CSS Syllabus 2026 and 2027 — FPSC Syllabus with PDF Download
All 6 compulsory and 45 optional subjects with full topic breakdowns, recommended books, and free PDF download. Sourced from fpsc.gov.pk.
The CSS syllabus 2026 and 2027 covers 12 papers and 1,200 marks issued by the Federal Public Service Commission. Six papers are compulsory carrying 600 marks and six papers are optional also carrying 600 marks. FPSC has confirmed the syllabus is identical for both years with no changes to subject groups or marks distribution.
CSS Syllabus 2026 and 2027 — Are They Different?
No change confirmed. FPSC has not revised the syllabus framework since 2016. If FPSC announces a revision, this page will be updated immediately with a dated notice at the top.
The CSS syllabus for 2026 and 2027 is the same. Candidates appearing in the 2026 examination and candidates preparing for 2027 follow identical subject groups, topic lists, and marks distribution.
CSS Compulsory Subjects Syllabus 2026–27
6 Papers · 600 Marks · Every CSS Candidate Must Sit All Six
Every CSS candidate sits the same six compulsory papers, carrying 600 marks combined. These cover English Essay, English Précis and Composition, General Science and Ability, Current Affairs, Pakistan Affairs, and Islamiat or Comparative Religion — and apply regardless of which optional subjects you choose.
CSS Optional Subjects Syllabus 2026 & 2027 — Choose Your Group
CSS candidates choose 6 optional subjects from 45 options across 7 groups, with each optional paper carrying 100 or 200 marks depending on the group. FPSC requires candidates to select subjects from at least three different groups — choosing all six from one group is not permitted. Browse each group below to find the full syllabus, topic breakdown, and free PDF download for your chosen subjects.
Commerce & Social Sciences
Sciences & Mathematics
Administration & Governance
History
Natural Sciences & Literature
Law & Philosophy
Social Sciences & Languages
Frequently Asked Questions — CSS Syllabus
8 questions answered directlyWhat is the CSS syllabus for 2026 and 2027?
The CSS syllabus covers 12 papers totalling 1,200 marks, prescribed by FPSC. Six compulsory papers carry 600 marks, covering English Essay, English Précis and Composition, General Science and Ability, Current Affairs, Pakistan Affairs, and Islamiat. Six optional papers carry the remaining 600 marks, chosen from seven subject groups. FPSC has confirmed the same syllabus applies to both the 2026 and 2027 examinations.
How many compulsory and optional subjects are there in CSS?
CSS has six compulsory subjects that every candidate must sit, with no exceptions. Alongside these, candidates choose six optional subjects from FPSC’s approved list, spread across seven groups. That makes 12 papers in total for the written examination.
How are the CSS optional subject groups organised?
FPSC organises optional subjects into seven groups, covering areas like political science and economics, sciences and mathematics, administration and governance, history, and social sciences and languages. Candidates must pick their six optional subjects from at least three different groups — choosing all six from one group is not permitted.
How many total marks does the CSS written exam carry?
The CSS written examination carries 1,200 marks in total — 600 from the six compulsory papers and 600 from the six optional papers a candidate selects. This is separate from the MPT screening test, which is qualifying only and does not add to this total.
Where can I download the official FPSC CSS syllabus PDF?
The official FPSC CSS syllabus PDF is available on the Federal Public Service Commission website at fpsc.gov.pk under the CSS section. A direct download link sourced from the same official notification is available free on this page.
What is the CSS MPT, and is it part of this syllabus?
The MPT, or MCQ-Based Preliminary Test, is a separate screening test FPSC conducts before the CSS written examination. Only candidates who pass the MPT are allowed to apply for the written exam. It is not part of the 1,200-mark written syllabus covered on this page — see the full CSS MPT syllabus guide for its structure and preparation.
Does the CSS syllabus change every year?
Not every year. FPSC has not revised the CSS syllabus framework since 2016. When FPSC does announce a change, it comes through an official notification on fpsc.gov.pk, and this page is updated the same day with a dated notice at the top.
Where can I check CSS eligibility, like age limit and attempts?
Eligibility rules — including age limit, degree requirements, and the maximum number of attempts — are covered separately from the syllabus. See the full CSS eligibility criteria page for the complete, FPSC-sourced breakdown before you apply.