As we gear up for the next chapter in the CSS examinations, hoping that 2022 will bring with it good news on the Covid front, we thought it best to give our yearly run through of what the examination process is and how you, as an aspiring civil servant, can aim to top this prestigious assessment.
But where does one even start their CSS test preparation for a curriculum as spread out and diverse as life in the sea? Well, first things first, you need to know exactly what the CSS exam is, whether or not you can even apply, what subjects you can choose, and which ones you don’t have a choice in.
Once you understand all of that, you need to look into marking criteria, reading lists, study schedules, mock exams, and of course, seek help from your peers and colleagues who have been through the process already.
If that sounds like a handful to go at alone, rest assured. We’ll be your constant companion through all things exam-related, with a wide range of valuable tips and tricks on how to prepare for the CSS exams.
So let’s break it all down into small, digestible pieces.
The Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) conducts its examinations each year to recruit the best candidates for one of 12 of their service groups, based on merit. There are broadly speaking five sections to the CSS exam:
The Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) has its first-ever MCQ-Based Preliminary Test (MPT). The date is 20th February in the year 2022, which is a Sunday.
It is required to qualify MPT for recruitment in the main written CSS Competitive Examination, 2022. These include posts in BS-17 in twelve Occupational Groups/Services of the Federal Government. The MPT CSS Screening Test is likely to be held at the following centers, including but not limited to Abbottabad, Bahawalpur, Gujranwala, Hyderabad, Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, and more. Since it has less weightage than the CSS examination and is for 200 marks, it is essentially a gauge for the official exam, it only consists of the Compulsory Subjects and Urdu.
While passing all five sections is crucial to becoming a member of the CSS, we will focus more on the written component because that’s what you’re here for. The 1200 marks reserved for the written exam are broken down into 12 subjects.
There are six CSS compulsory subjects for the CSS examination. Below are the subjects and the marks breakdown:
# | CSS Compulsory Subjects | Marks |
1 | Essay | 100 |
2 | English | 100 |
3 | General Knowledge Paper-1: General Science & Ability | 100 |
4 | Paper - 2: Current Affairs | 100 |
5 | Paper -3: Pakistan Affairs | 100 |
6 | Islamic Studies/ Comparative Study of Major Religions ( Non-Muslims) | 100 |
Below are the CSS Optional Subjects
# | CSS Optional Subjects (Group 1 = 200 Marks) | Marks |
1 | Accountancy & Auditing | 200 |
2 | Economics | 200 |
3 | Computer Science | 200 |
4 | Political Science | 200 |
5 | International Relations | 200 |
# | CSS Optional Subjects (Group 2 = One Subject 200 Marks or two Subjects 100 Marks) | Marks |
1 | Physics | 200 |
2 | Chemistry | 200 |
3 | Applied Mathematics | 100 |
4 | Pure Mathematics | 100 |
5 | Statistics | 100 |
6 | Geology 100 | 100 |
# | CSS Optional Subjects (Group 3 = 100 Marks) | Marks |
1 | Business Administration | 100 |
2 | Public Administration | 100 |
3 | Governance and Public Policies | 100 |
4 | Town Planning and Urban Management | 100 |
# | CSS Optional Subjects (Group 4 = 100 Marks) | Marks |
1 | History of Pakistan & India | 100 |
2 | Islamic History & Culture | 100 |
3 | British History | 100 |
4 | European History | 100 |
5 | History of USA | 100 |
# | CSS Optional Subjects (Group 5 = 100 Marks) | Marks |
1 | Gender Studies | 100 |
2 | Environmental Sciences | 100 |
3 | Agriculture and Forestry | 100 |
4 | Botany | 100 |
5 | Zoology | 100 |
6 | English Literature | 100 |
7 | Urdu Literature | 100 |
# | CSS Optional Subjects (Group 6 = 100 Marks) | Marks |
1 | Law | 100 |
2 | Constitutional Law | 100 |
3 | International Law | 100 |
4 | Muslim Law and Jurisprudence | 100 |
5 | Mercantile Law | 100 |
6 | Criminology | 100 |
7 | Philosophy | 100 |
# | CSS Optional Subjects (Group 7 = 100 Marks) | Marks |
1 | Journalism and Mass Communication | 100 |
2 | Psychology | 100 |
3 | Geography | 100 |
4 | Sociology | 100 |
5 | Anthropology | 100 |
6 | Punjabi | 100 |
7 | Sindhi | 100 |
8 | Pashto | 100 |
9 | Balochi | 100 |
10 | Persian | 100 |
11 | Arabic | 100 |
The first step in preparing for the CSS is downloading the syllabus, of course. Click here to check out the link to the syllabus and download it before you start your CSS online preparation.
