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TNPSC Group I Services (Prelims) 2026 Syllabus & Exam Pattern 2026

Last updated: 5 June 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.

Board

TNPSC

Vacancies

170

Qualification

Graduation (any discipline) from a recognised university

Exam Pattern

  • 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
Paper / Subject Questions Marks
General Studies (Degree Standard) 175 262
Aptitude & Mental Ability (SSLC Standard) 25 38
Prelims Total 200 300

Mains Exam Pattern

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

Syllabus — Subject-wise Topics

Prelims — General Studies (Degree Standard, 175 Questions)

  • 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)

  • 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)

  • 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)

  • 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)

  • 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)

  • 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

  1. Preliminary Examination — 200 MCQs (GS 175 + Aptitude 25), 300 marks, 3 hours, qualifying
  2. Main Written Examination — Paper I: Tamil Eligibility Test (100 marks, qualifying)
  3. Main Written Examination — Paper II: General Studies I (250 marks, descriptive)
  4. Main Written Examination — Paper III: General Studies II (250 marks, descriptive)
  5. Main Written Examination — Paper IV: General Studies III (250 marks, descriptive)
  6. Oral Test (Interview) — 100 marks
  7. Document Verification & Medical Examination

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.

Complete TNPSC Group I Services (Prelims) 2026 guide

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