Table of Contents11 sections
In the PPSC Combined Competitive Examination (PMS), candidates must choose 3 optional subjects worth 200 marks each (total 600 marks) in addition to the 6 compulsory papers. The optional subjects are divided into 7 groups, and candidates cannot select more than one subject from any single group.
This comprehensive guide covers all 30 optional subjects, their group classifications, detailed syllabi, and strategic tips for making the best subject choices.
Selection Rules
- Choose exactly 3 optional subjects
- Each optional subject carries 200 marks (usually split into Paper I and Paper II, 100 marks each)
- You cannot select more than one subject from any group
- Total optional marks: 600
- Combined with 600 marks of compulsory papers, the PMS written exam totals 1,200 marks
Complete Group Classification
Group A - Commerce & Administration
| # | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Commerce | 200 |
| 2 | Economics | 200 |
| 3 | Business Administration | 200 |
| 4 | Public Administration | 200 |
Group B - Sciences & Engineering
| # | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Agriculture | 200 |
| 6 | Veterinary Science | 200 |
| 7 | Botany | 200 |
| 8 | Zoology | 200 |
| 9 | Mathematics | 200 |
| 10 | Computer Science | 200 |
| 11 | Statistics | 200 |
| 12 | Principle of Engineering | 200 |
Group C - Physical Sciences
| # | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 13 | Physics | 200 |
| 14 | Chemistry | 200 |
| 15 | Geology | 200 |
| 16 | Geography | 200 |
Group D - Law & Political Studies
| # | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 17 | Political Science | 200 |
| 18 | History | 200 |
| 19 | Law | 200 |
| 20 | Mass Communication | 200 |
Group E - Behavioral Sciences
| # | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 21 | Philosophy | 200 |
| 22 | Psychology | 200 |
| 23 | Sociology | 200 |
| 24 | Social Work | 200 |
Group F - Literature & Languages
| # | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 25 | English Literature | 200 |
| 26 | Urdu | 200 |
| 27 | Arabic | 200 |
Group G - Education & Regional Languages
| # | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 28 | Education | 200 |
| 29 | Persian | 200 |
| 30 | Punjabi | 200 |
Detailed Syllabus - Group A
1. Commerce (200 Marks)
Commerce covers accounting, auditing, business law, taxation, and commercial practices relevant to Pakistan's business environment.
2. Economics (200 Marks)
Paper I - Microeconomics & Mathematical Economics (100 Marks)
Part I - Microeconomics:
- Meaning of microeconomics, choice, scarcity, and opportunity cost
- Production possibility frontier
- Market economy: demand, supply, and price determination
- Elasticity of supply and demand (price, income, and cross elasticities)
- Theory of consumer behaviour: cardinal and ordinal utility, indifference curves, budget constraints
- Theory of production: production function, cost curves, returns to scale, economies of scale
- Market structures: perfect competition, monopoly, monopolistic competition, oligopoly
- Models: Cournot's duopoly, Chamberlin's oligopoly, Sweezy's kinked demand
- Theory of factor pricing: demand and supply of inputs, monopsony
Part II - Mathematical Economics:
- Variables, constants, parameters, relations and functions
- Graphic representation of economic functions
- Derivatives and their application in economics
- Constrained optimization in economics
- IS-LM analysis
Recommended Books:
- Lipsey and Chrystal - Economics (Oxford University Press)
- Koutsoyiannis - Modern Microeconomics
- Chiang - Fundamental Methods of Mathematical Economics
Paper II - Macroeconomics & Economics of Pakistan (100 Marks)
Part I - Macroeconomics:
- National income accounting, GDP measurement
- Classical macroeconomics: production, employment, quantity theory of money
- Keynesian macroeconomics: aggregate expenditure, multipliers
- Investment determinants: marginal efficiency of capital, Tobin's q-theory
- IS-LM model and monetary equilibrium
- Aggregate demand and supply, fiscal stabilization
