Eligibility Criteria
Nationality: Pakistani citizen
Education: Minimum Bachelor’s degree (14 years) with 2nd Division
Age Limit: 21 to 30 years (age relaxation available for some categories)
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CSS Exam Structure
It’s divided into written test, psychological assessment, and interview (viva voce).
Written Test (1200 marks total):
1. Compulsory Subjects (600 marks):
English Essay
English (Precis & Composition)
General Science & Ability
Current Affairs
Pakistan Affairs
Islamic Studies OR Comparative Religion (for Non-Muslims)
2. Optional Subjects (600 marks): You choose subjects based on your interest/background
from these groups:
International Relations
Political Science
History subjects
Sociology, Psychology
Public Administration, Criminology
Law subjects
Gender Studies
Pure Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, etc.)
(FPSC gives a list with subject groups and weightage — choosing smartly is very important.)
CSS Timeline
Typical CSS exam schedule:
Apply: October/November
Written Exam: February
Result of written: ~September
Psychological + Viva: October–December
Final Allocation: January
How to Prepare for CSS?
Build strong English writing skills (essay + précis)
Read Dawn newspaper daily
Prepare General Knowledge, Pakistan Affairs, and World Affairs
Practice past papers
Join a good academy or do online prep
Time management and smart optional subject selection is key
Pro Tips
Don’t underestimate English Essay — it filters out most candidates.
Past papers and mock tests are essential.
Keep improving your critical thinking, analysis, and expression.
Want help with:
Choosing optional subjects?
A study plan?
Past papers?
Academy suggestions? Let me know!
Step-by-Step CSS Preparation Plan (July to January)
1. Know the Exam – Read Syllabus & Past Papers
Download the FPSC CSS syllabus PDF.
Go through last 5 years’ past papers of compulsory and optional subjects.
Understand question trends — this will make your prep focused, not scattered.
2. Lock Your Optional Subjects (Now – July)
Choose 5–6 subjects worth 600 marks. Choose based on:
Interest and background
Scoring trend
Overlap (e.g. IR + US History + Gender Studies) Let me know your degree background & I’ll
help you choose wisely.
3. Create a Monthly Study Plan
July–August: Foundation Building
English Grammar, Vocabulary, Precis, Sentence Correction
Read Dawn newspaper daily (editorials, international, economy)
Start 2 optional subjects
Pakistan Affairs + Islamiat basic reading
September–October: Deep Study
Essay writing practice begins (weekly)
1 hour daily for Current Affairs
General Science & Ability (GS&A)
Finish optional subjects + past paper questions
November–December: Revision + Mocks
Solve full mock papers weekly
Timed writing
Essay outlines and full practice
Revise compulsory subjects completely
January: Final Phase
Full length past paper simulations
Confidence building
Interview/viva prep starts if you’re confident
English & Essay Tips
Most candidates fail Essay and Precis.
Write 1 essay per week, get it checked.
Practice Precis from past papers.
Build vocab, idioms, grammar daily — 30 min a day.
Must-Have Resources
Books:
“Exploring the World of English” by Syed Saadat Ali Shah
“Current Affairs Digest” (JWT or Contemporary Affairs)
“Pakistan Affairs” by Ikram Rabbani
“CSS Essay Book” by Sir Adeel Niaz or JWT
Websites:
FPSC official site for syllabus and updates
Dawn.com for daily news and editorial reading
YouTube channels like Sir Razi Abidi, Sir Usman (English), Miss Areeba (Essay)
Tips to Stay on Track
1. Set daily + weekly targets.
2. Study minimum 6 hours daily, increase to 8 later.
3. Join a WhatsApp/Telegram group with serious aspirants.
4. Watch interviews of CSPs (Civil Servants) to stay motivated.
5. Make a monthly mock test plan starting October.
