The CSS Exam is a highly competitive federal examination in Pakistan, administered by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC). One of the key components that every aspirant must understand well is the CSS written exam subjects, both the compulsory papers and the optional papers. Here’s a full breakdown of what you must know.
Why Knowing the CSS Subjects is Critical?
Understanding the subject structure of the CSS written part is important because:
- It tells you how many papers you must attempt and how the marks are distributed.
- It helps you plan your preparation strategy, allocating time and effort to each subject.
- It allows you to choose optional subjects wisely, an often-pivotal decision for your success.
- It ensures you comply with the rules related to optional subject groups, as specified by the FPSC.
By having a clear grasp of the CSS Exam subjects, you reduce uncertainty and can build a structured study plan.
Overview of Written Exam Structure
Here are the key structural features of the CSS written exam subjects:
- The written exam consists of 12 papers: 6 compulsory and 6 optional.
- Total marks for the written exam: 1,200 marks (600 marks for compulsory + 600 marks for optional).
- For each paper, the time allowed is 3 hours.
- Each paper has two parts (Part I objective and Part II subjective).
- Qualifying marks: for compulsory papers, at least 40%, for optional papers, at least 33%.
Compulsory Subjects (600 Marks)
These are the subjects every candidate must attempt, regardless of optional subject selection. They carry equal weight and are foundational in the CSS exam.
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Here is the list of compulsory papers:
| Code No. | Subject | 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 Major Religions (for non-Muslims) | 100 |
Why do the CSS compulsory subjects matter?
- English Essay + Precis & Composition test your command of English, which is critical for civil service roles.
- General Science & Ability assesses logical, analytical, and scientific reasoning.
- Current Affairs ensures you’re aware of the national and international context.
- Pakistan Affairs focuses on Pakistan’s history, polity, economy, and society.
- Islamic Studies (or Comparative Religions) checks your understanding of religion and socio-cultural issues.
Preparation tips:
- For English Essay: practice writing essays on current topics, refine structure, arguments, and coherence.
- For Precis & Composition: sharpen summarizing skills, vocabulary, and grammar usage.
- For General Science & Ability: work on past papers to identify patterns of MCQs + subjective questions.
- For Current Affairs: follow daily news, monthly reviews, and think about implications, not just facts.
- For Pakistan Affairs: build a chronological and thematic understanding (history → economy → governance).
- For Islamic Studies/Comparative Study: focus on key themes, modern relevance, and religious pluralism (for non-Muslims).
Optional Subjects (600 Marks)
After the compulsory papers, you must select optional subjects. These are grouped by categories that reflect disciplines. You must select subjects according to the rules.
Here’s the breakdown of optional subject groups and their marks:
Group-I (Choose one subject of 200 marks)
- Code 11: Accountancy & Auditing (200)
- Code 12: Economics (200)
- Code 13: Computer Science (200)
- Code 14: Political Science (200)
- Code 15: International Relations (200)
Group-II (Choose subject(s) of 200 marks only)
- Code 16: Physics (200)
- Code 17: Chemistry (200)
- Code 18: Applied Mathematics (100)
- Code 19: Pure Mathematics (100)
- Code 20: Statistics (100)
- Code 21: Geology (100)
(Note: Some subjects are 100 marks only in this group)
Group-III (Choose one subject of 100 marks only)
- Code 22: Business Administration (100)
- Code 23: Public Administration (100)
- Code 24: Governance & Public Policies (100)
- Code 25: Town Planning & Urban Management (100)
Group-IV (Choose one subject of 100 marks only)
- Code 26: History of Pakistan & India (100)
- Code 27: Islamic History & Culture (100)
- Code 28: British History (100)
- Code 29: European History (100)
- Code 30: History of USA (100)
Group-V (Choose one subject of 100 marks only)
- Code 31: Gender Studies (100)
- Code 32: Environmental Sciences (100)
- Code 33: Agriculture & Forestry (100)
- Code 34: Botany (100)
- Code 35: Zoology (100)
- Code 36: English Literature (100)
- Code 37: Urdu Literature (100)
Group-VI (Choose one subject of 100 marks only)
- Code 38: Law (100)
- Code 39: Constitutional Law (100)
- Code 40: International Law (100)
- Code 41: Muslim Law & Jurisprudence (100)
- Code 42: Mercantile Law (100)
- Code 43: Criminology (100)
- Code 44: Philosophy (100)
Group-VII (Choose one subject of 100 marks only)
- Code 45: Journalism & Mass Communication (100)
- Code 46: Psychology (100)
- Code 47: Geography (100)
- Code 48: Sociology (100)
- Code 49: Anthropology (100)
- Code 50: Punjabi (100)
- Code 51: Sindhi (100)
- Code 52: Pashto (100)
- Code 53: Balochi (100)
- Code 54: Persian (100)
- Code 55: Arabic (100)
Also note:
- A subject carrying 100 marks has one paper, whereas a subject carrying 200 marks has two papers.
