TNPSC Group I Services (Prelims) 2026
TNPSC Group 1 2026 for 170 posts — Deputy Collector, DSP, AC (CT). Prelims: 200 MCQs (GS 175 + Aptitude 25), 300 marks. Mains: Tamil eligibility + 3 GS papers (750 marks) + Interview. Age 21–32, graduation. Syllabus PDF, admit card & previous papers.
Total Vacancies
170
Department
Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission
Age Limit
21-32 years
Qualification
Graduation (any discipline) from a recognised university
The application window has closed. Monitor the department’s official website for the next recruitment cycle.
Latest TNPSC Updates
Last updated: 5 June 2026
- TNPSC Group 1 2026 notification — 170 vacancies for Deputy Collector, DSP, AC (CT) and allied posts.
- TNPSC Annual Planner 2026 released — check prelims and mains schedule at tnpsc.gov.in.
- Prelims pattern: 175 GS (Degree) + 25 Aptitude (SSLC) = 200 questions, 300 marks, 3 hours, no negative marking.
- Mains: Paper I Tamil Eligibility (qualifying) + GS Papers II–IV (250 marks each) + Interview 100 marks.
- TNPSC CTS 2026 also notified — 461 technical posts, apply by 25 June 2026 at tnpscexams.in.
- Download TNPSC Group 1 previous year question paper pattern & topic weightage.
- Admit card for prelims will be released 2–3 weeks before exam on tnpscexams.in.
TNPSC Group 1 Prelims 2026 tentatively on 18 October 2026 — download syllabus, previous year papers and admit card updates here.
Official Note
TNPSC Group I 2026 — Deputy Collector, DSP, Assistant Commissioner (CT) and allied TN state services. Prelims (300 marks) → Mains (Tamil qualifying + 3 GS papers, 750 marks) → Interview (100 marks).
2026 Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Body | Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Civil Services Examination — Group I Services |
| Post Name | Deputy Collector, DRO, DSP, AC (CT), District Officer (Fire & Rescue) and allied posts |
| Total Vacancies | 170 posts |
| Educational Qualification | Graduation (any discipline) from a UGC-recognised university |
| Age Limit | 21–32 years (relaxation for SC/ST, BC, MBC, Ex-servicemen as per TNPSC rules) |
| Application Fee | OTR ₹150 (valid 5 years) + Prelims exam fee as per notification |
| Pay Scale | ₹56,100 – ₹2,09,200 (Pay Level 10–14, 7th CPC) |
| Selection Process | Prelims → Mains (Tamil + 3 GS papers) → Oral Test → DV |
| Prelims Exam Date | 18 October 2026 (Tentative) |
| Official Website | tnpsc.gov.in · Apply: tnpscexams.in |
Post-wise Vacancies
| Post | Vacancies | Department |
|---|---|---|
| Deputy Collector / District Revenue Officer | 45 | Revenue & Disaster Management |
| Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) | 28 | Tamil Nadu Police |
| Assistant Commissioner (Commercial Taxes) | 22 | Commercial Taxes & Registration |
| District Officer (Fire & Rescue) | 8 | Fire & Rescue Services |
| Assistant Director / Regional Registrar (Co-op) | 15 | Co-operation, Food & Consumer Protection |
| Other Group I Services (post-wise) | 52 | Various TN state departments |
Important Dates
- Application Start
- 15 March 2026
- Last Date to Apply
- 10 May 2026
- Exam Date
- 18 October 2026
- Age Cut-off Date
- 1 July 2027
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | March 2026 |
| Online Application (OTR + Apply) | 15 March – 10 May 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | To be announced |
| Preliminary Exam (Objective) | 18 October 2026 (Tentative) |
| Prelims Result & Mains Admit Card | To be announced |
| Main Written Exam (4 Papers) | To be announced |
| Oral Test (Interview) | To be announced |
| Final Merit & Document Verification | To be announced |
Exam Pattern 2026
TNPSC Group 1 has a three-stage pattern. Prelims is a single objective paper of 200 questions (300 marks) screening candidates for Mains. Mains is descriptive with a qualifying Tamil paper and three scoring GS papers (750 marks). Final selection includes a 100-mark Oral Test.
