Paper: General Science & Ability (GSA)
Marks: 100
Division:
- Part I – General Science (60 Marks)
- Part II – General Ability (40 Marks)
This paper is one of the most important in CSS, testing both scientific knowledge and analytical reasoning. Unlike other subjects, GSA is a mix of Physical Science, Biological Science, Environmental Science, Food Science, Information Technology, and General Ability (Maths, Logic, Mental Ability).
Part I: General Science (60 Marks)
I. Physical Sciences
- Universe, Galaxy, Light Year, Solar System, Sun, Earth
- Astronomical Units
- Solar & Lunar Eclipses, Earth’s Rotation & Revolution
- Weather Variables (Temperature, Pressure, Humidity, Circulation, Precipitation)
- Natural Hazards: Earthquakes, Volcanoes, Tsunami, Floods, Cyclones, Drought, Wildfire
- Disaster Risk Management (DRM)
- Sources of Energy (Renewable & Non-renewable), Energy Conservation
- Atomic Structure, Chemical Bonding, Electromagnetic Radiations
- Modern Materials: Ceramics, Plastics, Semiconductors, Antibiotics, Vaccines, Fertilizers, Pesticides
II. Biological Sciences
- Cell structure & functions (Nucleus, Mitochondria, Ribosomes)
- Biomolecules: Proteins, Lipids, Carbohydrates, Enzymes
- Plant & Animal Kingdom overview
- Human Physiology (basic systems)
- Common Diseases: Polio, Malaria, Dengue, Hepatitis, Diarrhea – Causes & Prevention
- Biofuel production models
III. Environmental Science
- Environment: Atmosphere, Hydrosphere, Biosphere, Lithosphere
- Atmospheric Pollution: COx, NOx, SOx, Ozone, VOCs, Acid Rain, Global Warming, Montreal Protocol, Kyoto Protocol
- Water Pollution: Organic Chemicals, Nutrients, Heavy Metals, Thermal Pollution, Infectious Agents, Drinking Water Standards
- Land Pollution: Solid Waste Management
- Role of GIS & Remote Sensing
- Population Planning
IV. Food Science
- Balanced Diet (Proteins, Fats, Vitamins, Minerals, Carbs, Fiber)
- Food Quality (Nutrients, Flavor, Preservation, Additives, Antioxidants)
- Food Deterioration & Control (Adulteration, Preservation methods)
V. Information Technology
- Computer Fundamentals: Hardware, Software, Data Storage, I/O Processing
- Networking & Internet Standards
- Social Media, Information Systems
- Basics of Artificial Intelligence
- Telecommunications: Mobile, Satellite, GPS, Fiber Optics
Part II: General Ability (40 Marks)
VI. Quantitative Ability
- Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry
- Averages, Ratios, Percentages, Angles, Triangles
- Equations, Remainders, Sets, Sampling
- Problem solving in numerical settings
VII. Logical Reasoning & Analytical Ability
- Systematic reasoning steps using logic
- Problem solving through analysis & decision-making
- Applying logical thinking to real data/information
VIII. Mental Abilities
- Verbal, Numerical, Mechanical & Social Aptitude testing
Suggested Readings (Recommended Books)
- Asimov’s New Guide to Science – Isaac Asimov
- Science Restated: Physics & Chemistry for the Non-Scientist – Harold Gomes Cassidy
- Eminent Muslim Scientists – S. Fakhre Alam Naqvi
- Exploring Life Science – Walter A. Thurber et al.
- Principles of Animal Biology – Lancelot Hogben
- The Impact of Science on Society – Isaac Asimov
- Fundamentals of Forensic Science – Max Siegal, Jay Houck
- Physical Geography – Harm J. de Blij et al.
- Introduction to Information Technology – ITL Education Solutions
- Basics of Environmental Science – Michael Allaby
- Food Science – Norman N. Potter, Joseph H. Hotchkiss
- Logical Reasoning – Rob Nederpelt
- Mental Ability – Dr. Lal & Jain
How to Prepare GSA Effectively
- Cover basic science concepts from matric/FSc level first.
- Practice MCQs from past papers regularly.
- Make short notes for topics like diseases, energy, IT basics, and environmental issues.
- For General Ability section, revise basic maths and practice analytical reasoning questions daily.
- Stay updated with current scientific developments (AI, Renewable Energy, Climate Change).