Nutshell Introduction to competitive examination (CSS)
CSS Examination is a competitive examination conducted by Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) Islamabad every year for recruitment to posts in Basic Pay Scale 17 for
following groups/services under Federal Government.
1. Commerce & Trade
2. Customs & Excise Group
3. District Management Group
4. Foreign service of Pakistan
5. Income Tax Group
6. Information Group
7. Military Lands and Cantonments Groups
8. Office Management Group
9. Pakistan Audit and Accounts service
10. Police Service of Pakistan
11. Postal Group
12. Railways (Commercial & Transportation) Group
PARTS OF CSS EXAMINATION
CSS Examination is given for the selection of candidates for services under FPSC. The Commission ensures that selected candidate is perfect in all aspects for the post or service. Candidate has to undergo all the parts of CSS Exam for appointment against a post. The CSS
Exam comprises the following.
1. WITTEN EXAMINATION
The written exam carries total 1200 marks. For written Exam candidate has to take all compulsory subjects (papers) which carry total 600 marks as well as Select subjects from optional subjects, which carry total 600 marks. Each paper is given time of 3 hours. There are subjective questions as well as some MCQs. MCQs are to be attempted on computerized OMR Answer sheet, whereas subjective questions are
to be attempted on Answer Book. Blue or black ink is allowed only. For qualifying written test a candidate should obtain at least 40% in each compulsory subject and 33% in each of optional subject or 50% in aggregate. Compulsory Subjects (600 Marks) Optional Subjects (600 Marks)
Total Marks= 1200
2. MEDICAL TEST
Candidates who qualify the written examination will be medically examined by THE Medical Boards constituted for the purpose to ensure that candidate is in Good mental and physical health and free from any physical defect likely to interfere with the discharge of their duties. The candidates who (after such medical examination which Government or the appointing authority, may prescribe) are found not to satisfy these requirements, will not be appointed except the disabled candidates as rules mentioned for disabled candidates by FPSC.
Disabled candidates must submit a certificate of disability issued by the COMPETENT authority designated for the purpose by the Federal/Provincial Government. Disabled candidates in the categories of physically impaired, hearing/speech impaired (deaf & dumb) and visually impaired (blind) are allowed to compete for Competitive
Examination against four Occupational Groups/Services viz:
(a) Commerce & Trade Group
(b) Pakistan Audit & Accounts Service
(c) Information Group &
(d) Postal Group
Disabled candidates will be provided helper such as Writer, if so requested by them in their application forms. In order to prevent disappointment, candidates are advised to have themselves examined by a Government Medical Officer of the standing of a Civil Surgeon before applying for admission to the examination.
3. PSYCHOLOGICAL TEST
All candidates called for Viva Voce will be required to undergo Psychological Test first, comprising written tests and group tasks. Such tests are designed to assess abilities, attitude and personality characteristics of the candidates with special regard to their aptitude for the Civil Services. Separate marks are not awarded for the Psychological assessment. However, 300 marks assigned to Viva Voce also reflect the
performance on Psychological Test. Candidates must bring their National Identity Cards and two copies of recent photographs when summoned for Psychological test, and Viva Voce. If a candidate remains absent in the Psychological Test, he/she will
not be allowed to appear for Viva Voce.
4. VIVA VOCE
Each candidate who qualifies written part of the examination will be interviewed by a Board. He/she will be asked questions on matters of general interest. The object of the interview is to assess his/her suitability for the services for which he/she is entered and in framing their assessment the Board will attach particular importance to the moral and ethical qualities of the candidates, his/her intelligence and alertness of mind, his/her vigour and strength of character and his/her potential qualities of leadership. The Board will take into consideration his/her extra-mural activities such as sports, debates, hobbies, etc., and their effect on his/her physique and character, in assessing his/her merit.
All candidates are expected to have basic knowledge regarding Islam and Pakistan. Questions may be asked in the Interview on these subjects. Persons securing less than pass marks in these subjects will not be considered for appointment to Government jobs, irrespective of their proficiency in other fields. However, the Non- Muslim candidates will not be asked any question regarding Islam.