Table of Contents9 sections
The Curriculum and Research wing of FPSC handles one of the most critical aspects of the examination process - the syllabus, test structure, and content design for all FPSC examinations. Whether you are preparing for CSS Competitive Examination or general recruitment tests, understanding the syllabus and paper format is essential. This article covers all frequently asked questions from the official FPSC Curriculum and Research FAQ.
Source: This FAQ is based on the official FPSC Curriculum and Research FAQ available at fpsc.gov.pk.
How Can Syllabus for Written Tests Be Obtained?
The syllabi for all FPSC examinations are available for free download on the official FPSC website. There are two main categories:
For General Recruitment Posts (BS-16 and above)
- Visit fpsc.gov.pk/category/gr-syllabi
- The syllabus for each post is uploaded when the advertisement is published
- Syllabi are specific to each post and reflect the knowledge areas required for the position
For CSS Competitive Examination
- Visit the FPSC website and navigate to the CSS section
- The CSS syllabus covers all compulsory and optional subjects
- The syllabus is based on the CSS Competitive Examination Rules 2019 and subsequent amendments
- The complete CSS CE-2016 syllabus document covers all subjects in detail
Important: Do not rely on third-party websites or coaching institutes for syllabus information. Always download the official syllabus from the FPSC website to ensure accuracy.
When is the Syllabus Uploaded After Posts Are Advertised?
The syllabus for general recruitment posts is typically uploaded on the FPSC website simultaneously with the advertisement or within a few days of the advertisement being published. For CSS, the syllabus is available year-round on the FPSC website since it does not change frequently.
If the syllabus is not visible on the website immediately after an advertisement:
- Check back after 2-3 working days
- Contact FPSC through their helpline (051-111-000-248) if the syllabus is still not available
- Email fpsc@fpsc.gov.pk with the advertisement/case number requesting the syllabus
What Will Be the Proportion of MCQs in CSS Compulsory and Optional Papers?
The proportion of MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions) versus subjective (descriptive) questions varies by paper type in the CSS examination:
Compulsory Papers
| Paper | Format |
|---|---|
| English Essay (100 marks) | Fully subjective (essay writing) |
| English Precis and Composition (100 marks) | Subjective (precis, comprehension, grammar, composition) |
| General Science and Ability (100 marks) | Mixed - MCQ + Subjective |
| Current Affairs (100 marks) | Mixed - MCQ + Subjective |
| Pakistan Affairs (100 marks) | Mixed - MCQ + Subjective |
| Islamic Studies / Ethics (100 marks) | Mixed - MCQ + Subjective |
Optional Papers
Most optional papers follow a mixed format combining:
- MCQ portion: Typically 20-40% of total marks
- Subjective portion: Typically 60-80% of total marks
The exact MCQ-to-subjective ratio may vary by subject and can change from year to year based on FPSC's decision. The advertisement or notification for each CSS cycle typically specifies the format.
What About General Science and Ability (Part I and Part II)?
The General Science and Ability paper is divided into two parts:
| Part | Content | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Part I - General Science | Science concepts, scientific reasoning, everyday science | 50 |
| Part II - Ability | Quantitative reasoning, analytical ability, logical reasoning | 50 |
Both parts include a combination of MCQs and subjective questions. The proportion is approximately:
- Part I (General Science): 30 MCQs + subjective questions
- Part II (Ability): Objective-type (MCQ/short numerical) + subjective analytical questions
Note: The exact distribution can change between CSS cycles. Candidates should prepare for both MCQ and subjective formats across all papers.
Can a Paper of 100 Marks Only Be Opted from Group-2 for Competitive Exam?
This is a common question regarding the optional subject selection for CSS. The rules for selecting optional subjects are:
Subject Selection Rules
Under the CSS Competitive Examination Rules 2019:
- Candidates must choose 6 optional papers worth a total of 600 marks
- Optional subjects are organized into different groups
- Certain groups have subjects worth 200 marks (counted as 2 papers) and others worth 100 marks (counted as 1 paper)
- You can select a 100-mark paper from any group, including Group-2, subject to the overall selection constraints
Key Constraints
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Total optional marks | Must equal exactly 600 marks |
| Number of optional papers | Exactly 6 papers |
| Subject combinations | Must follow the permitted combinations in the rules |
| Cross-group selection | Allowed, but with restrictions on certain combinations |
| Repeat groups | Some groups allow selection of multiple subjects, others have limits |
Example Combinations
A valid combination might look like:
- Group 1: Subject A (200 marks = 2 papers)
- Group 2: Subject B (100 marks = 1 paper)
- Group 3: Subject C (200 marks = 2 papers)
- Group 5: Subject D (100 marks = 1 paper)
- Total: 6 papers, 600 marks
An invalid combination would be any selection that does not total 600 marks or 6 papers.
Recommendation: Study the subject groups carefully before making your selection. Once submitted, optional subjects cannot be changed after the closing date. Consult the detailed CSS syllabus on the FPSC website for all available subjects and their group assignments.
Is the Urdu Version of the Islamic Studies Syllabus Available?
