About FPSC MCQs
FPSC holds recruitment tests for federal posts across ministries, divisions and departments. Under a policy announced in August 2025, descriptive written tests for general recruitment were replaced with objective MCQ papers for posts advertised from September 2025 onwards. Papers typically test general ability, covering Pakistan affairs, Islamic studies, general knowledge, current affairs, English, Urdu, everyday science and basic maths, alongside questions related to the post. Candidates who pass the test are called for interview.
The subject cards below cover the general ability side of these papers. Pakistan Studies, Islamic Studies and General Knowledge form the core, while Current Affairs keeps you up to date with recent events and appointments. English and Urdu build grammar and vocabulary, and Aptitude (Maths) with Reasoning develops speed on numerical and logical questions. Practise a topic, review the answers you missed, then return to it a few days later to test what you have retained.
Key facts to remember
- FPSC is the constitutional body that recruits for posts under the Federal Government of Pakistan.
- In 2025, FPSC replaced descriptive written tests for general recruitment with MCQ-based papers, effective for posts advertised from 21 September 2025.
- Under the 2025 policy, BS-16 and BS-17 posts have one MCQ paper of 100 marks with a 40% passing threshold.
- Under the same 2025 policy, 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer.
- Candidates who qualify in the test are called for an interview, and the details for each post are given in its advertisement.
Exams that include FPSC MCQs
Pakistan
- FPSC
- CSS
- PPSC
- NTS
How to prepare for FPSC MCQs
- Read the advertisement and syllabus for your post on fpsc.gov.pk, since higher-grade posts can have two papers.
- With negative marking in place, answer only when you can rule out most of the options.
- Spend regular time on Current Affairs, as federal papers often ask about recent national and international events.
- Time yourself on Aptitude (Maths) and Reasoning sets to build speed for the test day.
Frequently asked questions
What subjects are in the FPSC test?
FPSC general ability papers usually cover Pakistan affairs, Islamic studies, general knowledge, current affairs, English, Urdu, everyday science and basic maths, along with questions related to the post. The exact syllabus is published with each advertisement, so check it before you start revising.
Is there negative marking in FPSC tests?
Yes. Under FPSC's 2025 policy for MCQ-based recruitment tests, 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer. It is sensible to leave a question blank if you cannot narrow it down, and to confirm the rule in your advertisement.
How should I prepare for an FPSC test?
Begin with the syllabus for your post, then practise subject by subject on this page. Give most time to Pakistan Studies, Islamic Studies and general knowledge, keep up with current affairs, and use timed maths and reasoning sets to improve speed and accuracy.
Last reviewed October 2026