FPSC CSS 2027 (Revised) Syllabus and Exam Pattern

Official Revised Syllabus for the CSS Competitive Examination (CE) - 2026 & 2027

Revised Syllabus Scheme for CSS 2026 and CSS 2027 Demystified | Download in PDF Format

If you’re reading this, you have likely just cleared the first major hurdle—the MCQ-Based Preliminary Test (MPT) for the CSS 2026 or 2027 —or you’re firmly in the race, preparing to conquer it. So first, take a deep breath and give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back. To dream of serving Pakistan through the CSS career is a magnificent ambition in itself, but to be actively chasing it, to be striving with purpose and dedication? That right there is an incredible achievement in itself. This journey you’re on is a testament to your resolve.

We remember that feeling—the mix of excitement and sheer panic after passing the CSS screening test, just before facing the written exam. Then comes the next hurdle: a daunting online form, plus the endless cycle of documentation, attestation, and other procedural steps that come with it. But amidst it all lies one defining challenge— a choice that will shape your entire CSS journey.

The subjects you choose now are more than just selections; they are decisive factors of your success in the CSS exam. And let’s be honest, staring at that vast syllabus can feel like standing at the base of a colossal, confusing mountain. Questions start swirling: Which subjects are truly the right fit? What are the specific criteria and rules of the game? And where do I even begin?

Take a deep breath. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Think of this guide as a warm, reassuring message from a friend who has already mapped the path. We’ve walked this road ourselves, and we are here to hold your hand through it. To turn that mountain into a manageable map.

In this blog, you will find the complete, revised syllabus for the CSS written exams. This is the official curriculum published by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC), Islamabad, which has been in effect since 2016. Students preparing for the CSS 2026 and CSS 2027 written exams can follow this syllabus with complete confidence, as no changes are expected for these cycles.

To equip you for the journey ahead, you can download the official syllabus directly using the link below.

Download: CSS 2026 & 2027 (Revised) Syllabus

Now, let’s break down the structure of the written exam itself. The CSS written examination consists of 12 papers, of which 6 are compulsory papers and 6 are optional papers.

Candidates cannot skip the compulsory subjects or choose them at their own will; think of these as the non-negotiable heart of the CSS exam. Every candidate, regardless of background, must attempt these six papers. For the optional subjects, candidates must make their selection from a wide range of options, but they must follow the specific grouping rules set by the FPSC (we’ll detail this below).

COMPULSORY SUBJECTS (600 MARKS)

Let’s kick off our journey with the six compulsory subjects.

These six papers are worth a total of 600 marks (100 marks each). To pass, you must achieve a minimum of 40% in each paper, meaning a score of at least 40 per subject.
There are three papers of General Knowledge (labeled GK-1, GK-2, and GK-3). These three are considered a single unit for passing purposes, requiring a combined score of 120 out of 300 marks.
Furthermore, the paper for Islamic Studies or Comparative Study of Major Religions (for non-Muslim candidates) must be answered in either English or Urdu. Non-Muslim candidates have the option to choose either of these two subjects.
With the exception of the Essay paper, all compulsory subjects include a section of 20 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).

No.	Subject Title	Marks
01.	English Essay \| Download	100
02.	English (Precis and Composition) \| Download	100
03.	GK-1 (General Science and Ability) \| Download	100
04.	GK-2 (Current Affairs) \| Download	100
05.	GK-3 (Pakistan Affairs) \| Download	100
06.	Islamic Studies \| Download Comparative Study of Major Religions (for non-Muslims)	100

Students may download our analysis of the compulsory past papers via the link below. We will explore the value of this analysis in a later section.

Download: Comprehensive Analysis of CSS Past Papers (2005-2025)

OPTIONAL SUBJECTS (600 MARKS)

Now, let’s dive right in with the selection of the six optional subjects.

Your optional subjects must be chosen so that their combined total is 600 marks. The qualifying mark for any optional paper is 33%. This means you need a minimum of 33 marks out of 100- mark paper. For a paper worth 200 marks, the requirement is 66 marks (66%).
Each paper will be of 3 hours duration.
There will be two papers of 100 marks each for subjects that carry 200 marks. For subjects that carry 100 marks, there will be one paper.
Furthermore, all optional papers include a 20-mark MCQ section, with the exception of Applied Mathematics and Pure Mathematics papers.
Answer scripts for Urdu, Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto, Balochi, Persian, or Arabic papers must be written in their respective languages. The only exception is for translation questions, which should be answered as directed in the paper.

