CSS Exam

CSS stands for Central Superior Services. The CSS exams are the most renowned competitive examinations in Pakistan. Every year, the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) conducts this examination and announces the results.

The purpose of this examination is to employ the most brilliant, disciplined, and capable individuals from all over Pakistan in twelve different federal government departments. CSS officers are referred to as bureaucrats.

Those who pass this exam are qualified to be hired as designated government officers with a BPS-17 position. In Pakistan, CSS, a permanent bureaucratic elite organization, is in charge of government secretaries, cabinet offices, and civil bureaucratic operations.

CSS Exams in Pakistan:

With the passage of time, the number of candidates who want to compete in CSS Exams has increased significantly. However, there are only a few of them have been able to pass the exams with the highest marks because these exams are the hardest exams to clear. That is why you need thorough preparation to ace them and earn a job in the public sector.

In addition, due to the great scope and multiple career opportunities the CSS provides to candidates, it has gained popularity as an option following graduation.

The Services You Can Apply for After Clearing CSS:

The following are the Federal Government Services to which you can apply if you have passed the exams for your chosen field of study:

• Commerce and Trade Services
• District Management Group
• Foreign Service of Pakistan
• Custom and Excise Service
• Information Group
• Income Tax Group
• Office Management Group
• Military Lands and Cantonments Group
• Police Service of Pakistan
• Postal Service Group
• Pakistan Audit and Accounts Service
• Railways (Commercial and Transportation Group)

Structure of CSS Exams:

If you are wondering how to prepare for CSS exams, you need first to learn about the structure of these exams. Central exams consist of four components that evaluate applicants’ knowledge, abilities, and intellectual quotient. These are as follows:

• Written Exams
• Medical Test
• Psychological Test
• Viva Voce

Written Exams:

The first phase of the Central Superior Services Exam in Pakistan is a theory test that consists of 12 papers, 6 of which are compulsory and the rest are elective. In addition, you should be aware of the following:

• To advance to the next phase, you must achieve 40% in compulsory papers and 33% in elective subjects.
• You are free to select any subject they like from the extensive list provided by FPSC.
• Your elective subjects will be based on your educational background

Compulsory Subjects:

The total marks for these compulsory subjects are 600. The following is the list of these subjects:

Elective Subjects:

The CSS Syllabus optional subjects have been divided into seven sections by the FPSC. For consistency’s sake, the marks are also divided. You may select any of these subjects from their respective groups. Make sure that all adds up to 600 marks.

Please keep in mind that any subject with 100 points has just one paper. Subjects worth 200 marks consist of two papers.

Medical Test:

After passing the written section of the CSS exams, the next step you take is to have a medical exam to ensure that you are physically fit for this employment.

However, differently-abled individuals can also take the CSS Examination. But, they will be shortlisted in four disciplines including:

• Pakistan Audit and Account
• Postal Service
• Commerce and Trade
• Information Services.

If the candidate has a physical disability, they must receive a ‘disability certificate’ from a recognized authority. However, they have to submit the certificate in advance. In addition, they will be given all the help they need during the exams.

Psychological Test:

Candidates must be physically fit to sit for the CSS exam, but they must also be psychologically competent for this position. CSS candidates will be required to show their intelligence skills via a psychological written test.

The psychological exam in the CSS exams evaluates the applicant’s mental, behavioural, and attitudinal characteristics.

These qualities are thought to be absolutely required for civil services. To validate a candidate’s CSS psychological test traits, prospective CSS candidates will need to go through several testing phases. This includes:

• Written tests
• Group discussions

These phases will involve observing candidate behaviour. In addition, it will involve interviewing the candidates with concerned department experts

Viva Voce:

Candidates who pass the CSS written examination must then take the viva voce phase. The purpose of the Viva Voce section is to test mental talents such as:

• Attentiveness
• Candidate moral character
• Sharpness
• Grasp on-topic content
• General knowledge
• Preparation for the current situation

In addition, you must ensure that you respond to the interviewer’s CSS viva voce questions with a present mind and capability, regardless of what the question is. You should also pay close attention to each viva question and answer to the best of your abilities. Furthermore, make sure that the interviewer accurately acknowledges your responses.

Eligibility Criteria for CSS Exams:

Look at the following eligibility requirements if you want to appear in the CSS Exam in Pakistan:

• Age Criterion: To take the CSS Exam, the candidate must be between the ages of 21 and 30.
• Educational Criterion: The minimal educational qualification for CSS applicants is a Bachelor’s Degree. Candidates must have graduated with at least a second division from a reputable university in Pakistan or abroad.
• Criteria for Nationality: The candidate must be a Pakistani national.

CSS Career and Scope:

You are all aware of the benefits of this degree program in Pakistan. After graduating from CSS, you are directly chosen by the Pakistani government for a grade-17 position in a well-known department.

Because this is one of the highest positions, the salary is higher than that of any public or private job in Pakistan. This degree also enables you to choose your desired field from a list of 12 options, including police, intelligence, the army, and many others.