SUBJECTS FOR WRITTEN EXAMINATION (1200 MARKS)
Syllabus and Rules for Compulsory and Optional Papers of Competitive Examination (CSS) by Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC), Pakistan.
CSS COMPULSORY SUBJECTS (600 MARKS)
The six CSS Compulsory papers are of 100 marks each having time duration of three hours in all papers. All candidates must take all the compulsory papers.
CSS OPTIONAL SUBJECTS (600 MARKS)
The candidates are required to select optional subjects carrying a total of 600 marks. The subjects carrying two papers of 100 marks each, like Accountancy & Auditing, Economics in Group-I must have to take both the papers.
GROUP – I
Candidates can opt one subject of 200 marks.
Candidates can opt one subject of 200 marks.
GROUP – II
Candidates can opt subject(s) of 200 marks.
Candidates can opt subject(s) of 200 marks.
GROUP – III
Candidates can opt one subject of 100 marks.
Candidates can opt one subject of 100 marks.
GROUP – IV
Candidates can opt one subject of 100 marks.
Candidates can opt one subject of 100 marks.
GROUP – V
Candidates can opt one subject of 100 marks.
Candidates can opt one subject of 100 marks.
GROUP – VI
Candidates can opt one subject of 100 marks.
Candidates can opt one subject of 100 marks.
GROUP – VII
Candidates can opt one subject of 100 marks.
Candidates can opt one subject of 100 marks.
- Punjabi
- Sindhi
- Pashto
- Balochi
- Persian
- Arabic
CSS COMPULSORY PAPERS
- Essay
Total Marks: 100
Time Allowed: 3 hours
Time Allowed: 3 hours
Candidates will be required to write one or more Essay in English. A wide choice of topics will be given.
Candidates are expected to reflect comprehensive and research based knowledge on a selected topic. Candidate’s articulation, expression and technical treatment of the style of English Essay writing will be examined.
- English (Precis & Composition)
ENGLISH (COMPULSORY)
Total Marks: 100
Time Allowed: 3 hours
Total Marks: 100
Time Allowed: 3 hours
The examination in this subject will be based upon a paper carrying 100 marks to test the candidate’s abilities to handle Precis Writing, Reading Comprehension, Sentence Structuring, Translation, Grammar and Vocabulary.
I. Precis Writing (20 marks)
A careful selected passage with an orientation of generic understanding and enough flexibility for compression shall be given for précising and suggesting an appropriate title. Out of the total 20 marks allocated to this question, 15 shall go to précising the text and 5 to suggesting the title.
A careful selected passage with an orientation of generic understanding and enough flexibility for compression shall be given for précising and suggesting an appropriate title. Out of the total 20 marks allocated to this question, 15 shall go to précising the text and 5 to suggesting the title.
II. Reading Comprehension (20 marks)
A carefully selected passage that is rich in substance but not very technical or discipline specific shall be given, followed by five questions, each carrying 4 marks.
A carefully selected passage that is rich in substance but not very technical or discipline specific shall be given, followed by five questions, each carrying 4 marks.
III. Grammar and Vocabulary (20 marks)
Correct usage of Tense, Articles, Prepositions, Conjunctions, Punctuation, Phrasal Verbs, Synonyms and Antonyms etc.
Correct usage of Tense, Articles, Prepositions, Conjunctions, Punctuation, Phrasal Verbs, Synonyms and Antonyms etc.
IV. Sentence Correction (10 marks)
The sentences shall be given each having a clear structural flaw in terms of grammar or punctuation. The candidates shall be asked to rewrite them with really needed correction only, without making unnecessary alterations. No two or more sentences should have exactly the same problem, and 2-3 sentences shall be based on correction of punctuation marks.
The sentences shall be given each having a clear structural flaw in terms of grammar or punctuation. The candidates shall be asked to rewrite them with really needed correction only, without making unnecessary alterations. No two or more sentences should have exactly the same problem, and 2-3 sentences shall be based on correction of punctuation marks.
V. Grouping of Words (10 marks)
A random list of twenty words of moderate standard (neither very easy nor utterly unfamiliar) shall be given, to be grouped by the candidates in pairs of those having similar or opposite meaning, as may be clearly directed in the question.
A random list of twenty words of moderate standard (neither very easy nor utterly unfamiliar) shall be given, to be grouped by the candidates in pairs of those having similar or opposite meaning, as may be clearly directed in the question.
VI. Pairs of Words (10 marks)
Ten pairs shall be given of seemingly similar words with different meanings, generally confused in communication, for bringing out the difference in meaning of any five of them by first explaining them in parenthesis and then using them in sentences.
Ten pairs shall be given of seemingly similar words with different meanings, generally confused in communication, for bringing out the difference in meaning of any five of them by first explaining them in parenthesis and then using them in sentences.
VII. Translation (10 marks)
Ten short Urdu sentences involving structural composition, significant terms and figurative/idiomatic expressions shall be given, to be accurately translated into English.
Ten short Urdu sentences involving structural composition, significant terms and figurative/idiomatic expressions shall be given, to be accurately translated into English.
- General Science & Ability
GENERAL SCIENCE (COMPULSORY)
Total Marks: 100
Time Allowed: 3 hours
Total Marks: 100
Time Allowed: 3 hours
Part-I (General Science) 60 Marks
I. Physical Sciences
- Constituents and Structure:- Universe, Galaxy, Light Year, Solar System, Sun, Earth, Astronomical System of Units.
- Process of Nature:- Solar and Lunar Eclipses, Rotation and Revolution, Weather Variables (Global Temperature, Pressure, Circulation, Precipitation, Humidity) and Weather Variations.
- Natural Hazards and Disasters:- Earth Quake, Volcanic Eruption, Tsunami, Floods, Avalanche, Travelling Cyclone (Tropical Cyclone, Middle Latitude Cyclone and Tornadoes), Drought, Wildfire, Urban Fire. Disaster Risk Management.
- Energy Resources:- Sources of Energy (Renewable i.e. LED Energy, Solar Energy, Wind Energy and Non-Renewable Energy conservation and its sustainable use.
- Atomic Structure, Chemical Bonding, Electromagnetic Radiations.
- Modern Materials/Chemicals:- Ceramics, Plastics, Semiconductors. Antibiotics, Vaccines, Fertilizers, Pesticides.
II. Biological Sciences
- The Basis of Life:- Cell Structures and Functions (Subcellular Organelles such as Nucleus, Mitochondria and Ribosomes).
- Biomolecules:- Proteins, Lipids, Carbohydrates and Enzymes.
- Plant and Animal Kingdom:- A brief survey of plant and animal kingdom to pinpoint similarities and diversities in nature.
- A Brief Account of Human Physiology.
- Common Diseases and Epidemics:- Polio, Diarrhea, Malaria, Hepatitis, Dengue their Causes and Prevention.
- New Model Concept of Producing BIO Fuel Method.
III. Environmental Science
- Environment:- The Atmosphere (Layered Structure and Composition), Hydrosphere (Water Cycle, Major Water Compartments), Biosphere (Major Biomes) and Lithosphere (Minerals and Rocks, Rock Types, Plate Tectonics).
- Atmospheric Pollution:- Types, Sources, Causes and effects of major air pollutants (COx, Particulate Matter, NOx, SOx, Tropospheric Ozone, Volatile Organic Compounds, Dioxins). Regional and Global air pollution issues (Acid-rain, Ozone Depletion, Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming). International agreements on air pollution control (Montreal Protocol and Kyoto Protocol).
- Water Pollution:- Types, sources, causes and effects of major water pollutants (Synthetic Organic Chemicals, Oxygen Demanding Wastes, Plant Nutrients, Thermal Pollution, Infectious Agents, Sediments, Radioactivity, Heavy Metals and Acids). Drinking water quality and standards.
- Land Pollution:- Solid waste management and disposal.
- Role of Remote Sensing and GIS in Environmental Science.
- Population Planning.
IV. Food Science
- Concept of Balance Diet:- Vitamins, Carbohydrates, Protein, Fats and oil, Minerals, Fiber.
- Quality of Food:- Bioavailability of Nutrients, Appearance, Texture, Flavor, Quality of Packed and Frozen Food, Food Additives, Preservatives and Antioxidants.
- Food Deterioration and its Control:- Causes of Food Deterioration, Adulteration, Food Preservation.
V. Information Technology
- Computer (Hardware & Software Fundamentals); I/O Processing and data storage, Networking & Internet Standards, Application and business Software, Social Media Websites. Information Systems. Fundamentals of artificial intelligence.
- Telecommunications:- Basics of Wireless Communication (Mobile, Satellite, Surveillance and GPS and Fiber Optic etc.
Part-II (General Ability) 40 Marks
VI. Quantitative Ability/Reasoning
- Basic Mathematical Skills.
- Concepts and ability to reasons quantitatively and solve problems in a quantitative setting.
- Basic Arithmetic, Algebra and Geometry (Average, Ratios, Rates, Percentage, Angles, Triangles, Sets, Remainders, Equations, Symbols, Rounding of Numbers.
- Random Sampling
VII. Logical Reasoning and Analytical Reasoning/Ability
- Logical Reasoning includes the process of using a rational, systematic series of steps based on sound mathematical procedures and given statements to arrive at a conclusion.
