Preparing for Pakistani competitive exams requires structured study outlines. This guide provides subject-wise outlines for CSS, PMS, PPSC, FPSC, BPSC, SPSC, and KPPSC examinations.
CSS Exam Outlines
The CSS exam has 6 compulsory subjects (600 marks) and optional subjects from 7 groups (600 marks), totalling 1,200 marks.
Compulsory Subjects
1. English Essay (100 Marks)
- Essay writing on social, political, economic, and philosophical themes
- Marking criteria: Content (40%), Expression (30%), Organization (30%)
- Practice structured argumentation and critical thinking
- Use quotations, facts, and examples to support arguments
2. English Precis & Composition (100 Marks)
- Precis writing: condense passages to one-third of original
- Reading comprehension and inference questions
- Grammar: tenses, voice, narration, correction
- Vocabulary: synonyms, antonyms, idioms, phrases, pair of words
- Translation from Urdu to English
3. General Science & Ability (100 Marks)
- Physics: mechanics, electricity, magnetism, atomic structure
- Biology: cell biology, genetics, biotechnology
- Environmental science: ecology, pollution, climate change
- IT: computer fundamentals, networking, cyber security
- Quantitative ability: arithmetic, algebra, geometry, statistics
- Logical reasoning and mental ability
4. Current Affairs (100 Marks)
- Pakistan domestic affairs: political developments, governance, economy
- Pakistan external affairs: relations with major countries
- Global issues: terrorism, nuclear proliferation, climate change, human rights, UN reforms
5. Pakistan Affairs (100 Marks)
- Historical perspective: independence movement, creation of Pakistan
- Constitutional development: all constitutions and amendments
- Political history: martial laws, democratic transitions
- Economy: fiscal policy, trade, industry
- Society: education, health, population, urbanization
- Foreign relations: India, China, USA, Afghanistan, Middle East
6. Islamic Studies (100 Marks)
- Quran: major themes, tafseer of selected surahs
- Hadith: major collections, selected ahadith
- Fiqh: schools of Islamic jurisprudence
- Islamic history: Prophet's life, Khulafa-e-Rashideen
- Islam and modern challenges
PMS Exam Outlines (Provincial Management Service)
Provincial-level exam conducted by PPSC, SPSC, KPPSC, and BPSC. 5 compulsory papers (500 marks) plus 3 optional subjects (600 marks).
PMS Compulsory Papers
- English Essay (100 marks) - aligned with CSS English Essay
- English Precis & Composition (100 marks) - same pattern as CSS
- General Knowledge-I (100 marks) - current affairs + Pakistan affairs combined
- General Knowledge-II (100 marks) - everyday science + Islamiat/Ethics
- Urdu/Regional Language (100 marks) - translation, essay, grammar, comprehension
PMS Optional Subjects
PMS candidates select 3 optional subjects (200 marks each). Available options mirror CSS optional groups including Political Science, International Relations, Economics, History, Law, Public Administration, and more.
PPSC / FPSC Commission Exam Outlines
Common testing areas for MCQ-based recruitment tests by PPSC, FPSC, SPSC, KPPSC, and BPSC.
1. English Language
- Grammar rules, sentence correction, vocabulary
- Synonyms/antonyms, idioms, one-word substitutions
- Comprehension and error detection
2. General Knowledge
- Pakistan geography, famous personalities, historical events
- Inventions and discoveries, international organizations, awards
3. Pakistan Affairs
- Pakistan Movement, constitutional history, political system
- Economy, demographics, culture, foreign policy
4. Current Affairs
- National and international events, government appointments
- Bilateral agreements, economic indicators, sports
5. Islamic Studies
- Pillars of Islam, articles of faith, Seerat-un-Nabi
- Quran basics, Khulafa-e-Rashideen, Islamic governance
6. Quantitative Aptitude
- Percentages, ratios, profit/loss, time-speed-distance
- Averages, interest, data interpretation
7. Computer Science
- Computer fundamentals, MS Office, internet technologies
- Hardware/software, operating systems, networking
8. Everyday Science
- Basic physics, chemistry, biology
- Environmental science, technology, inventions
Study Plan Tips
- Start with compulsory subjects - they carry the most weight and are non-negotiable
- Build a 3-month study plan - allocate specific weeks to each subject
- Use past papers - solve at least 5 years of past papers for each subject
- Daily newspaper reading - essential for Current Affairs and Pakistan Affairs
- Make concise notes - create one-page summaries per topic for revision
- Join study groups - discuss topics with fellow aspirants
- Practice mock tests - time yourself to build exam stamina
Frequently Asked Questions
How many subjects should I prepare for CSS?
You need 6 compulsory subjects (600 marks) plus optional subjects totalling 600 marks. Most candidates choose 3 optional subjects of 200 marks each.
Is the PPSC syllabus the same as CSS?
No. PPSC uses MCQ-based tests with different weightage. However, the core subjects (English, Pakistan Affairs, Current Affairs, Islamiat) overlap significantly.
How long does CSS preparation take?
Most successful candidates prepare for 8-12 months. A well-structured 6-month intensive plan can also work if you have a strong academic foundation.
Where can I find past papers?
Check our Past Papers section for free access to past papers from CSS, PPSC, FPSC, and other commissions.