CSS Examination Pakistan

CSS Examination
CSS Examination is a competitive examination conducted by Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) Islamabad every year for recruitment
to posts in Basic Pay Scale 17 for following groups/services under Federal Government.
1. Commerce & Trade
2. Customs & Excise Group
3. District Management Group
4. Foreign service of Pakistan
5. Income Tax Group
6. Information Group
7. Military Lands and Cantonments Groups
8. Office Management Group
9. Pakistan Audit and Accounts service
10. Police Service of Pakistan
11. Postal Group
12. Railways (Commercial & Transportation) Group
Parts of CSS Examination.
The CSS Exam comprises the following.
1. Written Examination
2. Medical Test
3. Psychological Test
4. Viva Voce
(Each part is explained in detail in the last of this topic/page)
Eligibility for taking CSS Exam.
Male as well as female candidates can appear in CSS exam if they fulfill the following eligibility criteria.
Nationality. The candidate must be a citizen of Pakistan or permanent resident of state of Jammu and Kashmir.
Education. (a)The candidate must hold at least 2nd division (or grade C), Bachelor Degree in any faculty in one of the universities of
Pakistan or equivalent qualification or comparable educational qualification of a foreign university, recognised by Higher Education
Commission (HEC) Islamabad.
(b) A candidate who has obtained 3rd division (or grade D) in his Bachelor Degree will be eligible for Exam in case he/she has obtained her
division in Master degree.
Age limit. Age limit for candidate 21 28 years, which can be relaxed by 2 years (upto 30 yrs) for a person who is already in government
service and has completed at least two years in service. Age relaxation (up to 2 years) is also available to candidates who belong to
scheduled caste and Buddhist community as well as those candidates who live in remote areas, defined by FPSC (Age relaxation detail is in
the last of this page).
Disabled Candidates. Disabled candidates (in categories of physical, hearing/speech (deaf & dumb) and visually impaired (blind)) are
allowed to take exam against four Occupational Groups/Services which are (1) Commerce & Trade Group (2) Pakistan Audit & Accounts
Service (3) Information Group and (4) Postal Group, provided they fulfil the eligibility criteria of education and age limit as mentioned above.
Places of the Examination:
The examination is held simultaneously at Abbottabad,Bahawalpur, D.I.Khan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Faisalabad, Gilgit,Gujranwala, Hyderabad,
Islamabad, Karachi, Khuzdar, Lahore, Larkana, Multan, Muzaffarabad, Okara, Peshawar, Quetta,Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Sialkot, Skardu &
Sukkur depending onthe number of applicants for each centre.
Places of Interviews:
The interviews will be held at Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore,
Peshawar & Quetta.
How to apply for CSS Exam
Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) Islamabad publishes their advertisement for CSS Exam in all daily newspapers every year. In
which date of Exam and last date for submitting application form is given.
Candidate must pay Rs. 1000/ (PKR) as application fee (exam fee) which is deposited in State Bank/National Bank of Pakistan under the
account head C02101-Organs of State Exam Fee(FPSC Receipt). Application form, Rules and Guidelines, and Syllabi are available on the
production of this receipt (application fee deposit receipt in above banks) in Head office of FPSC at Islamabad and branches of FPSC at
different cities.
The application form is filled for apply for exam. The application form must reach Commission on or before the closing date. No extra time is
allowed.
Dates of exam and submitting of application form of CSS.
Generally, the CSS exam (written) is held in the month of March or April every year, and last date for submitting application
for is 1st or 2nd January of the same year. Like, The CSS exam (written) for 2012 will be held by FPSC with effect from 6th March 2012 and
closing date for submitting application is 1st January 2012.
These dates can be changed by FPSC Islamabad for every year.
CSS Examination Detail of each part.
CSS Examination is given for the selection of candidates for services under FPSC, The Commission ensure that selected candidate is perfect in
all aspects for the post or service. Candidate has to undergo all the parts of CSS Exam for appointment against a post.
1. Written Exam
2. Medical Test
3. Psychological Test
4. Viva Voce
Written Exam.
