CSS Exam Syllabus and Subjects
It's import to understand its syllabus before attempting an exam. The syllabus for CSS Exam differs from other exams being conducted by Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC), Pakistan. It consists of two main parts i.e. written exam and viva voce. The written part comprises of two parts further i.e. compulsory subjects and selective (optional) subjects 600 marks each. The minimum level of subjects is Graduation and no specific syllabus is prescribed, however, broad guidelines are available on website of FPSC.
Marks Breakup
Firstly, the written exam is conducted. Secondly, after result, the successful candidates are called for Psychological Assessment & Interview known as Viva Voce, by panel of FPSC. The CSS Exam consists of 1500 marks; the breakup of the written and Viva Voce is as under:
Written Part = 1200 Marks.
Viva Voce = 300 Marks.
Total = 1500 Marks.
Written Part (Written Exam)
This Exam (written part) consists of 12 subjects (1200 marks); 06 Compulsory Subjects and 06 Elective (Optional) Subjects from the prescribed Groups of Optional Subjects being explained in below paras.
Syllabus for Compulsory Subjects
Following 06 compulsory subjects have been prescribed by FPSC consisting of 600 Marks. Marks of subjects at Sr. No. 4, 5 & 6 are counted collectively meaning thereby that 120 out of 300 in these subjects make a candidate pass whereas subjects at Sr. No. 1, 2 & 3 are required to be passed by minimum 40 marks in each:
| Code No. | Subjects | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | English Essay | 100 |
| 2. | English (Precis and Composition) | 100 |
| 3. | General Science & Ability | 100 |
| 4. | Current Affairs | 100 |
| 5. | Pakistan Affairs | 100 |
| 6. | Islamic Studies OR Comparative Study of | 100 |
| Major Religions (For Non Muslims) | ||
| Total Marks | 600 | |
Syllabus of Optional Subjects
Optional subjects (600 Marks) may be selected from the groups given by FPSC and not more than 200 marks are allowed for selection from one group. The selection of optional subjects is based upon interest of candidate and the degree he has achieved during studies. Selection of optional subjects is very important and is a base towards the marks. The revision of groups by FPSC in the recent years has made it little difficult for candidates having background in Arts & Humanities subjects as compared with Sciences.
Groups of Optional Subjects
Total seven groups are available for selection of Optional subjects. The groups have been revised by FPSC in 2016. The groups for selection of subjects are as under:
Group-I: Select one subject of 200 marks only
| Code No. | Subject | Marks |
| 11 | Accountancy & Auditing | 200 |
| 12 | Economics | 200 |
| 13 | Computer Science | 200 |
| 14 | Political Science | 200 |
| 15 | International Relations (IR) | 200 |
Group-II: Select subject(s) of 200 marks only
| Code No. | Subjects | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 16. | Physics | 200 |
| 17. | Chemistry | 200 |
| 18. | Applied Mathematics | 100 |
| 19. | Pure Mathematics | 100 |
| 20. | Statistics | 100 |
| 21. | Geology | 100 |
Group-III: Select one subject of 100 marks only
| Code No. | Subjects | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 22. | Business Administration | 100 |
| 23. | Public Administration | 100 |
| 24. | Governance & Public Policies | 100 |
| 25. | Town Planning & Urban Management | 100 |
Group-IV: Select one subject of 100 marks only
| Code No. | Subjects | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 26. | History of Pakistan & India | 100 |
| 27. | Islamic History & Culture | 100 |
| 28. | British History | 100 |
| 29. | European History | 100 |
| 30. | History of USA | 100 |
Group-V: Select one subject of 100 marks only
| Code No. | Subjects | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 31. | Gender Studies | 100 |
| 32. | Environmental Sciences | 100 |
| 33. | Agriculture & Forestry | 100 |
| 34. | Botany | 100 |
| 35. | Zoology | 100 |
| 36. | English Literature | 100 |
| 37. | Urdu Literature | 100 |
Group-VI: Select one subject of 100 marks only
| Code No. | Subjects | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 38. | Law | 100 |
| 39. | Constitutional Law | 100 |
| 40. | International Law | 100 |
| 41. | Muslim Law & Jurisprudence | 100 |
| 42. | Mercantile Law | 100 |
| 43. | Criminology | 100 |
| 44. | Philosophy | 100 |
Group-VII: Select one subject of 100 marks only
| Code No. | Subjects | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 45. | Journalism & Mass Communication | 100 |
| 46. | Psychology | 100 |
| 47. | Geography | 100 |
| 48. | Sociology | 100 |
| 49. | Anthropology | 100 |
| 50. | Punjabi | 100 |
| 51. | Sindhi | 100 |
| 52. | Pashto | 100 |
| 53. | Balochi | 100 |
| 54. | Persian | 100 |
| 55. | Arabic | 100 |
Passing Marks of CSS Exam
Minimum passing marks in each subject is 40 and overall 600 marks are threshold for declaring the candidate as qualified for next phase i.e. Viva Voce.
Preparation Sources
- Broad guidelines are available on FPSC website: www.fpsc.gov.pk
- Books and Notes are available in the market covering most of the syllabus.
- There are academies and coaching centers in big cities giving lectures on syllabus for CSS Exam.
Comments
Which is the best acadmy for css in islamabad?
How many groups have selected??
Can i apply for CSS after 2 year, moreover i am medical student can i do it .What is the subject progress
What is the best selection in optional subjects. Which is the best academy for css.
Sir optional subjects k jo 7 groups h kia sb m s 1 subject choose krna lazmi h??
I am a student of ACMA I have qualified CMA inter , I am eligible for CSS exam or not
sir i completed bachelor degree in 2018 and i am a current student of MA degree.can i eligible to attempt exam 2022?
I want know more information about css
Sir as a student of mass communication which subjects from group 1 & 2 are most relevant for me ?
Thanks for this information
Where I can get the syllabus of each subject seperately.