CSS Exam in Pakistan 2025 : Age Limit, CSS Eligibility Criteria

The CSS Exam in Pakistan is a highly competitive test conducted by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) for recruitment to BS-17 civil service positions. This guide provides comprehensive details about the exam date, age limit, CSS eligibility criteria, application process, and important tips for aspiring candidates.

What is the CSS Exam in Pakistan?

The CSS (Central Superior Services) Exam is the most prestigious competitive examination in Pakistan. It is designed to recruit officers in various federal government departments, including:

• Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS)
• Foreign Service of Pakistan (FSP)
• Police Service of Pakistan (PSP)
• Pakistan Customs Service (PCS)
• Office Management Group (OMG)

This highly challenging exam is conducted annually, and only a small percentage of candidates successfully qualify. In recent years, the success rate has been below 3%, making it one of the most difficult exams in Pakistan.

Why is the CSS Important?

• Offers prestige & authority in government positions
• Provides job security & high salary in BS-17
• A gateway to policymaking & national administration

Exam Dates CSS 2024: Important Deadlines

If you’re planning to appear in the CSS 2024 exam, take note of these important dates:

• Last Date for Online Application: October 2024
• Deadline for Submitting Hard Copy & Documents: November 2024
• Cut-off Date for Eligibility Criteria: 31 December 2024
• Exam Start Date: February 2025

Pro Tip: Start your CSS preparation at least one year in advance to maximize your chances of success.

CSS Eligibility Criteria

1. Gender Eligibility

Both male and female candidates can apply.

2. Nationality Requirement

• Only Pakistani nationals are eligible.
• Candidates from Gilgit-Baltistan and AJK can apply.

3. Educational Qualification

• A Bachelor’s degree (14 years of education) with at least a 2nd division (Grade ‘C’) is required.
• Candidates with a third division in their Bachelor’s degree can still apply if they have a higher degree (Master’s).

4. CSS Age Limit (2024-2025)

• General Age Limit: 21 – 30 years
• The cut-off date for age calculation is 31 December 2024.

Who Can Get Age Relaxation?
Some candidates are eligible for an age relaxation of 2 years (up to 32 years), including:

• Government employees (who have served at least 2 years)
• Candidates from FATA, Gilgit-Baltistan, Balochistan, and Azad Kashmir

Exam Structure: CSS Subjects & Marking Scheme

The CSS Selection consists of six main categories:

• Compulsory Subjects (600 Marks)
• Optional Subjects (600 Marks)
• Medical Examination
• Psychological Assessment
• Viva Voce (Interview) (300 Marks)

The written examination carries a total of 1200 marks, and candidates must pass with a minimum of 600 marks to qualify for further stages.

Compulsory Subjects (600 Marks)

• English Essay (100 Marks)
• English Precis & Composition (100 Marks)
• General Science & Ability (100 Marks)
• Current Affairs (100 Marks)
• Pakistan Affairs (100 Marks)
• Islamic Studies / Comparative Religion (100 Marks)

Optional Subjects (600 Marks)

Candidates must choose optional subjects from groups defined by FPSC. Some popular optional subjects include:

• International Relations
• Political Science
• Public Administration
• Sociology
• History of Pakistan & India

Pro Tip: Choose optional subjects based on your strengths and interests to score higher.

CSS Exam Centers in Pakistan

The CSS Exam is conducted in various major cities across Pakistan. You can select an exam centre from the following list:

Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Quetta, Faisalabad, Multan, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Abbottabad, Bahawalpur, D.G. Khan, D.I. Khan, Gilgit, Gujranwala, Larkana, Muzaffarabad, Sargodha

CSS Admission & Examination Fee

Exam Fee for CSS 2024-2025: Rs. 2200/-

The fee is non-refundable and must be deposited via challan form at designated banks.

How to Apply for the CSS?

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Online Registration

• Visit the FPSC official website and create an account.

2. Fill in the Application Form

• Provide accurate personal and educational details.

3. Deposit the Exam Fee

• Submit Rs. 2200/- at a designated bank.

4. Submit Required Documents

• Print the application form and send it to FPSC Headquarters, Islamabad, along with the required documents.

5. Download Your Roll Number Slip

• Once your application is accepted, FPSC will issue your roll number slip before the exam date.

FAQs About CSS in Pakistan

? What is the success rate of the CSS?

The success rate is less than 3%, making it one of the toughest exams in Pakistan.

? How many times can I attempt the CSS?

You can attempt the CSS Papers up to 3 times.

? Which subjects are best for CSS?

Subjects like International Relations, Political Science, Public Administration, and Sociology are popular choices.

? What is the age limit for CSS 2024?

The general age limit is 21-30 years, but some candidates can apply up to 32 years.

Final Thoughts

The CSS Exam in Pakistan is a gateway to high-ranking government positions. It requires extensive preparation, in-depth knowledge, and strategic planning. If you’re serious about cracking the CSS, start your preparation early, choose your optional subjects wisely, and stay consistent.

Want to download CSS Past Papers? Click here to access them for free!