What is CSS Exam in Pakistan?

Brief History

The Sub-Continent remained under British Rule for 90 years from 1858 to 1947. The British Government introduced the Imperial Civil Service in 1858 in Sub-Continent on the analogy of Civil Service of United Kingdom. It took administrative control to implement policies of Imperial Rule. Later, it had been changed to the Indian Civil Service. Initially, locals were not allowed to compete at officer-level posts but in the early 20th century the Indians also started competing against the British and many Indians eventually made it to the ICS.

After the establishment of Pakistan in 1947, the Civil Service of Pakistan was established from the available pool of officers. It was re-framed and re-established in 1971 under “Chapter I: Part-XII, Article 240” of the Constitution of Pakistan. 12 Occupational Groups were introduced.

With the Civil Services Reforms of 1973, a new system of the Common Training Program was introduced and all Occupational Groups were required to go through mandatory combined training at Civil Services Academy, Lahore.

… Civil Service is the backbone of the State. Governments are formed. Governments are defeated; Prime Ministers come and go; Ministers come and go; but you stay on, and therefore, there is a very great responsibility placed on your shoulders …

Muhammad Ali Jinnah – Founder of Pakistan

Nationality: The candidate must be a citizen of Pakistan or a permanent resident of the state of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Age: Typically, candidates must be between 21 and 30 years old. However, there is a relaxation of 2 years (up to 32 years) for candidates from specific categories such as government employees with two years of continuous service and candidates from recognized tribal areas.
Education: A candidate must hold at least a bachelor’s degree (14 years of education) from a recognized university.

CSS Eligibility Criteria

CSS Exam Structure

Central Superior Service Exam, which is popularly known as CSS Exams, is organized by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) every year to attract top talent from Pakistan. The candidates who pass this exam become eligible to be recruited as Gazetted Government Officers holding a BPS-17 position.

CSS Officers are called Bureaucrats. Bureaucracy is responsible to implement Government policies and enforcing laws and decisions made by elected officials.

CSS Exam is divided into following five stages. Click on the title below to get further details.

MCQs Based Preliminary Test The CSS exam structure was updated to include an MCQs-based Preliminary Test (MPT) starting in recent years. This test serves as a screening mechanism to determine eligibility for the main written examination. It ensures that only those with a sufficient grasp of the fundamental knowledge required for civil service are allowed to proceed.
Written Examination Compulsory Subjects: These subjects include Essay, English (Precis and Composition), General Science and Ability, Current Affairs, Pakistan Affairs, and Islamic Studies or Comparative Religion (for non-Muslim candidates). Optional Subjects: Candidates must choose subjects totaling 600 marks from a list of subjects divided into various groups. Each subject typically carries 100 or 200 marks.
Medical Examination Candidates who pass the written examination undergo a medical examination to ensure they meet the health requirements.
Psychological Assessment This includes psychological tests and an interview to assess the candidate’s mental capabilities and personality traits.
Viva-Voce The final stage is a viva voce, which carries 300 marks. The interview panel assesses the candidate’s overall personality, intelligence, and suitability for a career in the civil services.

CSS Occupational Groups

The Civil Service of Pakistan is organized into 12 distinct occupational groups, each serving specific functions within the government bureaucracy. These occupational groups are structured to cater to various sectors and departments, ensuring efficient administration and governance across different areas of public service. Click on group title to get more information about it. Here are the 12 occupational groups in the civil service of Pakistan:

Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS)Formerly known as the District Management Group (DMG), this group primarily deals with district administration, governance, and policymaking at the provincial and federal levels.
Police Service of Pakistan (PSP)Responsible for law enforcement, maintenance of public order, and policing duties at both federal and provincial levels.
Foreign Service of Pakistan (FSP)Represents Pakistan’s diplomatic interests abroad, manages international relations, and serves as ambassadors and diplomats in foreign missions.
Commerce and Trade Group (CTG)Deals with matters related to trade, commerce, and economic policy formulation, both domestically and internationally.
Pakistan Custom Services (PCS)Responsible for overseeing customs duties, excise taxes, and border control to regulate trade and prevent smuggling.
Inland Revenue Services (IRS)Manages tax collection and enforcement of indirect taxes, including sales tax, excise duty, and customs duty.
Information Services (IG)Deals with media, communication, and information dissemination, including public relations, journalism, and digital media management.
Military Land and Cantonment Group (MLCG)Manages military lands, cantonments, and military estates, ensuring their development, maintenance, and administration.
Office Management and Secretariat Group (OMG)The OMG is responsible for managing administrative functions within government offices, including personnel management, budgeting, procurement, and resource allocation.
Pakistan Audit and Account Service (PAAS)Conducts financial audits, ensures accountability and transparency in government spending, and provides financial management expertise.
Postal Group Oversees postal services, including mail delivery, postage stamp issuance, and postal savings schemes.
Commercial and Transport Group Administers Pakistan Railways, including railway operations, infrastructure development, and passenger services.