- Inflation and unemployment: Phillips curve, Okun's law
- Consumption theories: absolute income, permanent income, life cycle hypothesis
Part II - Economics of Pakistan:
- Economic development vs economic growth
- Agricultural, industrial, and foreign trade sectors
- WTO implications, foreign direct investment, debt burden
- Monetary and fiscal policies in Pakistan
Recommended Books:
- Mankiw - Macroeconomics
- Froyen - Macroeconomics: Theories and Policies
- Zaidi - Issues of Pakistan's Economy
3. Business Administration (200 Marks)
Paper I - Management (100 Marks)
- Management history and modern trends (Internet, globalization, knowledge management)
- Planning: strategic planning, decision making
- Organizing: organizational structure, HRM, empowerment
- Leading: motivation, leadership theories, power
- Controlling: control techniques, learning, innovation, job design
Recommended Books:
- Koontz & Weihrich - Management: A Global Perspective
- Robbins & Coulter - Management
- Bateman & Snell - Management: Competing in the New Era
Paper II - Marketing & Financial Management (100 Marks)
Part I - Marketing (50 Marks):
- Marketing fundamentals, 4Ps (Product, Price, Place, Promotion)
- Market segmentation, targeting, positioning
- Product planning, branding, packaging
- Pricing strategies, distribution channels
- Marketing communications mix
Part II - Financial Management (50 Marks):
- Financial statements analysis (IASB framework)
- Time value of money, valuation of securities
- Short-term financial management: budgets, working capital
- Long-term financing and investing decisions
- Corporate finance: mergers, acquisitions, capital structure
Recommended Books:
- Kotler & Armstrong - Principles of Marketing
- Gitman - Principles of Managerial Finance
4. Public Administration (200 Marks)
Paper I (100 Marks)
- Evolution and scope of public administration
- Organization theory, bureaucracy
- Decision making, public policy formulation
- Administrative accountability and ethics
- Comparative public administration
Paper II (100 Marks)
- Public administration in Pakistan
- Civil services structure and reforms
- Local government system
- Financial administration and budgeting
- Development administration and e-governance
Detailed Syllabus - Group B
5. Agriculture (200 Marks)
Paper I (100 Marks)
- Natural resources of Pakistan (land, water, biological, climatic) and crop production
- Agro-ecological zones of Pakistan
- Dry farming and organic farming
- Biological nitrogen fixation
- Agricultural extension methods and evaluation
- Agro-forestry and range management, wildlife species of Pakistan
- Indus Basin Irrigation System
- Food processing and preservation, WTO implications
- IT in agriculture
Paper II (100 Marks)
- Genetics & Breeding: Concepts of modern breeding - doubled haploid, marker-assisted, mutation, transgenic breeding
- Plant Protection: Resistance breeding, major insect pests, IPM
- Crop Science: Plant pathology, soil science, horticulture
- Soil Science: Soil formation, profile, types, erosion management
Recommended Books:
- Afzal - Farming in Pakistan
- Arnold - Agriculture in Dry Lands
- Khan - Crop Management in Pakistan
6. Veterinary Science (200 Marks)
Paper I (100 Marks)
- Anatomy and physiology of domestic animals
- Pharmacology and toxicology
- Parasitology: protozoa, helminthes, ectoparasites
- Microbiology: immunity, vaccines, bacteriology, virology
- Pathology: cell injuries, neoplasia, meat inspection
- Reproduction: biotechnology, AI, embryo transfer
- Veterinary medicine and surgery
- Veterinary epidemiology and public health
Paper II - Animal Husbandry (100 Marks)
- Animal nutrition: digestion, metabolism, minerals, vitamins
- Poultry industry in Pakistan: breeds, breeding, management
- Livestock management: dairy, sheep/goat farms
- Animal breeding and genetics: selection, breeding systems
Recommended Books:
- Radosits et al. - Veterinary Medicine
- Thrusfield - Veterinary Epidemiology
- Shah - Animal Husbandry (NBF Islamabad)
7. Botany (200 Marks)
Paper I (100 Marks)
- Algae: origin, evolution, classification (Cyanophyta, Chlorophyta, etc.)