- Analytical Reasoning/Ability includes visualizing, articulating and solving both complex and uncomplicated problems and concepts and making decisions that are sensible based on available information, including demonstration of the ability to apply logical thinking to gathering and analyzing information.
VIII. Mental Abilities
- Mental Abilities Scales that measures specific constructs such as verbal, mechanical, numerical and social ability.
- Current Affairs
CURRENT AFFAIRS (COMPULSORY)
Total Marks: 100
Time Allowed: 3 hours
Total Marks: 100
Time Allowed: 3 hours
Candidates will be expected to display such general knowledge of history, politics and International Affairs, as deemed necessary to interpret current affairs.
I. Pakistan’s Domestic Affairs (20 marks)
- Political
- Economic
- Social
II. Pakistan’s External Affairs (40 marks)
- Pakistan’s relations with its Neighbors (India, China, Afghanistan, Russia)
- Pakistan’s relations with the Muslim World (Iran, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Turkey)
- Pakistan’s relations with the United States
- Pakistan’s relations with Regional and International Organizations (UN, SAARC, ECO, OIC, WTO, GCC)
III. Global Issues (40 marks)
- International Security
- International Political Economy
- Human Rights
- Environment: Global Warming, Kyoto Protocol, Copenhagen Accord
- Population: world population trends, world population policies
- Terrorism and Counter Terrorism
- Global Energy Politics
- Nuclear Proliferation and Nuclear Security
- Nuclear Politics in South Asia
- International Trade (Doha Development Round and Bali Package)
- Cooperation and Competition in Arabian Sea, Indian and Pacific Oceans.
- Millennium Development Goals, Current Status
- Globalization
- Middle East Crisis
- Kashmir Issue
- Palestine Issue
- Pakistan Affairs
PAKISTAN AFFAIRS (COMPULSORY)
Total Marks – 100
Total Marks – 100
- Ideology of Pakistan — definition and elucidation, historical aspects: Muslim rule in the Sub-Continent, its downfall and efforts for Renaissance. Movements for reforms — Shaikh Ahmad Sarhindi, Shah Waliullah, Sayyid Ahmad Shaheed, Aligarh, Deoband, Nadwah, and other educational institutions — Sindh Madrassah and Islamia College Peshawar. Ideology of Pakistan in the light of Speeches and statements of Allama Iqbal and Quaid- i Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
- Land and people of Pakistan — Geography, Society, Natural resources, Agriculture, Industry and education with reference to characteristics, trends and problems.
- Pakistan and Changing Regional Apparatus
- Nuclear Program of Pakistan, its Safety and Security; International Concerns
- Regional Cooperation Organizations (SAARC,ECO,SCO) and the Role of Pakistan
- Civil-Military Relations in Pakistan
- Economic Challenges in Pakistan
- Non-Traditional Security Threats in Pakistan: Role of Non-State Actors
- Pakistan’s Role in the Region
- The Palestine Issue
- Changing Security Dynamics for Pakistan: Challenges to National Security of Pakistan
- Political Evolution Since 1971
- Pakistan and US War on Terror
- Foreign Policy of Pakistan Post 9/11
- Evolution of Democratic System in Pakistan
- Ethnic Issues and National Integration
- Hydro Politics; Water Issues in Domestic and Regional Context
- Pakistan’s National Interest
- Challenges to Sovereignty
- Pakistan’s Energy Problems and their Effects
- Pakistan’s Relations with Neighbors excluding India
- Pakistan and India Relations Since 1947
- The Kashmir Issue
- The war in Afghanistan since 1979 and its impact on, and challenges to Pakistan in the Post 2014 era.
- Proxy Wars: Role of External Elements
- Economic Conditions of Pakistan, the Most Recent Economic Survey, the Previous and Current Budgets, and the Problems and Performance of Major Sectors of Economy.
- The Recent Constitutional and Legal Debates, the Latest Constitutional Amendments and Important Legislations, Legal Cases and the Role of Higher Courts.
- The Prevailing Social Problems of Pakistan and the Strategies to Deal with Them, Poverty, Education, Health and Sanitation.
- Islamiat / Comparative Study of Major Religions
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF MAJOR RELIGIONS
Total Marks: 100
Time Allowed: 3 hours
Total Marks: 100
Time Allowed: 3 hours
NOTE: This paper is optional for only Non Muslim candidates. They may either opt Islamic Studies OR this paper as may suit to them.
