CSS General Science & Ability
General science concepts together with quantitative, logical, analytical and mental ability.
Official syllabus map
Everything starts with the syllabus.
The structure below is an original Study Intellect organization of the official FPSC syllabus. Always use the FPSC document as the final authority.
Open official FPSC syllabus ↗Last verified: 10 August 2026
Physical Sciences
- Universe, galaxies, light year, solar system, Sun, Earth and astronomical units.
- Solar and lunar eclipses, rotation and revolution, weather variables and weather variation.
- Natural hazards including earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunami, floods, cyclones, drought and wildfire; disaster-risk management.
- Renewable and non-renewable energy resources, conservation and sustainable use.
- Atomic structure, chemical bonding and electromagnetic radiation.
- Ceramics, plastics, semiconductors, antibiotics, vaccines, fertilizers and pesticides.
Biological Sciences
- Cell structure and functions including major cell organelles.
- Proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and enzymes.
- Basic survey of plant and animal kingdoms.
- Human physiology.
- Common diseases and epidemics, their causes and prevention.
- Basic concepts relating to biofuel production.
Environmental Science
- Atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and lithosphere.
- Air pollution, major pollutants and global environmental issues.
- Water pollution, pollutants and drinking-water quality.
- Land pollution, solid-waste management and disposal.
- Remote sensing and GIS in environmental science.
- Population planning.
Food Science
- Balanced diet and major nutrients.
- Food quality, bioavailability, additives, preservatives and antioxidants.
- Food deterioration, adulteration and preservation.
Information Technology
- Computer hardware and software fundamentals.
- Input/output processing, data storage, networking and internet standards.
- Application and business software, social media and information systems.
- Fundamentals of artificial intelligence.
- Wireless communication, mobile, satellite, GPS and fibre-optic communication.
General Ability
- Basic mathematical skills and quantitative problem solving.
- Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, averages, ratios, rates and percentages.
- Angles, triangles, sets, remainders, equations and rounding.
- Random sampling.
- Logical and analytical reasoning.
- Verbal, mechanical, numerical and social mental abilities.
Books & readings
FPSC reading guidance
Titles below are drawn from the reading guidance published with the FPSC syllabus. A book appearing here does not mean that every candidate must read every title cover to cover.
Asimov's New Guide to Science
Science Restated: Physics and Chemistry for the Non-Scientist
Eminent Muslim Scientists
Exploring Life Science
Exploring Physical Science
Principles of Animal Biology
The Impact of Science on Society
Fundamentals of Forensic Science
Forensic Science Fundamentals & Investigation
Physical Geography
Physical Geography: Science and Systems of the Human Environment
Introduction to Information Technology
Management Information Systems
Fundamentals of Telecommunications
Basics of Environmental Science
Food Science
Environmental Science: Systems and Solutions
Environmental Science: A Global Concern
Logical Reasoning
Elements of Logical Reasoning
Reasoning Builder for Admission and Standardized Test
Test of Reasoning
Mental Ability
The Brain Book: Know Your Own Mind and How to Use It
Study Intellect preparation
How to prepare General Science & Ability
Divide preparation into General Science and General Ability instead of treating GSA as one large subject.
Prepare concise concept notes for science and practice diagrams where useful.
Solve quantitative and logical-reasoning questions repeatedly rather than only reading formulas.
Connect scientific concepts with real-world examples and contemporary developments.
Use past papers to identify recurring numerical and conceptual patterns.