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The psychological assessment and viva voce (oral examination) are the final evaluation stages of the CSS selection process. Together, they determine whether a candidate has the personality, aptitude, and communication skills required for senior civil service positions. This guide explains both components in detail.
What is the CSS Psychological Assessment?
The psychological assessment is a mandatory component of the CSS selection process, conducted by qualified psychologists appointed by FPSC. It evaluates:
Purpose of the Assessment
- To assess the candidate's personality traits
- To evaluate aptitude for civil service work
- To identify leadership qualities and decision-making ability
- To check emotional stability and stress management
- To assess interpersonal skills and team compatibility
What Does the Assessment Include?
The psychological assessment typically includes:
- Written psychological tests - Standardized personality and aptitude questionnaires
- Group discussion - Candidates discuss a topic in groups while being observed by psychologists
- Individual interview - One-on-one session with the psychologist
- Situational exercises - Scenarios to assess decision-making and problem-solving ability
Is the Psychological Assessment Scored?
The psychological assessment is evaluated by the psychologist who submits a confidential report to the Commission. While the assessment itself may not carry separate marks added to the merit, it is used to:
- Inform the viva voce panel about candidate traits
- Identify candidates who may not be psychologically suited for civil service
- Provide a holistic view of the candidate beyond written exam performance
Important: The psychological assessment is mandatory. Failure to appear for it will disqualify you from the selection process.
What is the Viva Voce (Interview)?
The viva voce is the oral examination conducted by the Commission. It is the final evaluation stage before the merit list is prepared.
Key Details
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Marks | 300 |
| Minimum Qualifying Marks | 100 |
| Conducted by | FPSC Interview Board |
| Location | Primarily Islamabad (may also be held at regional centres) |
| Duration | Typically 20-30 minutes per candidate |
What Areas Are Covered in the Viva Voce?
The interview panel evaluates candidates on:
1. Academic Knowledge
- Questions related to your educational qualification and degree subjects
- In-depth knowledge of your optional CSS subjects
2. General Knowledge
- Current affairs - national and international
- Pakistan's history, geography, and political system
- Global affairs and international organizations
3. Islamiat / Religious Knowledge
- General knowledge about Islamic principles and history
- Non-Muslim candidates are not asked questions about Islam
4. Personality and Communication
- Confidence and ability to articulate thoughts
- Logical reasoning and analytical thinking
- Composure under pressure
- Body language and presentation
5. Professional Knowledge
- Understanding of the civil service structure in Pakistan
- Knowledge of the occupational groups and their functions
- Current government policies and programs
6. Situational Questions
- How you would handle specific administrative scenarios
- Ethical dilemmas and decision-making
- Leadership and team management situations
How is the Viva Voce Scored?
The viva voce carries 300 marks with the following assessment criteria:
| Assessment Area | Weightage |
|---|---|
| Knowledge and awareness | High |
| Communication and expression | High |
| Personality and confidence | Medium |
| Analytical ability | Medium |
| Overall impression | Considered |
- The minimum qualifying marks are 100 out of 300
- Scoring below 100 means disqualification from the final merit
- The viva voce marks are added to the written exam marks for final merit calculation
What Should You Wear for the Viva Voce?
The viva voce is a formal occasion. FPSC expects candidates to:
- Dress formally and appropriately for the weather
- Men should wear a formal suit or shalwar kameez with a waistcoat
- Women should dress modestly and formally
- Avoid informal attire such as jeans, T-shirts, or casual wear
- Keep buttons done up
- Be freshly groomed
Your appearance creates the first impression and reflects your seriousness about the position.
How Should You Prepare for the Viva Voce?
Knowledge Preparation
- Revise your CSS optional subjects - expect detailed questions
- Stay updated on current affairs - read newspapers daily for the month before the interview
- Study Pakistan's constitution and government structure
- Know the occupational groups and what each one does
- Understand current government policies and recent legislation
- Revise Islamic history and principles (or comparative religions for non-Muslims)
Soft Skills Preparation
- Practice mock interviews with friends or mentors
- Work on your communication skills - be clear and concise
- Develop your opinions on major issues - be prepared to defend them
- Practice maintaining composure - the panel may ask challenging questions
- Improve your body language - maintain eye contact, sit upright, avoid fidgeting
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-speaking - Be concise and to the point
- Not admitting ignorance - It is better to say "I don't know" than to give wrong information
- Getting argumentative - Respectfully present your views, even if the panel challenges them
- Poor grooming - First impressions matter
- Lack of preparation on your own degree subject and optional subjects
- Not knowing about current events - This shows a lack of awareness
Where is the Viva Voce Conducted?
The CSS viva voce is primarily conducted at:
- Islamabad (primary centre)
- Other regional centres may be set up based on the number of candidates
Note: FPSC does not pay any traveling or daily allowance for the viva voce. All travel and accommodation expenses are borne by the candidate.
What Happens After the Viva Voce?
After the viva voce:
- Marks are compiled - Written exam marks + viva voce marks
- Final merit list is prepared based on the combined score
- Group allocation - Candidates are allocated to occupational groups based on merit and preference
- Results are published on the FPSC website
Quick Summary
- Psychological assessment evaluates personality, aptitude, and emotional stability
- The assessment includes written tests, group discussions, and individual interviews
- Viva voce carries 300 marks with minimum qualifying marks of 100
- Interview covers academics, general knowledge, current affairs, personality, and situational questions
- Dress formally for the interview
- Scoring below 100 in viva voce means disqualification
- Viva voce marks are added to written exam marks for final merit
- FPSC does not reimburse travel expenses for the interview
To learn about how the final merit list is prepared and appointments are made, read our guide on CSS Final Merit, Appointments and Waiting List Rules.