- Fungi: structure, reproduction, plant diseases
- Bryophytes: liverworts, mosses, hornworts
- Pteridophytes: evolution, alternation of generations
- Gymnosperms: life history of Cycadophyta, Coniferophyta
- Angiosperms: taxonomy, anatomy, embryology
Paper II (100 Marks)
- Plant physiology: water relations, hormones, photosynthesis
- Ecology: ecosystems, salinity, waterlogging in Pakistan
- Cytology: cell structure, mitosis, meiosis
- Genetics: Mendelian, biochemical, molecular genetics
- Evolution theories: Lamarckism, Darwinism, Neo-Darwinism
8. Zoology (200 Marks)
Paper I (100 Marks)
- Non-chordata and chordata classification
- Comparative anatomy of vertebrate organ systems
- Animal behavior, ecology, and evolution
- Zoogeography and wildlife conservation
Paper II (100 Marks)
- Cell biology, genetics, and molecular biology
- Developmental biology
- Animal physiology: nervous, endocrine, immune systems
- Applied zoology: fisheries, sericulture, pest management
9. Mathematics (200 Marks)
Paper I (100 Marks)
- Calculus and analytical geometry
- Real analysis and sequences
- Differential equations (ordinary and partial)
- Complex analysis: analytic functions, Cauchy's theorem
Paper II (100 Marks)
- Linear algebra: vector spaces, linear transformations
- Abstract algebra: groups, rings, fields
- Numerical analysis: interpolation, numerical integration
- Optimization: linear programming, simplex method
10. Computer Science (200 Marks)
Paper I (100 Marks)
Section A - Introduction to Computing:
- Number systems, Boolean logic, Von Neumann architecture
- Algorithm design, programming paradigms
- Software engineering overview, operating systems
Section B - Networks & Digital Logic:
- Data transmission, OSI model, TCP/IP protocols
- LAN technologies (Ethernet, Token Ring)
- Digital logic design, Boolean algebra, sequential circuits
Section C - Operating Systems & Programming:
- Process management, memory management
- Assembly language, object-oriented programming
Paper II (100 Marks)
Section A - Theory & Numerical Methods:
- Automata theory, formal languages, Turing machines
- Compiler design: lexical analysis, parsing, code generation
- Numerical methods: interpolation, differential equations
Section B - Databases & Software Engineering:
- Database design, SQL, normalization, transaction processing
- Software engineering process models, testing, validation
Section C - AI & Computer Graphics:
- AI: search algorithms, knowledge representation, neural networks
- Computer graphics: 2D/3D transformations, rendering, animation
Recommended Books:
- Tanenbaum - Introduction to Computer Networks
- Mano - Digital Logic & Computer Design
- Luger - Artificial Intelligence
- Elmasri & Navathe - Fundamentals of Database Systems
11. Statistics (200 Marks)
Paper I (100 Marks)
- Probability theory: axioms, conditional probability, Bayes' theorem
- Random variables and probability distributions
- Sampling distributions: chi-square, t, F distributions
- Estimation theory: point and interval estimation
Paper II (100 Marks)
- Hypothesis testing: parametric and non-parametric tests
- Regression and correlation analysis
- Analysis of variance (ANOVA)
- Design of experiments, quality control
- Time series analysis
12. Principle of Engineering (200 Marks)
Paper I (100 Marks)
- Engineering mechanics: statics and dynamics
- Strength of materials
- Fluid mechanics and hydraulics
- Thermodynamics and heat transfer
- Engineering drawing and design
Paper II (100 Marks)
- Electrical engineering fundamentals
- Electronics and communication systems
- Civil engineering: surveying, construction materials
- Environmental engineering basics
- Project management and engineering economics
Detailed Syllabus - Group C
13. Physics (200 Marks)
Paper I (100 Marks)
- Classical mechanics: Newtonian, Lagrangian, Hamiltonian mechanics
- Waves and oscillations
- Optics: interference, diffraction, polarization
- Thermodynamics and statistical mechanics
- Electromagnetism: Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic waves
Paper II (100 Marks)
- Quantum mechanics: wave-particle duality, Schrodinger equation
- Atomic and molecular physics
- Nuclear physics: radioactivity, nuclear reactions
- Solid state physics: crystal structure, semiconductors
