Table of Contents11 sections
The CSS (Central Superior Services) Competitive Examination is one of the most sought-after examinations in Pakistan. Every year, thousands of candidates apply, and naturally, there are many questions about the process. This article compiles all the frequently asked questions from the official FPSC CSS FAQ page, organized by topic, with detailed answers to guide you from application to final selection.
Source: This FAQ is based on the official FPSC Competitive Examination (CSS) FAQ available at fpsc.gov.pk.
General Questions About CSS
Q1: What is the CSS?
The CSS is a Competitive Examination conducted by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) to recruit officers for the Civil Services of Pakistan in 12 Occupational Groups and Services. These include:
- Commerce and Trade Group
- District Management Group / Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS)
- Foreign Affairs Group (now Cadre)
- Information Group
- Inland Revenue Service
- Military Lands and Cantonments Group
- Office Management Group
- Pakistan Audit and Accounts Service
- Pakistan Customs Service
- Police Service of Pakistan (PSP)
- Postal Group
- Railways (Commercial and Transportation) Group
CSS is considered the gateway to Pakistan's prestigious bureaucratic career paths and carries a BS-17 starting grade.
Q2: When is the CSS Competitive Examination Held?
CSS Competitive Examination is held once every year. The typical schedule follows this pattern:
| Stage | Approximate Timeline |
|---|---|
| Advertisement / Online Application | August - September |
| MPT (Preliminary Test) | October - November |
| MPT Results | December - January |
| Written Examination | February - March |
| Written Results | June - July |
| Medical Examination | July - August |
| Psychological Assessment | August - September |
| Viva Voce (Interview) | September - November |
| Final Result | December - January |
Note: The exact schedule varies each year and is advertised on FPSC's website and in leading newspapers. Always check fpsc.gov.pk for the latest dates.
Q3: Who Organizes and Conducts the CSS Competitive Examination?
The Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) is the sole authority responsible for organizing and conducting the CSS Competitive Examination. FPSC handles all stages from advertisement through final recommendation.
Q4: Can Someone from Outside Pakistan Apply?
Yes. Pakistanis living abroad may apply for the CSS Competitive Examination, provided they:
- Hold the nationality of Pakistan
- Fulfill all eligibility conditions (education, age, etc.)
- Can appear for all examination stages in Pakistan at their own expense
- Possess a valid Pakistani CNIC or NICOP
Q5: What Instrument Governs the Conduct of CSS?
The CSS Competitive Examination Rules 2019 (as amended from time to time) govern the conduct of CSS. These rules cover:
- Eligibility requirements
- Age limits and relaxations
- Examination structure and subjects
- Allocation of groups
- Medical fitness standards
- Code of conduct during examinations
Candidates should familiarize themselves with these rules, available on the FPSC website.
Eligibility Requirements
Q6: What Are the Basic Eligibility Requirements for CSS?
To be eligible for CSS Competitive Examination, a candidate must:
- Be a citizen of Pakistan or a citizen of a recognized territory
- Hold at least a Bachelor's degree (minimum 2nd division) or equivalent from an HEC-recognized university
- Be within the prescribed age limits (21-30 years, with relaxations)
- Not have been dismissed from government service or convicted of moral turpitude
- Not have attempted CSS more than the permitted number of times
Q7: What is the Minimum Educational Qualification?
A candidate must possess at least a Bachelor's degree (14 years of education) or an equivalent qualification from a university recognized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan. Key points:
- The degree must be obtained with at least a 2nd Division (or equivalent CGPA)
- Degrees from foreign universities must have HEC equivalence certification
- Candidates in their final year of a Bachelor's program may apply provisionally, but must produce the degree before a specified deadline
Q8: Can Final-Year Students Apply?
Yes. Candidates who are in their final year of a Bachelor's program can apply, but they must:
- Clearly mention their expected graduation date in the application
- Produce the final degree/result before the date specified by FPSC
- If the degree is not produced by the deadline, their candidature is cancelled
Q9: Are Professional Degrees (MBBS, LLB, Engineering) Eligible?
