Central Superior Services (CSS) is a popular competitive exam in Pakistan. It is held every year by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) with the purpose of equipping the civil services cadre of Pakistan with well-trained and experienced bureaucrats. The month of February is allotted to the holding of CSS throughout Pakistan. This test goes back to the British period in the subcontinent, in which individuals are chosen on the basis of their maximum contributions to the state’s policy-making. This test essentially serves to determine the intelligence, general knowledge, critical thinking, and decision-making skills of candidates. Therefore, CSS is one of the most important means of getting high-ranking administrative jobs.
The candidates are selected after a long evaluation consisting of a written examination that contains around 12 subjects, a medical examination, a psychological test, and lastly, an interview. The candidates who demonstrate their capability and overcome all these test barriers are then selected and posted in 12 civil services categories, like police, public administration, foreign services, etc. Since bureaucracy has been regarded as the essential column of state machinery on both domestic as well as international levels, the CSS exam offers devoted candidates to become members of the elite civil service, designing the country’s future.
What is the difference between CSS, PMS, PCS and PSP?
CSS is a federal-level competitive examination conducted by FPSC and held once a year around February. PMS refers to the Provincial Management Service conducted by the Provincial Public Service Commission (PPSC). PMS is not held on a yearly basis; rather, it is conducted occasionally and varies from province to province. On the other hand, PCS is an old form of PMS, which refers to Provincial Civil Services previously for provincial recruitment and is now merged under PMS. Last but not least, PSP (Police Service of Pakistan) is not a distinct competitive exam; rather, it is included in the occupational groups in which candidates passing the CSS exam are allocated.
What are some popular websites for CSS preparation in Pakistan?
Since the CSS exam consists of a collection of compulsory and optional subjects to be prepared by the candidates, the Internet and social media are of extreme significance in this context. With the advancement in technology, aspirants are now able to compile, analyze, and prepare a large amount of information from social media. Based on this, there are many well-known websites for the preparation of the CSS. And foremost among them is the Paradigm Shift platform, where a vast network of academia, serving as well as retired government officials and senior and junior students, contributes.
From contemporary affairs to geography, history, and international law, the paradigm shift offers rich and authentic information that CSS aspirants can use in preparation for their notes. These articles are posted after thorough scrutiny and examination by the renowned members of the Paradigm Shift forum. In addition to this, this platform also offers videos and interviews of officials and academia to critically evaluate the changing trends in the national and international arena. Above all, candidates can avail themselves of weekly quizzes on Current Affairs and Pakistan Studies, etc., at the Paradigm Shift website in order to prepare for the objective part of the CSS exam. Various students associated with Paradigm Shift, including Zuha Tiwana and Mehwish Gul Saddam, have cleared the CSS exam recently.
Further, Ilm ki dunya is also among the sites recommended for CSS preparation, ranging from matric, FSC, CSS, etc. With video lectures and written notes, this site delivers students and aspirants complete knowledge of a broad range of subjects. In the same way, for the large-scale preparation of MCQs, the candidates can visit the website of PakMcqs, where they have a huge list of objective questions, including current and, Pakistan affairs, general knowledge, Islamic studies, and much more. Finally, the CSS Prep Forum is also said to be a helpful site for essay preparation.
What are the top recommended institutions for CSS in Pakistan?
Some of the best-ranking institutions and academies for CSS preparation are Jinnah Executive Services Academy with Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi campuses; CSPs Academy in Islamabad; World Times Institute (WTI) in Lahore; KIPS Academy in Lahore and Islamabad; and Nova CSS Academy in Islamabad.
What skills are required to pass the CSS Exam?
To clear the CSS exam, there should be a solid, proper, and planned strategy. The strategy will help the aspirants in their course of preparation. Some major tips to clear the CSS exam understand the major rules and regulations of the exam, having a proper study plan, inculcating the habit of book reading, writing daily, using internet and media sources for current affairs and statistics, selecting optional subjects under the guidance of an expert, and practice mock test and interview sessions regularly. The hardworking aspirants and the devoted ones can comfortably pass the examination by devoting just 7-8 months to preparation.
The question of whether the CSS exam is easy to clear or not should be substituted by the issue of how to clear this exam. All the exams, be it CSS or others, demand dedication, zeal, and hard work. Knowledge of the overall pattern, trend, and structure is the major component of all competitive exams, which can facilitate aspirants in clearing them successfully. There are numerous successful stories of students from various backgrounds who have cleared the CSS examination and are working for their state.
What are some top-scoring subjects?
There are some subjects with which the high scores often come. Choosing these high-scoring subjects may give the aspirants a much better chance of passing the written exam with high marks.
| Subjects | Scoring Potential | Importance |
| Political Science | 120-140 | Theoretical & Conceptual |
| International Relations | 100-130 | Critical Analysis |
| History of USA | 70-85 | Overlaps with current affairs |
| Regional Languages | 70-80 | Short preparation time |
How can one become eligible for CSS?
The minimum qualification for the CSS exam is a bachelor’s degree (14 years of education) in any discipline from an acknowledged university. The age limit set by the FPSC is mostly 21-30 years, in which candidates may have an opportunity of three attempts. BA (Bachelor of Arts) students are also eligible for the CSS. Students who have recently cleared their FSC can begin preparations, at least for the compulsory subjects such as current affairs, Pakistan affairs, Islamic studies, and essay writing. Students can pursue different bachelor’s programs after FSC according to their interests. Still, the CSS-relevant programs include BS International Relations, BS Political Science, BS English, BS Pakistan Studies, BS Economics, LLB, etc.
Are medical students eligible for CSS?
