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.SubjectsMarks
1.English Essay100
2.English (Precis and Composition)100
3.General Science & Ability100
4.Current Affairs100
5.Pakistan Affairs100
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.SubjectsMarks
11.Accountancy & Auditing200
12.Economics200
13.Computer Science200
14.Political Science200
15.International Relations200

GROUP – II
(Select one subject of 200 marks OR two subjects of 100 marks each)

Code No.SubjectsMarks
16.Physics200
17.Chemistry200
18.Applied Mathematics100
19.Pure Mathematics100
20.Statistics100
21.Geology100

GROUP – III
(select one subject of 100 marks)

Code No.SubjectsMarks
22.Business Administration100
23.Public Administration100
24.Governance & Public Policies100
25.Town Planning & Urban Management100

GROUP – IV
(select one subject of 100 marks)

Code No.SubjectsMarks
26.History of Pakistan & India100
27.Islamic History & Culture100
28.British History100
29.European History100
30.History of USA100

GROUP – V
(select one subject of 100 marks)

Code No.SubjectsMarks
31.Gender Studies100
32.Environmental Sciences100
33.Agriculture & Forestry100
34.Botany100
35.Zoology100
36.English Literature100
37.Urdu Literature100

GROUP – VI
(select one subject of 100 marks)

Code No.SubjectsMarks
38.Law100
39.Constitutional Law100
40.International Law100
41.Muslim Law & Jurisprudence100
42.Mercantile Law100
43.Criminology100
44.Philosophy100

GROUP – VII
(select one subject of 100 marks)

Code No.SubjectsMarks
45.Journalism & Mass Communication100
46.Psychology100
47.Geography100
48.Sociology100
49.Anthropology100
50.Punjabi100
51.Sindhi100
52.Pashto100
53.Balochi100
54.Persian100
55.Arabic100

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.