CSS COMPULSORY SUBJECTS
CSS Compulsory Subjects — Complete Guide, Syllabus & Preparation Strategy
The CSS exam’s compulsory papers form the backbone of the written examination. This comprehensive guide explains each compulsory paper in detail, offers preparation strategies, sample timetables, exam-day techniques, and FAQs to help you prepare effectively.
Important: Always begin your preparation by consulting the updated CSS syllabus. The syllabus lists the exact topics and any official updates from FPSC.
List of CSS Compulsory Subjects (At-a-glance)
The CSS written exam comprises 12 papers: 6 compulsory papers (total 600 marks) and 6 optional papers (total 600 marks). Each compulsory paper carries 100 marks and is mandatory for all candidates.
| Paper No. | Compulsory Subject | Marks | Purpose / Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | English Essay | 100 | Analytical writing, structure, expression, and use of examples. |
| 2 | English (Precis & Composition) | 100 | Précis writing, comprehension, grammar and directed writing skills. |
| 3 | General Science & Ability | 100 | Scientific literacy, environment, technology, and reasoning ability. |
| 4 | Current Affairs | 100 | National and international recent developments, analysis and implications. |
| 5 | Pakistan Affairs | 100 | History, polity, economy and foreign policy of Pakistan. |
| 6 | Islamic Studies / Comparative Study | 100 | Islamic beliefs, history and ethics or comparative religions for non-Muslims. |
These compulsory papers form 50% of the written exam score—consistent performance here is essential. Start preparation by verifying the topics from the official syllabus: Updated CSS Syllabus.
Detailed Subject-wise Breakdown
Below is a deep dive into each compulsory subject — what to expect, how questions are framed, high-yield topics, recommended resources and scoring techniques.
1. English Essay — 100 marks
Overview: The Essay paper evaluates your ability to present structured arguments, synthesize ideas, and write in concise, polished English. Examiners reward clarity, coherence, well-supported arguments and effective use of relevant examples.
Question style & format
Typically candidates must choose one or two essay topics from a list across social, political, economic, ethical and scientific themes. The weight is on quality of thought rather than verbosity.
High-yield topics
- Governance & public policy
- Development economics & poverty alleviation
- Education systems & reforms
- Science, technology & innovation
- Environment, climate policy & sustainability
- Human rights, ethics & social justice
Preparation actions
Read 2–3 editorials daily. Summarize arguments in a notebook to build perspectives.
Practice the 5-paragraph essay template and adapt it for 100-mark depth essays.
Maintain categorized facts & examples (economy, case studies, laws) for quick insertion into essays.
Exchange essays weekly — focus on coherence & evidence-use rather than minor grammar on early drafts.
Recommended resources
- Daily editorials (DAWN, The News)
- Collections of model essays and CSS past essay lists
- Books on critical thinking and argumentation
Scoring tips
- Start with a strong thesis; outline your plan (1–2 minutes) before writing.
- Use 3–4 substantive paragraphs — each with a claim, explanation, and example.
- End with a concise conclusion and practical recommendations.
2. English (Precis & Composition) — 100 marks
This paper examines your command of English: precis skills, comprehension, grammar, vocabulary and directed writing (letters, reports etc.). Accuracy and clarity are key.
Components to master
- Précis writing: Condensing passages while preserving main ideas and coherence.
- Comprehension: Identifying tone, implied meaning and answering inferential questions.
- Grammar & usage: Sentence correction, rephrasing, and idioms.
- Directed writing: Letters, reports, minutes and proposals with correct format.
Practice schedule
- Do 3–4 précis exercises weekly under time limits.
- Build a 500-word active vocabulary list and revise daily.
- Practice formal letter/report formats monthly.
