CSS examination guide
Understand the examination before you prepare for it.
A plain-language orientation to the Central Superior Services examination, with changing requirements linked back to FPSC.
Examination path
From screening to final merit.
- MPTQualify the MCQ-based preliminary test for the relevant cycle.
- Written examinationAttempt compulsory and selected optional papers.
- Assessment stagesEligible written qualifiers proceed to medical, psychological assessment, and viva voce.
- Merit and allocationFinal outcome depends on merit, eligibility, preferences, and available vacancies.
Format and subjects
Six compulsory papers, plus 600 optional marks.
The written examination carries 1,200 marks: 600 compulsory and 600 optional. Optional subjects must be selected under the combinations permitted by the official syllabus; an attractive subject list is not automatically a valid combination.
CriminologyEssay WritingHistory of USAIslamic Studies
Browse CSS course groups Passing criteria
Qualify each paper and the aggregate.
These thresholds are stated in the CSS Competitive Examination Rules 2019 (applicable onwards). Eligibility, age, attempts, fees, dates, and procedural requirements can change; the current FPSC advertisement and rules remain authoritative.
Rules and syllabus
Read the copies hosted on CSS Knowledge Inn.
Website copies reviewed 12 October 2026. Always confirm the current examination notice with FPSC.