CSS MPT Syllabus (Preliminary Test)
The MPT is the MCQ-based Preliminary Test that screens candidates before the CSS Main Examination. Its syllabus is mostly borrowed rather than new: FPSC states that the subjects included in the Preliminary Test follow the existing CSS CE syllabus for compulsory subjects. Only two subjects — Civics & Ethics, and Urdu — have syllabi written specifically for the MPT, and both are reproduced in full below.
How the MPT syllabus is put together
- FPSC does not publish a separate syllabus for most MPT subjects — they are taken from the existing CSS CE syllabus of compulsory subjects (Annexure-B), which you can read on our CSS Main Syllabus page.
- Civics & Ethics and Urdu are the exceptions: they are MPT-specific and appear only in the MPT notification, reproduced below.
- FPSC has not published an MCQ count, marks breakdown or qualifying percentage in this syllabus document. Confirm those against the current MPT advertisement on fpsc.gov.pk.
Main topics — from the CSS compulsory syllabus
These subjects follow the existing CSS CE compulsory syllabus. The detailed heads for each are on our CSS Main Syllabus page and in the full CE syllabus PDF.
- English Essay
- English (Precis and Composition)
- General Science & Ability
- Current Affairs
- Pakistan Affairs
- Islamic Studies — or Comparative Study of Major Religions for non-Muslim candidates
MPT-specific: 1. Civics & Ethics
Civics:
- Definition, nature and significance of Civics.
- State and its elements.
- Organs of State.
- Fundamental Human Rights.
- Rights and obligations of non-Muslims under the Constitution of Pakistan, 1973.
- UN — aim and objectives, main organs and agencies.
Ethics:
- Human Values: role of family, society and educational institutions towards inculcating universal moral values.
- Integrity, impartiality and non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker sections.
- Emotional intelligence — concepts and application in administration / governance.
MPT-specific: 2. Urdu (اردو)
صرف و نحو کا استعمال — usage of morphology and syntax:
- اقساِم کلمہ / اجزائے کلام، ترکیبی فعل، زمانے — parts of speech, compound verbs and tenses.
- واحد جمع، جملے کی ساخت، الفاظ کے جوڑے، مذکر و مونث، مترادف اور متضاد الفاظ — singular/plural, sentence structure, word pairs, masculine/feminine, synonyms and antonyms.
- ترجمہ — translation.
Download the syllabi
The MPT notification carries the Civics & Ethics and Urdu syllabi. The CE syllabus carries the compulsory subjects the rest of the MPT is drawn from.
Frequently asked questions
What is the CSS MPT?+
The MCQ-based Preliminary Test — a screening stage candidates clear before sitting the CSS Main Examination.
Is there a separate syllabus for the MPT?+
Mostly no. FPSC states the subjects in the Preliminary Test follow the existing CSS CE syllabus of compulsory subjects. Only Civics & Ethics and Urdu have MPT-specific syllabi.
Which subjects are unique to the MPT?+
Civics & Ethics and Urdu. Both are on this page in full — they do not appear in the CSS compulsory syllabus.
How many MCQs are in the MPT and what is the passing mark?+
The syllabus document does not state a question count or qualifying percentage. Check the current MPT advertisement on fpsc.gov.pk for the marks and structure that apply to your attempt.
Do I still need the CSS Main syllabus if I am preparing for the MPT?+
Yes — it is where most of the MPT content comes from. The compulsory-subject syllabi in the CE document are the ones the Preliminary Test draws on.
More Central Superior Services (CSS) guidance
Know the rules. Now practise.
Understanding the exam is step one. Drill past-paper style MCQs with detailed explanations and track your accuracy by subject.
Practise CSS MPT MCQsGuidance is provided for candidates' convenience and is not an official CPSP publication. Always confirm current rules and criteria at cpsp.edu.pk.