How this paper is set and answered
From the notes printed under FPSC's own Revised Scheme tables.
- Ratio of MCQs in compulsory papers for CE-2016 will be 20 MCQs in each paper except in the paper of Essay. Similarly there will be 20 MCQs from each optional paper except Pure Mathematics and Applied Mathematics.
Complete Political Science Syllabus
The full official FPSC syllabus, reproduced section by section from the source document.
Paper I — 100 marks
Part-A (50 marks)
1Western Political Thought:
1 point
- Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Montesquieu, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Kant, Mill, Bentham, Hegel, Marx, Lenin, Mao, Gramsci, Karl Popper, Pierre Bourdieu, John Rawls, Frances Fukuyama, Foucault, Derrida, Kierkegaard, Jean Paul Sartre, Rene Descartes.
2Muslim Political Thought:
1 point
- Al-Farabi, Al-Mawardi, Ibn Rushd, Imam Ghazali, Ibn Taymiyyah, Nizam-ul-MulkTusi, Ibn Khaldun, Shah Waliullah, Allama Muhammad Iqbal, Jamaluddin Afghni, Rashid Rida.
Part -B (50 marks)
3State System:
1 point
- The nature and emergence of modern nation-state system, Islamic concept of state and Ummah.
4Political Concept (Western and Islamic):
1 point
- Sovereignty, Justice, Law, Liberty, Freedom, Equality, Rights and Duties, Human Rights, Political Authority and Power.
5Comparative Politics:
1 point
- Political Socialization, Political Culture, Political Development, Political Recruitment, Social Change, Civil Society, Violence and Terrorism in Politics, Gender and Politics, Women Empowerment.
6Political Participation:
1 point
- Political Change and Revolution, Elections, Electoral System, Public Opinion, Propaganda, Political Parties, Pressure Groups and Lobbies.
7Political Institutions and Role of Government:
1 point
- Legislature, Executive, Judiciary, Political Elites, Civil and Military Bureaucracy.
8Forms of Government:
1 point
- Monarchy, Democratic, Dictatorship, Totalitarian/Authoritarian, Unitary, Federal, Confederation, Presidential and Parliamentary.
9Political Ideologies:
1 point
- Capitalism, Marxism, Communism, Socialism, Totalitarism, Fascims, Nationalism, Islamic Political Ideology.
10Local Self Government:
1 point
- Theory and practice of Local Self-Government with special reference to Pakistan, Comparative analyses of systems of local governance, Public Administration and Public Policy.
Paper II — 100 marks
Part-A (30 marks)
11Comparative and Analytical Study of the Political Systems:
1 point
- Political System of U.S.A, U.K, France and Germany
12Global and Regional Integration
1 point
- Globalization and Politics, Global Civil Society, Regional politico-economic integration and organizational structure of the European Union, SAARC, ECO, International Financial Regimes IMF and WTO.
Part-B (70 marks)
13Comparative and Analytical Study of the Political Systems:
1 point
- Political system of Turkey, Iran, Malaysia, India and China.
14Political Movements in India (Colonial Period):
1 point
- Rise of Muslim Nationalism in South Asia and Pakistan Movement (with special reference to the role of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, Allama Muhammad Iqbal and Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah)
15Government and Politics in Pakistan:
1 point
- Constitution making from 1947 -1956, A comparative and critical analysis of 1956, 1962, 1973 Constitutions of Pakistan, Constitutional Amendments up-to-date, Federal Structure in Pakistan, and Central-Provincial relations after 18th amendment, Political Culture of Pakistan, Political Developments and the Role of Civil and Military Bureaucracy, Judiciary, Feudalism, Dynastic Politics, Political Parties and Interest Groups, Elections and Voting Behavior, Religion and Politics, Ethnicity and National Integration.
16International Relations:
15 points
- History of International Relations: Post World War-II (WW-II) Period.
- Foreign Policy of Pakistan: National Interests and Major Determinants i-e
- . Size/Geography
- . Economic Development
- . Security
- . Advancement in Technology
- . National Capacity
- . Political Parties/Leadership
- . Ideology
- . National Interest
- . Role of Press/Bureaucracy
- . Social Structure
- . Public Opinion
- . Diplomacy.
- . Foreign Policy-making Process in Pakistan Also External Factors like International Power Structure, International Organizations, World Public Opinion and Reaction of other States.
Preparation Strategy for Political Science (CSS)
Political Science for CSS tests a candidate's understanding of foundational Western and Muslim political thought, core political concepts, comparative political systems, and the intricacies of Pakistan's political landscape and foreign policy. The subject is structured into two papers, each covering distinct yet interconnected areas of political theory and practice. A strong script demonstrates not only a firm grasp of theoretical frameworks but also the ability to critically analyse and apply these concepts to real-world scenarios, particularly in a comparative context and with specific reference to Pakistan.
Political Science is historically one of the most reliable and high-scoring optional subjects in Group 1, carrying 200 marks. It is conceptually grounded yet deeply analytical, making it an excellent overlap with Current Affairs and Pakistan Affairs.
1. Paper I — Philosophy and Theory: Paper I focuses heavily on Western and Muslim political philosophy. The trick is not rote memorization, but understanding the core premise of each philosopher. Relate modern democratic issues to Plato's Republic or Machiavelli's statecraft. Use comparative headings like 'Aristotle vs. Al-Farabi on the Ideal State'.
2. Paper II — Comparative Politics: Paper II demands a comparative analysis of global political systems (US, UK, France, Russia) alongside Pakistan's constitutional evolution. Frame your answers using constitutional articles and standard political frameworks.
3. Interlinking Concepts: Examiners look for candidates who can seamlessly link political theories from Paper I to the modern realities tested in Paper II. Applying realism or institutionalism to a contemporary Pakistani political crisis secures premium marks.
Paper by paper
Paper I is largely conceptual and theoretical, focusing on political thought, state systems, and ideologies. Prioritise a deep understanding of each Western and Muslim thinker, identifying their core ideas and contributions. For sections like 'Political Concept (Western and Islamic)' and 'Political Ideologies', ensure you can define, elaborate, and critically analyse each concept, often drawing comparisons between different schools of thought. Practice structuring arguments for these theoretical questions.
Paper II is more analytical and applied, requiring a comparative study of political systems and a detailed understanding of Pakistan's politics and international relations. Focus on the key institutions, political culture, and historical developments of the listed countries for 'Comparative and Analytical Study of the Political Systems'. For 'Government and Politics in Pakistan' and 'International Relations', develop a strong analytical perspective on constitutional history, political dynamics, and foreign policy determinants, integrating current relevance where appropriate.
A six-month plan
- 1Phase 1: Foundations of ThoughtWeeks 1-6
Begin with 'Western Political Thought' and 'Muslim Political Thought' from Paper I. Understand the core philosophies, key works, and historical context of each thinker. Focus on major figures like Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Locke, Rousseau, Marx, Iqbal, and Ibn Khaldun.
- 2Phase 2: Core Concepts & IdeologiesWeeks 7-12
Transition to 'State System', 'Political Concept (Western and Islamic)', 'Forms of Government', and 'Political Ideologies' from Paper I. Develop a clear understanding of terms like Sovereignty, Justice, Liberty, Democracy, Capitalism, and Socialism, and their interrelationships.
- 3Phase 3: Comparative & Participatory PoliticsWeeks 13-18
Cover 'Comparative Politics', 'Political Participation', 'Political Institutions and Role of Government', and 'Local Self Government' from Paper I. Focus on understanding processes like political socialization, electoral systems, and the roles of various governmental and non-governmental actors.
- 4Phase 4: Global Systems & Pakistan's PoliticsWeeks 19-24
Shift to Paper II. Study 'Comparative and Analytical Study of the Political Systems' (USA, UK, France, Germany, Turkey, Iran, Malaysia, India, China) and 'Global and Regional Integration'. Simultaneously, begin 'Political Movements in India (Colonial Period)' and 'Government and Politics in Pakistan', focusing on constitutional history and political developments.
- 5Phase 5: International Relations & RevisionWeeks 25-26
Conclude Paper II with 'International Relations' and a detailed study of 'Foreign Policy of Pakistan'. Dedicate this phase to comprehensive revision of both papers, practicing essay writing, and consolidating knowledge across all syllabus sections.
Using CSSPrep.AI for Political Science
Only the tools that genuinely support this subject are listed.
Use the Essay Writer to construct well-structured answers for potential CSS questions. This helps in organising thoughts, developing arguments, and ensuring comprehensive coverage of the topic as per the CSS rubric.
Try: Critically analyse the concept of Liberty, distinguishing between its positive and negative dimensions.
