How to pass CSS Exam in Pakistan
The CSS Exam is compulsory for all those seeking government jobs in Pakistan. The written test comprises of six papers, with each paper testing different skills. The papers are as follows: 1) English Essay 2) English Precis and Composition 3) Current Affairs 4) Pakistan Affairs 5) Islamic Studies (compulsory for Muslims only) 6) Optional Subjects To pass the CSS Exam in Pakistan, candidates must first obtain a minimum passing score in each individual paper. The overall pass percentage is 50%. This means that if a candidate obtains 49% in any paper, they will fail the exam overall.
What is the CSS Exam?
CSS Exam is a test of a candidate's ability to appear for the Civil Service of Pakistan. The CSS Exam is conducted by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) every year. It consists of two papers, Paper-I and Paper-II. Candidates who pass both the papers are placed on the merit list and are eligible for appointment to various posts in the civil services of Pakistan.
Paper-I of the CSS Exam is an objective type paper consisting of 100 multiple choice questions from the following subjects: English Composition, Current Affairs, Pakistan Affairs, Islamic Studies ( Ethics for non-Muslim candidates), Constitutional Law, History of Pakistan / India, Geography, Economics, Statistics and Mathematics.
Paper-II is a subjective type paper consisting of six essay questions from any two subjects out of the following: English Essay, Urdu Essay, Translation from English to Urdu or vice versa, précis writing, composition and grammar.
The total marks for both papers are 1200 and the duration of each paper is three hours.
The Different Parts of the CSS Exam
There are four different parts to the CSS exam in Pakistan. The first part is the written examination, which is taken over the course of two days. This examination tests the candidate’s knowledge of the Pakistani Constitution, as well as their writing ability.
The second part of the exam is an oral examination, which is conducted by a panel of CSS officers. This examination tests the candidate’s ability to communicate effectively in English.
The third part of the exam is a physical examination, which is conducted by a medical officer. This examination assesses the candidate’s physical fitness and whether they meet the minimum requirements for service in the CSS.
The fourth and final part of the exam is an interview with a panel of senior CSS officers. This interview assesses the candidate’s suitability for service in the CSS and their potential to contribute to Pakistan’s development.
Pros and Cons of the CSS Exam
The CSS Exam is a competitive examination held in Pakistan for the selection of candidates for the post of Civil Service of Pakistan. The written examination consists of nine compulsory and one optional paper. The examination is personally conducted by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC).
Candidates who have passed their graduation or equivalent examination from a Pakistani university or an accredited foreign university are eligible to sit for the CSS Exam. The age limit for taking the examination is 21-30 years.
The duration of the written examination is 3 hours and 45 minutes for each paper. Candidates are required to attempt all papers except the optional paper.
The CSS Exam covers a wide range of topics, including English essay, general knowledge, current affairs, Pakistan Affairs, Islamic Studies/Ethics, Constitutional Law, History of Pakistan/India, Geography, Economics, Statistics, Mathematics, and General Science.
The main aim of the CSS Exam is to select eligible candidates for appointment to various posts in Grade 17 & 18 in various federal government departments and agencies.
The Federal Public Service Commission has prescribed minimum qualifying marks for each paper as well as for the total written examination. Candidates who fail to obtain the minimum qualifying marks in any paper or in the total written examination are not declared successful.
objectionably low level; others argue that it assesses only rote learning and fails to test analytical skills
