Last updated: 5 June 2026
TNPSC Group I Services (Prelims) 2026
Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) conducts the Combined Civil Services Examination — Group I for top administrative posts including Deputy Collector, District Revenue Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Assistant Commissioner (Commercial Taxes) and allied services. Graduates aged 21–32 years can apply via One Time Registration (OTR) at tnpsc.gov.in. Selection has three stages: Preliminary Exam (200 MCQs, 300 marks), Main Written Exam (Tamil Eligibility Test + 3 General Studies papers, 750 marks) and Oral Test (100 marks).
TNPSC Group 1 Prelims 2026 tentatively on 18 October 2026 — download syllabus, previous year papers and admit card updates here.
Latest TNPSC Updates
- 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 I Services (Prelims) 2026 — Overview
| 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 |
| Exam Name | Authority | Eligibility | Last Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| TNPSC Group I Services (Prelims) 2026 | TNPSC | Graduation (any discipline) from a recognised university | 10 May 2026 |
Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission · 170 vacancies · Apply by 10 May 2026
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Vacancies
170
Last Date
10 May 2026
Age Limit
21–32 yrs
Qualification
Graduation (any discipline) from a recognised university
How to Apply Online
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.
Resource Hub
Download official documents and study materials.
Important Dates & Exam Schedule
| 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 |
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 |
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 |
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.
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
Previous Year Indicative Cutoff
Figures are indicative based on prior year 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 where this exam is typically conducted.
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
Subject-wise Breakdown
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Studies (Degree Standard) | 175 | 262 |
| Aptitude & Mental Ability (SSLC Standard) | 25 | 38 |
| Prelims Total | 200 | 300 |
Mains Examination — 7 Papers
| 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 Highlights
- Prelims GS (Degree) — General Science, Geography, History, Polity, Economy, TN History & Culture (175 Q)
- Prelims Aptitude (SSLC) — Simplification, ratio, percentage, puzzles, reasoning, number series (25 Q)
- Mains Paper I — Tamil Eligibility: translation, précis, essay on Thirukkural, letter writing (qualifying)
- Mains GS I–III — TN history, culture, polity, economy, science & tech, social issues, governance (750 marks total)
- Interview — personality, communication, current affairs and service aptitude (100 marks)
Important Details
- Department: Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission
- Application window: 15 March 2026 – 10 May 2026
- Age cut-off date: 1 July 2027
- Salary / Pay Scale: ₹56,100 – ₹2,09,200 (Pay Level 10–14, 7th CPC)
- Tentative exam date: 18 October 2026
- 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).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the eligibility for TNPSC Group 1 2026? ▼
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? ▼
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? ▼
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? ▼
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? ▼
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? ▼
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? ▼
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? ▼
The closing date was Sunday, 10 May 2026 — online applications are no longer accepted. The examination is tentatively scheduled on Sunday, 18 October 2026.