CSS written syllabus

CSS Geology Syllabus

Geology is a 100-mark Group II optional subject in the CSS written exam, examined in one three-hour paper. Below is FPSC's official syllabus, word for word: every section, topics and suggested readings.

Marks: 100
Papers: 1
Time: 3 hours a paper
Group: Group II
Subject code: 21

The paper

100 marks

I.
Introduction to Physical Geology
- Introduction and scope of geology, its importance and relationship with other sciences
- Earth as a member of the solar system: its origin, age, composition and internal structure
- Introduction to rocks and minerals
- Weathering and erosion
- Isostasy
- Geological Time Scale
II.
Stratigraphy and Paleontology Principles of stratigraphy; Laws of superposition and faunal succession; Geological time scale with divisions; Classification and nomenclature of stratigraphic units: lithostragraphic units, biostratigraphic units and chronostratgraphic units.
- - Introduction to fossils and their significance
  - Modes of fossilization
  - Study of morphology, range and broad classification of major invertebrate phyla
  - Introduction to micro fossils
  - Introduction to Paleobotany
  - Introduction and classification of major vertebrates
  - Introduction to micropaleontology
III.
Mineralogy
- Classification of minerals
- Study of internal structure
- Polymorphism and isomorphism
- Paragenesis
- Physical and optical properties of the common silicate and non-silicate mineral groups
- Introduction to crystallography: elements of symmetry, study, normal classes of crystallographic systems
IV.
Structural Geology and Tectonics
- Stress-strain concepts, factors controlling the mechanical behavior of materials
- Folds
- Faults
- Joints
- Foliation: terminology, classification and relationship with bedding
- Lineation
- Unconformity
- - Plate tectonics theory
  - Geological evidences for continental drift
  - Sea-floor spreading
  - Oceanic ridges
  - Continental rifts
  - Intra-oceanic islands
  - Hot spot and Mantle plumes
  - Wilson Cycle
  - Tectonic framework of Pakistan
V.
Petrology and Petrography
- Introduction, classification and description of sedimentary rocks, origin, transportation and deposition of sediments
- Texture of sedimentary rocks
- Sedimentary structures, their classification, morphology and significance
- Composition, origin, differentiation and evolution of magma
- Classification of igneous rocks
- Mode of occurrences and types of extrusive rocks
- Texture and structure of igneous rocks
- Introduction to metamorphism
- Types of metamorphism
- Grades, zones and facies of metamorphism
- Metamorphic diffusion and differentiation
- Metamorphism in relation to Plate Tectonics
- Differentiation between metamorphism and metasomatism
- Introduction to Polarizing Microscope; Optical properties of opaque and non-opaque minerals in plane polarized light and under crossed nicol including metallic under reflected light; Description of optical properties of common rock forming minerals.

I.
Introduction to Geophysics Definition and relation of geophysics with other sciences; Classification and brief description of various branches of geophysics such as seismology, geomagnetism, geoelectricity, tectonophysics, gravimetry, geo-thermy and geodesy; Introduction to various geophysical techniques for exploration of mineral deposits, oil and gas, subsurface water and engineering works.
II.
Sequence Stratigraphy
- Introduction: history, concept and significance of sequence stratigraphy
- Data sources: seismic reflections, outcrops, well logs, core and seismic facies
- Sea level changes: their causes and effects, accommodation, eustatic and relative sea curve
- Hierarchy of sequence stratigraphic elements
- Types of sequences and systems tracts
III.
Petroleum Geology
- The nature and classification of petroleum hydrocarbons, their origin, migration and accumulation
- Source sediments, reservoir rocks and trapping mechanism for oil and gas
- Prospecting and exploration of oil and gas
- Reservoir: characteristics, drive mechanism, energy and pressure maintenance
- Secondary and enhanced recovery
- Introduction to Sedimentary Basins of Pakistan
IV.
Engineering and Environmental Geology
- Rock and soil mechanics and its application in civil engineering
- Rock mass characteristics
- Geotechnical studies of rocks and soils
- Geological factors and strength of rocks
- Study of geological factors in relation to the construction of buildings’ foundations, roads, highways, tunnels, dams and bridges
- Application of geophysical methods for site investigation
- Construction materials
- Mass movement: their causes and prevention
- - Introduction to environmental geology
  - Management of natural resources
  - Global climatic changes
  - Environmental controls for erosion, desertification and coastal degradation
  - Geological hazards such as floods, landslides, earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, glaciers and shoreline processes
  - Remedial measures
  - Clean sources of energy
  - Industrial pollution, solid and liquid waste disposal
  - Introduction to environmental impact assessment and initial environmental examination
V.
Mineral and Energy Resources Introduction of geological exploration/prospecting. Brief description of hydrocarbons, coal, gemstones, copper, lead, zinc, iron, gold, chromite, manganese, salt, gypsum, bauxite, sulphur, barite, fluorite, clays, phosphorite, building and dimension stones; Industrial rocks and minerals; Radioactive minerals and rocks; Special reference to economic mineral deposits in Pakistan.
- - Origin, occurrence, and depositional environments of coal
  - Coal constitution and its kinds
  - Coal rank, grade and calorific value
  - Coal deposits of Pakistan with reference to Thar Coal
  - Geothermal energy resources of Pakistan
VI.
Economic and Applied Geology Metallic and Non-metallic mineral resources of Pakistan; Mineral-based industries. Overview of Recodec Copper; Radioactive minerals and their occurrences in Pakistan; Gemstones of Pakistan.
- Geology of Reservoirs, dams, highways and tunnels; Major natural hazards and their impacts on the environment with special reference to Pakistan.

Past papers

FPSC's Geology papers from 2016 to 2026, as text. Open a year, or see them all.

GeologyAll papers

The paper

Suggested readings

Past papers