CSS Written Exam 2024 & CSS Subjects

CSS WRITTEN EXAM

Total Marks

1200

PASSING CRITERIA

At least:

40% marks in Compulsory Subjects
33% marks in Optional subjects
50% aggregate marks

The three papers of general knowledge (General Science & Ability, Current Affairs and Pakistan) are to be passed collectively by scoring a minimum of 120 marks out of 300.
The Optional Papers consisting of two papers of 100 marks each are to be passed collectively by scoring a minimum of 66 marks out of 200.

General Instructions

Only the candidates declared qualified in the written examination and found eligible shall be called for subsequent medical examination, psychological assessment and viva voce.
The question papers in Urdu or other Pakistani regional languages (Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto and Balochi), Persian and Arabic should be answered in the respective languages. However, the question relating to translation from the respective language into English or vice versa may be answered as directed in the question paper
There will be two papers of 100 marks each of the subjects which carry 200 marks. In other subjects of 100 marks, there will be one paper.
Each paper will be of 3 hours duration (30 mins for MCQs & 150 mins for Subjective Paper)
Ratio of MCQs in compulsory papers for CE-2016 will be 20 MCQs in each paper except in the paper of Essay.
Similarly, there will be 20 MCQs from each optional paper except Pure Mathematics and Applied Mathematics.
The question paper in Islamic Studies OR Comparative Study of Major Religions (For Non-Muslims) is to be answered in English or Urdu only. All other papers must be answered in English unless otherwise directed in the Question Paper.

Compulsory Subjects

CSS Written Exam consists of 12 papers of 100 marks each. There are 6 compulsory subjects consisting of 600 marks. There are 45 Optional Subjects divided into 7 groups. Optional subjects also consist of 600 marks. An aspirant can select subjects of a maximum of 200 marks from Groups 1 & 2 each and can only choose one subject from each of the Groups 3 to 7. The details of the subjects are given below: