Question 1:- What is the CSS?
Answer:-The CSS is a Competitive Examination conducted by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) to recruit officers for the Civil Services of Pakistan in 12 Occupational Groups & Services.

Question 2:- When is the CSS Competitive Examination held?
Answer:-CSS Competitive Examination is held once every year. The schedule is advertised on FPSC’s website and in leading newspapers.

Question 3:- Who organizes and conducts the CSS Competitive Examination?
Answer:-Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC).

Question 4:- Can someone from outside Pakistan apply for CSS Competitive Examination?
Answer:-Yes. Pakistanis living abroad may apply, provided they fulfill nationality and eligibility conditions, holding nationality of Pakistan.

Question 5:- What instrument govern conduct of CSS?
Answer:-CSS Competitive Examination Rules 2019 govern the conduct of CSS.

Question 6:- Who can apply for the CSS Competitive Examination?
Answer:-Any Pakistani national who fulfills the prescribed conditions of age, qualification, nationality/domicile, and attempts can apply for the CSS Competitive Examination.

Question 7:- Whatare the eligibility criteria for CSS Competitive Examination?
Answer:-
• Age: 21–30 years on 31st December of the preceding year
• Qualification: At least a Bachelor’s degree (14 years of education) with minimum 2nd division / Grade C
• Nationality: Citizen of Pakistan or permanent resident of Azad Jammu & Kashmir
• Attempts: Maximum three

Question 8:- What is the cut-off date for eligibility (age, qualification, domicile etc.)?
Answer:-The cut-off date is 31st December of the year preceding the examination.

Question 9:-What are the components of CSS Competitive Examination?
Answer:-
1. Written Examination
2. Medical Examination
3. Psychological Assessment
4. Viva Voce (Interview)

Question 10:- What is the nationality/domicile requirement?
Answer:-
• Must be a Pakistani citizen or a state subject of Azad Jammu & Kashmir
• Must produce domicile/permanent residence certificate from the competent authority at the time of application. The domicile must be issued before the cut-off date.

Question 11:- Whatare the consequences of late submission of hardcopy of online application?
Answer:-Late submission of the hard copy after 10 days of the closing date will result in rejection of candidature.

Question 12:- What are the Occupational Groups in CSS?
Answer:-In the CSS, successful candidates are allocated to one of the following Occupational Groups or Services according to their merit position, provincial quota, and preferences;
(1) Commerce and Trade Group
(2) Foreign Service of Pakistan
(3) Information Group
(4) Inland Revenue Service
(5) Military Lands and Cantonments Group
(6) Office Management Group
(7) Pakistan Administrative Service
(8) Pakistan Audit and Accounts Service
(9) Pakistan Customs Service
(10) Police Service of Pakistan
(11) Postal Group
(12) Railways (Commercial and Transportation) Group

Question 13:- What are the age limits for CSS Competitive Examination?
Answer:-
• Minimum: 21 years
• Maximum: 30 years (on the cut-off date)
• Age relaxation is admissible to certain categories

Question 14:- Which candidates qualify for upper age relaxation (2 years) for CSS Competitive Examination?
Answer:-
• Scheduled castes and Buddhist community
• Recognized tribes from specified tribal/formerly excluded areas
• Permanent residents of Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan
• Government servants and armed forces personnel with at least two years continuous service
• Special candidates (physically, hearing/speech or visually impaired)

Question 15:- What is the fee for CSS Competitive Examination?
Answer:-
• MPT: Rs. 250/-
• Written Examination: Rs. 2,200/-

Question 16:- Where is the fee deposited?
Answer:-In the State Bank/National Bank of Pakistan under the prescribed head of account.

Question 17:-What is the MPT?
Answer:-MPT (MCQ-Based Preliminary Test) is a compulsory screening test introduced in 2022. Only those who qualify MPT can appear in the Written Examination for CSS.

Question 18:- Whatare the passing criteria in MPT?
Answer:-At least 33% marks (66 out of 200).

Question 19:-What is the fee for MPT?
Answer:-Rs. 250/- (Rupees two hundred & fifty only)

Question 20:-Do MPT attempts count towards CSS attempts?
Answer:-No. MPT attempts are not counted towards the three CSS Written Examination attempts.

Question 21:-Is MPT result valid for more than one year?
Answer:-No. MPT result is valid for that year’s CSS Written Examination only.

Question 22:-Is the MPT result counted in Final Result?
Answer:-No, it is just qualifying.

Question 23:-Where is the CSS written exam held?
Answer:-At 19 designated centres across Pakistan (e.g. Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar etc.).

Question 24:-Can optional subjects or exam centres be changed in CSS?
Answer:-
• Optional subjects: No change after closing date
• Exam centre: Generally not changeable except under special circumstances with the Commission’s approval.

Question 25:-How many attempts are allowed in CSS written examination?
Answer:-Three attempts are allowed within prescribed age limits. Attempting even one paper counts as an attempt.

Question 26:-What are the qualifying marks in CSS written examination?
Answer:-
• Compulsory subjects: 40% each
• Optional subjects: 33% each
• Aggregate: 50% in written examination

Question 27:-How is final merit determined in CSS?
Answer:-Final merit is determined on the basis of written examination, psychological assessment and viva voce.

Question 28:-Does passing CSS Competitive Examination guarantee allocation to Civil Service?
Answer:-No. Allocation to Civil Service depends on merit position, group allocation, vacancy availability, and suitability.

Question 29:-When is the medical examination conducted?
Answer:-After result of written examination.

Question 30:- What are the physical standards for the candidates in CSS?
Answer:- Details are contained in CSS Competitive Examination Rules 2019.

Question 31:-Whenthe psychological assessment & viva voce are conducted?
Answer:-After announcement of result of written examination and before Viva Voce and final allocation.

Question 32:-Centres for psychological assessment or viva voce be changed?
Answer:-Generally not changeable except under special circumstances with the Commission’s approval.

Question 33:- Are there any guidelines for Viva Voce?
Answer:-Yes, these are only issued to the candidates called for Viva Voce.

Question 34:-What is Commission’s policy on use of unfair means during examination?
Answer:-Cheating, impersonation, plagiarism, misconduct, or possession of restricted material leads to cancellation of candidature, debarment, and legal action.

Question 35:-Can answer books of CSS competitive examination be rechecked?
Answer:-No. Answer Books are not rechecked. However, a candidate can request for recounting of marks within 1 month of announcement of result of written examination.

Question 36:-What if candidature of CSS candidate is rejected?
Answer:-Being aggrieved with the decision of the Commission, a candidate can file representation, with supporting documents, within 15 days of issuance of rejection letter / list. Decision of the Commission is final.

Question 37:- Is there a fee for Representation?
Answer:- Yes, there is representation fee of Rs.500/-.

Question 38:- What rules govern Representation & Review Petition?
Answer:- Rule 7 (1) (C) of FPSC Ordinance 1977 govern the Representation & Review Petition.