Utilise Topic Explorer to break down intricate topics into manageable components. It helps in mapping out timelines, identifying key actors, understanding cause-and-effect relationships, and grasping current relevance for a holistic understanding.
Try: Explore the political thought of Allama Muhammad Iqbal.
Engage with the MPT Trainer for diagnostic and adaptive MCQ practice. This tool is invaluable for reinforcing objective knowledge, identifying areas of weakness, and preparing for the objective component of the exam.
Submit your written answers to the Evaluator to receive objective feedback on structure, content, evidence, and language. This helps in understanding where improvements are needed to meet the CSS rubric standards.
High-yield topics
Each one is traced back to the section of the official syllabus it comes from.
These two thinkers are foundational to Western Political Thought and frequently appear in comparative questions, requiring an understanding of their theories on state, justice, and ideal forms of government.
Syllabus section: Western Political Thought:
These are core political concepts that are fundamental to understanding state systems and political ideologies. Questions often require definitions, historical evolution, and critical analysis of these concepts.
Syllabus section: Political Concept (Western and Islamic):
These are dominant political ideologies that shape global political discourse. Understanding their tenets, criticisms, and historical impact is crucial for both theoretical and applied questions.
Syllabus section: Political Ideologies:
These Muslim thinkers are highly significant, particularly for their relevance to Islamic political thought and the intellectual foundations of Pakistan. Questions often focus on their theories of state, society, and reform.
Syllabus section: Muslim Political Thought:
This is a central part of 'Government and Politics in Pakistan', frequently tested for historical analysis, comparative evaluation of constitutions, and the impact of amendments.
Syllabus section: Government and Politics in Pakistan:
This section is consistently tested, requiring a detailed understanding of both internal and external factors shaping Pakistan's foreign policy, including its historical evolution and current challenges.
Syllabus section: International Relations:
Questions often require a comparative analysis of the political institutions, electoral systems, and political cultures of these major global powers, testing analytical and comparative skills.
Syllabus section: Comparative and Analytical Study of the Political Systems:
Common mistakes in Political Science answers
- Failing to provide comparative analysis when questions explicitly or implicitly demand it, such as comparing different political thinkers or systems.
- Presenting superficial knowledge of complex political theories rather than demonstrating a deep, critical understanding and ability to elaborate.
- Not effectively linking theoretical concepts to their practical applications or real-world examples, especially concerning Pakistan's political context.
- Poor structuring of answers, leading to disjointed arguments, lack of a clear thesis, or an underdeveloped conclusion.
- Neglecting to stay updated on current political developments, constitutional amendments, or shifts in foreign policy relevant to the syllabus, which can enhance answer quality.
- Confusing the core tenets or historical contributions of different Western or Muslim political thinkers and ideologies.
FPSC recommended books
The 47 books FPSC lists for Political Science in the official syllabus.
| Title | Author |
|---|---|
| 1. Pakistan’s Foreign Policy, 1947-2005 | Abdul Sattar, |
| 2. Democracy and Authoritarianism in South Asia | Ayesha Jalal |
| 3. Military, Civil Society and Democratization in Pakistan | Akbar Zaidi |
| 4. The Reconstruction of Religious Thought in Islam | Allama Iqbal |
| 5. A history of Pakistan and its origins | Christophe Jaffrelot, |
| 6. Greek Political Thought: Plato & Aristotle | Eearnest Barker, |
| 7. Political Thought From Plato to Present | Ebenstein |
| 8. Political Thought in Medieval Islam | Erwin I.J. Rosenthal |
| 9. Constitutional Developments in Pakistan | G.W.Choudhury, |
| 10. Comparative Politics Today: A Theoretical Framework | Gabriel A. Almond, G.Bingham Powell, |
| 11. Contemporary Political Analysis | Garles Worth James, |
| 12. A History of Political Theory | George Holland Sabine |
| 13. Studies in Muslim Political Thought and Administration | H K Sherwani, |
| 14. Modern Islamic Political Thought | Hamid Enayat, |
| 15. Constitutional and Political History of Pakistan | Hamid Khan, |
