css syllabus

 

CSS Syllabus 2026

Complete Guide to CSS Compulsory & Optional Subjects | FPSC Exam Pattern


CSS Syllabus


Compulsory Subjects


Optional Subjects


CSS Exam Syllabus

CSS Exam Syllabus 2026 – Complete Overview

The Central Superior Services (CSS) exam is one of the most competitive and prestigious examinations in Pakistan.
Each year, thousands of graduates prepare for CSS to join the civil services. The first and most crucial step
in this journey is understanding the complete CSS syllabus and making informed decisions about
CSS subject selection.

Important Note: According to the FPSC CSS syllabus, CSS subjects are categorized into two
main categories: compulsory and optional subjects. Candidates must attempt all compulsory subjects and select
optional subjects from seven different groups to complete the 1200 marks written examination.

1200
Total Marks
Written Examination
6
Compulsory Subjects
600 Marks Total
7
Optional Groups
600 Marks Total
3
Hours per Paper
Exam Duration

CSS Compulsory Subjects (600 Marks)

CSS compulsory subjects are mandatory for all aspirants. These contain no choice. Aspirants are required
to prepare them thoroughly as they cover half of the total written examination marks (600 out of 1200).

Code Subjects Marks Papers
1 English Essay 100 1 Paper
2 English (Precis and Composition) 100 1 Paper
3 General Science & Ability 100 1 Paper
4 Current Affairs 100 1 Paper
5 Pakistan Affairs 100 1 Paper
6 Islamic Studies OR Comparative Study of Major Religions (For non muslim candidates) 100 1 Paper
Total Compulsory Subjects Marks 600 6 Papers

Note: All compulsory subjects must be attempted in English except Islamic Studies
and regional languages. Islamic studies can be attempted in Urdu or English based on candidate preference.

CSS Optional Subjects (600 Marks)

Candidates must select optional subjects totaling 600 marks from the seven groups below. Each group has specific selection rules. Subjects with 200 marks consist of two papers, while 100-mark subjects consist of one paper.

Group 1: Select ONE subject of 200 marks only
Accountancy & Auditing
200
Economics
200
Computer Science
200
Political Science
200
International Relations
200

Group 2: Select ONE subject of 200 marks OR TWO subjects of 100 marks each
Physics
200
Chemistry
200
Applied Mathematics
100
Pure Mathematics
100
Statistics
100
Geology
100

Group 3: Select ONE subject of 100 marks
  • Business Administration
    100
  • Public Administration
    100
  • Governance & Public Policies
    100
  • Town Planning & Urban Management
    100

Group 4: Select ONE subject of 100 marks
  • History of Pakistan & India
    100
  • Islamic History & Culture
    100
  • British History
    100
  • European History
    100
  • History of USA
    100

Group 5: Select ONE subject of 100 marks
  • Gender Studies
    100
  • Environmental Sciences
    100
  • Agriculture & Forestry
    100
  • Botany
    100
  • Zoology
    100
  • English Literature
    100
  • Urdu Literature
    100

Group 6: Select ONE subject of 100 marks
  • Law
    100
  • Constitutional Law
    100
  • International Law
    100
  • Muslim Law & Jurisprudence
    100
  • Mercantile Law
    100
  • Criminology
    100
  • Philosophy
    100

Group 7: Select ONE subject of 100 marks
  • Journalism & Mass Communication
    100
  • Psychology
    100
  • Geography
    100
  • Sociology
    100
  • Anthropology
    100
  • Regional Languages (50-55)
    100 each

Important Notes for CSS Aspirants

Language of Examination

All subjects must be attempted in English except Islamic Studies and regional languages (Pashto, Balochi, Sindhi, Persian, etc.). Islamic studies can be attempted in Urdu or English based on candidate preference.

Paper Structure

Subjects with 200 marks consist of two papers, while 100-mark subjects consist of one paper only. Each paper has a duration of three hours. There may be objective MCQs in both optional and compulsory subjects.

Subject Selection Advice

Choose subjects based on your academic background, interest, and availability of quality preparation material. Wrong subject selection can waste significant time and effort in your CSS preparation journey.

CSS Syllabus Related Keywords

CSS Syllabus
Compulsory Subjects of CSS
CSS Exam Syllabus
CSS MPT Syllabus
CSS Optional Subjects
CSS Subjects
CSS Subjects List
FPSC CSS Syllabus

Additional CSS Resources