- Electronics and modern physics applications
14. Chemistry (200 Marks)
Paper I (100 Marks)
Physical Chemistry:
- Quantum theory and atomic structure (Schrodinger wave equation)
- Chemical thermodynamics: laws, entropy, free energy
- Electrochemistry: conductance, electrodes, corrosion
- Nuclear chemistry: radioactivity, fission, fusion
Inorganic Chemistry:
- Modern chemical bonding theory: valence bond, molecular orbital, VSEPR
- Chemistry of d-block elements, transition metal complexes
- Industrial chemistry: sulfuric acid, fertilizers, cement, soda ash
- Environmental chemistry: pollution, greenhouse effect
Paper II (100 Marks)
Organic Chemistry:
- Structure and reactivity: inductive effect, resonance, tautomerism
- UV and IR spectroscopy
- Carbonyl chemistry, aromatic compounds
- Stereochemistry: conformational analysis, chirality
Applied Chemistry:
- Biomolecules: carbohydrates, proteins, lipids
- Chromatography: TLC, column chromatography
- Material chemistry: polymers, semiconductors, composites
- Chemicals in service: detergents, pesticides, dyes
Recommended Books:
- Levine - Physical Chemistry
- Huheey & Kelter - Inorganic Chemistry
- Morrison & Boyd - Organic Chemistry
15. Geology (200 Marks)
Paper I (100 Marks)
- Physical geology: minerals, rocks, geological processes
- Structural geology: folds, faults, joints
- Stratigraphy and paleontology
- Geomorphology and geological mapping
Paper II (100 Marks)
- Economic geology: mineral deposits, mining
- Hydrogeology: groundwater, water resources
- Environmental geology and geological hazards
- Geology of Pakistan: geological formations, mineral resources
16. Geography (200 Marks)
Paper I - Physical Geography (100 Marks)
- Geomorphology: earth's structure, landforms, weathering, erosion
- Climatology: atmosphere, elements of weather, climate classification
- Oceanography: ocean floor, currents, tides
- Biogeography: world biomes, ecosystems
- Environmental geography: global warming, conservation
- Cartography and map interpretation
Paper II - Human Geography (100 Marks)
- Population geography: distribution, growth, migration
- Urban geography: urbanization patterns, city planning
- Economic geography: agriculture, industry, trade
- Political geography: states, boundaries, geopolitics
- Cultural geography: languages, religions, ethnicity
- Geography of Pakistan: physical, economic, and regional geography
Detailed Syllabus - Group D
17. Political Science (200 Marks)
Paper I - Basic Principles (100 Marks)
- Political theory: state, sovereignty, liberty, equality, justice
- Forms of government: democracy, authoritarianism, federalism
- Political ideologies: liberalism, socialism, communism, fascism
- Constitutional development and political institutions
- Political parties, pressure groups, public opinion
Paper II - Comparative Politics (100 Marks)
- Comparative study of political systems (UK, USA, France, China)
- International relations: theories and practices
- Foreign policy of Pakistan
- Political development in Pakistan
- Contemporary political issues
18. History (200 Marks)
Paper I (100 Marks)
- History of Muslim civilization
- History of the subcontinent: Mughal period to British rule
- Muslim reform movements in South Asia
- Pakistan movement and creation of Pakistan
Paper II (100 Marks)
- History of Pakistan since 1947
- Constitutional and political development
- Pakistan's foreign relations
- Social and economic development
- Contemporary issues in Pakistan's history
19. Law (200 Marks)
Paper I (100 Marks)
- Jurisprudence: sources of law, legal theories
- Constitutional law of Pakistan
- Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh)
- Administrative law
- International law basics
Paper II (100 Marks)
- Contract law and specific relief
- Criminal law and procedure
- Civil procedure and evidence law
- Family law
- Property and revenue law
20. Mass Communication (200 Marks)
Paper I (100 Marks)
- Introduction to mass communication: theories, models
- Print media: history, newspaper organization, news agencies
- Electronic media: radio, television, film
- New media and digital communication
- Media laws and ethics in Pakistan
Paper II (100 Marks)
- Journalism: news writing, reporting, editing
- Advertising and public relations