| 16. Politics Among Nations: The Struggle for Power and Peace | Hans J. Morgenthau, |
| 17. Military and Politics in Pakistan | Hasan Askari Rizvi, |
| 18. Pakistan Foreign Policy: An Overview 1947-2004 (PILDAT) | Hasan Askari Rizvi |
| 19. Pakistan and Geostrategic Environment : A Study of Foreign Policy | Hasan Askari Rizvi |
| 20. International Politics: A Framework for Analysis | Holsti, K.J. |
| 21. Pakistan: A Modern History | Lan Talbot, |
| 22. 21st Century Political Science: A Reference Handbook | John T.Ishiyama, Marijke Breuning, |
| 23. Political Thought from Plato to Present | Judd Herman, |
| 24. The Political System of Pakistan, | K.B.Sayeed, |
| 25. Pakistan: A Political Study | Keith Callard, |
| 26. Pakistan: An Enigma of Political Development | Lawrance Ziring, |
| 27. Pakistan in the Twentieth Century | Lawrance Ziring, |
| 28. Pakistan: At the Crosscurrent of History | Lawrance Ziring, |
| 29. History of Muslim Philosophy | M M.Sharif, |
| 30. History of Local Government in Pakistan | Masudul Hasan |
| 31. Nationalism: The Nation-State and Nationalism | Monserrat Guibernau, |
| 32. Politics and the State in Pakistan | Muhammad Waseem, |
| 33. Government and Politics in Pakistan | Mushtaq Ahmad |
| 34. Making of Pakistan | Noor ul Haq |
| 35. Pattern of Government | Samuel H. Beer & Adam B. Ullam |
| 36. Political Thinkers: From Socrates to the Present | Paul Kelly (Ed) |
| 37. Introduction to Political Science, Islamabad, National Book Foundation, | Rodee Anderson etc. |
| 38. Pakistan’s Foreign Policy : An Historical Analysis | S.M. Burke |
| 39. State & Society in Pakistan | Shahid Javed Burki |
| 40. Islami Riyasat | Syed Abul Aala Maudoodi |
| 41. Khilafat O Malookeyat | Syed Abul Aala Maudoodi |
| 42. Ethno National Movements of Pakistan | Tahir Amin |
| 43. Politics, Parties and Pressure Groups | V.O. Key Jr. |
| 44. Democratization in Pakistan | Waseem, M. |
| 45. Contemporary Political Philosophy: An Introduction | Will Kymlicka |
| 46. History of Political Theories (Three Volumes) | Willaim A. Dunning, |
| 47. International Relations: Politics and Economy in the 21st Century | William Nester |
Frequently asked questions
Is Political Science considered a scoring subject in CSS?
Political Science can be a scoring subject for candidates who develop a strong analytical approach and a clear understanding of both theoretical concepts and their practical application. Success often hinges on effective comparative analysis and well-structured arguments, rather than rote memorisation.
How should I balance the study of Western and Muslim Political Thought?
Both 'Western Political Thought' and 'Muslim Political Thought' collectively form a significant portion of Paper I. A balanced approach is crucial, ensuring in-depth understanding of key thinkers from both traditions, as questions often require comparative insights or a comprehensive overview of political thought.
Do I need to read all the recommended books by FPSC?
While the FPSC recommended books offer valuable depth, the syllabus is your primary guide. Focus on mastering every topic outlined in the syllabus. You can selectively use recommended books or other reliable sources to gain a thorough understanding of specific areas where you need more detail.
What is the best way to prepare for the 'Comparative and Analytical Study of the Political Systems' section?
For this section, focus on understanding the key features, constitutional frameworks, political institutions (Legislature, Executive, Judiciary), and political cultures of each specified country. Practice identifying similarities and differences, and be prepared to analyse their strengths and weaknesses comparatively.
How can I effectively integrate current affairs into my Political Science answers?
Integrate current affairs by using contemporary examples to illustrate theoretical concepts, especially in sections like 'Government and Politics in Pakistan' and 'International Relations'. For instance, discuss the impact of recent constitutional amendments or current foreign policy challenges within the framework of the syllabus topics.
What is the importance of 'Government and Politics in Pakistan' in Paper II?
'Government and Politics in Pakistan' is a highly important and comprehensive section in Paper II, carrying substantial marks. It requires a detailed understanding of Pakistan's constitutional evolution, political culture, the role of various institutions, and key political developments since 1947.
Syllabus text reproduced from Revised Syllabi for CSS Competitive Examination, CE-2016 (updated 7 July 2015), pages 128-131. Marks and grouping are from the same document's Revised Scheme tables. Verify against the official PDF before relying on it.