CSS International Relations past papers show you how FPSC tests this Group-I optional subject across two full papers, since International Relations carries 200 marks rather than the standard 100. This page collects every International Relations paper FPSC has set from 2016 through 2026, with Paper-I and Paper-II combined in one file per year, so you can study the complete question pattern before building your preparation plan.
Download the complete International Relations archive
Want every year in one place? The button below opens a single PDF with all eleven years combined, so you can save one file and work through the full set offline.
Prefer to work through one year at a time? Use the individual downloads below; each file contains both Paper-I and Paper-II for that year.
International Relations past papers by year
Each card links straight to that year's original question paper as set by FPSC, with Paper-I and Paper-II included together. Reviewing several years in sequence is the fastest way to notice which theories, treaties, and Pakistan-linked foreign policy cases examiners return to most often.
What the International Relations paper actually tests
International Relations is one of the 200-mark Group-I subjects, so candidates sit two separate three-hour papers instead of one. Unlike some other 200-mark subjects, both papers here use a straightforward format: attempt any four questions out of seven in Part-II, with no requirement to draw from separate sections.
The split matters for preparation. Paper-I rewards a firm grip on IR theory and its major schools of thought, while Paper-II rewards the ability to apply that theory to real historical events and current Pakistan-specific foreign policy cases, which means pairing theory study with genuine current-affairs reading.
How to use these papers effectively
Since International Relations carries double the marks of a standard optional, build your theoretical foundation from Paper-I first. Understanding schools of thought like Idealism and Realism properly, rather than memorising definitions, makes it much easier to apply them convincingly in Paper-II's case-study questions.
Once the theory is solid, use Paper-II past questions to practise linking that theory to real events, since examiners consistently reward answers that connect a named theory or framework to an actual historical or current case rather than describing events in isolation. Keep an eye on recent Pakistan foreign-policy developments too, since Paper-II regularly asks candidates to analyse current decisions through an IR lens.
Related resources on CSS Bureau
International Relations preparation connects naturally with a few other pages on the site:
Frequently asked questions
Where can I get authentic CSS International Relations past papers?
The papers on this page are sourced from FPSC's published question papers and cross-checked for accuracy. You can also confirm recent years yourself on the official FPSC Previous Question Papers section, though FPSC generally keeps only the last few years live on its own site.
Why does International Relations have two papers instead of one?
International Relations is a 200-mark optional subject in Group-I, alongside Accountancy & Auditing, Economics, Computer Science, and Political Science. Candidates choosing a 200-mark subject sit two separate three-hour papers, Paper-I and Paper-II, each worth 100 marks.
What's the difference between Paper-I and Paper-II in International Relations?
Paper-I focuses on IR theory and foundational concepts like the state system, security, and global governance. Paper-II shifts toward 20th-century history, regional politics, and applied case studies, including Pakistan's own foreign policy decisions.
Do candidates choose which questions to attempt in Part-II?
Yes. Both Paper-I and Paper-II ask candidates to attempt any four out of seven subjective questions, with no requirement to select from separate sections, unlike some other Group-I subjects.
Are these International Relations papers solved or unsolved?
These are original, unsolved question papers exactly as set by FPSC for both Paper-I and Paper-II.
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.