English Essay Paper CSS 2026

 

General Science and Ability - 100 Marks (Full paper Breakup with Books Recommendations)

 

CSS Syllabus General Science & Ability

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.

SUGGESTED READINGS

S. No.	Title	Authors
1.	Asimov’s New Guide to Science 1993	Isaac Asimov
2.	Science Restated: Physics and Chemistry for the Non-Scientist 1970	Harold Gomes Cassidy
3.	Eminent Muslim Scientists 1991	S. Fakhre Alam Naqvi
4.	Exploring Life Science 1975	Walter A. Thurber, Robert E. Kilburn, Peter S. Howell
5.	Exploring Physical Science 1977	Walter A. Thurber, Robert E. Kilburn, Peter S. Howell
6.	Principles of Animal Biology 2011	Lancelot Hogben
7.	The Impact of Science on Society 2005	Isaac Asimov, A. S. a. N. A. S. a.
8.	Fundamentals of Forensic Science 2010	Max M. Houck, Jay A. Siegal
9.	Forensic Science Fundamentals & Investigation 2008	Anthony J. Bertino
10.	Physical Geography 2013	Harm J. de Blij, Peter O. Muller, James E. Burt, Joseph A. Mason
11.	Physical Geography-Science and Systems of the Human Environment 2009	Alan H. Strahler, Arthur N. Strallar.
12.	Introduction to Information Technology 2005	I. T. L. Education Solutions Limited, Itl.
13.	Management Information Systems 2014	Ken Sousa, Effy Oz
14.	Fundamentals of Telecommunications 2005	Roger L. Freeman
15.	Basics of Environmental Science 2002	Michael Allaby
16.	Food Science 1998	Norman N. Potter, Joseph H. Hotchkiss
17.	Environmental Science: Systems and Solutions. 5th ed. 2013	Michael L. McKinney, Robert Schoch and Logan Yonavjak
18.	Environmental Science: A Global Concern 2012	William P. Cunningham, Barbara Woodworth Saigo
Books for Logical Reasoning Bookshelves
19.	Logical Reasoning	Rob P. Nederpelt, Farouz D. Kamareddine
20.	Elements of Logical Reasoning	Jan Von Plato
21.	Reasoning Builder for Admission and Standardized Test	Staff of Research Education
22.	Test of Reasoning	Thorpe
23.	Mental Ability	Dr. Lal & Jain
24.	The Brain Book: Know Your Own Mind and How to Use it	Edgar Thorpe

English Precis and Composition - 100 Marks (Full Paper with Books Recommendations)

 

CSS Syllabus English (Precis & Composition)  – 100 Marks

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, etc.

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.

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.

III. Grammar and Vocabulary (20 marks)

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 sentence 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.

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.

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.

Suggested Readings 

S.No.	Title	Author
1.	English Grammar in Use	Raymond Murphy (Cambridge University Press).
2.	Practical English Usage	M.Swan (Oxford University Press).
3.	The Little, Brown Handbook	H. Ramsey Flower & Jane Aaron (The Little, Brown & Co; Harper Collins.)
4.	A University English Grammar	R. Quirk & S. Greenbaum (ELBS; Longmans)
5.	Write Better, Speak Better	Readers' Digest Association.
6.	Modern English in Action	Henry Christ (D.C. Heath & Co.)

CSS Pakistan 2027

The CSS 2027 examination, conducted by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC), typically follows an annual cycle: MPT (Preliminary Test) in early 2027 and Written Exams around February 2027. A suggested preparation strategy involves a 12–18-month plan, focusing on completing the syllabus by mid-2026 and regular revision/mock tests thereafter.

Key Preparation Stages & Schedule

• Initial Phase (Now–Mid 2026): Deep study of optional and compulsory subjects, focusing on conceptual clarity and note-taking.
• Mid-Phase (Mid-2026–Late 2026): Regular answer writing, solving past papers, and appearing in mock exams for time management.
• Final Phase (Late 2026–Jan 2027):
   Intensive revision and focusing on current affairs.
MPT Test: Expected in early 2027 (usually Jan/Feb).
Written Exam: Expected in February 2027. 


