• Lectures constitute the basic method of instruction. These are, however, not routine These are in the format of interactive engagements that promote greater participation by establishing an effective two-way communication between the faculty and the probationary officers. Presentations by probationary officers on topics assigned by faculty form an integral part of classroom sessions. In order to enhance effectiveness of these lectures, the probationary officers are encouraged to take active part in class discussions during the lectures.

• Extension Lectures are delivered on selected topics by experienced civil servants and distinguished practitioners of the field who have achieved eminence in their respective fields of specialization.

• Seminars/Panel Discussions: Eminent scholars and professionals are invited from time to time to participate in seminars and panel discussions on different contemporary issues related to the syllabi.

• Synopsis: Probationary officers are required to prepare synopsis of important extension lectures/panel discussions.

• Workshops: The theory component of each course is supplemented by workshops. Probationary officers are divided into smaller groups to have hands-on experience  during the workshops.

• Case Studies: Instructors make use of the case study method to relate theory with practice. An effort is made to make sure that real life public sector cases are developed so as to bring greater clarity of concepts and help probationers in sharpening their skills for solving problems.

• Class Presentation: By the probationary officers is a regular activity for developing not only self-learning, but also to develop effective communication skills. Class presentations will be in the form of public speaking exercises, current issue presentations, book reviews, field work presentations etc.

• Public Speaking: Probationers are provided ample opportunities for public speaking throughout the training programme. Formal public speaking sessions are organized to assess the development of probationers’ oral and formal communication skills over the course of the programme.

• Current Issue Presentations: This is an individual activity. each probationary officer is assigned a current issue faced by the country. Each probationer makes a presentation along given guidelines, which is reviewed by a panel of faculty members.

• Book Reviews: A group of probationers is assigned two books for studying before joining the CTP. The faculty will choose any one of the books for presentation and submission of written review by probationers.

Field exercises:

• Learning from Community (LFC): Engagement with the community is an essential component of public policy. This exercise provides an opportunity to the probationary officers to have first-hand experience of the issues faced by the common man in the areas of health, education, environment, sanitation etc. The probationary officers are attached with selected households as well as government schools in small groups. This attachment helps the officers to understand the nature and gravity of the problems faced by the community. and to identify the gaps between government policy and actual needs.

• School Attachment: As part of the engagement with the community theme, which runs throughout the training programme, school attachment of probationary officers with government schools allows the probationers to step into the role of mentors who can guide as well as inspire the new generation with their motivational lectures. While the young school students benefit from this guidance the probationary officers are given an opportunity to demonstrate a leader/mentor role and understand its significance in the life of a civil servant.

• Learning from Heritage (LFH): Probationary officers come from all corners of Pakistan to do their training at the CSA. Being stationed in Lahore for a period of approximately six months it is important that they be introduced to the historical sites in Lahore, which was one of three Mughal capitals, alongside Delhi and Agra, and form part of Pakistan’s heritage. In this exercise the probationary officers carry out research on the different heritage sites, and evaluate them from the perspective of a tourist. Their impressions are then presented to a review panel.

• Syndicate Research: A specific topic of research is assigned to groups of probationers. The group researches on the topic over a period of fifteen weeks and has to produce a research paper and make a presentation before the entire batch and faculty. Each group is assigned a syndicate advisor who is a specialist on the assigned topic.