What is CSS Exam?
Brief History
The Sub-Continent remained under British Rule for 90 years from 1858 to 1947. The British Government introduced the Imperial Civil Service in 1858 in Sub-Continent on the analogy of Civil Service of United Kingdom. It took administrative control to implement policies of Imperial Rule. Later, it had been changed to the Indian Civil Service. Initially, locals were not allowed to compete at officer-level posts but in the early 20th century the Indians also started competing against the British and many Indians eventually made it to the ICS.
After the establishment of Pakistan in 1947, the Civil Service of Pakistan was established from the available pool of officers. It was re-framed and re-established in 1971 under “Chapter I: Part-XII, Article 240” of the Constitution of Pakistan. 12 Occupational Groups were introduced.
With the Civil Services Reforms of 1973, a new system of the Common Training Program was introduced and all Occupational Groups were required to go through mandatory combined training at Civil Services Academy, Lahore.
… Civil Service is the backbone of the State. Governments are formed. Governments are defeated; Prime Ministers come and go; Ministers come and go; but you stay on, and therefore, there is a very great responsibility placed on your shoulders …
Muhammad Ali Jinnah – Founder of Pakistan
- Nationality: The candidate must be a citizen of Pakistan or a permanent resident of the state of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
- Age: Typically, candidates must be between 21 and 30 years old. However, there is a relaxation of 2 years (up to 32 years) for candidates from specific categories such as government employees with two years of continuous service and candidates from recognized tribal areas.
- Education: A candidate must hold at least a bachelor’s degree (14 years of education) from a recognized university.
CSS Exam Structure
Central Superior Service Exam, which is popularly known as CSS Exams, is organized by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) every year to attract top talent from Pakistan. The candidates who pass this exam become eligible to be recruited as Gazetted Government Officers holding a BPS-17 position.
CSS Officers are called Bureaucrats. Bureaucracy is responsible to implement Government policies and enforcing laws and decisions made by elected officials.
CSS Exam is divided into following five stages. Click on the title below to get further details.
MCQs Based Preliminary Test
The CSS exam structure was updated to include an MCQs-based Preliminary Test (MPT) starting in recent years. This test serves as a screening mechanism to determine eligibility for the main written examination. It ensures that only those with a sufficient grasp of the fundamental knowledge required for civil service are allowed to proceed.
Written Examination
Compulsory Subjects: These subjects include Essay, English (Precis and Composition), General Science and Ability, Current Affairs, Pakistan Affairs, and Islamic Studies or Comparative Religion (for non-Muslim candidates). Optional Subjects: Candidates must choose subjects totaling 600 marks from a list of subjects divided into various groups. Each subject typically carries 100 or 200 marks.
Medical Examination
Candidates who pass the written examination undergo a medical examination to ensure they meet the health requirements.
Psychological Assessment
This includes psychological tests and an interview to assess the candidate's mental capabilities and personality traits.
Viva-Voce
The final stage is a viva voce, which carries 300 marks. The interview panel assesses the candidate's overall personality, intelligence, and suitability for a career in the civil services.
The Civil Service of Pakistan is organized into 12 distinct occupational groups, each serving specific functions within the government bureaucracy. These occupational groups are structured to cater to various sectors and departments, ensuring efficient administration and governance across different areas of public service. Click on group title to get more information about it. Here are the 12 occupational groups in the civil service of Pakistan:
Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS)
Formerly known as the District Management Group (DMG), this group primarily deals with district administration, governance, and policymaking at the provincial and federal levels.
Police Service of Pakistan (PSP)
Responsible for law enforcement, maintenance of public order, and policing duties at both federal and provincial levels.
Foreign Service of Pakistan (FSP)
Represents Pakistan's diplomatic interests abroad, manages international relations, and serves as ambassadors and diplomats in foreign missions.
Commerce and Trade Group (CTG)
Deals with matters related to trade, commerce, and economic policy formulation, both domestically and internationally.
Pakistan Custom Services (PCS)
Responsible for overseeing customs duties, excise taxes, and border control to regulate trade and prevent smuggling.
Inland Revenue Services (IRS)
Manages tax collection and enforcement of indirect taxes, including sales tax, excise duty, and customs duty.
Information Services (IG)
Deals with media, communication, and information dissemination, including public relations, journalism, and digital media management.
Military Land and Cantonment Group (MLCG)
Manages military lands, cantonments, and military estates, ensuring their development, maintenance, and administration.
Office Management and Secretariat Group (OMG)
The OMG is responsible for managing administrative functions within government offices, including personnel management, budgeting, procurement, and resource allocation.
Pakistan Audit and Account Service (PAAS)
Conducts financial audits, ensures accountability and transparency in government spending, and provides financial management expertise.
Postal Group
Oversees postal services, including mail delivery, postage stamp issuance, and postal savings schemes.
Commercial and Transport Group
Administers Pakistan Railways, including railway operations, infrastructure development, and passenger services.
Frequently Asked Questions
CSS stands for Central Superior Services.
They are offered the same salary as all BPS-17 officers. However, they enjoy more privileges like official residence and vehicle, free education for their children etc.
Yes, CSS gives a chance to involve in decision-making that directly impacts people. Therefore, it is a more robust job than MBBS.
No FSC marks don’t matter in CSS. For details about marks visit CSS Written Exam 2022 | CSS Exam Info
CTP is a 9-month Common Training Program offered at Civil Service Academy, Lahore. It is attended by all probationers officers of CSS.
Language subjects are usually high scoring subjects in CSS
NO, you can only apply to Pak Army jobs after resigning from the CSS job.
A medical test is conducted by FPSC of all the CSS candidates who pass the Written Exam. All candidates must be in good mental and bodily health and free from any physical defect likely to interfere with the discharge of their duties. For details visit CSS Medical Test | CSS Exam Info
NO, the Urdu Subject test is not required for CSS. For subject details visit CSS Written Exam 2022 | CSS Exam Info
NO, you can only apply for the CSS Exam after completing 14 years of education. For detailed eligibility information visit CSS Eligibility Criteria | CSS Exam Info
Between 21 to 30 years on the cut-off date i.e. 31st December of every year. For detailed eligibility information visit CSS Eligibility Criteria | CSS Exam Info
A Bachelor’s Degree (14 years of education) from Universities recognized by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC). A minimum 2nd Division or ‘C’ Grade or equivalent CGPA is required.
International Relations
YES. For detailed eligibility information visit CSS Eligibility Criteria | CSS Exam Info
YES. For detailed eligibility information visit CSS Eligibility Criteria | CSS Exam Info
Baluchistan, Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan domiciles have the lowest competition in the CSS Exam.
CTP stands for Common Training Program. All selected candidates go through a 9-month training program at Civil Service Academy, Lahore.
Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti
CSS 2023 Result Announced!
With a staggering 13,800 candidates contending for success, achieving CSS success proved to be a formidable challenge, with only 408 candidates emerging triumphant. Among these successful individuals, 234 were male and 152 were female, highlighting the increasing involvement of women in Pakistan’s civil service sector.
Following a comprehensive evaluation process, 210 candidates received the prestigious recommendation for appointment, marking a significant milestone in their career paths. Of these recommended candidates, 126 were male, and 84 were female, demonstrating a balanced representation in the final selection.
The FPSC has assured that detailed marksheets for each candidate will soon be accessible on their website. This year’s pass rate indicates a significant decline, suggesting a challenging exam season for aspiring civil servants.
