CSS Exam - Medical Test, Psychological Test & Viva-voce

The first part of the CSS exam is the written examination. The written exam is followed by a medical test, a psychological test, and a viva voce. The shortlisted candidates, after qualifying the written exam, are called for the aforementioned assessments. The sequence generally follows: medical examination, psychological assessment, and then viva voce. Each of them is explained as follows:

   Medical Test

The shortlisted candidates have to undergo a medical test. The purpose of this medical test is to examine whether the candidate is free from any physical anomalies that may interfere with the candidate’s delivery of services. The medical examination is conducted by a medical board constituted by FPSC for this purpose. The candidate must have sound physical and mental health. If a candidate is found not to satisfy the medical requirements, he or she will not be appointed, except for disabled persons whose rules are separately prescribed by FPSC.

If a candidate remains absent twice in the medical examination, his or her candidature shall be cancelled.

Disabled candidates must have submitted certificates of their disability issued by a recognized authority. Disabled candidates (i.e., physically impaired, hearing or speech impaired, deaf and dumb, visually impaired) are allowed to compete in the CSS Exam for all occupational groups and services based on merit. A helper (i.e., writer) can be provided to disabled candidates if they mention it in their application form and are certified as unable to write. The helper is arranged by FPSC. The role of the helper is only to write what the candidate dictates, without any intellectual contribution.

Similarly, visually impaired (blind) candidates will be allowed an extra 15 minutes per hour. In certain cases, disabled candidates may also be allowed to attempt the paper on a computer at FPSC centers, provided they request this facility in their application form. No request for helper, computer facility, or disability claim shall be entertained after the closing date.

In order to avoid disappointment in the medical test, candidates are advised to undergo a proper medical examination by a Government Medical Officer before applying for the CSS Exam.

   Psychological Test

The shortlisted candidates are called for a psychological test and viva voce. The psychological test does not carry separate marks; however, its assessment is reflected in the 300 marks allocated to the viva voce. The psychological test is designed to assess candidates’ mental capabilities, attitudinal aspects, and personality traits with regard to their suitability for the civil services.

The psychological test consists of written tasks and group activities. In the written tasks, candidates are required to write their views regarding a topic, a question, a picture, or a scenario presented to them. Trained psychologists analyze each word and line written by the candidates. Hence, candidates should be careful while expressing their views. Their statements should be clear, true, and straightforward.

Group activities are also designed to assess the behavior of candidates in a group setting. Candidates are asked to engage in various group activities to evaluate their group performance, communication skills, and tendencies.

Candidates should bring two passport-size photographs and their National Identity Card for the psychological test and viva voce. If a candidate fails to appear in the psychological test, he or she will not be allowed to appear in the viva voce.

   Viva Voce

Viva voce carries 300 marks, and the qualifying marks are 100. Candidates scoring less than 100 marks will be disqualified from the services.

Viva voce is an interview conducted to assess candidates on the basis of their moral characteristics, presence of mind, intelligence, alertness, strength of character, leadership qualities, and overall suitability for the civil services. It also evaluates candidates’ extracurricular and co-curricular achievements and knowledge. A board of members is constituted to interview the candidates and judge their suitability for the services. The board has the complete academic and extracurricular record of the candidates at the time of the interview.

Candidates must have strong communication skills. Effective speaking skills, combined with clarity of thought and creativity, can help candidates score well in the viva voce. Questions may be asked about co-curricular activities and areas of interest. Candidates must have sound knowledge about their areas of interest, such as hobbies and games. Co-curricular activities include participation in debates, competitions, and similar engagements.

Candidates are also expected to have basic knowledge of Pakistan and Islam, as questions are commonly asked on these topics. However, questions regarding Islam will not be asked from non-Muslim candidates. Performance in the psychological assessment also influences the marks awarded in the viva voce.