Medical students can also discover their profession and career in Pakistan’s civil services. Students from diverse medical streams like MBBS, BDS, and Pharm D are also suitable for CSS. English, essays, and current affairs need to be strengthened by the medical students. The most apt optional subjects for medical students would be gender studies, IR, environmental sciences, psychology, etc.
Numerous doctors and medical practitioners have cleared the CSS exam and are now serving as health policymakers, diplomats, and administrators. The most notable example of a medical practitioner clearing CSS recently is Zuha Tiwana. She is a clinical psychologist and writer with more than six years of freelance writing experience in the areas of mental health, social issues, and international affairs.
Can we do CSS after BS English and BS IR?
Similarly, BS English and BS IR are deemed to be the most relevant disciplines to the CSS. A BS in English will benefit candidates in essay writing, précis, and composition. At the same time, a bachelor’s in international relations or political science will give candidates a chance to study different compulsory as well as optional subjects throughout the degree. These include current affairs, Pakistan affairs, Islamic history, governance and public policy, etc. BS IR will also assist in choosing career opportunities in the Foreign Service, and diplomatic, regional, and international organizations.
Recently, an international relations postgraduate from Baluchistan, Mehwish Gul Saddam, writer at Paradigm Shift, has cleared the CSS exam. She opted for the following optional subjects: International Relations, US History, Gender Studies, Sociology, and International Law.
How can we write a good-quality essay for the CSS exam?
English is the epicenter of the CSS exam. Good English writing and speaking skills are necessary for written tests in all subjects and in the last interview session. So, candidates from any academic background have to be proficient in English writing and speaking. The first and foremost advice to be proficient in English is to prepare for the English essay from the day you decide to sit for the CSS. To obtain good marks in an English essay, the candidates have to undergo some level of preparation. Reading books is an important part of developing a good vocabulary, which will surely help candidates to write well in English essays.
Data collection, topic selection, argument construction, and themes are essential aspects of essay preparation. Data can be gathered from the internet and popular websites with research articles and writing pieces, i.e., Paradigm Shift.
Another vital strategy would be to allocate a specific day for only English essay preparation. In the remaining days, candidates can prepare for other subjects. In the event of an English essay, professionals have the view that aspirants would be better advised to emphasize theme preparation rather than the topic. A CSS English essay is typically comprised of topics of various themes. Those candidates who have practiced various themes would then be in a position to critically evaluate the essay question during the exam. Practice is the key aspect. Since there is a limited duration of 3 hours for the English essay in the CSS exam, it needs writing practice. Candidates should choose a specific time and day just for writing practice.
How to prepare for the Precis and Composition Paper?
For English grammar, students need to choose a specific English grammar and composition book for preparation. In order to master précis and composition effectively, candidates should prepare under the guidance of an expert professor or mentor.
Is IELTS needed for CSS?
Students question the role and usefulness of IELTS in clearing the CSS English exam. Undoubtedly, IELTS enhances speaking, writing, vocabulary, and grammar, but English composition, précis, and essays require a stronger and deeper control over writing, critical analysis, and argumentation, which IELTS cannot provide.
If you have attempted the IELTS, it can serve as an impetus for enhancing pronunciation and grammar, but it is not necessary.
What is the scope of CSS in Pakistan?
After clearing the exam, candidates are placed at the BPS-17 rank in different civil groups like the Police Service of Pakistan (PSP), Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS), Foreign Service of Pakistan (FSP), Railways, Commerce, Customs, etc. Now, merely getting a 17-scale job is not sufficient for some students sometimes. They desire further studying in their respective fields along with a safe job. In this context, CSS can be an apt option. Applicants, once they are assigned to their respective groups, are eligible to apply for study leave after a few years of service. Furthermore, CSS candidates can get foreign scholarships for further studies under the Commonwealth and Fulbright programs.
What are some advantages of the CSS examination in Pakistan?
There are many benefits of opting for CSS, which enhance its importance and standard as compared to other government positions. By passing the CSS exam, candidates have a chance of becoming a part of the top-notch civil services of Pakistan.
Secondly, jobs are very safe and secure, with the perks of having power, influence, and a voice in decision-making and policy-making. Additionally, a civil servant is provided with different incentives in terms of salary and compensation, residence, vehicle, medical, and traveling facilities. Last but not least, CSS officers are well-regarded and esteemed nationwide and have a greater opportunity to contribute towards provincial and national issues of concern. Besides, civil servants also receive benefits post-retirement, i.e., pension and gratuity, and most often, high-ranked retired civil officers are recruited by other private policy-making and welfare organizations.
Conclusion
It doesn’t look easy, but in actuality, aspirants possessing the desired motivation and enthusiasm can quite comfortably pass the CSS exam. This test is not only a means of theoretical assessment, but it enables aspirants to be consistent, disciplined, and motivated. Every year, hundreds of students overcome CSS with disparate backgrounds in fields of science, engineering, arts, etc. All you need to do is make the decision and start preparation at the right time under the right guidance. And with practice and prayer, the CSS can be passed.
The path may have roadblocks, but determination usually is the difference-maker for the most successful of the ones who keep going. Keep in mind that CSS is the key that leads to influential, revered positions in government, diplomacy, police, and beyond. If students with minimal or zero opportunities and facilities are able to clear this exam, then why not those who have all the facilities at his/her doorstep? Sincerity and dedication are key to success.
If you want to submit your articles and/or research papers, please visit the Submissions page.
To stay updated with the latest jobs, CSS news, internships, scholarships, and current affairs articles, join our Community Forum!
The views and opinions expressed in this article/paper are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of Paradigm Shift.
He is pursuing a BS in International Relations programme from International Islamic University, Islamabad and has a keen interest in research works, policy analysis, defence and strategic studies and conflict resolution.