PMS Compulsory Subjects - Complete Syllabus & Exam Pattern (2025)

The Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) Combined Competitive Examination, commonly known as PMS (Provincial Management Service), consists of 6 compulsory papers worth 600 marks total. Every PMS candidate must appear in all compulsory subjects regardless of their optional subject choices.

This guide provides the official PPSC syllabus outlines for all compulsory papers to help you plan your preparation effectively.

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PMS Compulsory Papers - Quick Overview

S.No.	Paper / Subject	Marks
1	English Essay	100
2	English (Precis, Comprehension & Translation)	100
3	Urdu (Essay, Precis, Comprehension & Translation)	100
4	Islamic Studies / Ethics (for Non-Muslims)	100
5	Pakistan Studies	100
6	General Knowledge (Objective)	100
	Total	600

Note: These 600 marks are in addition to the 600 marks from 3 optional subjects (200 marks each), making the PMS written exam a total of 1200 marks.

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Paper 1: English Essay (100 Marks)

Syllabus Outline

• Candidates are required to write an essay in English of about 1,500 words
• A wide choice of topics will be given in the question paper
• Topics may include issues related to:
  • Education
  • Economy
  • Foreign policy
  • Governance
  • Human rights
  • Constitution
  • Law and order
  • Other socio-economic issues related to Pakistan
  • Topics of general nature

What Examiners Look For

• Clear understanding of the topic
• Conceptual clarity and logical reasoning
• Articulation and expression
• Correct use of English language

Preparation Tips

• Practice writing one full-length essay (1,500 words) every week under timed conditions
• Read Dawn and The News editorials daily for current vocabulary and argumentation styles
• Build a bank of quotations, statistics, and real-world examples for common essay themes
• Focus on a clear Introduction - Body - Conclusion structure
• Always address counter-arguments to demonstrate balanced thinking

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Paper 2: English Precis, Comprehension & Translation (100 Marks)

Part A: English Precis and Comprehension

This paper tests the candidate's ability to handle precis writing, comprehension, syntax, translation, grammar, and vocabulary.

1. Precis Writing

A passage of generic nature with enough room for compression will be given for writing a precis and suggesting a suitable topic.

2. Comprehension

A carefully selected passage, rich in substance but not specific to any discipline, will be given followed by five questions requiring answers from the passage itself.

3. Grammar & Vocabulary

Questions relating to correct usage of:

• Tenses
• Articles
• Prepositions
• Conjunctions
• Punctuation
• Verbs

4. Sentence Correction

Sentences with flaws in grammar, punctuation, or use of capitals will be given. Candidates must correct them without making unnecessary alterations.

5. Grouping of Words & Pair of Words

Words chosen randomly may be given that need to be grouped in pairs having:

• Similar or opposite meaning
• Idioms and proverbs
• Antonyms and synonyms

Part B: Translation (Urdu to English)

A short passage in Urdu that may contain figurative or idiomatic expressions will be given for an accurate translation into English.

Preparation Tips

• Practice 2-3 comprehension passages daily from past papers
• For precis writing, practice summarizing newspaper editorials to one-third of original length
• Review Wren & Martin for grammar fundamentals
• Build vocabulary through daily newspaper reading
• Practice Urdu-to-English translation with idiomatic expressions

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Paper 3: Urdu - Essay, Precis, Comprehension & Translation (100 Marks)

Part A: Urdu Essay

• Candidates must write an essay in Urdu of about 1,000 words
• Wide choice of topics covering education, economy, foreign policy, governance, human rights, constitution, law and order, socio-economic issues, and general topics
• Examiners evaluate: clear understanding, conceptual clarity, logical reasoning, articulation, and correct use of Urdu language

Part B: Urdu Precis and Comprehension

The examination tests the same skills as the English paper, but in Urdu:

1. Precis Writing - Compress a generic passage and suggest a suitable topic
2. Comprehension - Answer five questions from a given passage
3. Grammar & Vocabulary - Correct usage of tenses, articles, prepositions, conjunctions, punctuation, and verbs
4. Sentence Correction - Fix grammatical, punctuation, and capitalization errors
5. Grouping of Words & Pair of Words - Synonyms, antonyms, idioms, and proverbs

Part C: Translation (English to Urdu)

A short passage in English containing figurative or idiomatic expressions will be given for accurate translation into Urdu.