- Development communication
- Media research methods
- International communication and media organizations
Detailed Syllabus - Group E
21. Philosophy (200 Marks)
Paper I (100 Marks)
- History of Western philosophy: Greek to modern
- Epistemology: knowledge, truth, belief
- Metaphysics: existence, reality, mind-body problem
- Logic: deductive and inductive reasoning
- Ethics: moral philosophy, utilitarianism, Kantian ethics
Paper II (100 Marks)
- Muslim philosophy: Al-Kindi, Al-Farabi, Ibn Sina, Al-Ghazali, Ibn Rushd
- Philosophical thought in the Indian subcontinent
- Contemporary philosophical movements
- Philosophy of religion
- Allama Iqbal's philosophical thought
22. Psychology (200 Marks)
Paper I (100 Marks)
- Introduction to psychology: scope, methods, schools of thought
- Biological bases of behavior: nervous system, brain functions
- Sensation and perception
- Learning theories: classical conditioning, operant conditioning
- Memory and cognition
- Motivation and emotion
- Developmental psychology: life span approach
Paper II (100 Marks)
- Personality theories: psychoanalytic, trait, humanistic
- Psychological testing and assessment
- Abnormal psychology: disorders, diagnosis
- Social psychology: attitudes, group dynamics, prejudice
- Applied psychology: clinical, industrial, educational
- Research methods in psychology
23. Sociology (200 Marks)
Paper I (100 Marks)
- Introduction to sociology: scope, methods, founding thinkers
- Social structure: groups, institutions, organizations
- Culture, socialization, and social interaction
- Social stratification: class, caste, gender, ethnicity
- Social change: modernization, urbanization, globalization
- Deviance, crime, and social control
- Demography and population studies
Paper II (100 Marks)
- Sociology of Pakistan: society, culture, values
- Family and marriage systems in Pakistan
- Education system and issues
- Religion and society
- Rural and urban sociology
- Social problems: poverty, inequality, gender issues
- Development sociology
24. Social Work (200 Marks)
Paper I (100 Marks)
- Social work: philosophy, principles, values
- Methods: case work, group work, community organization
- Social welfare administration
- Social action and social legislation
- Social research methods
Paper II (100 Marks)
- Social welfare in Pakistan: institutional framework
- Family welfare and child protection
- Labor welfare and industrial social work
- Medical and psychiatric social work
- Social welfare services for minorities, disabled, and elderly
Detailed Syllabus - Group F
25. English Literature (200 Marks)
Paper I (100 Marks)
Selected creative and critical readings from English literature focusing on:
- Poetry: major poets from different periods
- Drama: Shakespeare and modern dramatists
- Literary criticism and theory
- Close reading and textual analysis
Paper II (100 Marks)
- Novel: selected works from English fiction
- Prose: essays and non-fiction
- Post-colonial literature
- American and Commonwealth literature
- Modern literary movements
26. Urdu (200 Marks)
Paper I (100 Marks)
- History of Urdu language and literature
- Classical Urdu poetry: ghazal, qasida, masnavi
- Urdu prose: development and major writers
- Literary criticism
Paper II (100 Marks)
- Modern Urdu literature: poetry and prose
- Urdu fiction: novel and short story
- Urdu literary movements
- Indo-Islamic literary tradition
27. Arabic (200 Marks)
Paper I - History of Arabic Literature & Linguistics (100 Marks)
- Pre-Islamic Arabic literature and its salient features
- Al-Quran and its influence on Arabic literature
- Literary movements in the Abbasid period
- Contribution of Arabs in science, philosophy, linguistics (Imam Ghazali, Ibn Qutaiba, Al-Jahiz)
- Literary movements in the Andalus period
- Modern Arabic literary styles: drama, novel, short story, essay
- Indo-Pak Arabic literature: Ghulam Ali Azad Bilgrami, Shah Wali Ullah
- Rhetoric: Al-Tashbee, Al-Istiarah, Al-Kinayah
- Arabic grammar and linguistics history
- Literary criticism in various Islamic periods
Paper II - Poetry & Prose (100 Marks)
- Poetry: Muallaqat, Hassan Bin Sabbit, Kaab Ibn Zuhair, Khansa, Al-Mutanabbi, Abu Tmam, Ahmed Shauqi
- Prose: Qus Bin Saida, Khutbah Hijjat ul Wida, Al-Jahiz, Mahmood Taimoor, Dr. Taha Hussain
