The CSS exam is considered to be the top competition exam in the Pakistani education system. A lot of aspirants want to join the civil services but only 1.94% get through these exams. Seeing the rising trend of CSS in Pakistan, a lot of academies have emerged with their tall claims. But the passing ratio of aspirants has been dwindling sharply.

In simple words, the CSS exam is conducted by FPS for the recruitment of 17-grade officers in various departments. At present, the passing ratio of the CSS exam is so low that it presents an alarming picture of the educational system of Pakistan. In this article, I will share with you the syllabus of the CSS exams along with their pattern, which will prove highly beneficial for the aspirants.

List of Compulsory Subjects

The syllabus of CSS has undergone a major shift since 2015. Hereunder, I have presented a list of compulsory subjects in CSS.

  • Essay Writing of 100 marks
  • Precis and Composition of 100 marks
  • General Science and Ability: 100 marks
  • Current Affairs: 100 marks
  • Pakistan Affairs of 100 marks
  • Islamiat of 100 marks

Now we shall talk about the dynamics and syllabus pattern of each subject in detail.

Essay Writing

The candidates are required to write an essay of 100 marks in 3 hours. A plethora of topics are given, ranging from national issues to international issues to philosophical and abstract topics. The examiner is looking for the articulation, expression, argumentation, exposition, and analytical skills of the candidates.

Precis and Composition

Precis and Composition paper is worth 100 marks. The division is into an objective part and a subjective part. A list of synonyms and antonyms is given in the objective, which is 20 marks. In the subjective part, Precis writing and comprehension are worth 20 marks each, of which 5 are for the title; the sentence correction part is worth 10 marks; grouping of words is worth 10 marks; pairs of words are also worth 10 marks; and finally, translation is worth 10 marks.

General Science and Ability

The General Science and Ability paper is divided into two parts. First, the general ability is 40 marks, which consists of basic math, arithmetic, geometry, and IQ. The second part consists of General Science, which is 60 marks. The General Science part consists of physical sciences, biological sciences, food sciences, environmental sciences, and computers. The paper is divided into two parts; 20 marks objective and 80 marks subjective.

Current Affairs

The current affairs syllabus is very diverse and comprehensive. It includes domestic challenges, Pakistan’s geo-strategic location, Pakistan’s relation with its immediate neighbors as well as with the World Powers, the Kashmir Issue, Palestine Issue, and the leading challenges to the world at large. The objective is 20 marks here.

Pakistan Affairs

Pakistan Affairs ‘ syllabus is focused on two parts; pre-partition and post-partition. The pre-partition part is related to the ideology of Pakistan and the Muslim renaissance in India until the independence of Pakistan. A portion is for the geography of Pakistan.

Then Pakistan and changing regional dynamics, nuclear programs, Regional Economic Organisations, Civil-Military Relations in Pakistan, Economic challenges, non-traditional security threats to Pakistan, Pakistan’s role in the region, the Palestine issue, political evolution, foreign policy, national integration, democratic evolution, the Kashmir issue, the War on Afghanistan, proxy wars, and the social problems of Pakistan.

Islamiat

Finally, Islamiat has been divided into 100 marks. The objective part is 20 marks, while the subjective part consists of an introduction to Islam, the seerah of Prophet Muhammad as an individual, diplomat, educator, military strategist, and peacemaker. Then there is a section on the human rights and status of women in Islam. The Islamic civilization and culture are also part of it.

Then there is a portion of Islam and the world. Public Administration and Governance under the Pious Caliphate, the Letters of Hazrat Umer, the responsibilities of civil servants, and finally the Islamic Code of Life, like the social system, political system, economic system, judicial system, and administrative system, along with the need for Ijma and Qiyas.

Read More: How to Prepare for CSS Exam: Tips and Strategies for Success

CSS Optional Subjects Syllabus

The candidates have to select subjects from a list of 600 numbers, which are given in a list containing a wide array of subjects. These subjects are divided into categories from which only one option can be taken. To select one subject for 200 marks, aspirants have to go through Accounting and Auditing, Economics, Computer Sciences, Political Science, IR, Physics, and Chemistry.

Then 4 subjects of 100 marks are to have opted from a plethora of subjects from Science group, Math group, Administration subjects, History subjects, Law, Social sciences, etc.

  • A subject carrying 100 marks has one paper, while 200 has two papers.
  • There will be 20 MCQs in all compulsory subjects as well as in all option papers.

Screening Test

In the first stage, aspirants are supposed to take part in a screening test of 200 marks in the form of MCQs. An aspirant has to obtain only 33% of the numbers to crack and qualify for the written.

Passing Criteria for the Witten Exam

A candidate has to obtain just 40 out of 100 in the compulsory objects except for the General Knowledge paper which is composed of General Science and Ability, Pakistan Affairs, and Current Affairs. These three subjects contain 300 marks in total. An aspirant just needs 120 in total to crack these.

On the other hand, just 33% of marks are required in optional subjects to crack the exam. In this way, a total of 600 marks out of 1200 are required to qualify for viva voce. The marks of viva voce are 300 in total which consists of the psychological test as well.

Frequently Asked Questions


The CSS exam comprises compulsory and optional subjects. There are 6 compulsory subjects and numerous optional subjects across 7 groups, allowing candidates to choose according to their preferences and strengths.

The CSS exam format includes both compulsory and optional subjects. Compulsory subjects cover 600 marks, while optional subjects cover the remaining 600 marks. Whether compulsory or optional, each subject may consist of one or two papers for three hours each.

To pass the CSS exam, candidates must achieve a minimum qualifying score set by the FPSC (Federal Public Service Commission). Since the exam consists of 1200 marks, candidates must secure a satisfactory score across compulsory and optional subjects.

The perceived difficulty of CSS subjects varies among candidates based on their background, interests, and strengths. Some candidates may find subjects like General Science & Ability or Pakistan Affairs relatively easier due to their familiarity or academic background.

To pass CSS easily, aspirants should start preparation early, follow a structured study plan, utilize reliable study materials such as CSS past papers and recommended books, seek guidance from mentors or qualified tutors, and consistently practice mock tests to assess and improve their understanding of various subjects.