Yes. Professional degrees such as MBBS, BDS, LLB, B.E., B.Sc. Engineering, B.Arch, and similar qualifications are fully accepted for CSS, provided they are recognized by HEC and the relevant professional council.
Q10: How Many Attempts Are Allowed?
A candidate is generally allowed a maximum number of attempts for CSS as prescribed by the rules. Under the current rules:
- Maximum 3 attempts for the CSS Written Examination are allowed
- Appearing in the MPT alone (without qualifying for the written exam) is not counted as an attempt
- If a candidate qualifies the MPT but does not appear for the Written Examination, it may still count as an attempt
Important: The number of attempts is periodically reviewed and may change. Always verify the current rule from the latest CSS Rules or FPSC advertisement.
Age Limits and Relaxation
Q11: What Is the Age Limit for CSS?
The age limits for CSS Competitive Examination are:
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| General Candidates | 21 years | 30 years |
Age is calculated as of the 1st January of the year in which the examination is advertised (or as specified in the rules).
Q12: What Age Relaxations Are Available?
Several categories of candidates are eligible for age relaxation:
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| Candidates from tribal areas (ex-FATA) | Up to 3 years |
| Candidates from recognized backward areas | Up to 3 years |
| Government servants in BS-16 and above | Up to 2 years |
| Disabled persons | Up to 10 years |
| Women candidates | None (same as general) |
Note: Age relaxation details may be updated in each year's advertisement. These relaxations are as per the CSS Rules 2019 and subsequent amendments.
Q13: How is Age Calculated?
Age is calculated based on:
- The date of birth recorded in the Matric/SSC certificate
- Calculated as on 1st January of the year the CSS exam is advertised
- FPSC does not accept any age correction after Matric-level records
Fee and Application
Q14: What Is the CSS Examination Fee?
The prescribed fee for CSS Competitive Examination is Rs. 2,600/- (as of the latest announcement). The fee structure includes:
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| CSS Examination Fee | Rs. 2,600/- |
Q15: How Do I Pay the Fee?
The fee is paid through the PSID (Payment Slip Identification) system:
- Generate a unique PSID from the FPSC online application portal
- Pay through any of the following 1-Link enabled methods:
- ATM of any 1-Link member bank
- Mobile Banking (Easypaisa, JazzCash, HBL Mobile, etc.)
- Internet Banking
- Over-the-counter at bank branches
- The payment is automatically verified by the FPSC system
Q16: Is the Fee Refundable?
No. The CSS examination fee is non-refundable once deposited, regardless of whether the candidate:
- Does not appear for the examination
- Is declared ineligible
- Withdraws the application
Q17: Can I Edit My Application After Submission?
Certain fields in the online application can be edited before the closing date. However, after the closing date:
- No changes are permitted to the application
- Subject choices and optional paper selections become final
- Personal details can only be corrected through formal representation to FPSC
MPT (MCQ-Based Preliminary Test)
Q18: What is the MPT?
The MPT (MCQ-Based Preliminary Test) is the first screening stage of the CSS Competitive Examination. It was introduced to screen out candidates before the main written examination. Key features:
- 200 MCQs in a single paper
- Duration: 3 hours
- Covers a broad range of subjects including English, General Knowledge, Current Affairs, Pakistan Affairs, Islamic Studies/Ethics, and basic Quantitative Reasoning
- Negative marking applies (0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer)
Q19: What is the Passing Criteria for MPT?
- Candidates must score at least 40% marks (80 out of 200) to qualify for the Written Examination
- The cut-off may vary slightly based on the total number of vacancies and candidates appearing
- MPT results are published on the FPSC website
Q20: Does Appearing in MPT Count as an Attempt?
No. Appearing in the MPT alone does not count as an attempt for the purpose of the maximum attempts limit. An attempt is only counted when a candidate qualifies the MPT and is eligible to appear in the Written Examination.
