CSS (Central Superior Services) Exam Requirements in Pakistan (2025)
To apply for the CSS Exam conducted by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) in Pakistan, candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria:
1. Nationality
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Must be a citizen of Pakistan or a permanent resident of AJK (Azad Jammu & Kashmir).
2. Age Limit
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Minimum Age: 21 years
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Maximum Age: 30 years (as of December 31 of the application year)
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Age Relaxation:
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2 years for Scheduled Castes, Buddhist Community, Recognized Tribes of Balochistan, Sindh (Rural), and Gilgit-Baltistan
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5 years for government employees (with at least 2 years of service)
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3. Educational Qualification
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Minimum Requirement: Bachelor’s degree (14 years of education) from a recognized university.
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Final-year students can apply but must submit their degree before the interview stage.
4. Physical & Medical Fitness
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Candidates must meet the FPSC medical standards (vision, hearing, general health).
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Some posts (e.g., Police Service, Foreign Service) have additional fitness requirements.
5. Attempt Limit
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General Category: 3 attempts (maximum)
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Special Categories (e.g., AJK, Tribal Areas, etc.): 5 attempts
6. Domicile Requirement
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Must have a valid domicile certificate of a Pakistani province (Punjab, Sindh, KPK, Balochistan, AJK, GB, or FATA).
7. Optional Subjects Selection
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Candidates must choose 6 optional subjects (from FPSC’s approved list).
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Combination rules apply (e.g., cannot take both Political Science & International Relations together).
8. Application Process
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Online registration via FPSC website (www.fpsc.gov.pk)
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Submission of required documents (degree, CNIC, domicile, photos).
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Payment of exam fee (around Rs. 2200-3000).
9. Exam Pattern
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Written Exam (1200 marks)
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Compulsory Subjects (600 marks)
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English Essay, English Précis & Composition, General Science, Current Affairs, Pakistan Affairs, Islamic Studies (or Comparative Religion for non-Muslims).
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Optional Subjects (600 marks, 6 subjects x 100 marks each)
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Psychological Test & Interview (300 marks)
10. Important Dates (2025 Expected)
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Registration: Around February-March 2025
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Written Exam: Usually February-March 2025
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Results & Interviews: 6-12 months after the written exam
Disqualifications
❌ Dual nationality holders (unless they renounce before applying).
❌ Candidates dismissed from government service.
❌ Those convicted in criminal/corruption cases.
Recommended Preparation Resources
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Books:
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CSS Pakistan Affairs by Ikram Rabbani
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English Grammar & Composition by Wren & Martin
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Current Affairs by JWT (Jahangir’s World Times)
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Online: FPSC past papers, CSS forums, and YouTube tutorials.
Final Tips
✔ Start preparing at least 6-12 months before the exam.
✔ Focus on English writing skills (key for Essay & Précis).
✔ Stay updated on Pakistani & international current affairs.
Would you like guidance on subject selection or study plans? Let me know! 😊