After Intermediate, Which Subjects Should I Choose for CSS?

If you’ve completed or are about to complete your intermediate, you might be thinking about which fields you could choose for higher studies. The answer to that question, in part, depends on which profession you would like to pursue.

If becoming a CSS officer sounds like your calling, then we’re here to guide you on exactly which fields of study to choose and why to fastrack you onto that path.

Which Fields are Best for the CSS Examinations?

One of the largest hurdles in preparing for the CSS is the breadth of knowledge you need to acquire, in a relatively short time. Though it is not necessary to have studied all the subjects beforehand, being familiar with a few can give you the edge you need.

Although the general consensus is that you should opt for a discipline in the humanities, this may not be the only good choice, especially since the new syllabus and subject groups were introduced in 2016.

Which Subjects to Choose for CSS After Passing Intermediate?

If you have had a chance to look through the optional subjects in the CSS curriculum, you may already see that the range of options is quite broad. It almost seems like practically any field will be useful for this exam, which is partially true.

However, there are several rules and restrictions around how you can select your optional subjects, along with several other factors to consider when making your choice. If you would like to learn more about the FPSC’s guidelines about selecting optional subjects, or about how to make your choice, do read our piece on the 15 High Scoring Subjects in the CSS Exams.

Given the rules of the selection process, you will find that many of the CSS subjects you might end up taking have significant overlaps with humanities subjects. In light of this, here are some of our suggestions for the fields you could pursue an undergraduate degree in.

Best Subjects for the CSS Exams After Passing Intermediate

1. BSc. Political Science
2. BSc. Sociology
3. BSc. International Relations
4. BSc. Public Policy/Administration
5. BA. English

These fields cover a broad range of topics that are a part of the CSS syllabus and being familiar with them beforehand is a huge advantage. Not only are all of the aforementioned fields themselves subjects in the CSS exam, but they also overlap with others like Gender Studies, Pakistan Affairs, and Current Affairs.

Although these are good options, there are also other useful degrees, if your interests lie more in these directions.

Alternate Subject Choices

1. Law (LLB/BA.LLB)

2. BSc./BA. History

3. BSc. Economics

This brings us to an important point: Don’t decide your field on the basis of the CSS syllabus alone!

Your personal interests are crucial to take into account. If the degree you pick does not hold your attention, you will probably not have a great time in your 4 years in college, and nor will you be able to learn properly for the CSS!

Which Other Fields are Best for the CSS Exams?

It is quite possible that you have never studied any of the aforementioned subjects, and don’t feel comfortable pursuing them in higher education. Don’t be alarmed. There are several alternate routes available to you for selecting the best subjects for the CSS exams!

Some highly specialized subjects in the CSS require you to have studied them before during your degree.

Specialized Subject Choices

1. Physics

2. Chemistry

3. Pure Mathematics

4. Applied Mathematics

5. Accountancy and Auditing

6. Economics

7. Computer Science.

Although these fields have the disadvantage of not overlapping with many other CSS subjects, candidates with backgrounds in them perform well in these subject tests, according to past scoring trends.

Additionally, you can definitely gain a wider breadth of knowledge if you read about other fields we have mentioned in your own time while pursuing your degree in one of the technical fields. Reading regularly is a large part of preparing for your compulsory English sections anyway, so it is never a bad idea to get a headstart.

Other Considerations: Is There Really One Field that is Best for CSS?

All things considered, there is no one particular field that is essential for CSS. However, we would definitely recommend getting experience with the humanities subjects we mentioned earlier.

If you choose to go for the sciences or technical subjects route, after passing intermediate, you will still have to engage with the humanities for the CSS exam. If the other humanities subjects are too theoretical for you, Law can provide a stable middle ground. To a lesser extent, this is also true for Economics.

In the end, whatever path you take will be determined by multiple factors including your interests, your options, finances, etc. but regardless of what you study, you can still pass the CSS exam, so don’t be dismayed!

We hope you have found this article helpful and illuminating. If you need any further guidance, we would be more than happy to help; get in touch with us through our free counseling service!