Top resources
- Wren & Martin — High school grammar
- Word Power Made Easy — Norman Lewis (vocabulary)
- FPSC past papers for précis & comprehension practice
| Component | Focus |
|---|---|
| Précis | Condensation & coherence |
| Comprehension | Interpretation & inference |
| Grammar | Accuracy & expression |
| Directed Writing | Format & clarity |
3. General Science & Ability — 100 marks
This paper tests scientific literacy, everyday technology awareness, environmental issues and basic reasoning/analytical ability. It focuses on understanding and application rather than heavy calculations.
Main topics
- Basics of modern science (energy, ICT, biotech)
- Environment & climate change
- Public health & sanitation basics
- Logical reasoning & data interpretation
Preparation strategy
- Read simplified science primers and environment notes.
- Practice short data interpretation questions and reasoning puzzles weekly.
- Use diagrams for processes (e.g., greenhouse effect) to improve recall.
| Category | Included Topics |
|---|---|
| General Science | Physics, Chemistry basics, everyday tech |
| Environment | Climate change, pollution, conservation |
| Reasoning | Logic, sequences, patterns |
| Math basics | Percentages, ratios, simple charts |
4. Current Affairs — 100 marks
Current Affairs assesses you on national and international developments, their causes and consequences, and your ability to analyze policy responses and implications.
Key focus areas
- International relations & major geopolitical events
- Global economic trends, trade & finance
- Domestic political developments and major policy shifts
- Energy, security and environmental events with national impact
Daily routine
- Read editorials daily; extract 3–5 high-impact items and write short analyses.
- Maintain a monthly current affairs file summarizing major events.
- Practice writing 300–400 word answers on causes and implications weekly.
Resources
- DAWN & The Express Tribune editorials
- The Economist briefings and Foreign Affairs summaries
- Government white papers and official statistics for country-specific topics
5. Pakistan Affairs — 100 marks
Pakistan Affairs covers pre- and post-partition history, constitutional development, governance, economy, society and Pakistan’s foreign relations.
Topics to cover
- Freedom struggle & Pakistan movement
- Constitution and constitutional amendments
- Political history & institutions
- Economic structure, fiscal policies & development challenges
- Foreign relations and security policy
Study tips
- Make chronological timelines for historical events.
- Summarize each constitutional amendment in one paragraph.
- Use Economic Survey summaries for backing economic arguments.
Reference materials
- Concise history primers and government publications
- Economic Survey of Pakistan
- Think-tank policy briefs for contemporary analysis
6. Islamic Studies / Comparative Study of Major Religions — 100 marks
Candidates take Islamic Studies (for Muslims) or Comparative Study of Major Religions (for non-Muslims). The paper focuses on core beliefs, history, jurisprudence basics and applied ethics.
Focus points (Islamic Studies)
- Quranic themes and selected verses
- Hadith basics and authentication
- Principles of Fiqh (basic understanding)
- Modern Islamic thought and socio-political issues
Focus points (Comparative Study)
- Overview of major world religions
- Comparative themes: rituals, ethics, historical development
- Points of contact and differences among religions
| Topic Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Quranic Teachings | Selected verses & themes |
| Hadith | Principles & classification |
| Fiqh | Schools of thought (overview) |
| Comparative Religion | Major tenets & similarities |
For official notifications, syllabuses and exam updates always check FPSC. The commission publishes deadlines, roll number slips and rules — consulting it first can save time.
If you're preparing for competitive exams, bookmark the official website to stay updated.
Preparation Strategy: Step-by-step (6–12 month plans)
A smart preparation plan adapts to your starting point. Below are structured plans for different timelines — 12-month, 6-month and 90-day crash preparations.
Phase 0 — Start with the syllabus (Day 0)
Suggested 12-Month Plan (Comprehensive)
- Months 1–3 (Foundation): Finish core books for each compulsory paper — grammar, essay practice, general science primer, Pakistan Affairs timeline and Islamic basics. Build editorial habit.
- Months 4–6 (Practice & Depth): Start timed essays and précis, reasoning drills, and compile monthly current affairs notes. Begin tackling past papers.
