CSS written exam

CSS Syllabus for the Written Exam

The CSS written exam is 12 papers of 100 marks each, 1,200 marks in all: six compulsory papers, and six optional papers you choose from seven groups. Every paper lasts three hours, and every paper except English Essay, Pure Mathematics and Applied Mathematics opens with 20 MCQs. Below is FPSC's official syllabus for all 52 subjects.

FPSC's Revised Syllabi for the CSS Competitive Examination (CE-2016 and onwards), subject by subject, word for word.

12 papers, 100 marks each

6 compulsory papers: 600 marks

Every candidate sits all six.

6 optional papers: 600 marks

Your choice, from 3 to 6 subjects: a 200-mark subject fills two papers.

Optional100 marks
Optional100 marks
Optional100 marks
Optional100 marks
Optional100 marks
Optional100 marks

Choose from the seven groups

Compulsory subjects

Every candidate sits all six. Islamic Studies and Comparative Study of Major Religions share one slot: non-Muslim candidates may take either.

Optional subjects

Choose 600 marks from the seven groups, following each group's rule as FPSC prints it.

Group I

To select one subject of (200 marks) only

Group II

To select subject(s) of 200 marks only

Group III

To select one subject of 100 marks only

Group IV

To select one subject of 100 marks only

Group V

To select one subject of 100 marks only

Group VI

To select one subject of 100 marks only

Group VII

To select one subject of 100 marks only

Note-1: The question papers in Urdu or other Pakistani regional languages (Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto and Balochi), Persian and Arabic should be answered in the respective languages. However, question relating with translation from respective language into English or vice versa may be answered as directed in the question paper.
Note-2: There will be two papers of 100 marks each of the subject which carry 200 marks. In other subjects of 100 marks there will be one paper. Each paper will be of 3 hours duration.
Note-3: Ratio of MCQs in compulsory papers for CE-2016 will be 20 MCQs in each paper except in the paper of Essay. Similarly there will be 20 MCQs from each optional paper except Pure Mathematics and Applied Mathematics.
Note-4: The question paper in Islamic Studies OR Comparative Study of Major Religions (For Non Muslims) is to be answered in English or Urdu only. All other papers must be answered in English unless otherwise directed in the Question Paper.
Note-5: Non Muslim Candidates may either opt Islamic Studies OR Comparative Study of Major Religions as may suit to them.

Common questions

1,200, over 12 papers of 100 marks: six compulsory papers (600) and six optional papers (600). The interview and the psychological assessment come after the written exam.

English Essay, English (Précis and Composition), General Science & Ability, Current Affairs, Pakistan Affairs, and Islamic Studies or, for non-Muslim candidates, Comparative Study of Major Religions.

Pick 600 marks across the seven groups. Group I allows one 200-mark subject; Group II allows one 200-mark subject or two 100-mark subjects; Groups III to VII allow one 100-mark subject each. FPSC's own rule for each group is printed above its list.

Yes. Every compulsory paper except English Essay, and every optional paper except Pure Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, opens with 20 MCQs.

In English, unless the paper directs otherwise. Islamic Studies and Comparative Study of Major Religions may be answered in English or Urdu, and the language papers are answered in their own language.

It is FPSC's Revised Syllabi for the CSS Competitive Examination, CE-2016 and onwards, which FPSC still publishes for the CSS exam. The wording, spelling and numbering on these pages follow FPSC's document.