- Prelims: 175 GS (Degree standard) + 25 Aptitude (SSLC standard) = 200 questions, 300 marks, 3 hours
- Each correct answer: 1.5 marks · No negative marking in Prelims
- Prelims qualifying: 120 marks (General) · 90 marks (SC/ST/MBC/BC/BCM) — verify in notification
- Mains Paper I (Tamil): 100 marks, qualifying at 40 marks (all categories)
- Mains Papers II–IV: 250 marks each, descriptive, 3 hours per paper
- Merit = Mains GS (750) + Interview (100) = 850 marks · Prelims marks not counted in final merit
Preliminary Examination (Screening Test)
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Studies (Degree Standard) | 175 | 262 |
| Aptitude & Mental Ability (SSLC Standard) | 25 | 38 |
| Prelims Total | 200 | 300 |
Mains Examination (Compulsory Papers)
Six compulsory papers for all candidates — each 200 marks, 3 hours. Papers I and II are descriptive; Papers III–VI are objective (MCQs).
| Paper | Subject | Format | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Tamil Eligibility Test | Descriptive (Qualifying) | 100 |
| Paper II | General Studies I | Descriptive (Scoring) | 250 |
| Paper III | General Studies II | Descriptive (Scoring) | 250 |
| Paper IV | General Studies III | Descriptive (Scoring) | 250 |
| Oral Test | Interview / Personality Test | Oral | 100 |
Subject-Wise Syllabus
Prelims — General Studies (Degree Standard, 175 Questions) (262 Marks)
- Unit I: General Science — physics, chemistry, biology, scientific temper, latest inventions, environment
- Unit II: Geography of India — physical features, rivers, climate, agriculture, disaster management
- Unit III: History & Culture of India — ancient, medieval, modern, freedom struggle, TN leaders
- Unit IV: Indian Polity — Constitution, fundamental rights, Parliament, judiciary, local governance
- Unit V: Indian Economy & TN Development — NITI Aayog, GST, TN welfare schemes, e-governance
- Unit VI: TN History, Culture & Socio-Political Movements — Sangam, Thirukkural, Dravidian movement, Periyar, Anna
- Current affairs — national, international and Tamil Nadu (last 12 months)
Prelims — Aptitude & Mental Ability (SSLC Standard, 25 Questions) (38 Marks)
- Simplification, percentage, HCF/LCM, ratio and proportion
- Simple interest, compound interest, area, volume, time and work
- Logical reasoning, puzzles, dice, visual reasoning
- Alphanumeric reasoning and number series
Mains Paper I — Tamil Eligibility Test (Qualifying, 100 Marks) (100 Marks)
- Tamil to English and English to Tamil translation
- Précis writing and hints development from poetry/prose
- Essay writing on Thirukkural — secular values, governance, philosophy
- Comprehension, letter writing and grammar (SSLC standard)
- Minimum 40 marks required — Paper II–IV evaluated only if Paper I is qualified
Mains Paper II — General Studies I (250 Marks) (250 Marks)
- Modern History of India with reference to Tamil Nadu — freedom struggle, social reform
- Tamil Society, Culture and Heritage — Sangam, Keezhadi, Thirukkural, folk arts
- Social Issues in India & TN — population, health, education, women empowerment, environment
Mains Paper III — General Studies II (250 Marks) (250 Marks)
- Science & Technology — biotechnology, nanotechnology, AI, cyber security, green energy
- Indian Polity & Governance with TN reference — federalism, Panchayat Raj, RTI, Lokpal
- Geography, Environment, Biodiversity & Disaster Management — TN-specific focus
Mains Paper IV — General Studies III (250 Marks) (250 Marks)
- Indian Economy with reference to Tamil Nadu — agriculture, industries, MSME, banking
- Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude — public service values, corruption, accountability
- TN government schemes, welfare programmes, e-governance and current socio-economic issues
Selection Process
- Preliminary Examination — 200 MCQs (GS 175 + Aptitude 25), 300 marks, 3 hours, qualifying
- Main Written Examination — Paper I: Tamil Eligibility Test (100 marks, qualifying)
- Main Written Examination — Paper II: General Studies I (250 marks, descriptive)
- Main Written Examination — Paper III: General Studies II (250 marks, descriptive)
- Main Written Examination — Paper IV: General Studies III (250 marks, descriptive)
- Oral Test (Interview) — 100 marks
- Document Verification & Medical Examination
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| One Time Registration (OTR) | ₹150 (valid 5 years) |
| Preliminary Exam Fee | As per official notification |
| SC / ST / PwD / Destitute Widow | Fee exemption as per TNPSC rules |
Previous Year Indicative Cut Off
Figures are indicative based on prior JCCE results. Actual cutoff varies.