Your choice of optional subjects can be a decisive factor in your CSS success. Given how critical this decision is, candidates must approach it strategically.

Before finalising any optional subject, it is essential to thoroughly research its past papers and official syllabus. While seeking guidance from teachers, mentors, and peers is highly recommended, their advice should inform your decision, not dictate it. The most effective strategy is to identify your genuine areas of interest and academic strength, and select subjects that align with them. In the end, this is a personal choice that should be your own.

It is important to remember that switching optional subjects after a disappointing first attempt is rarely the solution. Instead, students should analyze their shortcomings and work on them to improve their performance in the next attempt.

To make a resilient choice from the start, ensure your selection of optionals aligns with these five key criteria:

Your academic background. This is an important factor to consider, as you will need to have a strong foundation in the subject in order to do well in the exam. If you have already studied the subject at university, this will give you a head start.
Your personal interest and aptitude in the subject. This is another most important factor, as you will be much more motivated to study a subject that you are interested in. If you are not interested in the subject, it will be much harder to learn the material and you will be less likely to do well in the exam. — Higher interest > Ease at understanding concepts/ theories
Overlap with other optional(s). It is helpful to choose subjects that have some overlapping topics and concepts. — Like Political Science, Constitutional Law and Pakistan Affairs.
Time required to complete the course outline. This is also an important factor to consider, as you will need to make sure that you have enough time to complete the course outline. If you choose a subject that is too demanding, you may not be able to finish the course in time. — Just because it takes less time that doesn’t mean it can sustain your interest for long.
Resources availability in the market and on the internet. You will need to have access to quality resources in order to study the subject. If you cannot find good resources, it will be much harder to learn the material and you will be less likely to do well in the exam. — No brainer, obviously if resources are not easily available it will cause pain.

Group — I: To select one subject of (200 marks) only.

No.	Subject Title	Marks
11.	Accountancy & Auditing	200
12.	Economics	200
13.	Computer Science	200
14.	Political Science	200
15.	International Relations	200

Group — II: To select subject(s) of 200 marks only.

From this Group — II, if you opt Geology, you also have to take another subject of 100 marks.

No.	Subject Title	Marks
16.	Physics	200
17.	Chemistry	200
18.	Applied Mathematics	100
19.	Pure Mathematics	100
20.	Statistics	100
21.	Geology	100

Group — III: To select one subject of 100 marks only.

No.	Subject Title	Marks
22.	Business Administration	100
23.	Public Administration	100
24.	Governance & Public Policies	100
25.	Town Planning & Urban Management	100

Group — IV: To select one subject of 100 marks only.

No.	Subject Title	Marks
26.	History of Pakistan & India	100
27.	Islamic History & Culture	100
28.	British History	100
29.	European History	100
30.	History of USA	100

Group — V: To select one subject of 100 marks only.

No.	Subject Title	Marks
31.	Gender Studies	100
32.	Environmental Sciences	100
33.	Agriculture & Forestry	100
34.	Botany	100
35.	Zoology	100
36.	English Literature	100
37.	Urdu Literature	100

Group — VI: To select one subject of 100 marks only.

No.	Subject Title	Marks
38.	Law	100
39.	Constitutional Law	100
40.	International Law	100
41.	Muslim Law & Jurisprudence	100
42.	Mercantile Law	100
43.	Criminology	100
44.	Philosophy	100

Group — VII: To select one subject of 100 marks only.

No.	Subject Title	Marks
45.	Journalism & Mass Communication	100
46.	Psychology	100
47.	Geography	100
48.	Sociology	100
49.	Anthropology	100
50.	Punjabi	100
51.	Sindhi	100
52.	Pashto	100
53.	Balochi	100
54.	Persian	100
55.	Arabic	100

FPSC Examiners’ Reports

Candidates can gain valuable insights directly from the CSS examiners by downloading the official examiner reports from previous years. These reports offer a unique advantage: it’s like having the examiners themselves guide you, highlighting the common pitfalls and the hallmarks of a high-scoring paper.

CSS 2019 — FPSC Examiners’ Feedback report | Download
CSS 2018 — FPSC Examiners’ Feedback report | Download
CSS 2017 — FPSC Examiners’ Feedback report | Download
CSS 2016 — FPSC Examiners’ Feedback report | Download
FPSC Essay Guide: Examiners’ Feedback report | Download | This essential report outlines the common pitfalls candidates face and details the key qualities of a good essay.