To apply for the CSS Exam conducted by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) in Pakistan, candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria:

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1. Nationality

• Must be a citizen of Pakistan or a permanent resident of AJK (Azad Jammu & Kashmir).

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2. Age Limit

• Minimum Age: 21 years

• Maximum Age: 30 years (as of December 31 of the application year)

• Age Relaxation:

  • 2 years for Scheduled Castes, Buddhist Community, Recognized Tribes of Balochistan, Sindh (Rural), and Gilgit-Baltistan

  • 5 years for government employees (with at least 2 years of service)

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3. Educational Qualification

• Minimum Requirement: Bachelor’s degree (14 years of education) from a recognized university.

• Final-year students can apply but must submit their degree before the interview stage.

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4. Physical & Medical Fitness

• Candidates must meet the FPSC medical standards (vision, hearing, general health).

• Some posts (e.g., Police Service, Foreign Service) have additional fitness requirements.

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5. Attempt Limit

• General Category: 3 attempts (maximum)

• Special Categories (e.g., AJK, Tribal Areas, etc.): 5 attempts

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6. Domicile Requirement

• Must have a valid domicile certificate of a Pakistani province (Punjab, Sindh, KPK, Balochistan, AJK, GB, or FATA).

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7. Optional Subjects Selection

• Candidates must choose 6 optional subjects (from FPSC’s approved list).

• Combination rules apply (e.g., cannot take both Political Science & International Relations together).

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8. Application Process

• Online registration via FPSC website (www.fpsc.gov.pk)

• Submission of required documents (degree, CNIC, domicile, photos).

• Payment of exam fee (around Rs. 2200-3000).

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9. Exam Pattern

• Written Exam (1200 marks)

  • Compulsory Subjects (600 marks)

    • English Essay, English Précis & Composition, General Science, Current Affairs, Pakistan Affairs, Islamic Studies (or Comparative Religion for non-Muslims).

  • Optional Subjects (600 marks, 6 subjects x 100 marks each)

• Psychological Test & Interview (300 marks)

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10. Important Dates (2025 Expected)

• Registration: Around February-March 2025

• Written Exam: Usually February-March 2025

• Results & Interviews: 6-12 months after the written exam

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Disqualifications

❌ Dual nationality holders (unless they renounce before applying).
❌ Candidates dismissed from government service.
❌ Those convicted in criminal/corruption cases.

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Recommended Preparation Resources

• Books:

  • CSS Pakistan Affairs by Ikram Rabbani

  • English Grammar & Composition by Wren & Martin

  • Current Affairs by JWT (Jahangir’s World Times)

• Online: FPSC past papers, CSS forums, and YouTube tutorials.

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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! 😊