CSS written syllabus

CSS Mercantile Law Syllabus

Mercantile Law is a 100-mark Group VI 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 VI
Subject code: 42

The paper

100 marks

I.
Law of Contract, 1872
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  Definitions
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  Essentials of a valid contract (Proposal, Acceptance, Consideration, Free consent, Capacity of Parties, Not hereby declared to be Void)
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  Kinds of Contracts (Valid, Void, Voidable, Not Voidable)
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  Variety of Contracts (Contingent, Quasi, Bailment, Pledge, Indemnity, Agency)
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  Performance of Contract, contracts that need not to be performed.
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  Breach of contract, consequences of breach, damages for breach of contract.
II.
Sales of Goods Act, 1930
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  Definitions
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  Differences: Sale & agreement to sell, conditions and warranties, express & implied conditions.
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  Doctrines: Caveat emptor, Nemo dat
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  Right and duties of seller & buyer, rights of unpaid seller.
III.
Partnership Act, 1932
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  Definitions
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  Essentials of partnership
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  Kinds of partnership (partnership at will, particular partnership, limited partnership)
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  Rights and duties of Partners
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  Relation of partners to third persons (implied authority of partner, doctrine of holding out)
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  Incoming and outgoing partners (minor)
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  Dissolution of firms (compulsory, by agreement, by court, by notice on happening of contingencies)
IV.
Negotiable Instrument Act, 1881
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  Definitions
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  Types of negotiable instruments (Cheque, bill of exchange, promissory note)
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  Parties to instruments, holder & holder in due course
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  Rules (as to negotiation, presentment, payment & interest, discharge, noting and protest, compensation, acceptance, payment for honour)
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  Special rules of evidence
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  Special provisions relating to cheques & bills of exchange (dishonor, duties of banker)
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  Provisions as to foreign instruments
V.
Competition Act, 2010
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  Definitions
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  Prohibition and abuse of (dominant position, certain agreements, discipline, marketing practices)
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  Approval of mergers
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  Competition commission of Pakistan (established, composition, term)
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  Functions and powers of commission
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  Provisions as to penalty and appeals.
VI.
Electronic Transaction Ordinance, 2002
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  Definitions
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  Recognition and presumption of electronic transactions (writing, signature, stamp duty, attestation etc.)
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  Electronic documents (attribution, acknowledgement, time and place of dispatch)
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  Certification of service providers
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  Application to acts done outside Pakistan
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  Offences & Nature (false information, false certificates, damage to information system etc)
VII.
The Arbitration Law in Pakistan
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  Definitions
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  Appointment, number and removal of arbitrator
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  Award by arbitrator
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  Powers of court upon award (remittance, modification and setting aside of award)
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  Types of arbitration (with or without intervention of court)
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  Stay of legal proceedings in presence of arbitration agreement
VIII.
Consumer’s Protection Act, 2006
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  Definitions
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  Consumer Commission (establishment, powers and functions, complaints before commission and disposal)
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  Provisions as to compulsory recall of goods
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  Duties and liabilities of provider of goods (return and refund of goods)
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  Offences and penalties
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  Contract between consumer and provider
IX.
Companies Ordinance, 1984
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  Definitions
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  Types of Companies
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  Fundamental papers of company (Memorandum of association, articles of association, prospectus)
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  Transfer of shares and debentures
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  Management and administration (promoters, share holders, directors, chief executive, auditors)
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  Meeting’s and proceedings (statutory, general, annual general meeting)
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  Winding up (voluntary, by court)
X.
Electronic Fund Transfer Act, 2007
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  Definitions
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  Payment system and their operation (designation of payment system & revocation, real time gross settlement system, governance & operation arrangement)
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  Payment instruments (designation, issuing and prohibition of instruments)
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  Clearing and other obligations
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  Supervisory Control of state bank
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  Documentation of transfers
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  Notification of error and liabilities of parties
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  Law relating to action before court.

Past papers

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

Mercantile LawAll papers

The paper

Suggested readings

Past papers