- For certain optional subjects, there are MCQs as part of the assessment (20 MCQs for optional papers except Applied Mathematics & Pure Mathematics).
How to Choose Optional Subjects Wisely?
Selecting the right optional subjects is often a make-or-break decision. Consider the following when you choose:
- Interest & Strength: Choose a subject you are genuinely interested in and have some background knowledge in.
- Overlap with General Knowledge: If your optional subject overlaps with current affairs or general topics, you can save time.
- Availability of Resources: Ensure there are good textbooks, past papers, guides, and tutors available for your chosen subject.
- Marking Scheme & Two-Paper vs One-Paper: 200-mark subjects require two papers, you must be ready for more load.
- Competition & Popularity: Some optional subjects may be more competitive because many candidates pick them. Unique choices may give you an edge, but risk in resource scarcity.
- Future Career Aspirations: If you hope to specialize in a particular service/regime that aligns with a subject, that may give added advantage.
- Group Rules Compliance: Make sure your choices fulfil the FPSC group-wise rules (one from Group I, one or more from Group II, etc.).
Preparation Implications for CSS Exam Subjects
Because you have both compulsory + optional papers, here is how you can plan your approach:
1. Start Early & Set a Schedule
- Compulsory subjects need consistent coverage because each carries 100 marks, and they are unavoidable.
- Optional subjects also need deep study; 200-mark optional papers particularly require heavier time allocation.
2. Use Past Papers & Pattern Awareness
- Since the written exam for each paper includes an objective Part I (MCQs) and a subjective Part II, you should practice both types. (For the past 20 years, solved papers, visit cssprepforum.com)
- Reviewing past papers helps identify typical questions, themes, and time management issues.
3. Balanced Allocation of Time
- Don’t neglect compulsory papers in favour of optional ones because you still need to cross the qualifying mark.
- At the same time, optional papers can boost your total if done well.
4. Integration & Inter-linking Subjects
- For example, current affairs and Pakistan affairs often overlap with optional subjects such as political science and international relations.
- Linking your reading across subjects helps reinforce retention and saves preparation time.
5. Continuous Revision & MCQ Practice
- MCQ part (20 MCQs) appears in almost all papers (except some specified optional ones).
- Frequent drills for MCQs plus focused practice for subjective essays/answers are necessary.
Summary Table of CSS Exam Subjects
To summarize in one glance:
| Type | No. of Papers | Marks | Subjects |
| Compulsory | 6 papers | 600 marks | English Essay; English Precis & Composition; General Science & Ability; Current Affairs; Pakistan Affairs; Islamic Studies/Comparative Religions. |
| Optional | 6 papers | 600 marks | Select according to groups: Group I (one subject of 200 marks); Group II (200/100-mark subjects); Groups III–VII (100-mark subjects) from respective lists. |
Conclusion
Mastering the subject structure of the CSS Exam Subjects is foundational for success. By knowing the compulsory papers and by strategically selecting optional subjects, you set yourself up for effective preparation. The key is to make an early start, use past papers, integrate your study across subjects, practice both MCQs and essay writing, and keep your schedule disciplined.
Want to Read More About CSS Exam Subjects?
Whether you’re eager to explore subjects like CSS English Essays, Islamiat, Current Affairs, Pakistan Affairs, or General Science & Ability, the expert coaches at CSSPrepForum have written comprehensive, easy-to-follow guides designed to make your CSS preparation smarter, faster, and more effective.
CSS Solved Past Papers’ Essays
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CSS Solved Essays
CSS Solved General Science & Ability Past Papers
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CSS Solved Pakistan Affairs & Current Affairs Past Papers
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