Q21: Is There Negative Marking in MPT?
Yes. There is negative marking in the MPT:
- Each correct answer: +1 mark
- Each wrong answer: -0.25 marks
- Unanswered questions: 0 marks
Strategy: Do not guess blindly. If you can eliminate 2 or more options, the odds favor attempting the question. If you have no idea, it's statistically better to leave it blank.
Written Examination
Q22: What is the Structure of the CSS Written Examination?
The CSS Written Examination consists of 12 papers divided into two parts:
Part I - Compulsory Subjects (6 papers, 600 marks)
| Paper | Marks |
|---|---|
| English Essay | 100 |
| English (Precis and Composition) | 100 |
| General Science and Ability | 100 |
| Current Affairs | 100 |
| Pakistan Affairs | 100 |
| Islamic Studies / Ethics (for non-Muslims) | 100 |
Part II - Optional Subjects (6 papers, 600 marks)
Candidates choose optional subjects worth 600 marks from designated groups. Each optional paper is worth 100 or 200 marks. Subjects must be chosen from different groups according to the rules.
Total: 1200 marks (Written Examination)
Q23: What is the Passing Criteria for Written Examination?
To qualify the Written Examination, a candidate must:
- Score at least 40% marks in each individual paper (compulsory and optional)
- Score at least 50% marks overall (aggregate of all 12 papers)
- Failure in even one paper disqualifies the candidate regardless of overall performance
Q24: How is the Written Examination Conducted?
- The examination is conducted over a period of approximately 3-4 weeks (excluding rest days)
- Examinations are held at designated centres across Pakistan
- Each paper is typically 3 hours in duration
- Optional subject papers of 200 marks may be split into two 3-hour sessions
Q25: Can I Change My Optional Subjects After Applying?
No. Once the application has been submitted and the closing date has passed, you cannot change your optional subjects. Choose your subjects carefully before submitting your application.
Medical Examination
Q26: When is the Medical Examination Conducted?
The Medical Examination is conducted after the Written Examination results are announced. Only candidates who qualify the written examination are called for the medical exam.
Q27: Who Conducts the Medical Examination?
The Medical Examination is conducted by a Medical Board constituted by FPSC. The examination takes place at designated government hospitals.
Q28: What Does the Medical Examination Cover?
The medical examination assesses:
- General physical fitness (height, weight, BMI)
- Eyesight (visual acuity, color blindness)
- Hearing
- Cardiovascular health
- Respiratory system
- Mental health assessment
- Blood tests and other lab investigations as required
- Any condition that may impair the ability to perform official duties
Q29: What Happens if I Fail the Medical Examination?
If declared medically unfit:
- You may submit a representation to FPSC requesting a review
- A re-examination by a Review Medical Board may be ordered
- If the Review Board also declares you unfit, the decision is final
- Certain conditions may be given temporary unfitness status, with a re-examination scheduled after treatment
Q30: Are There Different Medical Standards for Different Groups?
Yes. Certain occupational groups have stricter medical requirements:
- Police Service of Pakistan (PSP) - Higher physical fitness standards
- Foreign Affairs - Additional requirements for overseas service
- General groups - Standard medical fitness criteria
Psychological Assessment and Viva Voce
Q31: What is the Psychological Assessment?
The Psychological Assessment is a series of standardized tests conducted by FPSC to evaluate the personality traits, cognitive abilities, and behavioral patterns of CSS candidates. It is conducted after the medical examination.
Q32: Can I Appear in the Viva Voce Without Appearing in the Psychological Assessment?
No. A candidate cannot appear in the Viva Voce (interview) if they have not appeared in the Psychological Assessment. Both stages are mandatory for final selection.
Q33: What is the Viva Voce?
The Viva Voce is a panel interview conducted by FPSC members and subject experts. Key details:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Total Marks | 300 |
| Duration | Approximately 20-30 minutes |
| Panel | FPSC Chairman/Members and experts |
| Scope | General knowledge, personality, current affairs, subject knowledge |
Q34: How Are Group Allocations Made?
