About CSS MCQs
CSS selects officers for Pakistan's federal civil services. Since 2023, candidates must first pass the MCQ-based Preliminary Test (MPT), a screening test of objective questions, before sitting the written competitive examination. The MPT covers English, general ability (arithmetic, algebra, geometry and logical reasoning), general knowledge (everyday science, current affairs and Pakistan affairs), Islamic Studies and Urdu. Those who qualify go on to the written papers, followed by medical, psychological assessment and interview stages.
The subject cards below line up with the MPT sections. English covers vocabulary, grammar and comprehension, while Aptitude (Maths) and Reasoning together cover the general ability section. Everyday Science, Pakistan Studies, Current Affairs and World Current Affairs feed the general knowledge section, and Islamic Studies matches its own part of the test. Work through the English and general ability topics first, as they carry the most weight, then rotate through the knowledge subjects in short daily sessions.
Key facts to remember
- The CSS examination is conducted by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) of Pakistan.
- The MCQ-based Preliminary Test (MPT) was introduced as a screening stage for CSS in 2023.
- In the CSS 2023 advance notice, the MPT had 200 MCQs of one mark each, and candidates needed 33% (66 out of 200) to qualify.
- The CSS 2023 notice stated there was no negative marking in the MPT.
- According to the CSS 2023 notice, the MPT score is valid only for the same year's written examination and does not count towards final merit.
Exams that include CSS MCQs
Pakistan
- CSS
- PMS
- FPSC
- PPSC
How to prepare for CSS MCQs
- Prioritise English and general ability, as they make up the largest share of the MPT.
- Read a newspaper daily and pair it with the Current Affairs and World Current Affairs sections.
- Practise maths and reasoning against the clock, since the MPT is a long paper with many questions.
- Check the latest CSS notice on fpsc.gov.pk each year, as rules for the MPT can change between cycles.
Frequently asked questions
What subjects are in the CSS MPT?
The MPT covers English, general ability (maths and logical reasoning), general knowledge (everyday science, current affairs and Pakistan affairs), Islamic Studies and Urdu. The subject cards on this page are arranged to match these sections so you can practise each one separately.
Is there negative marking in the CSS MPT?
The FPSC advance notice for CSS 2023 stated that there was no negative marking in the MPT. Rules can change between years, so read the notice for the cycle you are taking on the FPSC website before the test.
How should I prepare for the CSS MPT?
Build a strong base in English vocabulary and grammar, then practise maths and reasoning regularly for speed. Add short daily sessions on everyday science, Pakistan affairs, Islamic Studies and current affairs, and review every question you get wrong.
Last reviewed October 2026