International Relations CSS Past Papers 2024
Download CSS IR Past Papers PDF 2024. The CSS International Relations (IR) paper continues to be one of the most strategic and scoring optional subjects in the CSS competitive exam. The 2024 paper reflected current global events while testing candidates on core IR theories and Pakistan’s role in international affairs. In this blog post, you’ll find the CSS IR 2024 paper in PDF format, along with an outline of the paper, key focus areas, and helpful preparation tips.
Why Analyze Past Papers?
Reviewing the 2024 IR paper allows candidates to:
- Understand the current direction of CSS IR trends
- Evaluate recurring topics from theory and practice
- Develop exam-smart techniques for answer structuring
- Connect global events with theoretical frameworks
- Strengthen critical thinking and argument development
Breakdown of the 2024 IR Paper
The paper was structured in two key segments:
Objective Section (MCQs)
- 20 questions covering:
- Theories of IR and scholars
- Global institutions (UN, IMF, WTO)
- Regional conflicts and alliances
- Foreign policy principles and historical milestones
Subjective Section (Essay-Type Questions)
Candidates had to attempt 4 questions. Focus areas included:
- The rise of multipolarity in the post-COVID world
- Strategic competition between the US and China
- Regionalism and its role in global politics
- Pakistan’s foreign policy challenges in 2024
- Impact of global economic shifts on international relations
About the CSS
The CSS (Central Superior Services) Competitive Examination is a rigorous federal-level test administered by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) to select candidates for prestigious civil service roles across Pakistan. The exam’s rules and regulations, covering age limits, eligibility, subjects, and quotas, are detailed in the official CSS Rules section on the FPSC’s website.
The CSS Exam Rules, issued by FPSC Pakistan, outline eligibility criteria, age limits (21–30 years), and a maximum of three attempts for candidates. The exam includes written tests, a medical exam, a psychological assessment, and an interview. Rules also define quotas, disqualification grounds, and subject selection for a fair recruitment process.
Key Themes from the 2024 IR Paper
Students should focus on the following:
- Post-pandemic global order
- Power competition in the Indo-Pacific
- Modern regionalism and strategic blocs
- Pakistan’s balancing act in global diplomacy
- Energy politics, climate diplomacy, and global economy
How to Practice with the 2024 Paper
- Attempt each question in a time-constrained environment
- Use IR theoretical lenses to approach every issue
- Compare your answers with previous attempts or solved papers
- Update your examples with current affairs from 2023–2024
- Practice MCQs repeatedly to retain factual knowledge
Recommended Books & Study Sources
To stay on top of 2024 themes, use updated and credible sources like:
- Global Politics by Andrew Heywood
- International Relations by Goldstein & Pevehouse
- Pakistan’s Foreign Policy by Abdul Sattar (latest edition)
- Global Trends Report 2024 (Think tanks like Carnegie, Chatham House)
- CSS IR past papers and solved paper books
Download Section
Click below to download the Past Papers of International Relations CSS PDF file
- Always align your answers with current affairs and theoretical frameworks.
- Practice writing time-bound answers using past papers.
- Follow key developments in global politics, economic trends, and regional issues, especially in South Asia.
Use this as part of your revision toolkit to refine your preparation.
The CSS IR 2024 paper brought together theory and contemporary world events in a way that demanded clarity of thought, depth of knowledge, and analytical strength. Success in IR depends not just on knowing the facts, but on articulating them with structure, context, and relevance.
Stay informed, write clearly, and think critically.