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FPSC CSS (Pakistan) 2026: Exam Pattern, Eligibility & Study Plan

Pakistan · 5 subjects · 42 topics · Updated 2026-04-06

The Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) Central Superior Services (CSS) examination is the most prestigious civil service examination in Pakistan, conducted annually for recruitment to various Group A and B posts in the federal government. The CSS examination offers appointments to the Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS), Police Service of Pakistan (PSP), Commerce and Trade Group, Income Tax Group, and several other occupational groups and secretariat services. It is considered the gateway to the highest echelons of Pakistan bureaucracy and offers a distinguished career in public service administration.

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Verified 2026-04-24

Year: 2026
Subjects: 5
Topics: 42

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📋 Exam Pattern

The CSS examination consists of a written examination followed by a psychological test and interview. The written examination has 12 papers (six compulsory and six optional) each of 100 marks. Compulsory papers include English (Essay, Précis, and Composition), Urdu (Precise Writing and Translation), Islamic Studies/Pakistan Studies, Current Affairs (100 marks), General Science and Computer Proficiency (100 marks), and Pakistan Affairs and Islamic History (100 marks). Optional papers cover subjects chosen by the candidate from a list of 27 groups including History, Geography, Political Science, Economics, Sociology, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and others. Each paper is of 3 hours duration. The total marks for the written examination are 1200. The psychological test includes written tests and an interview.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must be Pakistani nationals with a bachelor's degree (at least second division) from an HEC-recognized university. The age limit is 21-30 years for most positions, with relaxations for civil servants (35 years for Grade 16-17 employees), candidates from tribal areas, and certain other categories. There is no limit on the number of attempts. Candidates must be of good character and must not have been convicted for any criminal offence. Female candidates and those from Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan are also eligible on the same terms as male candidates.

Subjects & Topics Covered — 42 topics across 5 subjects

English

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10 topics · Vocabulary Building· Synonyms and Antonyms· Grammar Fundamentals + more

General Science

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8 topics · Physics Fundamentals· Chemistry Basics· Biology and Life Sciences + more

Current Affairs

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8 topics · Pakistan Current Affairs· South Asian Affairs· United Nations and International Relations + more

Pakistan Affairs

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8 topics · Land of Pakistan· Two-Nation Theory· Pakistan Movement + more

Islamic Studies

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8 topics · Basic Beliefs of Islam· Pillars of Islam· Life of Holy Prophet (PBUH) + more

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Frequently Asked Questions — FPSC CSS (Pakistan)

Everything you need to know about FPSC CSS (Pakistan). Scroll down for the complete study guide.

What is FPSC-CSS and how does it work?

FPSC-CSS (Federal Public Service Commission — Central Superior Services Examination) is Pakistan's most prestigious civil service entrance exam, conducted annually by the Federal Public Service Commission. It is the primary pathway for recruitment to Pakistan's bureaucratic elite — positions include District Management Group (DMG), Police Service of Pakistan (PSP), Foreign Service of Pakistan, Commerce & Trade Group, and other prestigious occupational groups. CSS officers are appointed as Assistant Commissioners, Deputy Secretaries, and eventually rise to senior positions in the federal government including Secretary-level posts. The exam is open to graduates from any Pakistani university (or equivalent) up to 30 years of age (32 for certain groups).

What is the FPSC-CSS exam pattern?

FPSC-CSS consists of two stages: Written Examination (compulsory and optional papers) and Viva Voice (interview). Compulsory papers (total 600 marks): English (100 marks), General Science & Ability (100 marks), Current Affairs (100 marks), Pakistan Affairs (100 marks), and Islamic Studies/Pakistan Studies (100 marks). Optional papers (600 marks total): candidates choose 2 papers from a list of 24 groups including: Political Science, International Relations, Economics, Commerce, Sociology, History, Geography, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology, and others. Each optional paper is 100 marks. The written exam is held in February each year across major cities in Pakistan.

What score do I need to pass FPSC-CSS?

FPSC sets a minimum qualifying marks each year — typically 50% in each paper and 40% in the aggregate. However, actual cutoffs for final selection are much higher due to competition. In recent years, the final cutoff for recommended candidates has been around 550–600 out of 1200 (competitive marks). The Viva Voce (interview) carries 100 marks and is crucial — it can make or break a candidate's final ranking. The most competitive occupational groups by preference are: Foreign Service of Pakistan (requires excellent English and current affairs), DMG (requires high academic scores), and Police Service (身体 and leadership qualities). The FPSC psychological assessment is also part of the selection process for DMG candidates.

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Exam Name	FPSC CSS (Pakistan)
Country	🇵🇰 Pakistan
Subjects	English, General Science, Current Affairs, Pakistan Affairs, Islamic Studies
Total Topics	42
Official Source	https://example.com
Last Updated	2026-04-06