Complete CSS Exam Guide: A Comprehensive Roadmap to Success

1. Introduction to CSS

The Central Superior Services (CSS) examination, conducted by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC), recruits officers for Pakistan's key federal occupational groups and services, including:

• Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS)
• Pakistan Foreign Service (PFS)
• Pakistan Audit & Accounts Service (PA&AS)
• Pakistan Customs Service (PCS)
• Inland Revenue, Police, Information, and other allied services

Why It Matters

Successful candidates begin at BPS-17, with career progression (subject to performance) up to BPS-22. The exam is competitive (single‑digit success rate), rewarding strategic preparation, analytical writing, and consistent revision.

At a Glance (2025 Cycle)

Aspect	Current Rule
Age Limit	21–32 years (as of 1 Jan)
Attempts	5 maximum (an attempt counts if you sit any paper)
Written Marks	1200 (Compulsory 600 + Optional 600)
Viva Voce	300
Total	1500
Compulsory Papers	6 (100 marks each)
Optional Selection	Subjects chosen to total 600 marks from FPSC groups
Conducting Body	FPSC

Always verify latest rules on the official FPSC portal before applying (changes can be notified mid-year).

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2. Exam Structure & 2024–25 Updates

Written Examination (1200 Marks)

Compulsory Papers (600 Marks)

• English Essay (100)
• English (Précis & Composition) (100)
• General Science & Ability (100)
• Current Affairs (100)
• Pakistan Affairs (100)
• Islamic Studies OR Comparative Religion (100)

Optional Subjects (600 Marks)

You select subjects from FPSC-defined groups so that their combined marks equal 600. Some papers are 200-mark (e.g., International Relations) while others are 100-mark (e.g., Gender Studies). Strategy involves:

• Balancing interest vs. scoring trends
• Avoiding content overlap fatigue
• Reviewing past paper question diversity

Recent Policy Updates (2024–25)