CSS Date Sheet 2026
The Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) has officially released the CSS Date Sheet 2026. The written exams will commence on February 4, 2026. However, candidates must remember that to sit for these exams, they must first pass the mandatory MPT (MCQs Based Preliminary Test) scheduled for October 2025.
For CSS aspirants, the release of the official date sheet is the ultimate wake-up call. It transforms months of vague preparation into a strict countdown. At Zicosh, we track FPSC’s historical patterns to give you the most accurate timelines so you can finalize your revision strategy.
Here is everything you need to know about the CSS Date Sheet 2026, the paper patterns, and the exact timetable you will face in the examination hall.
Part I: Compulsory Subjects Schedule (600 Marks)
The first six days of the CSS examination are strictly dedicated to the compulsory subjects. Note that unlike previous years, the timing for most compulsory papers in 2026 was scheduled for 11:00 AM to 02:00 PM, with a special timing adjustment for Friday.
| Day | Date | Subjects | Paper | Time |
| Wednesday | 04.02.2026 | English Essay | – | 11:00 a.m. to 02:00 p.m. |
| Thursday | 05.02.2026 | English (Précis and Composition) | – | 11:00 a.m. to 02:00 p.m. |
| Friday | 06.02.2026 | General Knowledge (General Science and Ability) | I | 10:00 a.m. to 01:00 p.m. |
| Saturday | 07.02.2026 | General Knowledge (Current Affairs) | II | 11:00 a.m. to 02:00 p.m. |
| Sunday | 08.02.2026 | General Knowledge (Pakistan Affairs) | III | 11:00 a.m. to 02:00 p.m. |
| Monday | 09.02.2026 | Islamic Studies / Comparative Study of Major Religions (For Non-Muslims) | – | 11:00 a.m. to 02:00 p.m. |
Part II: Optional Subjects Schedule (600 Marks)
Immediately following the compulsory papers, the optional subjects are conducted. These are heavily packed into double shifts: a Morning Shift (09:00 AM to 12:00 PM) and an Evening Shift (02:00 PM to 05:00 PM).
| Day | Date | Subjects | Paper | Time |
| Tuesday | 10.02.2026 | Accountancy and Auditing, Computer Science, Economics, International Relations, Political Science | I | 09:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. |
| Accountancy and Auditing, Computer Science, Economics, International Relations, Political Science | II | 02:00 p.m. to 05:00 p.m. | ||
| Wednesday | 11.02.2026 | Anthropology, Arabic, Balochi, Geography, Journalism & Mass Communication, Persian, Psychology, Punjabi, Pushto, Sindhi, Sociology | – | 09:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. |
| Agriculture & Forestry, Botany, English Literature, Environmental Sciences, Gender Studies, Urdu Literature, Zoology | – | 02:00 p.m. to 05:00 p.m. | ||
| Thursday | 12.02.2026 | Constitutional Law, Criminology, International Law, Law, Mercantile Law, Muslim Law & Jurisprudence, Philosophy | – | 09:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. |
| British History, European History, History of Pakistan & India, History of USA, Islamic History & Culture | – | 02:00 p.m. to 05:00 p.m. | ||
| Friday | 13.02.2026 | Business Administration, Governance & Public Policies, Public Administration, Town Planning & Urban Management | – | 09:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. |
| Statistics | – | 02:00 p.m. to 05:00 p.m. | ||
| Saturday | 14.02.2026 | Applied Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics | I | 09:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. |
| Chemistry, Physics, Pure Mathematics | II / – | 02:00 p.m. to 05:00 p.m. | ||
| Sunday | 15.02.2026 | Geology | – | 09:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. |
The Complete CSS 2026 Official Timeline
The CSS examination is not a single event; it is a year-long process. Based on the standard FPSC annual calendar, here is the chronological schedule you must follow:
- August 2025: Official advertisement for the CSS MPT (Screening Test) is published.
- October 2025: The MPT is conducted across major cities in Pakistan.
- November 2025: MPT results are announced, and successful candidates are invited to submit their detailed written exam applications.
- January 9, 2026: The official CSS Date Sheet 2026 and Roll Number Slips are uploaded to the FPSC portal.
- February 4, 2026: The CSS Written Examinations officially begin.
(Are you starting your preparation late? Don’t panic. Read our comprehensive CSS Exam Study Plan for 2027 to maximize your remaining time.)
CSS Written Exam Timetable & Shift Schedule
The CSS written exam tests your mental endurance as much as your knowledge. The exams are conducted consecutively over a period of 8 to 10 days, with almost no rest days in between.
FPSC conducts the exams in two daily shifts:
- Morning Shift: 09:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Evening Shift: 02:00 PM to 05:00 PM (Friday evening shifts usually start at 03:00 PM)
Compulsory Subjects Standard Schedule
For 2026, the compulsory subjects are spread across the first six days of the exam schedule (Feb 4 to Feb 9), with one paper per day. Once the compulsory subjects are completed, the optional subjects are scheduled based on the specific groups chosen by the candidates.
How to Download the Official CSS Date Sheet 2026 PDF
When the Federal Public Service Commission officially issues the timetable, you can download it directly by following these steps:
- Visit the official FPSC website (fpsc.gov.pk).
- Navigate to the “CSS Exams” tab on the homepage.
- Click on the “Date Sheet & Schedule” section.
- Locate the link titled “CSS Competitive Examination (Written) 2026 Date Sheet”.
- Click to download the official PDF file.
We will also provide a direct download link here on Zicosh the moment the FPSC releases the official document.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When did the CSS 2026 written exams start?
The FPSC has officially released the schedule. The written exams commenced on February 4, 2026.
How many papers are held in a single day during CSS exams?
FPSC typically schedules two papers per day for optional subjects—one in the morning shift (9 AM to 12 PM) and one in the evening shift (2 PM to 5 PM). Candidates must be prepared to write for 6 hours a day.
Is the CSS date sheet the same for all candidates?
The date sheet for the first six days (Compulsory Subjects) is identical for all candidates. However, the schedule for the remaining days varies depending on the specific Optional Subjects each candidate has selected.
Will the CSS 2026 exams be delayed?
Under normal circumstances, FPSC strictly adheres to its February schedule. Exams are only delayed in the event of extreme national emergencies, severe political unrest, or unexpected natural disasters.