First things first, do not forget to register for your exam! Registrations for the CSS exam typically open between the 1st and 31st of October.
The screening test may be new and seem daunting, but it does not have to be! Remember, the syllabus is the same for CSS, and you need to pass the test to qualify for the CSS written exam. It should not be so taxing if you put in the right amount of effort. The screening test is an MCQ-Based Preliminary Test (MPT). Since it will be more general than the CSS test, you should focus on the breath of the syllabus rather than specific topics. Each subject will have lesser weightage than the exam, which is good news for some, but this also means that you can not leave behind specific issues or topics as you would in the CSS exam. The screening test is also good preparation for the CSS exam, so that might benefit you as you will have to revise a large chunk of the CSS syllabus before sitting for the exam. Don't forget, your score in the screening test is not of relevance as long as you pass the test. You can sit easy once you pass, I promise!
No one preparation strategy trumps all others, but a good way to start, if it works for you, is to start preparing from the compulsory subjects first. The reason for this is that they generally have more weightage, are more consequential in your future career, and have more analytical and intelligent questions in the scheme and the exam. This means you should make notes, revise and prepare from the CSS past papers for these subjects first or more than the other subjects and learn from them.
The precis writing section might arguably be the most crucial in the CSS English preparation for the precis. In this section, you will be given a combination of a few sentences or short paragraphs. You will then be expected to provide a brief, concise, and to-the-point summary of the section, along with a title. Your summary should not exceed 120 words and needs to mirror the information provided to you in the paragraphs. For this, you should attempt past papers and read through newspaper articles, writing summaries of the same format for them.
Again, you may be given a piece and be asked to dissent it, draw out the main points, or emphasize the author’s intent or meaning of the paragraph. This point is relatively self-explanatory. Same as above, a great way to prepare would be to practice past papers and read through newspaper articles, write summaries, or answer questions of the same format for them.
In this section, it is essential to be wary of the mistakes you need to identify for the sentence correction section. These include identifying faulty parts of speech, subject-verb agreement, punctuation, repetition, and modifiers. If you are careful about these errors and can appropriately point them out, you can excel in the section. A great way to do that is to go through the practice papers and read up on as much English language as possible. This includes books, newspapers articles, magazines, and T.V. shows.
In this section, you need to translate a passage effectively. How you go about doing this is the same as above, past paper practice and newspapers for multiple languages. You will need to read Urdu and English newspapers for those. Another great way is to watch T.V. shows and movies. It would be best to run through the commonly asked expressions for the CSS examination for idioms. You need to be able to remember them.
It takes a lot to write a good essay. But as a general rule of thumb, you first need to improve at the foundational level. This includes being able to read and write regularly and frequently. After this, you need to think, comprehend and analyze the prompt in front of you critically. If you understand what is being asked of you, you will better write an excellent essay. Again, it is always a tremendous help to go through previous years’ CSS past papers to get a good idea of what the prompts look like and what an ideal or high-scoring essay looks like.
The current affairs section of the CSS is divided into three broad topics: Pakistan domestic affairs, Pakistan external affairs, and general issues.
Pakistan’s domestic affairs can be divided into the political section covering the history of Pakistan democracy in Pakistan regimes, the constitution, and amendments. Then there is the economic section which covers sectors in Pakistan, the current financial state trade, and the future of Pakistan in terms of its economy. The social area looks at social issues and concerns in terms of development. This includes homelessness, terrorism, extremism, incoming social violence, and gender-related developmental strategies. In the second broad topic, Pakistan’s external affairs to delve into Pakistan’s relationships with its neighbors, the Muslim world, Pakistan’s relationship with the United States, and finally, with regional and international organizations. The third part relates to global issues, including human rights problems, environmental issues, terrorism, nuclear security, competition, MDG’s, globalization,, and other issues.
The Pakistan affairs section in the CSS exam focuses on pre-partition era and post partition era Pakistan. This includes historical movements, political ideologies, and future international relationships. The topics include but are not limited to the ideology of Pakistan, economic corporation, Palestine issue, security dynamics, foreign policy, Kashmir issue, proxy wars, and social problems in Pakistan with strategies to deal with them.