The written exam carries total 1200 marks. For written Exam candidate has to take all compulsory subjects (papers) which carry total 600
marks as well as select subjects from optional subjects which carry total 600 marks. Each paper is given time of 3 hours. There are subjective
questions as well as some MCQs. MCQs are to be attempted on computerized OMR Answer sheet, whereas subjective questions are to be
attempted on Answer Book. Blue or black ink is allowed only. For qualifying written test a candidate should obtain at least 40% in each
compulsory subject and 33% in each of optional subject or 50% in aggregate.
COMPULSORY SUBJECTS
COMPULSORY PAPERS
Subject Marks
Essay 100
English (Precis and Composition) 100
General Knowledge
Everyday science 100
Current Affairs 100
Pakistan Affairs 100
Islamiyat 100
Total
600
Note: The Non-Muslim candidates have the option either to take Islamiat as one of the compulsory subject or otherwise Pakistan Affairs
(G.K. Paper-III) will be treated of 200 marks in their case and half of the total marks obtained by them in the paper on Pakistan Affairs (G.K.
Paper-III) will be counted in lieu of Islamiat.
A candidate who does not appear in any compulsory subject will not be allowed to appear in the remaining papers of the Examination.
OPTIONAL SUBJECTS.
Subjects carrying total of 600 marks to be selected
OPTIONAL PAPERS
Subject Marks
GROUP - A
Accountancy & Auditing 200
Economics 200
Business Administration 100
Public Administration 100
GROUP - B
Political Science 200
Agriculture 100
Forestry 100
Sociology 100
Journalism 100
GROUP - C
Pure Mathematics 200
Applied Mathematics 200
Computer Science 100
Statistics 100
GROUP - D
(Science subjects)
Physics 200
Geology 200
Geography 200
Chemistry 200
Botany 200
Zoology 200
GROUP - E
(History Subjects)
Islamic History & Culture 200
Indo-Pak History 200
British History 200
European History 200
History of the USA 100
GROUP - F
Law 200
Constitutional Law 100
Mercantile Law 100
Muslim Law & Jurisprudence 100
International Law 100
International Relations 100
GROUP - G
Philosophy 200
Psychology including Experimental Psychology 200
GROUP - H
(Regional Languages)
Sindhi 100
Pushto 100
Punjabi 100
Balochi 100
GROUP - I
(National & Foreign Languages)
English Literature 200
Urdu 200
Persian 200
Arabic 200
Note:
1. There will be two papers of 100 marks each of the subjects which carry 200 marks. In other subjects there will be one paper. Each
2. The Question Papers in Urdu or other Pakistani regional languages (Punjabi, Sindhi, Pushto and Balochi), Persian and Arabic
should be answered in the respective languages or in Urdu/English unless otherwise directed in the question paper. The question
paper in Islamiat is to be answered in English or Urdu only. All other papers must be answered in English unless otherwise directed
in the Question Paper. Contravention of these instructions will result in the cancellation of the papers and award of ZERO marks in
the paper(s) concerned
3. The candidates are required to select optional subjects carrying a total of 600 marks, but not more than 200 marks from any
box/columns, as provided in the columns of rules.




CSS Exam - Medical, Psychological Test and Viva Voce
Medical Test.
Candidates who qualify the written examination will be medically examined by the Medical Boards constituted for the purpose to ensure that
candidate is in good mental and physical health and free from any physical defect likely to interfere with the discharge of their duties. The
candidates who (after such medical examination which Government or the appointing authority, may prescribe) are found not to satisfy these
requirements, will not be appointed except the disabled candidates as rules mentioned for disabled candidates by FPSC.
Disabled candidates must submit a certificate of disability issued by the competent authority designated for the purpose by the
Federal/Provincial Government. Disabled candidates in the categories of physically impaired, hearing/speech impaired(deaf & dumb) and
visually impaired (blind) are allowed to compete for Competitive Examination against four Occupational Groups/Services viz: (a) Commerce &
Trade Group (b) Pakistan Audit & Accounts Service (c) Information Group & (d) Postal Group....
Disabled candidates will be provided helper such as Writer, if so requested by them in their application forms.
In order to prevent disappointment, candidates are advised to have themselves examined by a Government Medical Officer of the standing of
a Civil Surgeon before applying for admission to the examination.
