How Many Subjects Are Included in One Paper MCQs Exams?

One of the most commonly asked questions in our groups from aspirants who are preparing for competitive exams is, "How many subjects are included in a one-paper MCQ exam?”
Whether the exam is conducted by PPSC (Punjab Public Service Commission), FPSC (Federal Public Service Commission), or NTS, the answer is not limited to a single subject. Instead, one-paper MCQs exams are designed to test multiple subjects in a single paper.
In this article, we will provide you with a complete breakdown of the subjects included in one paper MCQs exams and how they are distributed into topics.
Total Number of Subjects in One Paper MCQs Exams
Typically, a one-paper MCQ exam includes 9-10 major subjects. These subjects are specially selected to evaluate aspirants. The exact number of subjects may vary depending on the post, but the core subjects remain almost the same in every exam.
Core Subjects Included in One Paper Exams
1. General Knowledge
General knowledge is the backbone of any one paper MCQs exams. It includes:
- World geography
- Capitals, currencies
- National and international organisations
- Important events in history
- Wars, treaty, pacts, and conferences
- Important days
- Important personalities
- Important places
2. History of Pakistan
- Geography of Pakistan
- History of Pakistan (712-Now)
- Ideology of Pakistan
- Constitution and political system
- Important personalities
- Important places
3. Current Affairs
- National and international news
- Recent developments
- New appointments
- Economic and political updates
- Global conflicts and agreements
4. Islamic Studies / GK (for Non-Muslims)
- Basic Islamic teachings
- Birth of Islam
- Prophets of Islam
- Ahdees
- Quranic concepts
- Islamic history
- Khulfa Rashida
5. English
Almost every one paper MCQs exam includes about 20-25% English:
- Synonyms & antonyms
- Sentence correction
- Prepositions (exam favorite)
- One Word Substitution
- Idioms
6. Basic Mathematics
- Percentages
- Ratios
- Averages
- Basic arithmetic
- Geometry
- Age Problem
- Basic Statics
- Basic-Level Trigonometry
7. Everyday Science
- Basic physics
- Basic Chemistry
- Basic Biology
- Human body
- Scientific inventions
- Environmental science
8. Computer
- MS office
- Basic Computer
- Shortcut keys
- Abbreviations
- Use of AI
9. Urdu
- Urdu Adab
- Idioms
- Sentence correction
- Urdu Grammar
10. Post-Specific Subjects
In some cases, especially in FPSC and PPSC exams, an additional subject-related portion also included.
Subject Weightage (General Idea)
Subject Approx Weightage
- General Knowledge: 10–15%
- Pakistan Studies 15–25%
- Current Affairs 3–5%
- Islamic Studies 7–10%
- English 15–20%
- Maths 8–10%
- Every day Science 7–10%
- Computer 10-15%
- Urdu 5-10%
Why Are Multiple Subjects Included?
The purpose of multiple subjects in one paper MCQs exams is the following:
Test the overall intelligence of aspirants
Ensure merit-based selection
Evaluate both academic and practical knowledge
Prepare aspirants for real-world decision-making
Preparation Strategy
To cover all subjects effectively:
Start from the basic level
Divide your study time among all subjects.
Focus more on high-weightage areas like English and the History of Pakistan
Practice daily MCQs; a collection of updated MCQs is available on Free Sekho website.
Revise regularly and every week.
Attempt at least 5-10 mock exams, available free on free sekho website.
Smart preparation across all subjects is the key to success.
Stay consistent and be patient.