The duration of the CSS exams is one week. The exams are conducted in three phases:
- MPT (Preliminary) Exam: This is a 200-mark multiple-choice question (MCQ) test that is held in the first phase. The MPT exam is a screening test that assesses the candidate's knowledge of general subjects, such as English, Urdu, Islamic Studies, General Knowledge, and General Ability. Candidates who pass the MPT exam will be eligible to appear in the main written exam.
- Main Written Exam: This is a 1,200-mark exam that is held in the second phase. The main written exam consists of 12 papers, with 6 compulsory subjects and 6 optional subjects. The compulsory subjects are:
- Viva Voce: This is an oral interview that is held in the third phase. The viva voce is conducted to assess the candidate's personality, communication skills, and suitability for the civil service.
The total duration of the CSS exams is one week. The MPT exam is held on the first day, the main written exam is held on the following four days, and the viva voce is held on the last day.
