CSS MPT Guide: Pattern, Syllabus and Preparation Plan

The MCQ-based Preliminary Test (MPT) is the screening test that every CSS candidate must pass before sitting the written papers. It is conducted by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC). Passing it is the first and most important step toward the civil service.

MPT at a glance

Item	Detail
Conducted by	FPSC
Questions	200 MCQs
Marks	200 (1 mark each)
Passing marks	33% (66 out of 200)
Counts in final merit?	No, it is only a screening test
Valid for	The same year's CSS exam only

Recent reports describe the test as 200 minutes with no negative marking. Always confirm the duration, format and marking in the official FPSC advertisement for your year.

Subjects and marks

Subject	Marks	What it covers
English	50	Vocabulary, grammar, comprehension
General Ability	60	Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, logical and mental reasoning (SSC level)
General Knowledge	50	Everyday science, current affairs, Pakistan affairs
Islamic Studies	20	Basic Islamic knowledge (non-Muslims may choose Civics & Ethics)
Urdu	20	Urdu language

How to prepare: a 6-week plan

Weeks 1-2: build the base

• English: learn 20 new words a day (synonyms, antonyms) and revise grammar rules: tenses, articles, prepositions, subject-verb agreement.
• General Ability: revise Matric maths: percentages, ratio, averages, simple interest, speed-distance-time, basic algebra and geometry.

Weeks 3-4: knowledge subjects

• Pakistan affairs: freedom movement, constitutions, important dates and personalities.
• Everyday science: human body, vitamins, units, planets, common chemicals.
• Current affairs: read a newspaper daily and make short notes. Use our Current Affairs section.

Weeks 5-6: speed and practice

• Take a full timed mock test every second day.
• Review every wrong answer and add the fact to your notes.
• Do mental-maths drills, because General Ability carries the most marks.

Tips that make the difference

• General Ability (60 marks) and English (50 marks) decide most results. Do not ignore them.
• Do not spend more than a minute on one question. Mark it and come back.
• If your year has no negative marking, attempt every question.
• Solve past MPT-style questions to learn how questions are framed.

Practise here

• CSS exam page for CSS-level MCQs
• English MCQs and Analytical Reasoning MCQs
• Pakistan Studies MCQs and General Knowledge MCQs
• The Daily Quiz to keep your preparation going every day

Always confirm dates, eligibility, the test pattern and the fee in the official FPSC CSS advertisement at fpsc.gov.pk.