How to Apply for the CSS Exam – Complete Guide

If you don’t know how to apply for CSS, this step-by-step guide will help you out. Every year, thousands of candidates apply for CSS, but many students are confused about the application process. This guide will explain everything in simple, clear, and practical steps, just like you learn in classroom lectures.

How to Apply for the CSS Exam?

The Central Superior Services (CSS) Exam is one of Pakistan’s most prestigious competitive examinations. And it is conducted by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) to select officers for various federal government departments such as PAS, the Foreign Service, the Police Service, the Customs, etc. 

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1. Basic Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, make sure you are eligible for the exam.

✔ Nationality

• Only Pakistani citizens can apply.
  

✔ Educational Requirement

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree (14 years of education) from an HEC-recognised university.
  
• At least Second Division.
  

Age Limit

• General age limit: 21 to 30 years.
  
• Age relaxation up to 32 years for:
  
  • Government employees (with NOC)
    
  • Tribal Areas candidates
    
  • GB / AJK candidates (According to the FPSC relaxation rules.)
    

✔ Documents Needed

• CNIC
  
• Domicile
  
• All educational certificates
  
• Passport-size photos
  
• Challan/Fee receipt

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2. Understand the CSS Application Phases

The CSS application process has two major phases:

Phase 1: CSS MPT (MCQ-Based Preliminary Test)

• Mandatory screening test.
  
• Without passing MPT, you cannot apply for the written exam.
  

Phase 2: CSS Written Examination (Main Exam)

• Only for candidates who pass MPT.

3. Complete Guide to Apply for CSS

Step 1: Watch for the FPSC Notification

FPSC issues an official advertisement for CSS every year.
It announces:

• Registration opening date
  
• Last date to apply
  
• Fees
  
• Age & eligibility instructions
  

Always check the official website: www.fpsc.gov.pk

Step 2: Download the CSS Challan Form

You must deposit the required fee in the bank before applying.

1. MPT Fee: approx. Rs. 250
2. Written Exam Fee: approx. Rs. 2,200

Where to submit the fee?

You can pay the challan at:

• National Bank of Pakistan (NBP)
  
• State Bank of Pakistan (SBP)
  
• Government Treasury branches
  

Make sure to keep the bank receipt (challan copy) safe.

Step 3: Create Your FPSC Online Account

Visit the official website of the FPSC at: https://fpsc.gov.pk

• Click on “Apply Online”
  
• If you’re new, create an account with:
  
  • Email ID
    
  • CNIC
    
  • Phone number
    
• If you already have an account, just log in.

Step 4: Fill Out the Online Application Form

For MPT:

• Enter personal details
  
• CNIC number
  
• Address
  
• Education
  
• Upload photo
  

For Written Exam:

• Select your optional subjects carefully
• Select your test centre
• Enter experience (if applicable)
  

Double-check everything before submitting.

Step 5: Submit the Fee (Using PSID)

Once the online form is filled out:

• The FPSC system generates a PSID number
  
• Submit the fee using:
  
  • Online banking
    
  • ATM
    
  • Mobile app
    
  • Bank branch
    

Keep the PSID receipt safe.

Step 6: Final Submission of Online Application

After paying the fee, return to the FPSC portal and:

• Upload required documents (if needed)
  
• Click “Final Submit”
  
• Download/print your application form

Step 7: Send Hard Copies to FPSC (For Written Exam Only)

For MPT → Hard copy NOT required
For Written Exam → Hard copy IS required

Prepare the following for FPSC:

• Printed online application form
  
• Attested photocopies of:
  
  • CNIC
    
  • Domicile
    
  • All educational degrees
    
• 4 passport-size photographs
  
• Original bank challan copy
  

You will need to send all your documents via Courier to the Secretary, FPSC, Aga Khan Road, F-5/1, Islamabad, and ensure the file reaches us before the deadline.

Important Tips to Avoid Rejection

• Do not wait for the last date.
  
• Fill in your educational data carefully.
  
• Choose optional subjects wisely (based on interest & scoring trend).
  
• Keep photocopies of all submitted documents.
  
• Check the spelling of your name exactly as per the CNIC.
  
• Ensure your photographs meet FPSC guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. Can final-year students apply?

No. You need a complete degree/transcript.

Q. How many attempts are allowed?

There are a total of 3 attempts allowed for each candidate as per FPSC rules.

Q. Can government employees apply?

Yes, with an NOC from their department.

Q. Can I change subjects after submission?

No. Once submitted, subjects cannot be changed.

Conclusion

Applying for the CSS exam is not difficult — you just need to follow the steps carefully. The key points are:

• Check eligibility
  
• Deposit challan
  
• Apply online
  
• Upload the correct documents
  
• Send hard copies (for written exam only)
  
• Keep track of all deadlines
  

If you follow all these steps, your application will be successfully accepted by the FPSC.