Introduction

The CSS (Central Superior Services) Exam is a competitive examination conducted annually by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) in February. It is held to recruit candidates for BPS-17 posts in the federal government of Pakistan. The exam is considered one of the most prestigious and challenging in the country, offering successful candidates the opportunity to serve in various administrative and leadership roles.

Brief History

The Sub-Continent remained under British Rule for 90 years from 1858 to 1947. The British Government introduced the Imperial Civil Service in 1858 in Sub-Continent on the analogy of Civil Service of United Kingdom. It took administrative control to implement policies of Imperial Rule. Later, it had been changed to the Indian Civil Service. Initially, locals were not allowed to compete at officer-level posts but in the early 20th century the Indians also started competing against the British and many Indians eventually made it to the ICS.

After the establishment of Pakistan in 1947, the Civil Service of Pakistan was established from the available pool of officers. It was re-framed and re-established in 1971 under "Chapter I: Part-XII, Article 240" of the Constitution of Pakistan. 12 Occupational Groups were introduced.

With the Civil Services Reforms of 1973, a new system of the Common Training Program was introduced and all Occupational Groups were required to go through mandatory combined training at Civil Services Academy, Lahore.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Nationality: The candidate must be a citizen of Pakistan or a permanent resident of the state of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
  • Age: Candidates must be between 21 and 30 years old. However, there is a relaxation of 2 years (up to 32 years) for candidates from specific categories such as government employees with two years of continuous service and candidates from recognized tribal areas.
  • Education: A candidate must hold at least a bachelor's degree (14 years of education) from a recognized university.

Places of Exam

Abbottabad, Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, D.I Khan, Faisalabad, Gilgit, Gujranwala, Hyderabad, Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Larkana, Multan, Muzaffarabad, Peshawar, Quetta, Rawalpindi, Sargodha and Sukkur

Places of Interview

Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Peshawar, and Quetta

CSS Exam Structure

CSS Exam is divided into following five stages:

  1. MCQs Based Preliminary Test
  2. Written Examination
  3. Medical Examination
  4. Psychological Assessment
  5. Viva-Voce

MCQs Based Preliminary Test

The Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) portion of the CSS exam in Pakistan is known as the MCQs-based written test or MPT of CSS. This 200-mark exam comprises two papers: General Knowledge and Ability and Current Affairs.

CSS MPT Syllabus

  • Total Number of Questions: 200
  • Time Allowed: 200 minutes
  • Test Type: Multiple Choice Questions
  • Negative Marking: NO

CSS MPT SYLLABUS: CONTENTS & WEIGHTAGE

  • Islamic Studies / Civics & Ethics - Total Marks = 20
  • Urdu: Grammar usage, Translation - Total Marks = 20
  • English: Vocabulary, Grammar usage, Comprehension - Total Marks = 50
  • General Abilities:
    • Basic Arithmetic, Algebra & Geometry
    • Logical problem solving and analytical abilities
    • Mental Abilities - Total Marks = 60
  • General Knowledge:
    • Everyday Science
    • Current Affairs
    • Pakistan Affairs - Total Marks = 50

NOTE: Non-Muslims may opt either for Civics & Ethics or Islamic Studies

Written Examination

The CSS written examination is the second stage of the CSS exam in Pakistan and consists of six compulsory papers and six optional papers. Two papers are held in a single day. The written examination is a 1200-mark exam, with 600 marks allocated to compulsory papers and 600 marks to optional papers. These 12 papers are held on six consecutive days at a center allocated by FPSC. Qualifying marks for the compulsory papers is 40% and for optional papers, it is 33%.

CSS Qualifying Marks for Written Exam

  1. A candidate who fails to secure at least 40% marks in any of the compulsory subjects, 33% marks in any of the optional subjects and 50% marks in the aggregate shall be considered to have failed in written examination and shall not be eligible for medical examination, psychological assessment and viva voce.
  2. Only the candidates declared qualified in the written examination and found eligible shall be called for subsequent medical examination, psychological assessment and viva voce.

Medical Examination

Candidates who pass the written examination undergo a medical examination to ensure they meet the health requirements.

Psychological Assessment

Before the interview, candidates are required to take a Psychological Assessment Test (PAT). This test evaluates individuals through written tasks and group activities, providing insights into their psychological makeup and assessing their suitability for a particular role or situation. The written task requires candidates to express their thoughts on a given topic, question, picture, or scenario, and trained psychologists carefully analyze each response, examining the words and lines written by the candidate.

This process allows them to gain insight into the candidate's thought process, personality traits, and emotional stability, among other factors. Overall, the PAT is an essential component of the selection process, providing valuable information to assess the candidate's potential for success in the civil services of Pakistan.

Viva-Voce

The final stage is a viva voce, which carries 300 marks. The interview panel assesses the candidate's overall personality, intelligence, and suitability for a career in the civil services.

The final merit list is prepared based on the results of the written examination, the PAT, the interview, and the medical examination. The candidates who score the highest marks in these stages are offered employment in the civil services of Pakistan in various groups.

Viva voce shall be of 300 marks. A candidate who fails to secure at least 100 marks in viva voce shall be considered to have failed and shall not be eligible for appointment.

CSS Occupational Groups

  1. Commerce and Trade Group
  2. Foreign Service of Pakistan
  3. Information Group
  4. Inland Revenue Service
  5. Military Lands and Cantonments Group
  6. Office Management Group
  7. Pakistan Administrative Service
  8. Pakistan Audit and Accounts Service
  9. Pakistan Customs Service
  10. Police Service of Pakistan
  11. Postal Group
  12. Railways (Commercial and Transportation) Group