Preparation Tips

• Read Urdu newspapers (Jang, Nawa-i-Waqt) regularly for vocabulary and style
• Practice essay writing in Urdu weekly
• Build familiarity with Urdu idioms and proverbs
• Practice English-to-Urdu translation focusing on idiomatic accuracy

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Paper 4: Islamic Studies / Ethics for Non-Muslims (100 Marks)

This paper is a combination of both subjective and objective type questions.

Islamic Studies Syllabus

1. Introduction to Islam

• Advent of Islam
• Fundamentals of Islam - concepts and their importance
• Deen and its religious impact on individual and society
• Spiritual, moral, and social impact
• Basic beliefs
• Amar Bil Maroof and Nahi Anil Munkir

2. Seerat-un-Nabi (PBUH)

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in various roles:

• Messenger
• Reformer
• Administrator
• Educator
• Diplomat
• Statesman
• Military Leader

3. Early Islamic History

• History up to Khulfa-e-Rashideen (the four rightly guided Caliphs)

4. Human Rights in Islam

• Status of women
• Rights of minorities

5. Islam and the World

• Impact on the West and vice versa
• Role in the modern world
• Contemporary challenges for the Muslim world
• Muslim minorities in the world

6. Islamic Code of Life

• Salient features of Islamic socio-political system
• Economic system
• Judicial system
• Administrative system
• Ijtihad and its forms

Ethics Syllabus (For Non-Muslim Candidates)

1. Religions of the World - Revealed and Non-Revealed
2. Important Religious Books
3. Contribution of Religions in Development of Societies
4. Ethics and Morality
5. Human Rights and Obligations
6. Commonality in Religions
7. Revelation

Preparation Tips

• Study Seerat-un-Nabi comprehensively - it covers multiple question areas
• For Islamic history, focus on the Khulfa-e-Rashideen period in detail
• Learn the Islamic perspective on human rights with examples from Quran and Sunnah
• Understand the concept of Ijtihad and its modern relevance
• Practice both MCQ and descriptive answers

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Paper 5: Pakistan Studies (100 Marks)

This paper is a combination of both subjective and objective questions covering a wide range of Pakistan-related topics.

Syllabus Topics

History & Pakistan Movement

• Muslim rule in the sub-continent and its downfall
• Muslim renaissance, reform, and educational movements
• Pakistan Movement
• Role of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, Allama Iqbal, and Quaid-e-Azam in the making of Pakistan

Geography & Resources

• Land and people of Pakistan
• Geography, society, culture
• Natural resources, agriculture, industry, education

Constitutional & Political Development

• Constitutional history of Pakistan
• 1973 Constitution, constitutional amendments, and important constitutional cases
• Political evolution since 1971
• Evolution of democracy and democratic institutions in Pakistan
• Governance issues - accountability, transparency, fundamental rights

Foreign Policy & International Relations

• Foreign policy of Pakistan
• Pakistan and its neighbors, super powers, the Islamic block, and the European Union
• Pakistan and the United Nations
• Regional cooperation including SAARC, ECO, SCO, and the role of Pakistan
• Pakistan and the changing regional scenario

Security & Strategic Issues

• Pakistan's nuclear programme and international concerns
• National security dynamics and challenges
• Kashmir dispute
• Situation in Afghanistan since 1979 and its impact on Pakistan
• Pakistan and important global issues including Palestine, growing extremism and militancy, war on terror

Socio-Economic Issues

• Socio-economic challenges and opportunities
• Pakistan's energy problems - economic impact and future prospects
• Problems related to poverty, education, health, sanitation
• Women empowerment, sustainable development goals, and human rights

Preparation Tips

• Study Ikram Rabbani's "Pakistan Studies" as the primary reference
• Create a timeline of constitutional history from 1947 to present
• Stay updated on Pakistan's current foreign policy developments
• Focus on CPEC, regional organizations (SAARC, ECO, SCO), and bilateral relations
• Practice map-based questions about Pakistan's geography

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Paper 6: General Knowledge - Objective (100 Marks)

This is a purely objective (MCQ) paper covering 8 broad areas. This is often the most scoring paper if prepared systematically.