In terms of Islamic studies, we go into the introduction and historical background of Islamic concepts of religion, the life of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), the five pillars of Islam, contemporary movements and so on.
In the comparative study of major religions, we first go into the introduction of religion, from a theological and academic perspective. Then we study various perspectives of Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity And Islam.
Selecting your optional subjects wisely can give you a significant edge in the exam. If you are puzzled by the sheer number of options you have, break the process down into smaller steps. Ask yourself:
Now that you have narrowed down your subjects to a few options, you can consult their respective marking schema and scoring statistics for previous CSS exams so you have an idea of how well others scored in your chosen areas.
The FPSC’s annual reports are an excellent resource in this regard, with detailed statistics available for viewing and comments from examiners regarding candidates’ performance.
Last but certainly not least, consult your seniors who have successfully passed the CSS exam and take their advice on the subjects you have shortlisted. Several CSS online preparation courses are available on our website to offer further guidance.
This is the question on everyone’s mind when they appear for the CSS exams. With a vast syllabus that has no defined boundaries and multiple subjects with multiple exams to tend to, it is no easy task to study for.
However, luckily our team of counselors and teachers is geared up and ready to take you to the finish line, with invaluable advice and instruction.
Here we will go over just how important a good self-study schedule is for preparing for the CSS examination, along with study tips and tricks on preparing for the CSS exam at home from zero. It is imperative to be self-sufficient when studying for the CSS. The time spent studying on your own generally involves active learning and being deeply involved in memorizing essential points for the CSS examination.
Make sure you have at least six months to start your preparation. We understand this may not always be possible, and we can certainly help you pass the CSS exam even if you’re short on time, but a little planning will go a long way!
Always make sure the chunks of work you assign yourself daily are manageable and broken into pointers. This will keep your motivation levels high and ensure you complete a reasonable amount of work every day.
Here’s a recommended reading list of CSS course books to start with:
*See the FPSC recommended reading list for more!
Write, write and write! There’s no shortcut when starting your CSS exam preparation. Last-minute revisions will not do. You have to jot down whatever you learn for the CSS exam, facts and figures or opinions.
Make concise notes for revision, using just keywords, and make flashcards. Reflect on every concept you learn in terms of possible issues and solutions to them!
Keep up to date with current affairs both in Pakistan and outside. Think, reflect and write down your thoughts on critical issues being raised in the media around you; climate change, Israeli incursions in Palestine, the future of A.I. in governance, to name a few.
The CSS exam requires a collaborative effort. Study with your peers, have discussions with your seniors and of course, if you want to do either of those on your own time and with your convenience in mind, send the NearPeer CSS team a text.
You need to also go through the archives and make sure you revise the CSS past papers thoroughly. The CSS past papers will give you actual exam practice and help you with memory and time management. It is an integral part of your CSS preparation.
It is also crucial not to put your health aside. It is imperative to take care of your mental and physical health. Take time to check in with yourself and see how you’re feeling. Don’t drain yourself by not sleeping or eating properly, and check out these simple exercises for managing stress and anxiety levels. This is also a vital part of your CSS exam preparation; learning how to handle pressure.
The simple answer is yes, you can. However, it depends significantly on the time you have available to study, the resources you can access, whether online or in-person,, and how much effort you are willing to put in. You can better judge this question by first finding out everything you’ll need to do for your CSS exam preparation and then working out if it is possible for you.
Given the low number of passing candidates and the highly competitive nature of the exam, yes, it can be seen as quite challenging. However, as with any other test, the CSS exam is also doable for anyone who sets their mind to it.
Why not both? One significant pro of the CSS exams is that you can dedicate six or more months of regular study to it and manage a job alongside your preparation schedule. The trick is to find the right job. Ideally, you’re looking for either a part-time position or a job that allows you time and space to do other things. Depending on your qualifications, you could consider teaching, content writing, or freelance work, just as an example.
There’s no short answer. Much of it depends on how much time you can dedicate per day and how much knowledge of the content you already have from your studies. Starting six months in advance is a safe bet, though.
Absolutely. It would be best if you were looking to study alongside your peers appearing in the same year as you, possibly with the same choices in optional subjects. Discussing the exam topics is key to improving your understanding, and you can learn valuable lessons from those who have already taken an attempt previously. It is also a good idea to join relevant forums and keep up-to-date on the current happenings in the world of CSS.
