The Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) has officially released the examination schedule for Phase-II of the Combined Competitive Examination-2025 (BS-17), widely recognized as the CSS-2025 exams. The landmark announcement, made via a public notice on Wednesday, outlines a detailed timetable for thousands of aspiring civil servants across the province.
According to the official notification issued from the PPSC headquarters at 7-Edgerton Road, LDA Plaza, near Aiwan-e-Iqbal, Lahore, the rigorous Phase-II examinations will be conducted over multiple weeks, beginning in late April 2026. This phase is a critical gateway for candidates seeking prestigious positions within the Services & General Administration Department.
As per the public notice (Reference: 36C2025), the examination schedule is structured into three distinct segments to accommodate both compulsory and optional subjects:
| Sr. No. | Subject Category | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Compulsory Subjects | April 24–26, 2026 |
| 2 | Optional Subjects (First Half) | May 2–5, 2026 |
| 3 | Optional Subjects (Second Half) | May 9–11, 2026 |
The compulsory papers will kick off the examination cycle from April 24 to April 26, 2026. Following a brief intermission, candidates will sit for the first set of optional subjects from May 2 to May 5, 2026. The final leg of the written examination will cover the remaining optional subjects from May 9 to May 11, 2026.
In a critical update for registered candidates, the PPSC has confirmed that admission letters will not be dispatched via postal mail. Instead, the commission will upload the documents "in due course" on its official website.
Candidates are strongly advised to regularly visit the official PPSC portal at www.ppsc.gop.pk to download their roll number slips and admission certificates. No candidate will be permitted to enter the examination center without a printed copy of the admission letter and a valid CNIC.
The Combined Competitive Examination (BS-17) is one of the most competitive recruitment processes in Pakistan, designed to fill top-tier civil service vacancies. Phase-II represents the written examination component, which tests candidates on a wide array of compulsory subjects (including English Essay, Precise, General Knowledge, and Current Affairs) followed by their chosen optional subjects.
Compulsory Subjects (April 24-26): These papers are mandatory for all candidates and are designed to assess core competencies in language, analytical reasoning, and general awareness.
Optional Subjects (May 2-11): These papers allow candidates to specialize in areas ranging from Political Science and International Relations to Economics, Agriculture, and Law.
The PPSC has issued the following reminders for all aspirants:
Center Verification: Candidates should verify their examination center details printed on the admission letter upon download.
Reporting Time: Aspirants are expected to arrive at their respective centers at least one hour before the scheduled paper time to complete security and verification procedures.
Prohibited Items: Mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators (unless specifically allowed for certain subjects), and other electronic devices are strictly prohibited inside examination halls.
Documentation: In addition to the admission letter, candidates must bring an original CNIC, driving license, or passport for identity verification.

The public notice, dated April 8, 2026, explicitly states that it is "published for the information of candidates." While the commission has not yet released a separate press conference statement, the official notification carries the full authority of the PPSC.
For any queries or clarifications regarding the PPSC CSS-2025 Phase-II exams, candidates can contact the PPSC helpline or visit the Lahore office at 7-Edgerton Road, LDA Plaza, Near Aiwan-e-Iqbal. The commission has also hinted that further updates regarding answer sheets and result declarations will follow after the conclusion of Phase-II.
With less than three weeks remaining until the commencement of compulsory papers on April 24, 2026, experts recommend that aspirants intensify their revision schedules. Special attention should be paid to current affairs (spanning 2025-2026) and time management strategies for lengthy essay papers.