Optional Subjects for CSS A Comprehensive Selection Guide
Choosing the right optional subjects for the CSS exam is critical to your success. It’s often said that making the right subject selection can be half the battle won. However, this decision should not be made too early or left until the last minute. Aspirants frequently find themselves overwhelmed, especially when they get caught up in misleading ideas like “scoring trends.” Since the 2013 paper pattern change and the 2016 syllabus revision, subject selection has become even more crucial. These changes have left many aspirants struggling with simple yet technical questions, highlighting that only a well-prepared and strategic mind can score well
The key to success lies in choosing subjects that align with your strengths and interests rather than relying on trends. It’s important to remember that what works for one person may not work for another. Therefore, your decision should be based on a clear understanding of your capabilities, interests, and the nature of the subject.
Here are some essential factors to consider when finalizing your optional subjects, in order of importance:
1. Educational Background – Choose subjects where you already have a strong foundation, as this will make preparation smoother.
2. Personal Interest – Opt for subjects that genuinely captivate you; your interest in the material will drive better understanding and retention.
3. Scoring Trend – While it’s tempting to follow the so-called “scoring subjects,” focus on this factor only to a limited extent. A well-prepared candidate can score well in any subject.
Before making your decision, familiarize yourself with the syllabi and topics of your potential optional subjects. A solid understanding of the content will not only help you choose wisely but will also reduce the stress associated with subject selection.
With 7 groups and 55 subjects available, the key to success lies in understanding which subjects align best with your strengths and interests. Let’s explore your options.
Note: Before selecting your optional subjects, it is essential to thoroughly review the CSS syllabus provided by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC). You can download the latest syllabus directly from the official FPSC website at fpsc.gov.pk. This syllabus will give you a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered in each subject, helping you make an informed decision based on your strengths and interests. By carefully going through the syllabus, you can assess which subjects align with your background and areas of interest, ultimately reducing the stress of preparation and enhancing your chances of success. best page title for the above text
How To Choose Optional Subjects In CSS?
Complete analysis of all subjects. Scoring and Overlapping subjects.
Subjects | Prerequisite | Nature of Subject | Scoring | Overlaps |
Physics | Yes | Long Syllabus Close-ended | High | None |
Chemistry | Yes | Long Syllabus Closed-ended | High | None |
Applied Math | Yes | Long Syllabus Closed-ended | Low | None |
Pure Mathematics | Yes | Long Syllabus Closed-ended | Low to medium | None |
Statistics | Yes | Long syllabus Closed-ended | Medium | None |
Geography | Yes | Long Syllabus Open-Ended | Good | Geography |
Subjects | Prerequisite | Nature of Subject | Scoring | Overlaps |
Accounting & Auditing | Yes | Long Syllabus Close-ended | High | None |
Economics | Yes | Long Syllabus Closed-ended | High | Essay, PA, CA |
Computer Science | Yes | Long Syllabus Closed-ended | High | None |
International Relations | No | Long Syllabus Open -ended (Mostly) | Low to Good (Mixed) | Essay, PA, CA, US History, International Law |
Political Science | No | Long syllabus Closed-ended (Mostly) | High (Mostly) | Essay, PA CA, Sociology, Gender, Public Admin, Governance, US History, Constitutional Law |
Subjects | Prerequisite | Nature of Subject | Scoring | Overlaps |
Business Administration | Yes | Long Syllabus Close-ended | High | None |
Public Administration | No | Long Syllabus Closed-ended | Medium | Essay, PA, CA, Political Science |
Governance And Public Policy | NO | Long Syllabus Open -ended | Good | Essay, PA, CA, Political Science |
Town Planning | No | Long Syllabus Open -ended (partially) | Medium Mixed | Geography |
Group 4 High Scoring Subjects
Subjects | Prerequisite | Nature of Subject | Scoring | Overlaps |
Indo-Pak History | No | Long Syllabus Close-ended (Partially) | Medium (Mixed) | Essay, PA, CA, Political Science |
Islamic History | No | Long Syllabus Closed-ended (Partially) | Medium | Islamic studies |
British History | No | Long Syllabus Closed-ended (Partially) | Medium | Essay, Political Science, IR |
European History | No | Long Syllabus Open -ended (Mostly) | Good | Essay, IR, Political Science |
US History | No | Medium syllabus Closedended (Mostly) | Medium to high | Essay, PA CA, Political Science |
Group 5 High Scoring Subjects
Subjects | Prerequisite | Nature of Subject | Scoring | Overlaps |
Gender Studies | NO | Medium Syllabus Closeended (Partially) | Good (Mixed) | Essay, PA, CA, Political Science, Anthropology |
Environmental Science | Partially yes | Long Syllabus Closedended | Medium | Essay, CA, Geography |
Agriculture And Forestry | Partially yes | Medium Syllabus Closed-ended | Mixed | None |
Botany | Yes | Medium Syllabus Closed-ended | Good | None |
Zoology | Yes | Long syllabus Closedended | Good | None |
English Literature | Yes | Long Syllabus OpenEnded | Medium | Essay |
Urdu Literature | Yes | Long syllabus Closedended (Partially) | Medium | None |
Group 6 High Scoring Subjects
Subjects | Prerequisite | Nature of Subject | Scoring | Overlaps |
Law | Yes | Long Syllabus Closeended (Partially) | Good | None |
Constitutional Law | No | Medium Syllabus Closed-ended | Good | Essay, CA, PA, Political Science, US History, IndoPak History |
International Law | No | Medium Syllabus Closed-ended | Medium Mixed | Essay, CA, IR |
Muslim law & Jurisprudence | Partially Yes | Medium Syllabus Closed-ended | Good | Islamic studies |
Mercantile Law | Yes | Long syllabus Closedended | Good | None |
Criminology | No | Medium Syllabus OpenEnded | Good | Essay, Sociology |
Philosophy | Partially Yes | Short syllabus Closedended (Partially) | Good | Political Science |
Group 7 High Scoring Subjects
Subjects | Prerequisite | Nature of Subject | Scoring | Overlaps |
Journalism & Mass Com. | No | Long Syllabus Close-ended (Partially) | Good | Essay |
Psychology | Yes Partially | Long Syllabus Closed-ended | Good | None |
Geography | Yes Partially | Long Syllabus Closed-ended | Medium Mixed | Economics, Environmental science |
Sociology | No | Medium Syllabus OpenEnded (partially) | High | Essay, PA, Political Science, Gender, Criminology |
Anthropology | NO | Long Syllabus Close-ended (Partially) | Good mixed | Essay, Political Science, Gender, Economics, town Planning |
All languages | Yes | Medium Syllabus OpenEnded | Medium to high | No |
List of Highest Scoring Subjects in the CSS Exam
1. Political science
2. Sociology
3. Economics
4. Computer Science
5. Accounting And Auditing
6. Business Administration
7. USA History
8. Governance And Public Policy
9. Psychology
10. Criminology
11. Zoology
12. Journalism And Mass Communication
13. Constitutional Law
14. Regional Languages (Punjabi, Pashto, Sindhi, Balochi)