over the duration of a week.
For each compulsory subject, the candidates need at least 40% marks and, for each optional subject, 33%. The FPSC has a list of optional subjects, each of different marks. Candidates can choose the subjects according to their educational qualifications.
The following table enlists the 6 compulsory subjects according to the division of marks:
General Science and Ability, Current Affairs, and Pakistan Affairs are usually grouped under the General Knowledge category. These three subjects are to be passed collectively by scoring 120 marks out of 300.
FPSC has divided the optional subjects into 7 different categories for a comprehensive distribution of the marks. The following is a list of these groups and the division of marks:
These 5 subjects carry 200 marks each. Candidates can opt for 1 subject from this group.
The group consists of 6 subjects, with 2 subjects carrying 200 marks each and 4 of 100 marks each. Candidates can opt for 1 subject from this group.
This consists of 4 subjects, each carrying 100 marks. Candidates can opt for 1 subject from this group.
This group contains 5 subjects, each carrying 100 marks. Candidates can opt for 1 subject from this group.
This group consists of 7 subjects, each carrying 100 marks. Candidates can opt for 1 subject from this group.
This group also consists of 7 subjects, each carrying 100 marks. Candidates can opt for only 1 subject from this group.
This group contains 11 subjects, and each subject carries 100 marks. Candidates can opt for only 1 subject from this group.
All the candidates are required to go through a complete medical examination and submit the reports to the CSS committee. Candidates who fail to meet the medical requirements are usually not recommended for the next step.
However, specially-abled candidates with visual, hearing, or speech impairments are allowed to take the CSS exams. Those with permanent visual impairment are aided by a helper (writer) at their special request. Moreover, visually impaired candidates are provided extra 15 minutes per hour during the test.
However, the Federal or Provincial Council for Rehabilitation of Disabled Persons is required to verify the data before any such approval.
Most CSS officers recommend a medical examination from a well-reputed medical centre before the test appearance.
All those candidates who qualify for the viva voce are required to clear a psychological test where their attitude, personality, and abilities are assessed according to the requirements of the job. Keeping in view their aptitude for civil services, candidates must go through written tests and group assignments.
The psychological test does not carry any separate marks; however, the 300 marks of viva voce do take the psychological assessment of the candidates into account. Candidates not appearing in the psychological test are not recommended for the viva voce.
To determine the suitability of the candidates who have cleared their written, medical, and psychological tests, a viva voce is conducted. The test usually carries 300 marks.
Candidates are assessed based on their moral and ethical qualities, alertness of the mind, intelligence, vigour and strength of character, and potential leadership qualities.
The candidates are expected to answer a few basic questions about Islam, Pakistan, and related subjects. Questions related to academic and extramural interests are also asked.
Candidates are required to secure at least 100 marks out of 300.
The application process for CSS competitive exams is now easy as FPSC has introduced an online portal. The procedure consists of the following 5 stages:
Stage 1: Registration of the applicant
Stage 2: Create/edit the profile of the applicant on the system
Stage 3: Applying online
Stage 4: Printing of computer-generated pre-filled form
Stage 5: Dispatch of computer-generated pre-filled form
Once the candidates have registered online on the FPSC portal, they are required to apply online for the exam. After completing the online form, candidates have to print the pre-filled form and dispatch it to the FPSC office with the following documents:
After introducing the new pattern, FPSC has released a timeline of all the important dates and activities related to CSS 2022-2023.
The following table enlists all these with their dates:
| Activity | Timeline |
| Advance Public Notice regarding the schedule of CSS 2023 | 1st July 2022 |
| Advertisement regarding the schedule and receipt of online applications for MPT CSS 2023 | 7th August 2022 |
| Receipt of online application for MPT CSS 2023 | 8th August to 22nd August 2022 |
| Reservation of halls | 10th September 2022 |
| MPT/screening test and posting of answer key | 2nd October 2022 |
| Announcement of MPT result | 17th October 2022 |
| Advertisement for written exam | 30th October 2022 |
| Receipt of online applications from MPT qualifiers | 30th October to 14th November 2022 |
| Receipt of hard copy of online application along with documents | Until 24th November 2022 |
| CSS Written Examination 2023 (commencement date) | 1st February 2023 |
FPSC has designated exam centres across Pakistan. The following table enlists all those cities:
| Karachi | Bahawalpur | D. G. Khan |
| Lahore | D. I. Khan | Faisalabad |
| Islamabad | Okara | Gujranwala |
| Peshawar | Rawalpindi | Sialkot |
| Abbottabad | Sargodha | Multan |
| Gilgit | Muzaffarabad | Sukkur |
| Khuzdar | Quetta | Hyderabad |
| Skardu | Larkana |
If a candidate wants to change his or her written exam centre, he/she can apply through the online portal.
However, approval of the CSS committee is essential before the candidate formally receives any confirmation about any change in their centre.
CSS interviews are usually conducted in 5 FPSC designated centres in 5 major cities:
The basic application fee for CSS competitive exam is pretty low; however, for different stages and activities, FPSC has provided the following fee structure:
| Activity | Fee (PKR) |
| Written exam | 2200 |
| Re-counting of 1 paper | 500 |
| Medical board | 1400 |
| Medical examination | 100 |
Here are some FAQs related to CSS Exam in Pakistan
The qualification for the CSS exam is a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or institution.
To qualify for the CSS exam, candidates must achieve a minimum passing score set by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC), which administers the exam.
The CSS exam covers a wide range of subjects including but not limited to English Essay, English (Precis & Composition), General Science & Ability, Current Affairs, Pakistan Affairs, Islamic Studies, and a variety of optional subjects.
The CSS test is known to be challenging due to its comprehensive nature and competitive environment. It requires thorough preparation and a deep understanding of various subjects.
The salary of a CSS officer in Pakistan varies depending on the grade and position. CSS officers are appointed to various government departments and can earn a competitive salary along with additional benefits and allowances.
The choice of the best subject in CSS varies according to individual interests, strengths, and career aspirations. Popular subjects among CSS aspirants include International Relations, Public Administration, and Law, among others.
CSS exam preparation at home requires a disciplined study routine, comprehensive study materials, and practice of past papers. Self-study, online resources, and joining virtual study groups or coaching centers can also aid in preparation.
The perception of the hardest topic in CSS varies from person to person, as it depends on individual strengths and weaknesses. However, subjects like Mathematics, Statistics, and abstract concepts in certain optional subjects are often considered challenging.
Yes, CSS offers a wide range of career opportunities and scope in Pakistan. CSS officers can be appointed to various government positions, including administrative, diplomatic, police, and taxation services, among others, allowing for diverse professional growth and impact.
For more informative articles, visit the Graana blog.
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