Selecting CSS subjects for the Central Superior Services (CSS) exam, managed by Pakistan’s Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC), remains one of the most challenging tasks for aspirants. The CSS examination is highly competitive, with a significant number of graduates attempting it each year. This comprehensive guide provides essential information and clarity regarding the CSS syllabus PDF 2025, designed to ease confusion typically faced during subject selection.
CSS subjects are categorized into two primary groups: CSS compulsory subjects and CSS optional subjects. A candidate must appear for a total of 1200 marks, equally divided between compulsory and optional subjects.
To ensure success, candidates must have an in-depth understanding of the syllabus, which helps streamline their study plans and enhance their performance. The FPSC CSS syllabus 2025 is designed to evaluate the analytical, writing, and reasoning skills of aspirants, making it imperative to follow a strategic preparation approach.
Details about the complete CSS Syllabus (Compulsory and Optional Subjects) are given below. Visit our Facebook Page for the latest updates.
CSS Syllabus
CSS Compulsory Subjects (600 Marks)
The CSS compulsory subjects are mandatory, carrying 600 marks in total. Each aspirant must thoroughly prepare these subjects, as there is no choice available in the CSS subjects list:
Code No. | Subjects | Marks |
1. | English Essay | 100 |
2. | English (Precis and Composition) | 100 |
3. | General Science & Ability | 100 |
4. | Current Affairs | 100 |
5. | Pakistan Affairs | 100 |
6. | Islamic Studies (For Muslims) OR Comparative Study of Major Religions (For Non-Muslims) | 100 |
Total Marks | 600 |
Note: Candidates have to attempt the MCQs Paper on a computerized OMR Answer Sheet, whereas subjective questions will be attempted on Answer Book. OMR stands for Optical Mark Recognition.
CSS Optional Subjects (600 Marks)
The CSS optional subjects comprise the remaining 600 marks and are divided into seven groups. Candidates select subjects from these groups based on interest, academic background, and scoring potential. Each CSS optional subject syllabus provides comprehensive coverage to guide preparation.
GROUP – I
(select one subject of 200 marks)
Code No. | Subjects | Marks |
11. | Accountancy & Auditing | 200 |
12. | Economics | 200 |
13. | Computer Science | 200 |
14. | Political Science | 200 |
15. | International Relations | 200 |
GROUP – II
(Select one subject of 200 marks OR two subjects of 100 marks each)
Code No. | Subjects | Marks |
16. | Physics | 200 |
17. | Chemistry | 200 |
18. | Applied Mathematics | 100 |
19. | Pure Mathematics | 100 |
20. | Statistics | 100 |
21. | Geology | 100 |
GROUP – III
(select one subject of 100 marks)
Code No. | Subjects | Marks |
22. | Business Administration | 100 |
23. | Public Administration | 100 |
24. | Governance & Public Policies | 100 |
25. | Town Planning & Urban Management | 100 |
GROUP – IV
(select one subject of 100 marks)
Code No. | Subjects | 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
(select one subject of 100 marks)
Code No. | Subjects | 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
(select one subject of 100 marks)
Code No. | Subjects | 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
(select one subject of 100 marks)
Code No. | Subjects | 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 |
Key Information about the CSS Syllabus:
- Each 200-mark subject comprises two separate papers, while 100-mark subjects consist of one paper.
- All papers must be completed within a three-hour duration.
- Aspirants may encounter objective-type MCQs in compulsory as well as optional subjects.
- Except for Islamic Studies and regional languages, all papers must be attempted in English. Islamic Studies can be attempted in either Urdu or English.
Recommendations for CSS Subject Selection:
- Select CSS subjects based on your academic background, interest, and scoring trends.
- Thoroughly review each CSS subject syllabus and CSS course outline to gauge your comfort level and preparation potential.
- Avoid choosing subjects based solely on trends or popularity; prioritize personal strengths and knowledge.
This detailed CSS 2025 syllabus aims to facilitate informed and strategic decisions for aspirants. Proper CSS subject selection at this initial stage significantly enhances preparation quality and success potential in the CSS exam. You can also view CSS Past Papers on our website.