CSS Syllabus : How to Select CSS (Central Superior Services) Subjects in Pakistan:
Total Marks in CSS
The total marks for the CSS examination are 1500. These marks are divided into two categories: compulsory subjects (600 marks) and optional subjects (600 marks). The remaining 300 marks are for Viva Voce.
Compulsory Subjects in CSS
There are six compulsory subjects, each carrying 100 marks, totaling to 600 marks. These subjects are:
- English Essay
- English (Precis and Composition)
- General Science and Ability
- Current Affairs
- Pakistan Affairs
- Islamic Studies OR Comparative Study of Major Religions (For Non-Muslims)
Optional Subjects in CSS
For the optional subjects in CSS, candidates have to select subjects carrying a total of 600 marks. The optional subjects are divided into groups (Group I to Group VII). The subjects in each group and their respective marks are as follows:
Group I: (To select one subject of 200 marks only)
- Economics
- English Literature
- Urdu Literature
Group II: (To select subject(s) of 200 marks only)
- Accounting & Auditing
- Political Science
- International Relations
Group III: (To select subject(s) of 200 marks only)
- Islamic History & Culture
- Indo-Pak History
- British History
- European History
- History of the USA
Group IV: (To select one subject of 100 marks only)
- Gender Studies
- Environmental Sciences
- Agriculture & Forestry
- Public Administration
- Business Administration
- Governance & Public Policies
- Town Planning & Urban-Management
Group V: (To select subject(s) of 100 marks only)
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Economics
- Computer Science
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Botany
- Zoology
- Geology
Group VI: (To select one subject of 100 marks only)
- Law
- Constitutional Law
- Mercantile Law
- Muslim Law & Jurisprudence
- International Law
- Criminology
- Philosophy
Group VII: (To select one subject of 100 marks only)
- Journalism & Mass Communication
- Psychology
- Geography
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Punjabi
- Sindhi
- Pashto
- Balochi
- Persian
- Arabic
When selecting optional subjects, it’s important to consider your areas of interest, academic background, and the scoring trend of these subjects in past CSS exams. It’s also recommended to review the syllabus of each subject before making a decision.
Link to the FPSC website: FPSC
Remember, the key to success in CSS is not just the selection of the right subjects, but also a deep understanding of the chosen subjects, consistent hard work, and effective time management.
- Punjab Public Service Commission
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Public Service Commission
- Sind Public Service Commission
- Balochistan Public Service Commission
- Azad Jammu & Kashmir Public Service Commission