CSS Main Compulsory Papers: MCQ Pattern, Marks and Time (Part-I Objective)
Which CSS compulsory papers carry MCQs, how many marks each objective part is worth, the 30-minute time limit, and the rules around negative marking and passing.
Of the six CSS compulsory papers, five open with a short objective section. That objective part is worth 100 marks across the five papers, so it is one of the cheapest places in the Main examination to protect marks. Here is how it fits together.
Marks Distribution
Each compulsory subject carries 100 marks, for a total of 600.
| Subject | Marks | MCQs | Subjective |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Essay | 100 | None | 100 (essay) |
| English (Précis & Composition) | 100 | 20 | 80 |
| General Science & Ability | 100 | 20 | 80 |
| Current Affairs | 100 | 20 | 80 |
| Pakistan Affairs | 100 | 20 | 80 |
| Islamic Studies (or Comparative Religion) | 100 | 20 | 80 |
| Total | 600 | 100 | 500 |
Paper Rules
- Each paper is 3 hours long.
- Part-I is objective: 20 MCQs, 20 marks, 30 minutes. The English Essay has no MCQ portion.
- Part-II is subjective and is handed out after the objective sheet is collected, carrying the remaining 80 marks.
- There is no negative marking in the objective part.
- Candidates must score at least 40% in every compulsory subject to pass.
What This Means for Preparation
Because the objective sheet is collected after 30 minutes and there is no penalty for a wrong answer, the sensible plan is to attempt every question and use the time budget of about 90 seconds per MCQ. The CSS Main MCQs QBank groups questions by compulsory paper so you can drill the paper you are about to sit, and the CSS MPT QBank covers the separate preliminary test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which papers have MCQs?
English (Précis & Composition), General Science & Ability, Current Affairs, Pakistan Affairs and Islamic Studies (or Comparative Religion). The English Essay does not.
Is there negative marking?
No. Wrong answers in the objective part carry no penalty.
How long is the objective part?
30 minutes for 20 MCQs, before the subjective part is handed out.
FPSC can change the scheme; confirm the current rules against the official notification. See also the CSS Main syllabus and scheme.
Practise the Objective Section
The CSS Main MCQs QBank groups MCQs by compulsory paper, with a free batch of questions to try first. Related: compulsory paper pattern, MPT vs Main objective.
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