I. Introduction
- Definition(s) of religion
- Emergence of the study of religion as a discipline
- Theological and academic study of religion
- An overview of religious landscape of the World
II. Hinduism
- Historical Background
Indus valley civilization, Aryan invasion theory, Vedic Dharma, Brahmanism - Scriptures:
Sruti: Vedas, Upanishads, Smirti: Manu Smirti, Sutras, Puranas, Great epics: Ramayana, Mahabharata - Hindu Doctrines:
Dharma, Vedanta, Karma, Transmigration of Souls, Moksha (Liberation) - Ways to Liberation:
Karma marga (Works/Rituals), Jnana marga (Wisdom), Bhakti marga (Devotion) - Hindu gods:
Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Trimurti, other gods and divinities - Major Hindu Sects:
Vaishavism (Manifestation avatars), Saivism (Supreme God & Phallic worship), Saktism (Goddess worship) - Hindu society:
Caste System, Ashramas (Stages of life) - Hinduism in the Modern World
19th century reform and revival movements, Contemporary Hindu Tendencies and movements
III. Buddhism
- Historical Background
Life of Gautama Buddha, Formation and spread of Buddhism, Rivalry between Brahmanism and Buddhism - Scriptures:
Tripitaka: Sutta Pitaka, Vinaya Pitaka, Abhidhamma Pitaka - Teachings and Doctrines
Three Jewels of Buddhism: Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha, The four noble truths, Eight fold Path - Buddhist Sects:
Theravadas (Hinayana), Mahayana, other schools and sects - Buddhism in the Modern world
IV. Judaism
- A brief history of Jews and Judaism:
From Abraham to Moses, peace be upon them all, From Moses to establishment of Jewish rule, Destruction of Jerusalem and dispersion of Jews in the world, - Jewish Scriptures:
Tanakh (The Torah, the Prophets, and the Writings), Mishnah and Talmud - Articles of faith and basic teachings:
Ten Commandments, The thirteen principles of faith propounded by Moses Maimonides (1138-1204) - Jewish holidays and festivals:
Yom Kippur (The Day of Atonement), Pesach (Passover), Sukkot (Tabernacles) Purim - Jewish Worship:
Daily prayer, fasting, Sabbath - Jewish sects and movements
Orthodox Judaism, Conservative Judaism, Reform Judaism, Zionism, Kabbalah, Hasidism
V. Christianity
- Historical background:
Jewish background of Christianity, Life and of Jesus Christ (Through the Four Gospels), Life and the role of Paul (Through the Letters of Paul), Formation and spread of the Christian Church, Christianization of the Roman Empire, Reform movement - Scriptures:
The Holy Bible (Old Testament and New Testament) - Basic Doctrines:
Original Sin, Incarnation of God, Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, Atonement, Trinity - Christian Sects:
Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Protestantism Sub-denominations: Lutherans, Reformed and Presbyterians, Anglicans, Baptists, Methodists, Unitarians - Christian Festivals and Holidays:
Advent, Christmas, Easter, Pentecost - Christian worship and Sacraments
Baptism, Eucharist, Communion, Lord’s Supper, prayer, fasting, psalms, music, - Christianity in the Modern Times
Encounter with modernity, modern theological trends, Missionary movement, Dialogue and relationship with other religions
VI. Islam
- Introduction and Historical Background
Islamic concept of religion, universality of religion and diversity of shari’ahs, Sirah (Life) of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, The era of rightly guided caliphs of Islam - Sacred Scriptures:
The Holy Quran, Hadith - Basic Doctrines and Creed:
Tawhid (Oneness of God), Risalah (Belief in Prophets and finality of the prophet-hood with the Prophet Muhammad), Akhirah (Belief in Hereafter and the final reckoning by Allah the Almighty), Belief in angels, previous scriptures, predestination and human responsibility before God, infallibility of the Quran - Five Pillars of Islam:
Utterance of Shahadatayn (To proclaim the Oneness of Allah and that Prophet Muhammad is his messenger, salah (five daily prayers), zakah (compulsory charity), sawm (fasting in the month of Ramadan) and Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah who can afford travelling to it) - Other Teachings of Islam
Equality of mankind, simplicity, spiritual purity and bodily hygiene, patience, contentment, moderation, social justice, Jihad, tolerance towards other religions, - Sects and Schools
Sunnis (mainstream Muslims), Shi’ahs (Special devotion for Hazrat Ali and Family of the Prophet), Khawarij (literalists), Mu’tazilah (rationalists) - Contemporary Islamic movements and tendencies:
Ikwan al Muslimun (Muslim Brotherhood), Jama’at-i-Islami, Tablighi Jama’at, Salafi movement, Fethullah Gulen movement in Turkey, Iranian revolution, extremist groups.
NOTE: Non Muslim Candidates may either opt Islamic Studies OR Comparative Study of Major Religions as may suit to them.
