CSS Notes- Click on the subject to view syllabus and notes
Compulsory Subjects (600 Marks)
All candidates must attempt these six papers (100 marks each):
Subject
Marks
Detailed Overview
1. English Essay
100
Candidates are required to write one comprehensive essay (2500–3000 words) on a given topic. It tests their ability to argue logically, organize ideas, and write clearly. Strong grammar and current knowledge are essential.
2. English (Precis & Composition)
100
This paper includes précis writing, reading comprehension, vocabulary, sentence correction, and translation. It assesses command over formal English, coherence, and grammar usage.
3. General Science & Ability (GSA)
100
A combination of basic science and analytical ability. Covers topics from physics, biology, chemistry, environmental science, and includes math/analytical reasoning (percentages, graphs, logic). Ideal for testing IQ and general science knowledge.
4. Current Affairs
100
Covers national and international developments over the past 1–2 years. Topics include global organizations (UN, OIC), Pakistan’s foreign policy, international relations, economy, and regional dynamics (e.g., Kashmir, Afghanistan, China, US).
5. Pakistan Affairs
100
Focuses on the historical, constitutional, and ideological evolution of Pakistan. Topics include the Pakistan Movement, post-1947 developments, foreign policy, national integration, and internal challenges (ethnicity, governance, etc.).
6. Islamic Studies / Comparative Religion
100
For Muslims: Covers the Quran, Sunnah, Islamic beliefs, ethics, human rights, and the role of Islam in modern society. For Non-Muslims: Comparative religion explores major world religions and their ethical and social teachings.
Optional Subjects (600 Marks)
What Are CSS Optional Subjects?
The CSS exam, conducted by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC), includes 600 marks worth of optional subjects alongside 600 marks in compulsory subjects. Candidates select optional subjects based on a group system defined by FPSC. A smart selection strategy, based on your background, interest, and scoring trends, can make a big difference in performance.
The CSS exam consists of 12 subjects, split into Compulsory and Optional categories. Candidates must pass all compulsory subjects and choose optional subjects totaling 600 marks according to FPSC’s group rules.
Group I – Choose 1 subject (200 marks)
Subjects
Marks
Overview
Accountancy & Auditing
200
Includes principles of financial accounting, IFRS, cost accounting, managerial accounting, internal/external auditing techniques, accounting cycles, and interpretation of financial statements. Suitable for commerce/accounting background.
Economics
200
Covers micro and macroeconomics, consumer and producer theory, fiscal and monetary policy, inflation, unemployment, exchange rates, Pakistan’s economic planning, and global trade dynamics. Ideal for economics or business graduates.
Computer Science
200
Focuses on programming (C/C++), data structures, operating systems, computer architecture, database systems (SQL), software engineering life cycle, computer networks, and theoretical foundations. Great for CS/IT students.
Political Science
200
Examines Western and Islamic political thought, sovereignty, law, constitutions, political systems of Pakistan, UK, and USA, governance institutions, and ideologies like liberalism and socialism.
International Relations
200
Offers understanding of IR theories (realism, liberalism, constructivism), global diplomacy, international organizations (UN, WTO), foreign policies (esp. Pakistan’s), regional security, arms control, and global conflicts.
Group II – Choose 1 subject (200 marks) or 2 subjects (100 marks each)
Subject
Marks
Overview
Physics
200
Covers classical mechanics, thermodynamics, waves, electromagnetism, optics, nuclear physics, quantum theory, electronics, and solid-state physics. Strong math skills recommended.
Chemistry
200
Combines physical chemistry (thermodynamics, kinetics), organic chemistry (mechanisms, reactions, synthesis), and inorganic chemistry (transition metals, acids/bases, periodicity) etc. Diagrams and equations are key.
Applied Mathematics
100
Focuses on practical math: differential equations, linear algebra, vector calculus, Fourier series, numerical methods, and mathematical modeling in physical sciences etc.
Pure Mathematics
100
Emphasizes theory-based math: group theory, real and complex analysis, topology, number theory, abstract algebra, and proofs. Demands strong conceptual clarity.
Statistics
100
Includes descriptive stats, probability distributions, estimation, hypothesis testing, regression, correlation, sampling, index numbers, and time-series analysis. Requires logical thinking.
Geology
100
Studies Earth’s structure, rocks, minerals, plate tectonics, sedimentation, paleontology, stratigraphy, geological hazards, and mapping techniques. Includes visual and descriptive content.
Group III – Choose 1 subject (100 marks)
Subject
Marks
Overview
Business Administration
100
Covers management principles, marketing strategies, HRM, organizational behavior, leadership, operations, finance, and strategic planning. Practical and case-based.
Public Administration
100
Focuses on administrative theories, bureaucracy, budgeting, planning, civil service, organizational design, and public policy formulation in Pakistan and globally.
Governance & Public Policies
100
Explores transparency, public sector reforms, policy cycles, institutional efficiency, regulatory frameworks, and government accountability systems.
