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CSS Information Guide Pakistan 2026
Complete guide to Central Superior Services examination with updated eligibility criteria, career opportunities, and preparation guidelines for CSS 2026.
What is 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), and other allied services.
Successful candidates begin at BPS-17, with career progression (subject to performance) up to BPS-22. The exam is highly competitive with a single-digit success rate, rewarding strategic preparation, analytical writing, and consistent revision.
CSS at a Glance (2026)
- Age Limit: 21–32 years
- Max Attempts: 5
- Written Marks: 1200
- Viva Voce: 300
- Total Marks: 1500
- Compulsory Papers: 6
Exam Structure & Latest 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, and reviewing past paper question diversity.
Recent Policy Updates (2025–26)
Age Extension
Increased from 21–30 to 21–32 years (general upper limit; category-based relaxations may still apply).
Attempt Increase
Maximum attempts raised from 3 to 5. An attempt is counted if the candidate appears in any paper (even one written paper).
Assessment Stages
1
Written Examination
1200 marks total (600 compulsory + 600 optional subjects). Candidates must achieve qualifying marks to proceed to the next stage.
2
Psychological Assessment
Written profiles, group tasks, situational judgment tests to assess temperament, integrity, and emotional balance.
3
Viva Voce (300 marks)
Panel interview assessing analytical depth, temperament, ethics, and contemporary awareness. Final selection based on combined written + viva performance.
Eligibility Requirements
Basic Requirements
- Age: 21–32 on 1 January of the exam year
- Education: Minimum Bachelor (14 years) from HEC-recognized institution
- Nationality: Pakistani citizen (dual nationals must meet service compliance rules)
- Attempts: 5 maximum
Additional Requirements
- Good moral character and sound health
- No criminal record or conviction
- Medical fitness certificate required
- Domicile/Quota: Allocation influenced by provincial/regional quota + merit
Important Note
Always verify latest rules on the official FPSC portal before applying. Changes can be notified mid-year, and category-based relaxations may apply for certain government servants and recognized tribal areas.
Career Paths & Opportunities
CSS offers diverse career paths across various federal services. Successful candidates are allocated to different services based on merit, provincial quotas, and preferences. All officers start at BPS-17 with potential to progress to BPS-22.
Key CSS Services
Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS)
Federal and provincial administrative positions including Deputy Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner roles.
Pakistan Foreign Service (PFS)
Diplomatic missions abroad, embassy positions, and international relations roles.
Police Service of Pakistan (PSP)
Law enforcement leadership including Assistant Superintendent Police and District Police Officer positions.
Pakistan Audit & Accounts Service
Financial oversight roles in Auditor General Office and Controller General Accounts.
Inland Revenue Service (IRS)
Tax administration including customs, excise, and income tax officer positions.
Information Service of Pakistan
Government communication, media relations, and public information roles.
Career Benefits
Prestige & Influence
CSS officers hold prestigious positions with significant decision-making authority in governmental affairs.
Career Growth
Structured promotion path from BPS-17 to BPS-22 with opportunities for specialized training.
Job Security
Permanent positions with pension benefits and protection under constitutional provisions.
Post-Selection Training
- 1
Common Training Program (CTP)
Duration approximately 8 months at Civil Services Academy. All selected officers undergo foundational training regardless of their allocated service group.
- 2
Specialized Service Training
Service-specific training follows CTP. Length varies by service group - for example, Foreign Service officers receive diplomatic training while Police Service officers attend the National Police Academy.
- 3
Field Attachments
Practical field exposure through attachments with relevant departments and organizations to understand on-ground operations and challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the age limit for the CSS exam?
21–32 years (general) as of January 1st of the exam year. Category-based relaxations (e.g., certain government servants, recognized tribal areas) may apply—always verify the latest FPSC notification.
How many attempts do I have for CSS?
Five (5) maximum. An attempt counts once you appear in any written paper, even if you don't complete all papers.
How competitive is the CSS exam?
Historically, CSS has a low single-digit success ratio (approximately 2–3%). Performance varies by optional subject trends, candidate preparation quality, and annual policy emphasis.
How do I choose optional subjects?
Balance interest, scoring history, syllabus breadth, and overlap (e.g., IR + Current Affairs synergy). Avoid selecting too many reading-intensive subjects without writing practice.
Do I need coaching for CSS preparation?
Not mandatory. Coaching can accelerate structure feedback. Self-study is sufficient if you maintain disciplined answer writing + peer review.
How long is the training after selection?
Common Training Program (CTP) duration is historically ~8 months; Specialized Training follows (length varies by service group). Field attachments supplement practical exposure.
CSS Preparation Resources
CSS Syllabus
Complete CSS syllabus for compulsory and optional subjects with topic breakdowns.
View Syllabus
CSS Past Papers
Previous years' CSS papers for all subjects with answer guidelines and analysis.
View Past Papers
CSS MPT Guide
Comprehensive guide to the Multiple Choice Preliminary Test with sample questions.
View MPT Guide
Last updated: September 2026. Always verify information from official FPSC sources.