MPT (MCQ-Based Preliminary Test) is a mandatory screening test to shortlist candidates for the CSS Written Exam. Only candidates who qualify the MPT are eligible for the CSS Written Exam.

The application process for the CSS Examination starts with the advertisement of the MPT. (i.e., published on 10th August 2025 for CSS Exam 2026). After the declaration of the MPT results, another advertisement is issued for the Written Examination (e.g., published on 7th December 2025 for the 2026 examination). Only candidates who qualify the MPT are eligible to apply for the Written Examination.

1. Format: 200 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
2. Marks: 200
3. Duration: 200 minutes (3 hours 20 minutes)
4. Minimum Passing Marks: 33% (66 out of 200 marks)

No	Subjects	Marks
1	Islamic Studies. However, non-Muslims may opt either for Civics & Ethics or Islamic Studies	20
2	Urdu, including its grammar and translation	20
3	English, including vocabulary, grammar usage, and comprehension	50
4	General Abilities, including basic SSC level arithmetic, algebra, geometry, logical problem solving, analytical abilities, and mental abilities	60
5	General Knowledge, including everyday science, current affairs, and Pakistan affairs	50
Total Marks		200

Detailed syllabus is provided at the end.

Candidates applying for the MPT must satisfy the following criteria:

• Eligibility for MPT: Only candidates who meet the general eligibility requirements for CSS Written Exam can apply, as follows:
• Educational Qualification: A Bachelor’s degree with at least a second division or Grade
• Age Limit: 21–30 years (age relaxation by 2 years for categories specified by FPSC)

MPT is conducted across multiple centers, including Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi, Peshawar, Hyderabad, Gujranwala, Bahawalpur, Multan, Turbat, Rawalpindi, Abbottabad, D.I. Khan, Sargodha, Muzaffarabad, D.G. Khan, Sukkur, Faisalabad, Larkana, Gilgit, Quetta.

1. MPT is advertised in newspapers by FPSC, generally in August. For example, MPT (for the CSS Exam 2026) was advertised on 10th August 2025. The closing date of the online application was 25th August 2025.
2. When the MPT is advertised, students have to apply online on the official website of FPSC by creating an online account. Keep the login details of this account safe, as you will use the same login details for applying for the main Written Exam when it is advertised later.
3. The exam fee (e.g., Rs. 250) is deposited in the Government Treasury, State Bank of Pakistan, or National Bank of Pakistan under the account head “C02101 – Organs of State Exam Fee (FPSC Receipt).” Please keep the bank receipt/challan form with you, as you will be required to present it at the Exam Center at the time of appearing in the test.
4. A computer-generated admit card for the MPT can be downloaded from the FPSC website about 10 days before the test. No intimation shall be sent through post; however, please keep checking their website for updates regarding the date of the test.

The application fee for MPT is Rs. 250/-

The syllabi for the subjects of Civics & Ethics and Urdu included in MPT are as follows:

1. Civics & Ethics

Civics

• Definition, Nature & Significance
• State & its elements
• Organs of the State
• Fundamental Human Rights
• Rights & Obligations of Non-Muslims under the Constitution of Pakistan, 1973
• United Nations: Aims & Objectives, Main Organs and Agencies

Ethics

• Human Values: Role of family, society, and educational institutions in inculcating universal moral values
• Principles of Public Service: Integrity, impartiality, non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance, and compassion towards weaker sections
• Emotional Intelligence: Concepts and application in administration and governance

• A candidate may attempt the CSS Written Examination up to three times; however, MPT attempts do not count toward these attempts.
• MPT result is valid for that year’s CSS Written Examination only.
• Only candidates who qualify the MPT are eligible to appear in the main Written Exam of CSS.
• Do bring you Original CNIC, original treasury receipt, and admission certificate (or admit cart) with you to the Test Center as they are required for entry.
• Minimum 33% marks are required to qualify MPT.
• After the declaration of MPT results, another advertisement is published for the main Written Exam of CSS. Candidates qualifying the MPT will apply online for the Written Examination using the same login (used for MPT). For CSS Written Exam 2026, the advertisement was published on 7th December 2025, where the closing date of the online application was 22nd December 2025. The CSS Exam was scheduled to start from 4th February 2026.