Town Planning & Urban Management
100
Studies urbanization, land-use planning, infrastructure development, zoning laws, smart cities, population distribution, and environmental sustainability.
Group IV – Choose 1 subject (100 marks)
Subject
Marks
Overview
History of Pakistan & India
100
Covers major historical events from Muslim rule in the subcontinent to British colonization, freedom movements, and the creation of Pakistan. Includes critical figures like Sir Syed, Iqbal, and Quaid-e-Azam and their political ideologies.
Islamic History & Culture
100
Examines the rise of Islam, expansion under the Rashidun and Umayyads, Abbasid civilization, cultural contributions, Islamic philosophy, and decline of Muslim empires. Good for candidates with Islamic Studies background.
British History
100
Analyzes political and constitutional evolution from the Tudor period through the Industrial Revolution, World Wars, and post-war Britain. Emphasizes democracy, parliament, and empire building.
European History
100
Focuses on the Renaissance, Reformation, French and Russian Revolutions, World Wars, Cold War, and formation of the EU. A strong choice for understanding Western political development.
History of the USA
100
Covers colonization, revolution, constitution making, civil war, industrialization, world role, civil rights movements, and recent global leadership. Useful for international affairs context.
Group V – Choose 1 subject (100 marks)
Subject
Marks
Overview
Gender Studies
100
Covers gender theories, feminism, gender roles, patriarchy, gender equity policies, and global gender challenges. Includes Pakistan’s gender development indicators and reforms.
Studies soil types, irrigation methods, crop production techniques, pest management, agro-economics, forestry practices, afforestation, and agroforestry systems.
Botany
100
Includes plant anatomy, physiology, genetics, taxonomy, ecology, plant diseases, and economic importance of plants. Diagrams and plant cycles are essential.
Zoology
100
Covers classification of animals, physiology, genetics, evolution, developmental biology, animal behavior, and ecology. Good for science/medical background students.
English Literature
100
Analysis of prose, poetry, drama from Chaucer to modern writers. Includes critical appreciation, literary movements (Romanticism, Modernism, etc.), and famous authors (Shakespeare, Eliot, etc.).
Urdu Literature
100
Focuses on classical and modern Urdu prose and poetry, genres like ghazal and nazm, criticism, and biographies of major poets like Ghalib and Iqbal. Strong for Urdu speakers.
Group VI – Choose 1 subject (100 marks)
Subject
Marks
Overview
Law
100
Covers nature of law, legal systems, civil and criminal law, torts, property laws, and contract law. Basic understanding of jurisprudence and case law is expected.
Constitutional Law
100
Comparative study of constitutions, focusing on the USA, UK, and Pakistan. Includes concepts like fundamental rights, separation of powers, and judicial review.
International Law
100
Covers sources of international law, state sovereignty, treaties, diplomatic immunity, war laws, UN Charter, and maritime law. Useful for IR students.
Muslim Law & Jurisprudence
100
Explains Islamic sources of law (Quran, Sunnah, Ijma, Qiyas), Islamic family law (marriage, divorce, inheritance), criminal law, and legal maxims.
Mercantile Law
100
Focuses on contract law, sale of goods, partnership law, negotiable instruments, company law, and legal obligations in business transactions.
Criminology
100
Studies theories of crime, types of criminals, criminal justice systems, corrections, rehabilitation, cybercrime, and crime prevention policies.
Philosophy
100
Involves Western and Islamic philosophers, ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, logic, and analytical thinking. Critical reasoning is central to this subject.
Group VII – Choose 1 subject (100 marks)
Subject
Marks
Overview
Journalism & Mass Communication
100
Covers media theories, communication models, journalism ethics, news writing, press freedom, advertising, digital media, and role of media in Pakistan.
Psychology
100
Studies cognitive, behavioral, social, clinical, and developmental psychology. Covers perception, learning, personality, motivation, and mental health.
Geography
100
Includes physical geography (landforms, climate), human geography (population, urbanization), map interpretation, and Pakistan geography.
Sociology
100
Covers culture, social institutions, socialization, deviance, urbanization, social change, gender and class relations, and social research methods.
Anthropology
100
Studies human evolution, kinship systems, cultures, tribes, ethnography, and comparative social structures. Excellent for understanding diverse societies.
Punjabi
100
Classical and modern Punjabi literature, poetry, language structure, regional culture, and grammar.
Sindhi
100
History and development of Sindhi language and literature, folk tales, modern authors, and poetic forms.
Pashto
100
Covers classical poetry, modern prose, folk literature, grammar, and literary trends in Pashto.
Balochi
100
Folk traditions, classical poetry, short stories, grammar, and modern developments in Balochi literature.
Persian
100
Persian grammar, classical poets like Saadi, Hafiz, Rumi, modern prose, and influence on Urdu.
Arabic
100
Grammar, classical texts, comprehension, translation, and overview of Arabic prose and poetry in Islamic tradition.
