All you need to know about

MPT for CSS 2022

Background
1. It has been observed that from 1998 to 2019, on average, the number of applicants for CSS exam increased by 10% annually. For the years 2020 & 2021, a surge of 69% was recorded. This had resulted in a decline in passing percentage and an increase in processing time – around 20 months at present.
2. FPSC was directed to revisit the CSS CE system through studying international best practices and incorporating views of various stakeholders in line with the decision made by the Cabinet Committee on Institutional Reforms (CCIR).
Approval by the federal cabinet
In its meeting dated October 27, 2021, the federal cabinet approved conducting a screening test of CSS aspirants.
Objectives
a. To make the CSS exam more effective;
b. To alleviate the burden of work on FPSC as the number of those applying to take this exam is increasing every year — from 20,717 in CSS 2016 to 39,650 in CSS–2021, an increase of around 91%;
c. To reduce the CSS recruitment process from 20 months at present to 12 months; and
d. To filter out ‘non-serious’ candidates and select only the serious candidates for the CSS written exam.
Is there any precedent of such a test?
1. Yes, screening test before competitive examination is practiced all over the world.
2. A study by FPSC has stated that the screening/preliminary tests were held in SAARC countries to filter candidates for main exams.
3. In Pakistan, Sindh Public Service Commission (SPSC) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Public Service Commission (KPPSC) also hold a screening test before PMS exam.
Who are eligible for MPT?
1. All graduates having at least second division in bachelor’s degree and are aged between 21 and 30 years on the cut-off date of December 31, 2021, are eligible to apply.
2. A two-year age relaxation would be admissible to the category specified in CSS CE Rules, 2019.
What is the Syllabus for MPT?
The screening test essentially consists of compulsory subjects of CSS examination. However, for further clarity, a break-up of that is as follows:
Modalities of MPT
a. The FPSC has named this test as MCQ (multiple choice questions)-based Preliminary Test (MPT).
b. It would comprise 200 MCQs of one mark each.
c. The time duration would be 200 minutes.
d. There will be no negative marking.
e. Candidates will be allowed to take carbon copy of the answer sheet with them.
f. For the purpose of transparency, the answer key will be uploaded on FPSC’s website same day.
Note: As one aspirant is allowed to avail himself of only three chances, it is of high import to note that “APPEARANCE IN MPT WILL NOT BE COUNTED AS A CHANCE”.
Passing Marks
The passing threshold of MPT has been capped at 33%.
In the words of Chairman FPSC, Captain (retd) Zahid Saeed, “FPSC has conducted a statistical analysis of past five years and it is evident from the analysis that most of the candidates, including from Balochistan and Sindh, had scored at least 33% marks in compulsory subjects in written part of the examination.”
Validity
1. The core of MPT would be valid only for the same year’s CSS exam.
2. It will not be counted towards overall marks determining the final merit position.
Note: There will be no change in the Written Exam Scheme and Syllabus for CSS Competitive Examination.

a. One-page printed answer sheet (commonly called OMR sheet) will be provided to answer the questions. Use only black/blue ball-point to shade/fill the circles.
b. You will have to fill all the digits of your roll number in a sequence.
c. Fill the circles of your roll number carefully to avoid any inconvenience.
How to fill the Options
Answer sheet contains four circles including four options — (a) to (d) — inside the circles. You are required to completely shade/fill one circle as answer to the responding question.
About Shading / Filling the Circles
a. Shading/filling of two answers against single question is wrong.
b. Over-writing and cutting near answer circle or anywhere on the answer sheet will distract the readability and may be marked ZERO in the concerned answer circle.
c. Don’t bring any other stationery items including extra sheets for rough work.
d. Blank Sheets will be provided, if required, with the answer sheet.
e. Don’t write anything on question booklet except your name, roll number and sign on the front title of question booklet before attempting the questions.
f. The question booklets will be taken back after the test is over, so do not attempt to tear or remove any page from question booklet. No one is allowed to keep any part of it.
g. Do not ask the invigilators about the contents of questions. They are not allowed to explain or correct any question in the paper. Only checking staff has the authority to determine the erroneous questions and adjust accordingly.