If you are passionate about joining civil services and want to sit in CSS exams, then this article is going to be a complete package for you. Follow this till end, to know more about CSS exam preparation method, CSS exam point of study and many more.
So first, we will see that what is CSS exam? Central Superior Services is what CSS stands for. CSS is the most prestigious competitive exam for hiring the most brilliant, disciplined, and capable people from all over Pakistan in the federal government’s 12 departments. Bureaucrats are the title given to CSS officers. All civilian bureaucratic operations, government secretariats, and directorates of Pakistan’s Cabinet are managed by bureaucracy. Every year, the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) is in charge of administering the exam and announcing the results. CSS officers are the wheels that propel the state’s motor forward.
Structure of the CSS exam:
These exams use four different sorts of assessments to quantify the candidate’s knowledge, skills, and mental talents.
First comes the theory test which constituted by compulsory and optional subjects. To pass required papers, you must achieve a score of 40%, whereas optional tests require a score of 33%. Depending on your selected educational discipline, you can choose from a list of optional papers provided by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC).
Secondly comes the medical examination. After passing the theory test, a candidate must pass a medical examination. The goal of the medical examination is to determine the candidate’s physical condition. Those who do not meet the medical requirements will not be considered. In the case of a disabled candidate, disability certificates must be presented in advance, and they must be provided by a recognized body. Physically challenged individuals are eligible to take the CSS Examination in four disciplines: Pakistan Audit & Accounts, Information Services, Postal Service, Commerce & Trade.
Finally, there is a psychological test. The psychological test of the CSS Exam is used to assess a candidate’s mental acuity, attitude, and behavioral qualities in order to determine their suitability for civil service. Both the Psychological Test and the Viva Voce are worth 300 points. To pass the Viva Voce, which is essentially an exclusive interview to test a CSS candidate’s intelligence and mental fitness.
Eligibility Criteria:
CSS exam age limit is:
- Minimum age is 21 years while Max is 30 Years. Also, Age Relaxation 2 years is permitted too the:
- Applicants of Scheduled Caste or Buddhist People.
- The applicants who belong to the acknowledged Communities.
- Permanent Inhabitants of Azad Jammu & Kashmir & GB
- Disabled persons.
- In Active Service Government Employees, Military Employees, Contract Personnel.
- No less than a Bachelor’s degree having 2nd Division or Grade “C”, from any Pakistani or a foreign Institute, acknowledged by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan.
- The applicant who received a 3rd Division (or “D”) in his/her bachelor’s degree shall be qualified for the EXAM if he/she has received a higher Division in his/her master’s degree.
- A Pakistani citizen or a resident of the state of Jammu & Kashmir. An applicant who has married someone who is not a Pakistani citizen is ineligible for the position. However, the candidate may be considered eligible for appointment if the government gives its authorization first. A domicile certificate from the corresponding region is necessary to apply for Provincial/Regional Quotas.
HOW TO APPLY FOR CSS EXAM via ONLINE portal
It is necessary to submit an online application. If you’re also a CSS candidate, you’ll need to meet the following standards. Information such as the applicant’s CNIC number, bank account information, includes a reference of non-compulsory/optional subjects, academic and professional experience. Because the information submitted in the online application form cannot be altered afterwards, all of the data should be carefully and accurately hit online. You will receive a confirmation email after submitting your online CSS application, which will provide the tracking ID for your application.
Required documents for apply
The following documents are required by the FPSC:
- A Photocopy of academic Certificates
- Receipt from Bank of Exam Fee
- Photographs
- Certificates of Experience (optional)
CSS exam subjects Selection:
CSS exam subject selection is probably the most important part of this whole exams as this proves to be the detrimental of success and failure. There are many myths about high and low-scoring subjects; however, candidates should go through the syllabus of each subject they select and they must see past papers of the respective subjects as well. Syllabus and past papers are available on the website of FPSC.
COMPULSORY SUBJECTS (600 MARKS)
- English Essay = 100 marks.
