Let’s be honest: the Central Superior Services (CSS) exam is the dream for many in Pakistan. It’s the biggest, toughest way to get into the federal government. This exam, run by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC), is the only way to get selected for the country’s top administrative jobs.
Pass it, and you’re on track for a top-tier job in groups like the Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS), the Police Service of Pakistan (PSP), or the Foreign Service of Pakistan (FSP).
But hold on. Before you picture yourself as a Deputy Commissioner or a diplomat, you’ve got to clear the first hurdle: the eligibility criteria.
I’ll break down the official FPSC rules for you. It really all comes down to three things: your education, your age, and your nationality.
1. Academic Requirements: The First Pillar of CSS Eligibility
First, let’s talk about your degree.
The Minimum Degree Standard
The main rule is simple: you need a bachelor’s degree. This just means 14 years of education.
And the best part? It doesn’t matter what you studied. As long as you’ve finished your undergraduate degree, you’re in. This includes:
- Medicine (MBBS)
- Dentistry (BDS)
- Engineering (B.E./BSc Engineering)
- BCom, BSc, or BA
- BS Honors
- Any degree in fields like English, Urdu, IR, or Pol Science
Here’s something most people don’t realize: the FPSC doesn’t care if you got straight A’s or just scraped by. Your past grades have no influence on your CSS score or your basic eligibility to apply.
Grade Requirements and Compensation Provisions
Okay, there is one small catch with grades. You need at least a Second Division or Grade C in that bachelor’s degree.
But what if you got a Grade D or lower? Don’t panic. You can still get in if you’ve also completed a Master’s degree with better grades. This rule means a comeback is possible, and your later hard work is recognized.
Special Considerations
- Medical Graduates: A quick note for medical students: You can apply as soon as you pass your final professional exam. You do not have to wait to finish your house job.
- Provisional Certificates: Still waiting on your official degree? That’s fine. You can use a provisional result certificate from your university as proof that you’ve passed.
- Specialized Graduates (14-Year Education): Some professionals, like engineers or doctors, might have a 14-year bachelor’s. You might be required to pass an extra English paper at the BSc level to make your degree officially equivalent.
- Foreign Degrees: Got your degree from outside Pakistan? It’s allowed, but you must get it verified by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) first. They have to declare it equivalent to a Pakistani bachelor’s. Do this before you apply.
A Note on Associate Degree Programs (ADP): Watch out for this. The HEC announced in 2023 that it’s phasing out the two-year ADP. If you finished your ADP before 2023, you’re probably okay. But if you finished it after that 2023 notice, you need to check with the HEC immediately to see if your degree is still considered equivalent.
2. Age Criteria and Statutory Relaxation Provisions
Next up is age. The FPSC is very strict here, so pay close attention.
General Age Bracket and Cutoff Dates
The standard age bracket is:
- Minimum Age: 21 years
- Maximum Age: 30 years
I know there’s a lot of talk about raising the age limit to 35. As of right now, that’s just talk. It has not been passed into law. The rule is still 30.
Two-Year Age Relaxation (Up to 32 Years)
However, you can get a two-year relaxation (letting you apply up to 32 years old) if you fit into a very specific category:
- People from certain remote or tribal areas (like Balochistan or the Tribal Areas).
- Candidates with a documented disability.
- Current government employees with at least two years of service.
⚠️ Critical Warning: The “government servant” rule only counts for actual government jobs (Ministries, Armed Forces, etc.). It does not work if you are in an autonomous body like WAPDA, State Bank, or a private company.
3. Nationality and Citizenship Status
This one is simple, and there are no exceptions.
You must be a citizen of Pakistan. That’s it.
This also means dual nationals are not eligible. If you hold citizenship in any other country, you cannot apply for the CSS exam.
Understanding the CSS Examination Structure
So, you’re eligible. What’s next? You’re not in the clear yet. You need to know the exam structure to understand how to stay in the running.
Stage 1: MCQs Based Preliminary Test (MPT)
First, you have to pass the MPT. This is just a screening test.
- Structure: 200 MCQs, 200 marks, 200 minutes.
- Good News: There is no negative marking.
- Syllabus: Covers Islamic Studies (20), Urdu (20), English (50), General Ability (60), and General Knowledge (50).
- Passing: You just need to get 66 out of 200 marks to move on.
Stage 2: The Demanding Written Examination
This is the real challenge, worth a massive 1200 marks.
- Overall Passing: You must get an aggregate of 50% (600 marks total).
- Individual Passing: You need 40% in compulsory subjects and 33% in optional subjects.
- Compensation Rule: There’s a helpful rule for Pak Affairs, Current Affairs, and GS&A. You just need 120 marks combined across the three, so a high score in one can save a low score in another.
Stage 3: Psychological Assessment and Viva Voce
- Psychological Test: Everyone has to take this. It doesn’t have a score, but it’s vital. They’re checking if your personality and mental state are a good fit for a high-stress government job.
- Viva Voce (Interview): This is the final 300-mark stage. You have to score at least 100 marks in the interview to pass.
Your final score is a combo of the written (1200) and viva (300), for a total of 1500 marks.
Conclusion: Meeting the Three Keys to Eligibility
So, there you have it. The CSS eligibility criteria are just the front gate. You need the right degree, be in the right age bracket, and hold only Pakistani citizenship.
If you’ve got those three keys, you’re ready to start the real journey.
✅ Quiz: Are You Eligible for CSS?
Shayan Nasir is the founder of CSSAspirant.com. As a dedicated CSS aspirant with nearly five years of first-hand experience, he shares practical strategies and insights from his journey. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from GC University Faisalabad.