Gender Studies is a Group V optional in CSS, carrying 100 marks in a single paper. It has become increasingly popular since 2018 because the syllabus is well-defined and the subject is widely seen as scoring. Below you can download Gender Studies CSS Past Papers from 2000 to 2025, with paper pattern, syllabus, books, and a preparation plan for CSS 2026.
Download Gender Studies CSS Past Papers (Year-wise PDFs)
Paper Pattern (FPSC 2026)
Single paper, 100 marks, 3 hours. Format: 20 MCQs + 4 subjective questions out of 8. Pass mark: 40/100.
FPSC Syllabus Highlights
- Introduction to Gender Studies: concepts and scope
- Sex & gender distinction
- Feminist theories: liberal, radical, Marxist, socialist, post-modern, Islamic
- Status of women in major religions
- Women’s movements globally and in Pakistan
- Patriarchy & its institutions
- Gender-based violence: forms & responses
- Women in development (WID), Gender and Development (GAD)
- Pakistan: legislation, women’s representation, economic participation
- UN frameworks: CEDAW, SDGs & gender
Most Repeated Topics (2016-2025)
- Liberal vs radical feminism
- Islamic feminism and its scholars
- Patriarchy & honour-based violence in Pakistan
- Women’s economic empowerment & BISP/Ehsaas
- Women in Pakistani politics: reserved seats, leadership
- CEDAW and Pakistan’s reservations
- Workplace harassment laws in Pakistan
- Gender mainstreaming in development
High-Scoring Strategy
- Master feminist theories — Cite founders: Mary Wollstonecraft (liberal), Simone de Beauvoir, Kate Millett (radical), bell hooks, Fatima Mernissi, Riffat Hassan.
- Use Pakistan data — Female labour force participation, gender parity in education, parliamentary representation, GBV statistics.
- Cite Pakistani scholars — Farida Shaheed, Rubina Saigol, Anita Weiss, Shahla Haeri.
- Know legislation — Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act (2010), Domestic Violence Act, Anti-Honour Killing Law (2016), Transgender Protection Act (2018).
- Apply theory to local cases — Use Mukhtar Mai, Malala, Aurat March examples.
- Solve 8 past papers under timing.
Recommended Books
- Feminism: A Very Short Introduction — Margaret Walters
- The Second Sex — Simone de Beauvoir
- Beyond the Veil — Fatima Mernissi
- Believing Women in Islam — Asma Barlas
- Women, Islam and the State — Deniz Kandiyoti
- Caravan Gender Studies for CSS
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gender Studies safe and scoring?
Yes — it’s currently among the most-recommended optionals. Candidates routinely score 70-85 with disciplined preparation.
Can male candidates take Gender Studies?
Absolutely — many top male candidates pick Gender Studies and score very well. The subject is academic, not gendered in eligibility.
Is the syllabus stable?
Yes — FPSC’s gender studies syllabus has been consistent. Topics evolve only with new legislation and global frameworks (e.g., SDGs).