- English (Precis and Composition) = 100 marks.
- General Science & Ability = 100 marks.
- Current Affairs = 100 marks.
- Pakistan Affairs = 100 marks
Optional/non-compulsory Subjects (600 marks):
Optional subjects are distributed in 7 different groups, you must select 6 subjects out of that 7 groups. Because in CSS exams we have total 12 subjects (and 1200 total marks), out of which 6 are compulsory while other 6 are optional.
In Group-I and Group- II, all the subjects carry 200 marks, so by selecting any subject in these 2 groups, candidate have to giv2 paper of that single subject.
While in Group 3 to 7, each subject has 100 marks and one paper only.
For detail information about subject groups, their courses, you can visit FPSS official website or google it, you would easily find it.
Subject selection totally depends upon a person’s choice, but make sure to check the subject marking scope, rank and course before selecting it.
Allocation Groups of CSS:
The Federal Government Services listed below are available to you if you have passed the tests in your chosen field of study.
- Commerce & Trade Services
- District Management Group
- Foreign Service of Pakistan
- Custom and Excise Service
- Information Group
- Income Tax Group
- Office Management Group
- Military Lands and Cantonments Group
- Police Service group of Pakistan
- Postal Service Group
- Pakistan Audit and Accounts Service
- Railways Group (commercial and transportation)
CSS Examinations and Interview Centers:
CSS Exams are held in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Faisalabad, D.I. Khan, Gilgit, Hyderabad, Gujranwala, Khuzdar, Larkana, Multan, Okara, Muzaffarabad, Quetta, Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Skardu, Sialkot, and Sukkur. CSS Examination interviews, on the other hand, are only held in metropolitan areas.
Recommended Books:
Though there are thousands of books available in the market for the preparation of CE but all of them are not authentic. Candidates must go through the recommended readings provided by FPSC for standing out preparation.
Resources and academies
Although there are several coaching academies which charge hefty fees for their coaching, there is one source which is absolutely free and open to everyone and that is Internet. There are countless YouTube channels which offer free of cost guidance and notes in some cases. Moreover, candidates can also enjoy free access to international journals and magazines for updated knowledge. However, a candidate must find a teacher who can assess written work.
Some common myths about CSS
- In Pakistan, it is widely held that doctors have exceptional memorizing abilities, which are referred to as “Ratta.” And in order to pass the Civil Service tests, you’ll need this skill set. As a result, the Doctors are the ideal candidates for taking and passing this exam.
- It is commonly considered that in order to succeed at CSS, an applicant must have a stellar academic record. However, this is as true as a unicorn. In fact, when a candidate enters the realm of CSS, he or she must start from scratch. Everyone is the same. The only difference is the successful candidate’s earnestness, dedication, and intelligent study.
- English isn’t such a formidable foe that you can’t overcome it. It’s just a language, after all. A language that is so widely spoken that it has been designated as the official language of the United States. After all, it doesn’t matter if you can’t speak it as well as Donald Trump! That’s something even his wife can’t accomplish! As a result, even if you don’t speak the language fluently, you can become a first lady.
- Another false impression is that it takes a year to prepare for another false perception, whereas in fact, if you are careful in your choices, 6 months will enough.
- Using tough vocabulary in a stuttering manner. CSS does not require you to employ difficult terms in your sentences, and doing so may result in a grade decrease; excellent grammar combined with everyday vocabulary is sufficient!
- For certain students, choosing Optional Subjects is critical. It is one of the simplest but most difficult tasks for the majority of people. It may be handled with correct consultation, but first they must determine their genuine interests.
Conclusion:
So that was everything about the CSS exam, like how to prepare for it, and other key details. This article will be helpful in both circumstances, whether you are giving it for the first time or re-appearing in it. If you have already attempted CSS exam, 2021 but were unsuccessful due to a lack of knowledge and wish to retake it next year. So, before you show up, make sure you have the necessary expertise and information.
Hope you will find this article easy and helpful. GOD LUCK!