After the Viva Voce, final merit is compiled. Group allocation is based on:
- Merit position in the combined final result (Written + Viva Voce)
- Preference order submitted by the candidate
- Available vacancies in each occupational group
- National/provincial quotas
Higher merit positions get priority in group allocation. Top-ranking candidates typically secure their first or second preference.
Rules and Misconduct
Q35: What Constitutes Misconduct During CSS Examinations?
The following actions are considered misconduct:
- Cheating or attempting to cheat during examinations
- Using unauthorized materials (notes, mobile phones, electronic devices)
- Impersonation - having someone else take the exam in your place
- Communicating with other candidates during the examination
- Removing answer sheets or question papers from the examination hall
- Disruptive behavior at the examination centre
- Providing false information in the application
Q36: What Are the Penalties for Misconduct?
Penalties for misconduct can include:
| Offense | Possible Penalty |
|---|---|
| Using unauthorized material | Cancellation of current exam, ban from future exams |
| Impersonation | Permanent ban, possible criminal prosecution |
| Disruptive behavior | Removal from examination hall, result cancellation |
| False information | Cancellation of candidature, possible legal action |
| Copying from another candidate | Paper cancellation or exam cancellation |
Q37: Can I Take My Mobile Phone to the Examination Centre?
No. Mobile phones and all electronic devices are strictly prohibited inside the examination hall. Candidates found with mobile phones - even if switched off - may face penalty including cancellation of the paper or entire examination.
Q38: What If I Have a Dispute About My Results?
If you have concerns about your results:
- You may request re-checking of your answer scripts through FPSC
- Re-checking involves verifying that all answers have been marked and totals are correct
- Re-evaluation (re-marking of answers) is generally not available
- Representations must be submitted within the specified timeframe
- FPSC's decision on re-checking is considered final
Quick Reference Summary
| Stage | Key Information |
|---|---|
| What is CSS | Competitive Exam for 12 Federal Occupational Groups (BS-17) |
| Held | Once every year |
| Conducted by | Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) |
| Age Limit | 21-30 years (with relaxations for certain categories) |
| Education | Minimum Bachelor's degree (2nd division) from HEC-recognized university |
| Maximum Attempts | 3 attempts for Written Examination |
| Fee | Rs. 2,600/- (non-refundable) |
| MPT | 200 MCQs, 3 hours, negative marking, 40% passing |
| Written Exam | 12 papers (6 compulsory + 6 optional), 1200 marks total |
| Written Passing | 40% per paper, 50% overall aggregate |
| Medical | By FPSC Medical Board at government hospitals |
| Psychological | Mandatory - cannot skip and appear for interview |
| Viva Voce | 300 marks, panel interview |
| Governing Rules | CSS Competitive Examination Rules 2019 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ Schema)
Q: Can dual nationals apply for CSS? Pakistani nationals with dual citizenship may apply, but they must renounce their foreign nationality before appointment if selected. Check the latest rules for specific requirements.
Q: Is there any coaching or preparation center endorsed by FPSC? No. FPSC does not endorse, recommend, or affiliate with any coaching center, academy, or preparation institute. All claims of FPSC affiliation by coaching centers are false.
Q: When will the next CSS exam be held? The CSS schedule is announced on the FPSC website. Typically, advertisements appear in August-September each year. Monitor fpsc.gov.pk for the latest schedule.
Q: Can I appear for both CSS and PMS in the same year? Yes. CSS (federal) and PMS (provincial) are independent examinations conducted by different commissions. You can appear for both, provided there are no scheduling conflicts.
Q: What happens if I qualify CSS but decline the group allocation? If you refuse the allocated group, your candidature is typically cancelled. You would need to re-apply and re-appear in a future CSS examination.
Last updated: February 2026. For the most current information, always refer to the official FPSC website.