This guide explains how to apply for the CSS exam through the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC). It is for graduates who want to sit the Central Superior Services Competitive Examination and need to know who is eligible, what the application costs and which steps come first. The latest official notice we checked is for CSS Competitive Examination 2027 (CE-2027), and the first stage is the MCQ-based Preliminary Test (MPT).
Before you start
- Degree: the CE-2027 notice asks for at least a Bachelor’s degree in the Second Division. Read the notice for the full list of accepted degrees.
- Age: candidates must be 21 to 30 years old on the cut-off date, which was 31 December 2026 for CE-2027. Some categories get a two-year relaxation under Rule 6 of the CSS rules.
- Cut-off date: the same cut-off date applies to your age, domicile and all other eligibility conditions.
- Documents and details: keep your CNIC number, date of birth, degree details, mobile number and email ready. Enter the CNIC and date of birth exactly, because FPSC warns that errors can lead to rejection.
- Rules: read the MPT rules and the CSS rules on the FPSC rules page before you apply.
How to apply for the CSS exam online: steps
- Open the portal. Go to fpsc.gov.pk and click “Apply Online”.
- Create your account. Register, log in and complete or update your profile.
- Fill in the MPT application form. Select the CSS MPT form for the current exam year and enter your details. The portal then generates a 16-digit PSID.
- Pay the fee against the PSID. For CE-2027 the MPT fee was Rs. 250, paid online only. The notice lists 1-Link ATMs, mobile banking apps, internet banking and over-the-counter payment at a 1-Link member bank. Old TR-6 challan forms, cheques, bank drafts and pay orders are not accepted.
- Log in again and finish the form. After paying, log in through “Apply Online” and enter the remaining details to complete the application.
- Check before final submission. Review every entry, including your exam centre. The notice says the centre cannot be changed once selected.
Portal screens change from time to time, so follow the instructions shown on the official site if they differ from the steps above.
After you apply: what happens next
For CE-2027, FPSC said admission certificates would be available for download from its website at least 10 days before the test, with no separate notification. The MPT was first set for 27 September 2026 and FPSC then rescheduled it to 10 October 2026 because of a protest announced for the original date. Always check the FPSC website for the latest schedule.
The FPSC site lists the later CSS stages as the written exam, psychological assessment and viva voce, with results published in the Competitive Examination (CSS) menu. Dates for these stages are not covered here, so check the official announcements.
Applications for CE-2027 have closed. When we checked on 31 October 2026, the CSS section of the FPSC Jobs page showed no active advertisement, so the next exam’s dates are not announced yet.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Paying and stopping. You must log in again and finish the form after paying the fee.
- Using an old challan. Only the PSID generated by the FPSC portal works. TR-6 challans are not accepted.
- Wrong CNIC or date of birth. FPSC says these errors can lead to rejection.
- Ignoring the cut-off date. Age and eligibility are judged on the date in the notice, not the day you apply.
- Applying late. Do not wait for the last day, because the portal can be busy near the deadline.
- Choosing the exam centre carelessly. The notice says it cannot be changed after selection.
Current openings and related posts
- How to apply for FPSC jobs online
- How to pay a government job application fee online (PSID)
- How to apply for PPSC jobs online
- More openings in our Jobs section
Frequently asked questions
What is the age limit for the CSS exam?
The CE-2027 notice says 21 to 30 years on the cut-off date, with a two-year relaxation for the categories listed in Rule 6 of the CSS rules.
How much is the CSS MPT application fee?
For CE-2027 the fee was Rs. 250, paid online against the PSID. Check the notice for the next exam in case the fee changes.
Can I apply for the CSS exam offline?
The CE-2027 notice describes online application only, through the Apply Online link on the FPSC website. It says old challan forms, cheques, bank drafts and pay orders are not accepted.
New to this? Read our guide: How to Apply for FPSC Jobs Online: Step-by-Step Guide.
Note: Always confirm details on the official website before you apply or pay any fee. Great Pak Times is not affiliated with any government body.
Source: Federal Public Service Commission. Checked 31 October 2026.