Criminology is a Group VII optional in CSS, carrying 100 marks in a single paper. It’s an increasingly popular choice — especially for candidates aiming at the PSP (Police Service of Pakistan). Below you can download Criminology CSS Past Papers from 2000 to 2025, with paper pattern, syllabus, books, and a study strategy for CSS 2026.
Download Criminology 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
- Concept of crime, deviance, and criminology
- Schools of criminology: classical, positivist, Chicago, conflict
- Theories: anomie, strain, labelling, social learning, rational choice
- Types of crime: violent, property, white-collar, cyber, organised
- Criminal justice system: police, courts, corrections
- Juvenile delinquency & rehabilitation
- Victims, victimology & restorative justice
- Pakistani criminal justice: structure, challenges, reforms
- Terrorism, militancy & counter-terrorism in Pakistan
- Cybercrime & financial fraud
Most Repeated Topics (2016-2025)
- Merton’s strain theory applied to Pakistan
- Causes of street crime in urban Pakistan
- Juvenile delinquency: causes & interventions
- Police reforms: from the 1861 Act to the 2002 Police Order
- Honour killings: causes, laws, prevention
- Cybercrime & PECA 2016
- Terrorism financing & FATF
- Prison reforms & rehabilitation
High-Scoring Strategy
- Master the theories — Lombroso, Beccaria, Merton, Sutherland, Hirschi. One page each with key concepts and 2 quotes.
- Apply theory to Pakistan — Cite domestic examples: terror attacks, honour killings, financial frauds, urban crime patterns.
- Know the legal framework — Pakistan Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Code, Anti-Terrorism Act 1997, PECA 2016.
- Cite Pakistani scholars/practitioners — Asad Jamal, Tariq Khosa, Hassan Abbas, ICG reports.
- Use data — Crime statistics from PBS, UNODC reports, and NADRA data on cybercrime.
- Solve 8 past papers under the timing.
Recommended Books
- Criminology — Larry Siegel
- Criminological Theory — J. Robert Lilly et al.
- The Police in Pakistan — Tariq Khosa
- Pakistan: Inside the Insurgency — Zahid Hussain
- Caravan Criminology for CSS
- UNODC World Drug Report & Pakistan Reports
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Criminology helpful for PSP allocation?
Indirectly. Allocation is by merit and preference. But Criminology demonstrates relevant interest and is a useful background once you join the police service.
Is the subject scoring?
Yes — well-prepared candidates score 70-80. The syllabus is well-defined and rewards structured, theory-backed answers with Pakistani application.
How much law is in Criminology?
Some — you need to know the criminal justice system, key statutes (PPC, CrPC, ATA, PECA), and reform debates. But it’s more sociological than legalistic.