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The Central Superior Services (CSS) Competitive Examination is Pakistan's premier civil service examination, conducted annually by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC). It is the gateway to the most prestigious government positions in the country. This guide provides a complete overview of the CSS exam structure, its components, and the occupational groups you can be allocated to.
What is the CSS Competitive Examination?
The CSS (Central Superior Services) Competitive Examination is an annual examination conducted by FPSC under the CSS Competitive Examination Rules, 2019. It is designed to recruit officers for various federal government services and occupational groups at BS-17 level.
The examination consists of four components:
- Written Examination - Compulsory and optional subject papers
- Medical Examination - Physical fitness assessment
- Psychological Assessment - Aptitude and personality evaluation
- Viva Voce (Interview) - Oral examination by the Commission
What is the Cut-off Date for CSS?
The cut-off date for the CSS Competitive Examination is 31st December of the year preceding the examination. This means all eligibility conditions (age, qualification, domicile, etc.) must be met by this date.
For example, if you are appearing in the CSS 2026 exam, your eligibility is assessed as of 31st December 2025.
What Are the 12 Occupational Groups and Services?
Successful CSS candidates are allocated to one of the following 12 occupational groups/services based on their merit and preference:
Group 1: Commerce and Trade Group
- Trade and commerce related federal positions
Group 2: District Management Group
- Administration of districts across Pakistan
Group 3: Foreign Affairs Group (Pakistan Foreign Service)
- Diplomatic and foreign affairs positions
Group 4: Income Tax Group (Inland Revenue Service)
- Federal taxation and revenue management
Group 5: Information Group
- Government information, media, and communication
Group 6: Military Lands and Cantonments Group
- Administration of cantonment areas and military lands
Group 7: Office Management Group
- Federal secretariat and office administration
Group 8: Pakistan Audit and Accounts Service
- Government auditing and accounts management
Group 9: Police Service of Pakistan
- Federal and provincial police leadership positions
Group 10: Postal Group
- Pakistan Post administration
Group 11: Railways (Commercial and Transportation) Group
- Pakistan Railways management
Group 12: Customs and Excise Group (Pakistan Customs Service)
- Customs, excise, and border management
How Does the CSS Selection Process Work?
The CSS selection process follows a structured sequence:
Step 1: Application
- Submit online application through the FPSC website
- Send hardcopy of the application within 10 days
- Pay the prescribed fee of Rs. 2,200
Step 2: Written Examination
- Appear in compulsory and optional subject papers
- Total marks: 1,200 (600 compulsory + 600 optional)
- Qualifying marks vary by paper type (40% compulsory, 33% optional, 50% aggregate)
Step 3: Medical Examination
- Undergo physical and medical fitness assessment
- Different standards apply for Police Service, Railways, and other groups
Step 4: Psychological Assessment
- Complete personality and aptitude evaluation
- Assessed by a qualified psychologist
Step 5: Viva Voce (Interview)
- Appear before the interview board
- Total marks: 300
- Minimum qualifying marks: 100
Step 6: Final Merit and Allocation
- Final merit list is prepared based on combined marks
- Candidates are allocated to occupational groups based on merit position and preference
How Many Attempts Are Allowed in CSS?
A candidate can appear in the CSS Competitive Examination for a maximum of 3 attempts. This limit applies regardless of the outcome of each attempt. Once you have exhausted your 3 chances, you cannot appear in the examination again.
Where is the CSS Exam Conducted?
The CSS written examination is held simultaneously at 19 centres across Pakistan:
- Islamabad
- Rawalpindi
- Lahore
- Multan
- Faisalabad
- Gujranwala
- Bahawalpur
- Sargodha
- Karachi
- Hyderabad
- Sukkur
- Larkana
- Peshawar
- Abbottabad
- D.I. Khan
- Quetta
- Turbat
- Gilgit
- Muzaffarabad
Note: FPSC may increase or decrease the number of centres based on the number of candidates or administrative considerations.
What Makes CSS Different from Other FPSC Exams?
| Feature | CSS Exam | Regular FPSC Recruitment |
|---|---|---|
| Paper Type | Descriptive (essay-type) | MCQ-based |
| Number of Subjects | 6 compulsory + 3 optional | 1-2 papers |
| Total Marks | 1,200 (written) + 300 (viva voce) = 1,500 | Varies by post |
| Maximum Attempts | 3 | No general limit |
| Entry Level | BS-17 | BS-16 and above |
| Psychological Assessment | Mandatory | Not required |
| Selection Process | Written + Medical + Psychological + Viva Voce | Written + Interview |
Quick Summary
- CSS is conducted annually by FPSC under the CSS Competitive Examination Rules, 2019
- Cut-off date is 31st December of the preceding year
- The exam has 4 components: written, medical, psychological, and viva voce
- There are 12 occupational groups including DMG, Foreign Affairs, Police Service, and more
- Maximum 3 attempts are allowed
- The exam is held at 19 centres across Pakistan
- Total marks: 1,500 (1,200 written + 300 viva voce)
To learn about the CSS application process and fee payment, read our guide on CSS Application Process, Fee and Hardcopy Submission Rules.