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Applying for the CSS Competitive Examination requires both an online application and a hardcopy submission. Many candidates make mistakes during this process that result in rejection of their candidature. This guide covers the complete application procedure, fee payment, and hardcopy requirements as per the CSS Competitive Examination Rules, 2019.
How Do You Apply for the CSS Exam?
The CSS application process has two mandatory steps:
Step 1: Online Application
- Applications are submitted online through the FPSC website at www.fpsc.gov.pk
- The online application must be completed within the deadline specified in the advertisement
Step 2: Hardcopy Submission
- A printed copy of the online application must be sent to FPSC within 10 days of submitting the online application
- The hardcopy must be sent to the Secretary, Federal Public Service Commission, Islamabad
- Late hardcopy submissions may result in cancellation of your candidature
What is the CSS Examination Fee?
The prescribed fee for the CSS Competitive Examination is Rs. 2,200/- (Rupees Two Thousand Two Hundred only).
How to Pay the Fee?
The fee can be paid through the methods prescribed by FPSC, which typically include:
- Bank Challan at designated bank branches
- Online payment through the FPSC portal (PSID method)
- Payment must be made before the deadline specified in the advertisement
Important: The examination fee is non-refundable once paid. If you are declared ineligible or withdraw your application, the fee will not be returned.
What Information is Required in the Online Application?
The online application form requires the following information:
Personal Information
- Full name (as per CNIC)
- Father's name
- Date of birth
- CNIC number
- Gender
- Religion
- Marital status
- Postal address and permanent address
- Mobile number and email address
Educational Information
- All educational qualifications from Matriculation onwards
- University/Board name
- Year of passing
- Marks/CGPA obtained
- Division/Grade
Domicile and Quota Information
- Province/Region of domicile
- Self-domicile certificate details
Subject Selection
- Selection of optional subjects from the prescribed groups
- This selection is critical as it determines your exam papers
Preference of Occupational Groups
- Ranking of preferred occupational groups (1 to 12)
- This preference is considered during final allocation
Other Details
- Number of previous CSS attempts (if any)
- Government servant status and DPC/NOC details
- Whether claiming any age relaxation
What Documents Must Be Attached with the Hardcopy?
When sending the hardcopy of your application, you must attach:
- Printed online application form - signed by the candidate
- Treasury receipt/proof of fee payment - original or attested copy
- Attested copies of educational certificates - from Matriculation to the highest qualification
- Attested copy of CNIC - Computerized National Identity Card
- Attested copy of domicile certificate - self-domicile (not father's)
- Two recent passport-size photographs - attested on the back
- Departmental Permission Certificate (DPC) - for government servants
- Experience certificates - if applicable
- Age relaxation proof - if claiming any relaxation category
Can You Edit Your Application After Submission?
Once the online application is submitted:
- Before the closing date: Changes may be possible through the FPSC online portal for certain fields
- After the closing date: No changes are allowed to the application
- Subject selection: Once submitted, your choice of optional subjects is generally final and cannot be changed
Critical Warning: Double-check all information, especially your subject selection and domicile, before submitting. Incorrect information can lead to rejection of your candidature.
What Are Common Application Mistakes to Avoid?
1. Late Hardcopy Submission
- The hardcopy must reach FPSC within 10 days of online submission
- Do not rely on regular mail for last-minute submissions - use courier services
2. Incorrect Subject Combination
- Ensure your optional subjects are from different groups as per the rules
- Some subject combinations are not allowed
3. Wrong Domicile Claim
- Always claim the domicile that matches your self-domicile certificate
- Father's or husband's domicile is not accepted
4. Missing DPC/NOC
- Government employees must attach their Departmental Permission Certificate
- Failure to do so results in cancellation of candidature
5. Fee Payment Errors
- Ensure the fee amount is exactly Rs. 2,200
- Keep the original receipt safe for future reference
6. Photograph Issues
- Photographs must be recent and passport-sized
- Each photograph must be attested on the back
What Happens After You Submit Your Application?
After successful submission of both online and hardcopy applications:
- Verification: FPSC verifies all applications for completeness and eligibility
- Admission Certificate: If found eligible, your admission certificate will be uploaded on the FPSC website
- SMS/Email Notification: You will be notified via SMS and email when the admission certificate is available
- Download: You must download and print your admission certificate from the FPSC website
- Exam Day: Bring the printed admission certificate along with your original CNIC to the exam centre
What About Government Servants Applying for CSS?
Government employees have additional requirements:
- Must obtain Departmental Permission Certificate (DPC) or NOC from their parent department before applying
- The DPC reference number and date must be mentioned in the online application
- The original DPC must be attached with the hardcopy application
- Armed Forces personnel (including those on LPR) must produce permission from Services Headquarters, Ministry of Defence
Can You Withdraw Your Application?
- Applications can be withdrawn before the closing date
- Once the examination process begins, withdrawal is not straightforward
- The examination fee is non-refundable regardless of withdrawal
Quick Summary
- CSS application requires both online submission and hardcopy within 10 days
- Examination fee is Rs. 2,200 (non-refundable)
- Hardcopy must be sent to the Secretary, FPSC, Islamabad
- Subject selection and domicile claim are final once submitted
- Government servants need DPC/NOC before applying
- Download admission certificate from the FPSC website - nothing is sent by post
- Maximum 3 attempts are allowed for CSS
To understand CSS age requirements and relaxation categories, read our guide on CSS Age Limits and Age Relaxation Categories.