Key Tips for 2027 Aspirants

• Eligibility: Must hold a bachelor's degree (2nd division) and be aged 21–30 as of Dec 31, 2026.
• Subjects: Prepare for compulsory subjects (English, General Science, Current Affairs, etc.) and optional subjects (100–200 marks).
• Structure: Focus on daily reading, making notes for Current Affairs, and practicing Essay writing.

Note: The official schedule is published by the FPSC website in leading newspapers closer to the date. 

CSS Syllabus 2026 (All CSS Subjects)

The Central Superior Services (CSS) 2026 examination, conducted by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC), requires a 1200-mark written exam (600 compulsory, 600 optional) followed by a 300-mark viva voce. Key changes include a mandatory Multiple-Choice Question (MCQ) based Preliminary Test (MPT). Candidates must pass 6 compulsory subjects (100 marks each) and select 600 marks from the optional subject groups.

CSS Compulsory Subjects

CSS compulsory subjects are mandatory for the aspirants to attempt. These contain no choice. Aspirants are required to prepare them by hook or by crook. There are 1200 marks of written examination, where six hundred marks are covered through compulsory subjects.

Code No	Subjects	Marks
1	English Essay	100
2	English (Precis and Composition)	100
3	General Science & Ability	100
4	Current Affairs	100
5	Pakistan Affairs	100
6	Islamic Studies OR Comparative Study of Major Religions (For non muslim candidates)	100
Total		600

CSS Optional Subjects

Below can be seen seven groups containing different subjects. A candidate has to cover the rest of the six hundred marks through these groups. Here are the groups with a variety of subjects. 

Group 1: To select one subject of 200 marks only.

Code No	Subjects	Marks
11	Accountancy & Auditing	200
12	Economics	200
13	Computer Science	200
14	Political Science	200
15	International Relations	200

Group 2: To select 1 subject of 200 or 2 subjects of 100 marks.

Code No	Subjects	Marks
16	Physics	200
17	Chemistry	200
18	Applied Mathematics	100
19	Pure Mathematics	100
20	Statistics	100
21	Geology	100

Group 3: To select one subject of 100 marks only.

Code No	Subjects	Marks
22	Business Administration	100
23	Public Administration	100
24	Governance & Public Policies	100
25	Town Planning & Urban Management	100

Group 4: To select one subject of 100 marks only.

Code No	Subjects	Marks
26	History of Pakistan & India	100
27	Islamic History & Culture	100
28	British History	100
29	European History	100
30	History of USA	100

Group 5: To select one subject of 100 marks only.

Code No	Subjects	Marks
31	Gender Studies	100
32	Environmental Sciences	100
33	Agriculture & Forestry	100
34	Botany	100
35	Zoology	100
36	English Literature	100
37	Urdu Literature	100

Group 6: To select one subject of 100 marks only.

Code No	Subjects	Marks
38	Law	100
39	Constitutional Law	100
40	International Law	100
41	Muslim Law & Jurisprudence	100
42	Mercantile Law	100
43	Criminology	100
44	Philosophy	100

Group 7: To select one subject of 100 marks only.

Code No	Subjects	Marks
45	Journalism & Mass Communication	100
46	Psychology	100
47	Geography	100
48	Sociology	100
49	Anthropology	100
50	Punjabi	100
51	Sindhi	100
52	Pashto	100
53	Balochi	100
54	Persian	100
55	Arabic	100

• • These groups contain all the details regarding CSS syllabus 2026. Aspirants are required to attempt all subjects in the English language except Islamic studies and regional languages (Pashto, Balochi, Sindhi, Persian, etc.). Islamic studies, in particular, can be attempted in Urdu or English. It depends upon the candidate whether they feel comfortable in Urdu or English.
  • As per the FPSC (federal public service commission) CSS syllabus, subject containing 200 marks are comprised of two papers, whereas subject containing 100 marks are comprised of one paper only. Each paper has three hours duration of its attempt.
  • There are chances that CSS exams aspirants may go through some objective MCQs in both optional and compulsory subjects.

This was all about the CSS exam syllabus that would help you in the subject selection, hopefully. Understand the overall scheme of these groups and gently choose your CSS subjects. Wrong turns in this phase will not only waste your time but also great efforts.