CSS compulsory subjects past papers are the fastest way to understand what FPSC actually expects across every mandatory paper, not just one subject in isolation. This page is the central archive for CSS Bureau's full compulsory-subject collection, covering English Essay, Precis and Composition, General Science and Ability, Current Affairs, Pakistan Affairs, Islamiat, and Comparative Study of Major Religions, each with papers from 2016 through 2026.
Browse past papers by subject
Each card below opens the full past-paper archive for that subject, with individual year downloads plus a combined PDF covering 2016 through 2026 in one file.
How the compulsory subjects fit together
CSS candidates attempt six compulsory papers, not seven; Islamiat and Comparative Study of Major Religions are two versions of the same slot, and a candidate sits one or the other depending on their faith, not both. Each paper carries 100 marks, giving compulsory subjects a total weight of 600 marks against your optional subjects.
| Subject | Format | What it rewards |
|---|---|---|
| English Essay | Single essay, topic of your choice | Structure, argument, and command of language over a long piece |
| Precis and Composition | MCQs plus six compulsory written tasks | Precision writing, comprehension, and technical grammar accuracy |
| General Science and Ability | MCQs and short-answer, two halves | Applied science reasoning and quantitative speed |
| Current Affairs | MCQs plus four of several subjective questions | Awareness of recent events and analytical framing |
| Pakistan Affairs | MCQs plus four of several subjective questions | Depth on constitutional history and structural issues |
| Islamiat / Comparative Study of Major Religions | MCQs plus four of several subjective questions | Command of core teachings and their relevance today |
How to plan your practice across all seven subjects
Trying to prepare every compulsory subject at the same intensity usually backfires, since some papers reward broad reading over months while others respond to focused, short-term drilling. Group them by preparation style instead of tackling them in a fixed order.
Essay and Precis and Composition depend on writing skill built up over time, so start these early and keep practising consistently. Current Affairs needs to stay current right up to your exam date, so leave the bulk of that revision for the final stretch. Pakistan Affairs, Islamiat, and Comparative Study of Major Religions rely on structured content you can study and revise like any other subject, while GSA rewards timed, repeated practice once you know which question types keep coming up.
Related resources on CSS Bureau
These pages sit alongside the full past-paper archive:
Frequently asked questions
How many compulsory subjects does the CSS exam have?
Six. Candidates attempt English Essay, Precis and Composition, General Science and Ability, Current Affairs, Pakistan Affairs, and one religion paper, either Islamiat or Comparative Study of Major Religions, depending on their faith.
How many marks do compulsory subjects carry in total?
Each compulsory paper carries 100 marks, for a combined total of 600 marks across the six compulsory subjects, separate from whatever optional subjects a candidate chooses.
Where can I download authentic CSS compulsory subject past papers?
Every subject page linked above sources its papers from FPSC's official published question papers, cross-checked for accuracy. You can also confirm recent years yourself on the official FPSC CSS section.
Should I prepare all seven papers at the same time?
Not with equal intensity. Writing-heavy papers like Essay and Precis and Composition benefit from an early start, Current Affairs needs to stay fresh closer to your exam date, and the remaining subjects can be studied and revised on a more even schedule throughout your preparation.
Are these past papers solved or unsolved?
All seven subject archives currently contain original, unsolved question papers exactly as set by FPSC. Solved versions with model answers are being prepared subject by subject and will be linked from each page once ready.
Source and verification
Papers on this page are compiled from FPSC's official published question papers. Where a specific year was no longer available on FPSC's own site, it was cross-checked against independent archives before being added here, so you can rely on these as accurate representations of the original exam.