Yes to some extent. Here is what you need to know about the Islamic Studies syllabus:
Availability
- The official syllabus for Islamic Studies is published in English on the FPSC website
- FPSC has made efforts to provide Urdu translations for certain components, particularly the list of topics and reference materials
- The question paper for Islamic Studies in the CSS examination can be answered in either English or Urdu
Language of the Examination
| Aspect | Language Options |
|---|---|
| Syllabus document | Primarily English (Urdu version available for some components) |
| Question paper | English (with Urdu translation of questions) |
| Answer writing | Candidates can answer in English or Urdu |
| Reference books | Available in both English and Urdu |
How to Download
- Visit the FPSC website and navigate to the CSS syllabus section
- Look for the Islamic Studies syllabus document
- If the Urdu version is not immediately visible, check the FPSC downloads or curriculum section
- Contact FPSC's Curriculum and Research wing if you need a specific version
Tip: Even if the syllabus is primarily in English, many of the recommended textbooks for Islamic Studies are available in Urdu. Prepare from whichever language you are more comfortable with, as you can answer the exam in either language.
Can Non-Muslim Candidates Opt for Islamic Studies in CSS?
No. The rules are clear on this:
- Muslim candidates must appear in the Islamic Studies paper (100 marks) as a compulsory subject in Part I
- Non-Muslim candidates appear in the Ethics paper (100 marks) instead of Islamic Studies
- Non-Muslim candidates cannot opt for Islamic Studies, even voluntarily
- Similarly, Muslim candidates cannot opt for Ethics instead of Islamic Studies
Ethics Paper for Non-Muslim Candidates
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Paper | Ethics (Alternative to Islamic Studies) |
| Marks | 100 |
| Status | Compulsory for non-Muslim candidates |
| Content | Ethical philosophy, moral reasoning, governance ethics, applied ethics |
General Recruitment Syllabus - Additional FAQs
How Detailed is the Syllabus for General Recruitment Posts?
The level of detail varies by post:
- For specialist/technical posts (doctors, engineers, scientists): The syllabus is detailed and aligned with the professional qualification required
- For generalist posts: The syllabus covers the core knowledge areas relevant to the position
- All syllabi include the major topics and sometimes specify the weightage of each section
Are Past Papers Available for General Recruitment Tests?
FPSC does not officially publish past papers for general recruitment tests. However:
- Previous candidates may share their experience on forums and study groups
- The syllabus gives a clear indication of the topics that will be tested
- Focus on the syllabus rather than hunting for past papers
How Often Does the Syllabus Change?
- CSS Syllabus: Major revisions happen every few years. The last significant revision was in 2016 (CSS CE-2016). Minor updates can happen through notifications.
- General Recruitment Syllabus: Each advertisement may have a customized syllabus based on the post requirements. There is no fixed revision cycle.
Preparing Based on the Official Syllabus
Step-by-Step Approach
- Download the official syllabus from FPSC's website immediately after the advertisement
- Break down each topic into sub-topics and create a study plan
- Gather recommended textbooks - the syllabus often lists recommended readings
- Practice both MCQ and subjective formats since most papers use a mixed approach
- Time your practice to match the actual exam duration
- Revise regularly - consistency beats last-minute cramming
Recommended Resources by Paper Type
| Paper Type | Resources |
|---|---|
| English (CSS) | Wren & Martin Grammar, Dawn newspaper editorials, past CSS essays |
| Pakistan Affairs | Ikram Rabbani, Pakistan Studies textbooks, current news analysis |
| Current Affairs | Daily newspapers, monthly current affairs digests, international journals |
| Islamic Studies | Quranic studies, Hadith collections, recommended references in syllabus |
| General Science | Everyday science guides, basic science textbooks, scientific news |
| Optional Subjects | Specific textbooks mentioned in the syllabus for each subject |
| General Recruitment | Textbooks aligned with the post's qualification requirements |
Quick Reference Summary
| Topic | Key Information |
|---|---|
| Syllabus Download | Free at fpsc.gov.pk - CSS and General Recruitment sections |
| GR Syllabus Timing | Uploaded with or shortly after advertisement |
| CSS MCQ Proportion | Varies by paper - typically 20-40% MCQ, 60-80% subjective |
| 100-Mark Paper from Group-2 | Yes, allowed within overall selection rules |
| Islamic Studies Urdu | Urdu version available for some components, answers can be in Urdu |
| Non-Muslims | Must take Ethics paper instead of Islamic Studies |
| Syllabus Changes | CSS: periodic major revisions; GR: per-post customization |
| Past Papers | Not officially published by FPSC |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ Schema)
Q: Can I use the old CSS syllabus (pre-2016) for preparation? No. Always use the current syllabus (CSS CE-2016 or later amendments) as published on the FPSC website. The content, format, and emphasis may have changed significantly.
Q: Is there a separate syllabus for each CSS optional subject? Yes. Each optional subject has its own detailed syllabus specifying topics, sub-topics, and sometimes recommended readings. These are part of the comprehensive CSS syllabus document.
Q: Will FPSC notify me if the syllabus changes? No individual notifications are sent. Candidates are expected to check the FPSC website regularly for any updates or changes to syllabi.
Q: Are the MCQs in CSS papers from the prescribed syllabus only? Yes. MCQs are set from within the prescribed syllabus. However, General Knowledge/Current Affairs MCQs may include recent developments not explicitly listed in the syllabus.
Q: Can I suggest changes to the FPSC syllabus? FPSC's Curriculum and Research wing periodically reviews and updates syllabi. While formal channels for public input are limited, you can write to FPSC with suggestions. However, syllabus changes go through an internal committee process.
Q: Does FPSC provide model papers or sample questions? FPSC does not generally publish model papers. However, the format and style of questions can be understood by reviewing the syllabus and any guidelines published with the CSS notification.
Last updated: February 2026. For the most current information, always refer to the official FPSC website.