A. Current Affairs

Candidates must have updated knowledge on:

1. Pakistan's economic, social, and political issues - regional disparities, water scarcity, cyber laws
2. Pakistan's relations with neighbors
3. Pakistan's relations with the Muslim world
4. Pakistan and the UN, European Union, and regional organizations (ECO, SAARC, SCO, ASEAN, ARF)
5. Pakistan's relations with the US, China, EU, and Russia
6. Global issues: international peace, economy, human rights, terrorism, food security, energy security, global warming, nuclear issues, international trade, SDGs
7. Relations with India including Kashmir dispute
8. Middle East and South West Asia issues
9. Prominent personalities, opinion makers, NGOs, INGOs, non-state actors
10. Globalization
11. Evolving socio-economic and political situation in Pakistan and the world
12. Sports, music, culture, literature

B. Physical Sciences

1. Solar system, galaxies, universe, and common astronomy terms
2. Natural hazards and disasters (earthquakes, cyclones, tsunamis) and disaster risk management
3. Energy sources (fossil fuels and renewable) and sustainable use
4. Basics of physics and chemistry - atomic structures, chemical bonding, radiations, laws and principles
5. Materials, chemicals, and their properties
6. Minerals and their mining

C. Biological Sciences

1. Fundamentals of life forms - cell structure, nucleus
2. Bio-molecular structures - proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, enzymes and their functions
3. Plant and animal life
4. Human body - parts, organs, and functions
5. Common diseases - causes, symptoms, treatment; vitamins, vaccines

D. Environment Studies

1. Ecosystem, biodiversity, climate change, water cycle, biosphere, rock types
2. Atmospheric pollution - types, sources, effects, ozone depletion, greenhouse effects, CFCs
3. International conventions on climate change, biodiversity, wetlands, desertification, carbon credits
4. Water pollution - types, sources, remedies; sustainable water use; recycling; waste management

E. Food Sciences

1. Diet and essential compounds for health
2. Quality of food, preservation, deterioration of fruits and vegetables, adulterations
3. Food security and global hunger issues

F. Computer Science & Information Technology

1. Fundamentals of hardware and software
2. Data processing, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint
3. Networking, emails, social media
4. Basics of telecommunication including GPS, fiber optics

G. Basic Mathematics

1. Quantitative reasoning and problem solving
2. Basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry - averages, ratios, percentages, geometric figures, sets, equations
3. Logical reasoning and analytical reasoning - number series, analogies, relationships
4. Mental mathematics
5. Arithmetical problems relating to time and work, distance and speed, age, directions
6. Basic statistics

H. General

1. Famous scientists and their claim to fame
2. Famous inventions, discoveries, scientific laws, theories, and postulates
3. Units and instruments of measurement

Preparation Tips

• Divide your GK preparation into daily segments (one section per day)
• Current affairs should be studied daily through newspapers and news websites
• For science sections, focus on basic concepts rather than advanced details
• Practice mental math daily - speed matters in MCQ papers
• Use past papers to identify high-frequency question patterns
• Keep a notebook of facts, figures, and important dates

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Recommended Study Strategy

Phase 1: Foundation (Months 1-2)

• Read the complete syllabus and understand the scope of each paper
• Gather all recommended books and study materials
• Start daily newspaper reading (both English and Urdu)
• Begin vocabulary building

Phase 2: Core Preparation (Months 3-6)

• Study each paper systematically using recommended books
• Practice essay writing weekly (alternate between English and Urdu)
• Solve past papers for General Knowledge
• Join a study group for discussion and peer review

Phase 3: Revision & Practice (Months 7-8)

• Revise all subjects thoroughly
• Take full-length mock tests under exam conditions
• Focus on weak areas identified through practice tests
• Polish essay writing and precis skills

Key Resources

Resource	Purpose
Dawn / The News	English vocabulary and current affairs
Jang / Nawa-i-Waqt	Urdu language practice
Ikram Rabbani - Pakistan Studies	Pakistan Studies comprehensive coverage
Wren & Martin	English grammar reference
PPSC Past Papers	Question pattern analysis
PakExam Study Material	Subject-wise tutorials and guides

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Important Notes

• All compulsory papers carry equal weight of 100 marks each
• Islamic Studies / Ethics paper has both subjective and objective components
• General Knowledge paper is purely objective (MCQs)
• The remaining 4 papers are subjective (essay-based)
• Candidates must qualify in each paper separately - there is no averaging across papers
• The syllabus is set by PPSC and may be updated periodically - always check the official PPSC website for the latest version

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This syllabus guide is based on the official PPSC outlines for PMS compulsory subjects. For the complete list of PMS optional subjects and their syllabi, see our PMS Optional Subjects guide.