Psychological Test.
All candidates called for Viva Voce will be required to undergo Psychological Test first, comprising written tests and group tasks. Such tests
are designed to assess abilities, attitude and personality characteristics of the candidates with special regard to their aptitude for the Civil
Services. Separate marks are not awarded for the Psychological assessment. However, 300 marks assigned to Viva Voce also reflect the
performance on Psychological Test. Candidates must bring their National Identity Cards and two copies of recent photographs when
summoned for Psychological test, and Viva Voce. If a candidate remains absent in the Psychological Test, he/she will not be allowed to appear
for Viva Voce.
Viva Voce.
Each candidate who qualifies written part of the exam. will be interviewed by a Board. He/she will be asked questions on matters of general
interest. The object of the interview is to assess his/her suitability for the services for which he/she is entered and in framing their
assessment the Board will attach particular importance to the moral and ethical qualities of the candidates, his/her intelligence and alertness
of mind, his/her vigour and strength of character and his/her potential qualities of leadership. The Board will take into consideration his/her
extra-mural activities such as sports, debates, hobbies, etc., and their effect on his/her physique and character, in assessing his/her merit.
All candidates are expected to have basic knowledge regarding Islam and Pakistan. Questions may be asked in the Interview on these
subjects. Persons securing less than pass marks in these subjects will not be considered for appointment to Government jobs, irrespective of
their proficiency in other fields. However, the Non-Muslim candidates will not be asked any question regarding Islam.
Qualifying marks in over all test for eligibility for appointment.
The Commission with prior approval of the Government may fix qualifying marks in any or all of the subjects of the examination but a
candidate who fails to secure at least 40% marks in any compulsory subject, 33% marks in any of the optional subjects, or 50% marks in the
Aggregate and 100 marks at the Viva Voce, will be considered to have failed and will not be eligible for appointment.
How many time a candidate can take the CSS Exam?
A candidate can take CSS exam three times only.
Re-counting of CSS Exam.
If you want to do re-counting of your marks obtained in CSS Exam, you will have to submit your request for re-counting with in one month
from the date of issue of result card/marks sheet, along with a Treasury Challan of Rs 200/- per paper as fee of re-counting.








General Tips and information about CSS Examination
1. Be careful in the selection of subjects from optional subjects. Select those subject which you have studied in your previous classes
or those subject in which you have more interest or you have more command on them comparatively.
2. While filling the application form never write false things or exaggeration to influence Commission or officers or member of the
staff of commission, if they come to know (even after your appointment) about any information given by you is wrong or false, you
will be liable to dismissal from service.
3. If you are not satisfied from your exam you took this year and want to take exam again next year, apply for exam by prescribed
date without waiting for your result because result may take time and you may miss the date for submitting application for next
year exam.
4. Date of Birth: The date of birth accepted by the Commission is that entered in the following documents:
(a) Matriculation Certificate;
(b) Secondary or Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate;
(c) Certificate of birth from the Principal/Headmaster of the School from where a candidate has passed his/her GEC, O level or equivalent
examination, showing the date of birth in the School Admission Register;
(d) In case of Christian candidates, Baptismal or birth registration certificate.
(The decision as to which certificate is acceptable for the purpose of date of birth rests with the Commission). Note: Once a date of birth has
been claimed by a candidate and accepted by the Commission for the purpose of admission to an examination, no change will be allowed at a
subsequent examination or selection.
1. Age Limit Relaxation: The upper age limit will be relaxed by two years up to the age of 30 years in respect of :
(a) the candidates belonging to the Scheduled Caste and Buddhist Community subject to production of a certificate (Annex-A of Application
Form) to be issued by Political Agent/DCO/ District Magistrate in support of their claim.
(b) the candidates belonging to the recognized Tribes who are permanent residents of the areas mentioned below and whose families have
been living in these areas. Such candidates must attach a certificate (Annex- B of Application Form) to be issued by Political
Agent/DCO/District Magistrate in support of their claim :
1. Balochistan.
2. Tribal Areas of D.I.Khan and Peshawar Divisions (including former Frontier States of Dir, Swat,
Chitral and Amb).
