CSS 2026 Exam Structure – CSS Exam Structure 2026

CSS Exam Structure 2026

CSS Exam Structure 2026: The Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) conducts the CSS (Central Superior Services) exam annually in Pakistan to select candidates for civil service roles. Firstly, the exam consists of a written test, followed by a medical checkup, a psychological assessment, and an interview. This multi-step process ensures that the government selects the most qualified individuals for positions, thus maintaining high standards in public service. Below is an overview of the CSS 2026 exam structure.

CSS Exam Stages

The CSS exam consists of five stages:

1. CSS 2026 MPT Test Date
   The first stage is the MPT (Mandatory Preliminary Test), held around October or November. If you pass, you can move on to the next stages.
2. CSS 2026 Written Examination Date
   This is the main part of the exam, which includes twelve papers. Firstly, six are compulsory subjects like English, Pakistan Affairs, Islamic Studies, General Science, and Current Affairs. The remaining six papers are optional; therefore, candidates can choose them based on their interests and educational background.
3. Medical Examination
   After passing the written exam, candidates must go through a medical checkup. This ensures that the candidate is physically fit to work in a government position.
4. Psychological Assessment
   This stage assesses a candidate’s mental and emotional suitability for a civil service job. Specifically, it includes written tests, group discussions, and one-on-one interviews, all of which help evaluate the candidate’s psychological fitness for the role.
5. Viva Voce (Interview)
   The final stage is the interview. A panel evaluates candidates on their personality, communication skills, and overall suitability for a government role.

FAQs (CSS Exam Structure 2026)

1. What is the CSS exam structure for 2026?
   The CSS exam consists of a Written exam, Psychological test, and Interview.
2. How many papers are there in the CSS written exam?
   There are 12 papers in total: 6 compulsory and 6 optional.
3. What are the compulsory subjects in CSS 2026?
   The compulsory subjects are English, General Knowledge, Islamic Studies/Pakistan Affairs, and an Essay.
4. How many optional subjects can I choose for CSS?
   Candidates can choose 6 optional subjects from the list provided by FPSC.
5. What is the total mark distribution for the CSS exam?
   The written exam is worth 1200 marks, and the interview is worth 300 marks, bringing the total to 1500 marks.
6. What is the duration of each CSS exam paper?
   Each paper lasts 3 hours, except for the Essay paper, which is 4 hours long.
7. Are there negative marks in the CSS exam?
   Yes, 0.25 marks are deducted for every incorrect answer in the MCQ section.
8. What subjects are tested in the General Knowledge paper?
   General Knowledge includes topics on Current Affairs, Everyday Science, and Pakistan Affairs.
9. Can I choose any subject as optional in CSS?
   Yes, you can choose any subject based on your interest and academic background, but make sure to consider the competition.
10. What is the minimum passing mark for CSS written exam?
    A candidate must score at least 40% in each paper and 50% overall to pass the written part.
11. Is the CSS interview compulsory?
    Yes, the interview is compulsory for candidates who pass the written exam.
12. What is the age limit for the CSS exam 2026?
    The age limit for CSS candidates is 21 to 30 years, with some relaxations for certain categories.

Author: CSS Updates