Recommended Books:
- Nicholson - A History of Arabic Literature
- W. Wright - Arabic Grammar
- Gibbs - An Introduction to Arabic Literature
Detailed Syllabus - Group G
28. Education (200 Marks)
Paper I (100 Marks)
- History of education in Pakistan
- Aims and system of education
- Educational policies and development plans
- Curriculum development and instruction
- Educational philosophy and psychology
- Teacher education and professional development
Paper II (100 Marks)
- Educational administration and management
- Educational assessment and evaluation
- Research in education
- Comparative education
- Special education
- Educational technology and innovations
29. Persian (200 Marks)
Paper I (100 Marks)
- History of Persian language and literature
- Classical Persian poetry: major poets and works
- Persian prose: development and styles
- Persian literature in the subcontinent
- Grammar and composition
Paper II (100 Marks)
- Selected texts from Persian poetry and prose
- Modern Persian literature
- Translation and comprehension
- Critical analysis of literary works
30. Punjabi (200 Marks)
Paper I (100 Marks)
- History and development of Punjabi language
- Classical Punjabi literature: major poets
- Punjabi prose traditions
- Linguistics and grammar
Paper II (100 Marks)
- Modern Punjabi literature
- Selected texts and critical analysis
- Punjabi folklore and cultural studies
- Translation and composition
Tips for Choosing Optional Subjects
1. Play to Your Strengths
- Choose subjects you studied at the graduate or postgraduate level
- Your academic background gives you a natural advantage in scoring
2. Consider Overlap with Compulsory Papers
- Political Science overlaps with Pakistan Studies and Current Affairs
- Economics helps with Pakistan Studies (economic issues)
- Philosophy overlaps with Islamic Studies (Iqbal's philosophy)
- English Literature strengthens essay writing skills
3. Check Availability of Study Material
- Popular subjects like Political Science, Economics, and Public Administration have abundant resources
- Niche subjects may have limited preparation material available
4. Think About Scoring Potential
- Science subjects (Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science) can offer higher scoring if you have the aptitude
- Subjective subjects (Sociology, Philosophy) depend heavily on writing quality
5. Popular Combinations
| Combination | Groups Used | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Economics + Political Science + Sociology | A + D + E | Arts/Social Science graduates |
| Economics + Geography + Education | A + C + G | Versatile combination |
| Computer Science + Physics + Political Science | B + C + D | Technical graduates |
| Public Administration + Law + Psychology | A + D + E | Law/Admin graduates |
| Mathematics + Economics + Philosophy | B + A + E | High scoring potential |
6. Avoid Common Mistakes
- Do not choose a subject simply because others are taking it
- Do not select 3 subjects from the same field - it limits your preparation breadth
- Do not ignore the group rule - you cannot take two subjects from the same group
- Start preparation early for science subjects as they require more practice
Frequently Asked Questions
How many optional subjects do I need to choose?
Exactly 3 optional subjects, not more, not less.
Can I change my optional subjects after applying?
No. Once you submit your PMS application with selected optional subjects, you cannot change them for that exam cycle.
Is there negative marking in optional papers?
Optional papers are subjective (essay-based), so there is no negative marking. Only the General Knowledge compulsory paper is objective.
Which optional subjects have the highest pass rate?
This varies year to year. Generally, subjects like Political Science, Public Administration, and Sociology have higher pass rates due to overlap with compulsory papers and availability of study material.
Can I take both Commerce and Economics?
No! Both are in Group A. You can only take one subject from each group.
This guide is based on the official PPSC PMS optional subjects syllabus document. The syllabus may be updated periodically - always verify with the official PPSC website for the most current version.