- Months 7–9 (Revision Cycle 1): Model answers and short summaries (1–2 pages per topic). Increase mock tests frequency.
- Months 10–12 (Final Push): Full-length timed mocks, polishing answer presentation and recall drills; reduce new reading and focus on consolidation.
6-Month Plan (Focused)
- Months 1–2: Essentials & essay/précis foundations.
- Months 3–4: Intensive practice (timed writing & past papers).
- Months 5–6: Mock tests and final consolidation; weekly peer reviews.
90-Day Crash Plan (Late starters)
Focus on high-yield activities: past papers, condensed editorial notes, one-page summaries per topic and daily short-answer practice. Prioritize compulsory papers early.
Sample Weekly Timetable (Example)
Use this sample as a template and adapt to personal obligations.
| Day | Morning (2–3 hrs) | Afternoon (2 hrs) | Evening (2 hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mon | Essay practice (new topic) | Precis & grammar drills | Editorial reading (current affairs) |
| Tue | Pakistan Affairs — history | General Science notes | Vocabulary & comprehension |
| Wed | Essay revision | Past paper practice | Current affairs short answers |
| Thu | Islamic Studies / Comparative | Directed writing | Reasoning / MCQs |
| Fri | Pakistan polity & economy | Peer review / group discussion | Revision notes |
| Sat | Full mock (3 hours) | Self-correction | Plan next week |
| Sun | Rest & light reading | Summary notes | Editorials & motivation |
Exam-day & Answer-writing Tips
- Read carefully: Underline directive words (Discuss, Evaluate, Critically Analyse).
- Plan (2–5 minutes): Quick outline prevents rambling.
- Time allocation: For 100-mark papers, allocate time proportionately across questions.
- Presentation: Use headings, short paragraphs and bullets where appropriate.
- Examples: Use 1–2 specific examples per paragraph to substantiate claims.
- Calmness: A short warm-up and breathing help steady handwriting and thought-flow.
Practical Resources & How to Use Them
Past Papers
Past papers are essential. Practice under timed conditions, analyze recurring themes and map questions to syllabus topics.
Editorials & Monthly Compilations
Keep a running editorial file and make monthly summaries. Use editorials to source examples and arguments for essays and current affairs.
Short Notes & Flashcards
Convert long readings into concise two-page summaries and 10–15 flashcards per topic for quick revisions.
Mock Exams & Peer Reviews
Mock exams simulate exam pressure; peer review helps identify blind spots in argumentation and expression.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many compulsory papers are there and how many marks do they carry?
There are six compulsory papers, each of 100 marks, totaling 600 marks. The other 600 marks come from optional subjects. Confirm allocation on the updated syllabus.
Should I start with compulsory or optional subjects?
Begin with compulsory subjects because they are mandatory and typically easier to convert into stable marks. Once you have a foothold, distribute time for optional subjects.
How many hours a day should I study?
Full-time aspirants often study 6–8 productive hours; working aspirants can manage 3–4 focused hours. Quality and consistency matter more than raw hours.
Which current affairs resources are best?
Daily editorials (DAWN), monthly compilations, concise foreign affairs summaries (The Economist) and government publications together make a robust current affairs toolkit.
How can I improve my essay score quickly?
Write 1–2 essays weekly, gather feedback, maintain a facts bank, and practice structuring arguments. Focus on clarity and substantiation, not verbosity.
Do recommended books change frequently?
Core reference texts are stable. For Current Affairs and Pakistan Economy, rely on latest publications and official reports. Always cross-check topics against the updated syllabus.
Motivational Quotes (Study & Exam Mindset)
“Success is the sum of small efforts — repeated day in and day out.” — Robert Collier
“Don’t count the days; make the days count.” — Muhammad Ali
“Focus on progress, not perfection.” — Unknown
Keep these quotes visible — they help sustain momentum during long preparation cycles.
Good luck! Start by checking the updated syllabus and adapt the timetable to your schedule.
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