The Central Superior Services (CSS) is Pakistan's elite civil service responsible for running government operations. Only 7.5% of applicants are selected through a competitive merit-based exam process, while the rest are selected through a quota system. The CSS exam is held each February and consists of compulsory subjects, optional subjects, and an interview. To pass, candidates must score at least 40% in each compulsory subject, 33% in each optional subject, and 50% overall. The selection process involves a written exam, medical exam, psychological assessment, and interview. The CSS exam leads to placement in one of 12 occupational groups that manage different government functions and departments.

1. CENTRAL SUPERIOR SERVICE
(CSS)
P R O F . S A R F R A Z A H M A D M A Y O
G O V T . D E G R E E C O L L E G E , R A I W I N D
D I S T T . L A H O R E

2. INTRODUCTION
The Central Superior Services (CSS; or Bureaucracy) is a
permanent elite bureaucratic authority, and the civil
service that is responsible for running the civilian
bureaucratic operations and government secretariats
and directorates of the Cabinet of Pakistan. The Prime
Minister is the final authority on all matters regarding
the civil service.

3. • The Civil Service of Pakistan selects only 7.5% of the
applicants by merit, education, qualification and
experience while the 92.5% are selected by a quota
system.
• The civil service exams are competitive and provides
equal opportunities to males and females, depending on
their qualifications. The CSS Examinations are held in
February every year.

4. Age Limit: 21-30 Years
Explanation– A candidate born on or before the 31st day of December, 1989 and
on or after the 2nd day of January, 1999 shall not be eligible for the competitive
examination of the year 2020.
Qualification: Bachelor Minimum 45% Marks
Total Marks: 1200+300= 1500
Compulsory Subjects Marks= 600
Optional Subject Marks= 600
Psychological Interview= 300

5. QUALIFYING MARKS IN WRITTEN EXAMINATION
A candidate who fails to secure at least 40% marks in any of the
compulsory subjects, 33% marks in any of the optional subjects and 50%
marks in the aggregate shall be considered to have failed in written
examination and shall not be eligible for medical examination,
psychological assessment and viva voce.

6. STEPS IN CSS
A. Written Examination
B. Medical Examination
C. Psychological Assessment
D. Viva Voce.

7. CSS OCCUPATIONAL GROUPS
Currently, CSS Exams conducted by FPSC include the following Occupational Groups.
1. Pakistan Customs Services (PCS)
2. Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS)
3. Police Service of Pakistan (PSP)
4. Foreign Service of Pakistan (FSP)
5. Inland Revenue Service of Pakistan (IRS)
6. Commerce & Trade Group (PCG)
7. Information Services of Pakistan (ISP)
8. Military Lands & Cantonment Group (MLCG)
9. Office Management and Secretariat Group (OMG)
10. Pakistan Audit and Accounts Service (PA&AS)
11. Postal Group (PG)
12. Railways (Commercial & Transport) Group (RCTG)

8. CSS SYLLABUS