CSS MPT Syllabus
MCQ-Based Preliminary Test (MPT)
The CSS MPT is a screening test conducted by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC). The test consists of 200 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) covering English, Urdu, Islamic Studies/Civics & Ethics, General Abilities, and General Knowledge.
MPT Syllabus & Marks Distribution
| Subject | Marks |
|---|---|
| English | 50 |
| General Abilities | 60 |
| General Knowledge | 50 |
| Islamic Studies / Civics & Ethics | 20 |
| Urdu | 20 |
| Total | 200 |
1. English — 50 Marks
The English portion tests vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension skills.
Topics
- Vocabulary
- Synonyms and Antonyms
- One-word substitutions
- Idioms and phrases
- Correct usage of words
- Parts of speech
- Tenses
- Articles
- Prepositions
- Conjunctions
- Sentence correction
- Sentence completion
- Active and Passive Voice
- Direct and Indirect Speech
- Subject-Verb Agreement
- Error detection
- Reading comprehension
2. General Abilities — 60 Marks
This section evaluates mathematical, logical, analytical, and mental abilities.
Basic Arithmetic
- Number system
- Fractions and decimals
- Percentages
- Ratios and proportions
- Average
- Profit and loss
- Simple interest
- Time and work
- Time, speed and distance
- Age problems
- HCF and LCM
- Basic arithmetic operations
Algebra
- Algebraic expressions
- Linear equations
- Basic equations and inequalities
- Simplification
- Algebraic identities
Geometry
- Lines and angles
- Triangles
- Quadrilaterals
- Circles
- Perimeter and area
- Volume and surface area
- Basic geometrical concepts
Logical & Analytical Reasoning
- Number and letter series
- Analogies
- Classification
- Coding and decoding
- Logical sequences
- Statement and conclusion
- Cause and effect
- Direction sense
- Blood relations
- Logical puzzles
- Analytical problem solving
Mental Ability
- Pattern recognition
- Odd-one-out
- Basic IQ questions
- Visual reasoning
- Sequence completion
- Critical and analytical thinking
3. General Knowledge — 50 Marks
The General Knowledge portion covers Everyday Science, Current Affairs, and Pakistan Affairs.
A. Everyday Science
- Basic Physics
- Basic Chemistry
- Basic Biology
- Human body and health
- Environment and ecology
- Earth and atmosphere
- Solar system
- Energy and its forms
- Scientific discoveries and inventions
- Information technology
- General scientific facts
B. Current Affairs
- National current affairs
- International current affairs
- Pakistan’s foreign relations
- International organizations
- Global political developments
- International conflicts and crises
- World economy
- Major international agreements
- Important national and international events
- Important personalities and awards
- Recent developments in science and technology
- Climate and environmental issues
C. Pakistan Affairs
- Pakistan Movement
- Important events of the Pakistan Movement
- Creation of Pakistan
- Constitutional development
- Constitution of Pakistan
- Political history of Pakistan
- Geography of Pakistan
- Provinces and administrative regions
- Natural resources
- Economy of Pakistan
- Agriculture and industries
- Population and demographics
- Foreign policy
- Pakistan’s relations with other countries
- Important national institutions
- Important national personalities
4. Islamic Studies / Civics & Ethics — 20 Marks
Islamic Studies
- Basic beliefs of Islam
- Tauheed
- Risalat
- Akhirat
- Articles of Faith
- Pillars of Islam
- Seerah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
- Makkan and Madinan periods
- Important events in Islamic history
- Islamic teachings and values
- Quran and Sunnah
- Islamic social and moral system
- Islamic principles of justice and equality
- Rights and responsibilities
- Islamic civilization and culture
- Important Islamic personalities
Civics & Ethics
Non-Muslim candidates may opt for Civics & Ethics.
Civics
- Definition and significance of the state
- Elements of the state
- Organs of the state
- Fundamental human rights
- Rights and obligations of citizens
- Rights and obligations of non-Muslims under the Constitution of Pakistan
- United Nations: aims and objectives
- Major organs and agencies of the United Nations
Ethics
- Human values
- Integrity
- Impartiality
- Non-partisanship
- Objectivity
- Dedication to public service
- Empathy
- Tolerance
- Compassion
- Emotional intelligence
- Ethics in administration and governance
5. Urdu — 20 Marks
The Urdu section focuses mainly on grammar, usage, vocabulary, and translation.
Topics
- اقسامِ کلمہ / اجزائے کلام
- اسم، فعل اور حرف
- ترکیبی فعل
- زمانے
- واحد اور جمع
- مذکر اور مؤنث
- مترادف الفاظ
- متضاد الفاظ
- الفاظ کے جوڑے
- جملے کی ساخت
- درست الفاظ کا استعمال
- محاورات
- اردو قواعد
- اردو سے انگریزی ترجمہ
- انگریزی سے اردو ترجمہ
- بنیادی فہمِ عبارت
MPT Preparation Strategy
For effective preparation, candidates should focus on:
English + General Abilities + General Knowledge + Islamic Studies/Civics + Urdu
Practice MCQs regularly, revise important facts, follow current affairs, and attempt timed mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
Recommended Preparation Resources
- Subject-wise MCQs
- Daily Current Affairs
- Pakistan Affairs MCQs
- Everyday Science MCQs
- English Grammar Practice
- Mathematics & Analytical Reasoning Practice
- Urdu Grammar MCQs
- Islamic Studies MCQs
- Full-Length MPT Mock Tests
Important: Always verify the latest syllabus, rules, dates, and examination instructions from the official Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) website before the examination.