What Are The Recommended Books For CSS Examination Pakistan
The Central Superior Services (CSS) examination in Pakistan is a competitive exam conducted by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC). To prepare effectively, candidates must study a wide range of subjects, including compulsory and optional papers. Below is a list of recommended books for CSS preparation:
Compulsory Subjects:
1. English (Precis & Composition)
The English (Precis & Composition) paper evaluates candidates’ command of the English language. It is vital for aspirants to practice writing essays, comprehension passages, and precis. Developing strong grammar and vocabulary skills is crucial for scoring well in this paper. Additionally, candidates should focus on enhancing their reading comprehension abilities to excel in the English paper. Regular practice and revision using quality study material can significantly improve one’s performance in the English (Precis & Composition) paper.
- “A Practical English Grammar” by A.J. Thomson & A.V. Martinet
- “Functional English” by National Book Foundation
- “High School English Grammar & Composition” by Wren & Martin
- “Exploring the World of English” by Syed Saadat Ali Shah
2. Essay (English)
The recommended books for the English (Precis & Composition) paper include High School English Grammar and Composition by Wren and Martin. For the Essay (English) paper, candidates can benefit from reading A Book of Essays by Kalpana Rajaram. It is essential for CSS aspirants to practice writing essays regularly to enhance their skills. Additionally, focusing on grammar rules and vocabulary enrichment is crucial for success in the English papers. Candidates should allocate sufficient time for reading and understanding the recommended books to excel in the CSS examination.
- “CSS Essay Writing” by Shaukat Bhatti
- “The Elements of Style” by Strunk & White
- “Developing Writing Skills” by FPSC recommended material
3. General Knowledge (Pakistan Affairs, Current Affairs, Islamic Studies)
A strong foundation in English grammar is key to excelling in the Essay (English) paper. In addition to recommended books, candidates should also practice essay writing regularly. Enhancing vocabulary and focusing on grammar rules are essential for success in the English papers. Devoting ample time to reading and understanding study material is crucial for excelling in the CSS examination. Regular practice using high-quality study resources can greatly improve one’s performance in English-related exams.
- “Pakistan Affairs” by Ikram Rabbani
- “A History of Pakistan” by M. Ikram
- “Pakistan: A Hard Country” by Anatol Lieven
- “Islamiat” by Hafiz Karim Dad Chughtai
- “Dawn & The News (Daily Newspapers)” for Current Affairs
4. Islamic Studies / Comparative Religion (For Non-Muslims)
For the General Knowledge section of the CSS examination, candidates need to focus on Pakistan Affairs, Current Affairs, and Islamic Studies. Understanding these subjects thoroughly is crucial for scoring well in this component. Moreover, for non-Muslim candidates, the Islamic Studies/Comparative Religion section requires focused preparation and a deep understanding of the topics. It is imperative to allocate sufficient time to study and revise the material covered under Islamic Studies/Comparative Religion. By devoting time and effort to these subjects, candidates can enhance their overall performance in the CSS examination.
- “Islam: Beliefs and Teachings” by Ghulam Sarwar
- “Introduction to Islam” by Dr. Hamidullah
- “Comparative Religion” by Dr. Muhammad Hussain
Huge Collection Of CSS PDF Books For CSS And PMS Exam Preparation
Optional Subjects (Popular Choices):
In order to excel in the CSS examination, candidates should devote ample time to studying the recommended books and practicing essay writing regularly. High School English Grammar and Composition by Wren and Martin is a highly recommended resource for the English (Precis & Composition) paper. Kalpana Rajaram’s A Book of Essays is beneficial for enhancing skills in the Essay (English) paper. Moreover, a focus on grammar rules and vocabulary enrichment is essential for success in the English papers. Aspirants are advised to allocate sufficient time to read and comprehend the suggested materials to perform well in the CSS exam.
5. Political Science
- “Political Science” by Dr. Sultan Khan
- “A History of Political Thought” by W.T. Jones
- “Modern Politics & Government” by Andrew Heywood
6. International Relations
- “International Relations” by P.M. Kamath
- “Theories of International Relations” by Scott Burchill
- “Global Politics” by Andrew Heywood
7. Psychology
- “Psychology” by Robert Baron
- “Introduction to Psychology” by Clifford Morgan
- “Social Psychology” by David Myers
8. Sociology
- “Sociology” by John J. Macionis
- “Introduction to Sociology” by Anthony Giddens
- “Sociological Theory” by George Ritzer
9. Journalism & Mass Communication
- “Mass Communication in Pakistan” by Ijaz Hussain
- “Media & Society” by Graeme Burton
- “News Writing & Reporting” by Bruce Itule
10. Economics
- “Principles of Economics” by N. Gregory Mankiw
- “Pakistan’s Economy” by S. Akbar Zaidi
- “Economic Survey of Pakistan” (Latest Edition)
11. History of Pakistan & India
- “The Struggle for Pakistan” by I.H. Qureshi
- “A New History of India & Pakistan” by K.K. Aziz
- “Pakistan: A Modern History” by Ian Talbot
Additional Resources:
- FPSC Past Papers (Available on FPSC Website)
- “CSS Solved Past Papers” by Dogar Publishers
- Online Platforms (CSP Academy, Nearpeer, CSSPrepForum)
Final Tips:
✔ Focus on conceptual clarity rather than rote learning.
✔ Practice past papers to understand the exam pattern.
✔ Stay updated with current affairs (Dawn, BBC, Al Jazeera).
✔ Join CSS preparation groups for peer discussions.
