CSS is not one exam. It is five gates.

Most aspirants prepare for the syllabus and are surprised by the process. This page sets out the shape of the exam, and what we do at each stage of it.

Tap any stage to expand

Figures are rounded approximations of recent FPSC annual reports and are shown to explain the process, not as a guarantee. Update them each year from the official report before publishing.

How we teach

Six habits we refuse to compromise on.

Batch size

Thirty seats, then the door closes

A teacher can honestly mark thirty papers a week. Past that, marking becomes ticking. We would rather open a second batch than a bigger one.

Writing

One full paper, every week

Written by hand, in exam conditions, with the same three-hour clock. Returned with corrections in the margin and a mark you can argue with.

Mentorship

One mentor for the whole year

The same teacher tracks your papers from week one to the exam, so nobody has to re-explain your weak spots in December.

Current affairs

A weekly digest you can actually finish

Four pages every Monday: what happened, why it matters, and the two questions it could become. Sourced from the press, not from rumour.

Past papers

Twenty years, sorted by theme

Our paper vault is arranged by topic rather than by year, so you can see how one question has been asked six different ways.

Online

Live classes, not a video library

Remote students join the same live session, submit the same paper by scan, and get the same marked copy back. Recordings are a backup, not the course.

National Institute of Competitive Studies

NICS has been teaching competitive examination candidates since 2016. We run a small number of campuses and one online section, because we would rather know every student's handwriting than open branches.

The institute was built around one observation: candidates rarely fail because they have not read enough. They fail because nobody has ever marked their writing honestly. So the timetable is arranged around marking, not lecturing — one full paper a week per student, read and returned by the teacher who set it.

Classes have run online since the start alongside the campus batches. Remote students join the same live session, submit the same paper as a scan, and get the same marked copy back.

Replace these paragraphs with your own institute history, registration details and campus photographs before the site goes live.

Our philosophy

Writing is the skill the examination actually measures. Reading is preparation for writing, not a substitute for it. So the timetable is built around marking, not lecturing.

Our vision

A generation of officers who can write a clear brief, hold an argument under pressure, and explain a decision in plain language.

Our mission

To give every candidate a fixed schedule, an honest mark on their own work every week, and one mentor who knows their weak spots by name.

Founder's message

Saqib ur Rahman is the Founder & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Institute of Competitive Studies (NICS), an accomplished officer of the Pakistan Customs Service from the 38th Common Training Program, currently serving as Additional Collector of Customs. He is also an Oxford Fellow and secured 49th position in the prestigious Central Superior Services (CSS) Competitive Examination.

He holds distinguished academic credentials, including LL.B., LL.M., and M.A. degrees. With more than 15 years of experience in mentoring CSS and PMS aspirants, he has successfully guided over 200 candidates who are now serving Pakistan in various prestigious public sector institutions. He is widely respected for his expertise in Pakistan Affairs, Current Affairs, Essay Writing, and Interview Preparation, earning recognition as one of the country's leading mentors for competitive examinations.

As the CEO of NICS, Saqib ur Rahman is committed to transforming education by cultivating competent, ethical, and visionary leaders. He firmly believes that quality education is the cornerstone of national development and that every talented individual deserves the opportunity to realize their full potential.

Under his leadership, NICS is dedicated to developing exceptional civil servants and professionals who embody knowledge, integrity, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to public service. His vision is to empower students to excel academically, grow personally, and contribute meaningfully to the progress of Pakistan by strengthening public institutions and fostering a prosperous, progressive, and globally respected nation.

Saqib ur Rahman

Managing Director's message

Welcome to the National Institute of Competitive Studies (NICS).

At NICS, we believe that education is not merely about acquiring knowledge—it is about shaping character, developing leadership, and preparing individuals to make meaningful contributions to society. Our mission is to provide every aspiring student with the guidance, resources, and mentorship needed to excel in competitive examinations and achieve their professional aspirations.

We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of academic excellence through a student-centered approach, experienced faculty, innovative teaching methodologies, and a culture of integrity and continuous learning. Every program at NICS is designed to equip students with critical thinking, analytical skills, confidence, and the values required to succeed in today's competitive environment.

Our vision extends beyond helping students pass examinations. We strive to nurture responsible, ethical, and visionary leaders who will strengthen public institutions, serve the nation with dedication, and contribute to Pakistan's sustainable development and global standing.

On behalf of the entire NICS family, I thank you for placing your trust in us. We remain dedicated to supporting you throughout your journey and empowering you to unlock your full potential. Together, let us pursue excellence, embrace lifelong learning, and build a brighter future for ourselves and our nation.

I wish you every success in your academic and professional journey.

Atif Rasool