Comparative Study of Major Religions is a compulsory subject in CSS for non-Muslim candidates (in place of Islamiat), carrying 100 marks. The paper covers Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism in a comparative framework. Below you can download every paper from 2000 to 2025, with paper pattern, syllabus, books, and strategy for CSS 2026.
Download Comparative Study of Major Religions Past Papers
Paper Pattern (FPSC 2026)
Single compulsory paper, 100 marks, 3 hours. 20 MCQs + 4 subjective questions out of 8. Pass mark: 40/100.
FPSC Syllabus Highlights
- Religion: meaning, study and academic approach
- Islam: beliefs, practices, history, contemporary issues
- Judaism: origin, scriptures, branches, modern Israel
- Christianity: Bible, denominations, ecumenism
- Hinduism: Vedas, schools, modern reform movements
- Buddhism: Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path, Theravada vs Mahayana
- Comparative themes: God concept, prophethood, scripture, salvation
- Religion in modern world: pluralism, dialogue, conflict
Most Repeated Topics (2016-2025)
- Concept of God in major religions
- Comparison of scriptures and authority
- Prophets in Islam, Judaism, Christianity
- Caste system in Hinduism & critique
- Buddhist ethics & modern relevance
- Interfaith dialogue in Pakistan
- Religion & social justice
- Religious pluralism
High-Scoring Strategy
- Structure comparatively — Tables work well: God concept, scriptures, salvation, ethics across religions.
- Cite scripture references — Quran, Bible, Torah, Bhagavad Gita, Dhammapada.
- Maintain neutrality — Academic, respectful tone for every faith.
- Cite scholars — Huston Smith, Karen Armstrong, Diana Eck.
- Solve 8 past papers under timing.
Recommended Books
- The World’s Religions — Huston Smith
- A History of God — Karen Armstrong
- Comparative Religion — A.C. Bouquet
- Seven Theories of Religion — Daniel Pals
- Caravan Comparative Study of Religions for CSS
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can take this subject?
Non-Muslim CSS aspirants take this instead of Islamiat. It is a compulsory paper, 100 marks.
Is the subject scoring?
Yes — well-prepared candidates score 70-80 with comparative tables and clean academic writing.
How much Islam content?
Roughly 30%. Even though candidates take this in lieu of Islamiat, Islam still features prominently as one of the major religions.