CSS preparation guide
CSS exam pattern and syllabus
#cssnexusBy CSS Nexus · Updated 26 October 2026
The Competitive Examination for recruitment to the Central Superior Services (CSS) is conducted every year by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC). Here is how the exam is structured, which subjects are compulsory, how optional subjects work, and where to find past papers for each.
Eligibility rules, age limits, fees and dates change from year to year, so always check the latest official notice from the FPSC before you apply.
The stages of the CSS exam
Final allocation to a service group depends on your total marks, your merit position, your preferences, and the provincial and other quotas.
- MCQ-based Preliminary Test (MPT) — a screening test you must pass to sit the written exam.
- Written exam — six compulsory papers and optional papers.
- Medical examination and psychological assessment.
- Viva voce (interview).
Compulsory subjects
Every candidate takes these six papers:
- English Essay
- English (Précis & Composition)
- General Science & Ability
- Current Affairs
- Pakistan Affairs
- Islamic Studies, or Comparative Study of Major Religions for non-Muslim candidates
Optional subjects
Optional subjects are chosen from groups set by FPSC — for example accountancy and business, economics, political science and international relations, history, law, sciences, languages and literature. FPSC limits how many marks you can take from each group, so read the current rules before you choose.
Choose subjects you can write about confidently and for which you have good books and past papers.
How to use the syllabus
Print the syllabus of each of your papers and tick off topics as you cover them. Then compare it with the last ten years of past papers: you will see which parts of the syllabus are asked most often and deserve the most time.
In short
The CSS exam pattern explained: MPT, written exam, compulsory papers, optional subjects, medical, psychological assessment and interview — with past papers for each.
Frequently asked questions
How many papers are there in CSS?+
The written exam has six compulsory papers plus optional papers. Before it, candidates must pass the MPT screening test.
What are the compulsory subjects of CSS?+
English Essay, English (Précis & Composition), General Science & Ability, Current Affairs, Pakistan Affairs, and Islamic Studies (or Comparative Study of Major Religions for non-Muslims).
Who conducts the CSS exam?+
The Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC), once a year.
Where is the official CSS syllabus?+
On the FPSC website (fpsc.gov.pk). Always use the latest version, as FPSC updates it from time to time.