3. Former excluded (Baluch) area forming part of the Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur Districts.
4. Former Tribal Areas of Mardan and HazaraDivisions.
5. Upper Tanawal Area of Hazara Division.
(c) the candidates who are permanent residents of Azad Kashmir Territory, subject to submission of a
certificate (Annex-C of Application Form) to be issued by Kashmir Affairs Division, Government of Pakistan.
(d) the candidates who are permanent residents of Northern Areas including Gilgit, Diamir, Baltistan, Ghizar and Ghanche, subject to
submission of a certificate (Annex-B of Application Form) to be issued by the Political Agent/DCO/ District Magistrate.
(e) the candidates who are disabled namely, physically impaired, hearing/speech impaired (deaf & dumb) and visually impaired (blind),
subject to submission of certificate of disability issued by the competent authority designated for the purpose by the Federal/Provincial
Government.
(f) In Service Government Servants, Armed Forces Personnel, Contract employees, including the Government servants of AJ&K, who possess
minimum of two years continuous Government service as on first January, 2012, subject to submission of Departmental Permission
Certificate(Annex-E) from the competent authority. Employees of Nationalized Banks, State Bank of Pakistan, WAPDA, Regulatory
Authorities, Autonomous bodies and other semi autonomous bodies are not entitled to age relaxation.
Preparation for CSS Examination Pakistan
Preparation for CSS written Exam
About 5000 students appear in CSS Exam every year. 600 to 900 out of the 5000 qualify the written Test. If you are the one who will appear
in the coming CSS Exam, Remember that you have to compete against 5000 students in Exam. It is very easy to qualify and get higher
grades in CSS Exam provided you work hard and work in directed way. Most of the students fail the test in spite of hard work because their
efforts are mis-directed, they dont know what is worth studying for preparation for CSS Exam.
I will here share the experience of students who qualified the test securing higher grades so that you can benefit from it. CSS Exam is
designed to check your educational skills, aptitude and competence in various aspects. In order to qualify CSS Exam you should really be an
intelligent, sharp minded, alert, well-informed and well versed person. Only a book work cannot qualify the test if he is unaware of
surrounding. It means CSS Exam tests both your educational skills as well as general skills. Because a big part of your COMPULSORY
SUBJECTS consists of General Knowledge which is something you cannot only get from books. First we will talk about how to groom your
educational skills and then general skills.
You have to appear in 12 subjects, 6 out of which are compulsory and rests are Optional.
Subject-Wise Preparation for CSS EXAM
CUMPULSORY SUBJECTS
ENGLISH ESSAY:
In English Essay you are asked to write an COMPREHENSIVE ESSAY (2500 3500 words) on one topic in given topics. In essay they check
your writing skills, grammar, expression and thoughts. For English Essay, you must have excellent writing skills, grammatical correction and
beautiful and mature expression. Try to read English Newspaper daily, English Grammar, Essays in order to groom your writing skills.
CURRENT AFFAIRS:
For Current Affairs, read daily Newspaper and listen to daily News. Study Relations with other countries, internal and external affairs. You
should be well informed about current political and general situation. Good books like who is who and what is what etc are very helpful in
general preparation.
EVERYDAY SCIENCE:
For everyday science study the books of Matric/O-level and FSc/A-level. All the questions set in paper of everyday science are extracted from
these books. Questions are asked about Scientific Laws and principles, Experiments, Scientific Terms, Processes etc.
PAKISTAN AFFAIRS:
For Pakistan Affairs, you should study good books of Pak Studies, History, Relations with other countries, internal and external affairs, Political
and general events of Pakistan, Daily News papers and other good books like The struggle of Pakistan by I.H Qureshi etc.
ISLAMIYAT:
For Islamiyat study text books (Bachelor and master level) as well as other Islamic books like Bahesht-i-Zewar etc. Learn a lot of Hadees and
Quranic verses with translation to write them in answer as references. Study the Basic Concepts and knowledge of Islam.
OPTIONAL SUBJECTS
Correct selection of papers from optional subject is very important for high marks in test. Select those subjects which you have studied in
your previous classes and those subjects which you have full command on. Study books of bachelor and master level for these subjects (if
possible).