Of course, the best time to study for the CSS depends on you. Some people prefer to study at night while others feel more productive during the day. It all matters on your schedule and when you think you are more fresh and open to learning, revising, and preparing for questions.
This can only be possible if you have a reasonable timeline sorted out. You can scroll upwards for more information on that, but it is possible with the right amount of intelligent learning, discipline, and determination to follow a reasonable timeline.
Again, the amount of time to study for the CSS depends on you, of course. Some people prefer to review for 12 hours, while others feel it is achieved in 4 hours. We are all different as humans, and it all matters on your individual needs and how much time you think you need to learn, revise, and prepare for questions productively.
As long as you have the drive to do the work involved in studying for the CSS exam, you can take the CSS exam. If you follow the advice, tips, tricks, and other helpful features that this article provides, there is no reason why you should not be able to take the CSS exam.
Nearpeer offers a CSS course on every subject the CSS exam offers. Click here to access the current affairs section in NearPeer’s online catalog of excess affordable, high-quality and engaging educational content.
There may be a variety of reasons for this, and every person is different, so it is difficult to pinpoint one or two reasons, but a lot of it has to do with studying hard but not smart. This article is an excellent example of studying smart, using hacks, tips, and tricks to learn as much as you can and as efficiently as you can in a short period, and getting a great score on the CSS exam.
As I have stated above, each person is different, which is why a different strategy would apply to each person, but a great way to crack the CSS exam is to follow the tips and tricks mentioned above and study smart.
Anyone who has done their bachelor’s level or equivalent degree can be eligible for the CSS exam if they fall within the age requirement.
There is no correct answer to this question. Each of the service groups offered by the CSS is unique and important in its ways, and you do not need to be from any particular background to access any of these fields. Your merit matters more.
Definitely! Anyone can do their CSS in their first attempt. Studying efficiently, appropriately and using the right resources is essential. In that sense, anyone can do the CSS in the first attempt, using the advice mentioned above.
Many people are moving away from academies for CSS for a variety of reasons. In short, it is seen that academies are expensive, have a lot of travel costs, and you may not be able to study comfortably. This is why NearPeer exists. You can access online courses for CSS at your own pace, time, convenience, and reasonable and low discounted rates.
Four months is more than enough time for the CSS as long as you are committed, dedicated, disciplined, and able to study with the right resources.
How do I start CSS (civil services of Pakistan) preparation from the beginning? I am currently doing a bachelor’s.
First of all, you need to make a timeline for yourself. After that, make sure you have access to the right resources for studying for the CSS in preparation. Then you need to make sure that you follow through with the timeline and have enough time to revise. Not to worry, many people start studying a little later and still end up with high scores.
As I have stated above, no one specific timeline will guarantee that you get the highest score. It depends upon you.
This is something that I think you need to figure out on your own. If your family can support you financially, and your job is too high-energy or draining, then it might be helpful for you to leave it and focus only on the CSS. But if, for example, you are a breadwinner, Then you may need to work part-time or be able to manage your studies with your job.
The best example is, of course, NearPeer. We offer high-quality CSS courses for low prices with the convenience of studying in your space. Check us out here!
NearPeer! We offer not just online lectures but also assessments and practice papers. We also have access to instructors’ live sessions and a portal where you can experience an in-person learning class while being in the comfort of your home.
We hope this article has helped soothe your nerves regarding the CSS exams and priceless advice. A final note, though, for those of you who did not pass on their first attempt. Do not be discouraged by your initial result. You are even more likely to do better in your second and third (last) attempts than in your first. Last year’s batch topper, Maheen Hassan, was a repeat applicant, so have faith in yourself.
You can trust Nearpeer to stand by your side throughout the CSS season with the latest CSS news, classes, and support. Don’t forget, Nearpeer is here to help you with all your CSS troubles with our high-quality, online CSS classes, along with other courses. Competitors can not match. Check out our courses for our reasonable prices and exciting discounts. Stay informed with future CSS updates through Nearpeer Blogs and our social media handles, including our official Facebook and Instagram. If you need any guidance regarding CSS exam preparation, please feel free to reach out to our dedicated team of Nearpeer counselors over WhatsApp at 0311-1444734! Happy learning! We know how to prepare for the CSS exam the RIGHT way. And as always, happy learning!