| Category | Cutoff Marks | Out of | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| General (BC) | 148 | 200 | 74.0% |
| MBC / DNC | 136 | 200 | 68.0% |
| BC Muslims | 140 | 200 | 70.0% |
| SC / ST | 120 | 200 | 60.0% |
Exam Centres
Major cities / districts where JCCE is typically conducted.
Preparation Tips
- Focus heavily on Unit VI (TN History & Culture) and Unit V (TN Economy) — 30–40 prelims questions come from TN-specific topics.
- Thirukkural is critical for both prelims GS and Mains Paper I essay — prepare 5–6 themes.
- Mains requires answer writing practice — join a test series for 250-mark GS papers.
- No negative marking in prelims — attempt all 200 questions but prioritise accuracy in GS.
- Use previous year TNPSC Group 1 papers to identify recurring topics in polity and TN movements.
Eligibility Criteria
Qualification: Graduation (any discipline) from a recognised university
| Category | Max Age | Relaxation |
|---|---|---|
| General / EWS | 32 years | No relaxation |
| OBC (NCL) | 35 years | +3 years |
| SC / ST | 37 years | +5 years |
| PwD | 42 years | +10 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per notification | 3 yrs after discharge |
Always read the official notification PDF: relaxation rules vary by examination. Age cut-off date: 1 July 2027.
Salary & Perks
₹56,100 – ₹2,09,200 (Pay Level 10–14, 7th CPC)
Apply Kaise Karein
- Visit tnpsc.gov.in and complete One Time Registration (OTR) at tnpscexams.in — pay ₹150 fee.
- Login with OTR credentials and select Combined Civil Services Examination — Group I Services.
- Fill personal, educational (graduation details), category and optional post preferences.
- Upload photo, signature and community/educational certificates in prescribed PDF format.
- Pay the prelims exam fee online and submit the application before the last date.
- Download confirmation page and note registration number for admit card download.
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Aksar Puche Jaane Wale Sawaal (FAQ)
What is the eligibility for TNPSC Group 1 2026? v
Graduation in any discipline from a recognised university. Age 21–32 years (relaxation for reserved categories). Must meet Tamil eligibility for Mains Paper I.
What is the TNPSC Group 1 exam pattern? v
Prelims: 200 MCQs (175 GS + 25 Aptitude), 300 marks, no negative marking. Mains: Tamil (100, qualifying) + 3 GS papers (250 each). Interview: 100 marks.
What posts are filled through TNPSC Group 1? v
Deputy Collector, District Revenue Officer, DSP, Assistant Commissioner (Commercial Taxes), District Officer (Fire & Rescue) and other Group I cadre posts.
Is there negative marking in TNPSC Group 1 prelims? v
No. Each correct answer carries 1.5 marks and there is no negative marking for wrong answers in the preliminary exam.
What is the salary of TNPSC Group 1 officers? v
Pay scale ranges from ₹56,100 to ₹2,09,100 (Pay Level 10–14) plus DA, HRA and other allowances as per Tamil Nadu government rules.
What is the age limit for TNPSC Group I Services (Prelims) 2026? v
For the General category the minimum age is 21 years and the maximum is 32 years. OBC candidates usually receive three additional years, SC/ST candidates five additional years, and PwD candidates ten additional years, subject to the official PDF. Age is reckoned from Thursday, 1 July 2027.
How do I apply for TNPSC Group I Services (Prelims) 2026? v
Visit the authorised website for Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (https://tnpsc.gov.in), complete online registration, fill every mandatory field, and upload photograph and signature scans within the limits stated in the PDF. The closing date was Sunday, 10 May 2026 — online applications are no longer accepted. Verify eligibility with our Age Calculator before you pay any fee.
What is the last date to apply for TNPSC Group I Services (Prelims) 2026? v
The closing date was Sunday, 10 May 2026 — online applications are no longer accepted. The examination is tentatively scheduled on Sunday, 18 October 2026.