STRUCTURE
These exams are based on four main types of tests in order to quantify knowledge, skills and mental abilities of the candidate.
- Theory Test
- Medical Test
- Psychological Test
- Viva Voce
Let’s get to know a little more about these tests.
THEORY TEST
The series of theory tests in CSS Exams are based on 12 papers, out of which 6 papers are compulsory and the remaining ones are optional. To qualify in compulsory papers you need 40% marks and for optional exams, you need 33%. You can pick from the list of optional papers specified by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) according to your preferred educational discipline. The names of compulsory and optional subjects has been listed below
Compulsory Subjects in CSS Syllabus (600 Marks)
| Subject | Marks |
| English (Precis and Composition) | 100 |
| English Essay | 100 |
| General Science and Ability | 100 |
| Current Affairs | 100 |
| Pakistan Affairs | 100 |
| Islamic Studies Or Alternative Subject for Non-Muslims | 100 |
| Total Marks | 600 |
Optional Subjects in CSS Syllabus (600 Marks)
Note: The optional subjects in CSS Syllabus have been categorised into seven different groups for uniform distribution of marks
Group 1: Here you have to select one subject only
| Subject | Marks |
| Accountancy & Auditing | 200 |
| Economics | 200 |
| Computer Science | 200 |
| Political Science | 200 |
| International Relations | 200 |
Group 2: Here you can select one or more than one subjects carrying equivalent to 200 marks
| Subject | Marks |
| Chemistry | 200 |
| Pure Mathematics | 100 |
| Applied Mathematics | 100 |
| Physics | 200 |
| Geology | 100 |
| Statistics | 100 |
Group 3: Here you have to select one subject only
| Subject | Marks |
| Public Administration | 100 |
| Business Administration | 100 |
| Government & Public Policies | 100 |
| Town Planning & Urban Management | 100 |
Group 4: Here you have to select one subject only
| Subject | Marks |
| Islamic History and Culture | 100 |
| History of Pakistan and India | 100 |
| British History | 100 |
| European History | 100 |
| History of USA | 100 |
Group 5: Here you have to select one subject only
| Subject | Marks |
| Gender Studies | 100 |
| Agriculture and Forestry | 100 |
| Environmental Sciences | 100 |
| Zoology | 100 |
| Botany | 100 |
| English Literature | 100 |
| Urdu Literature | 100 |
Group 6: Here you have to select one subject only
| Subject | Marks |
| Law | 100 |
| International Law | 100 |
| Constitutional Law | 100 |
| Criminology | 100 |
| Mercantile Law | 100 |
| Philosophy | 100 |
| Muslim Law and Jurisprudence | 100 |
Group 7: Here you have to select one subject only
| Subject | Marks |
| Journalism and Mass Communication | 100 |
| Psychology | 100 |
| Geography | 100 |
| Anthropology | 100 |
| Sociology | 100 |
| Punjabi | 100 |
| Pashto | 100 |
| Balochi | 100 |
| Sindhi | 100 |
| Arabic | 100 |
| Persian | 100 |
Note: Any exam carrying 100 marks has one paper. Similarly, exams with 200 marks are split into two papers.
MEDICAL TEST
Once you get done with your writing test, the next for you as a CSS student is to undergo a medical test. The purpose of medical test is to check the physical health of the candidate. Candidates who fail to fulfil medical requirements will not be chosen.
In case of a disabled candidate, the disability certificates, which should be issued by a recognized authority, must be submitted beforehand. Physically challenged people are allowed to give CSS Examination in four disciplines: Pakistan Audit and Account, Postal Service, Commerce and Trade and Information Services. Upon special request, physically impaired candidates can also be provided with a helper who can assist them during exams.
Pro Tip: It is suggested for candidates to have a thorough medical examination by a well-reputed medical institution before appearing in the CSS Exam.
PSYCHOLOGICAL TEST AND VIVA VOCE
The psychological test in CSS Examination is designed to judge the mental aptness, attitudinal aspects and behavioural traits of the candidates with regards to their competency to undergo civil services. Both Psychological Test and Viva Voce carry 300 marks together. To pass Viva Voce, which is basically an interview to assess the intelligence and readiness of mind of a CSS candidate, you must possess good general knowledge and communication skills.