TNPSC Exam Pattern & Syllabus

Each TNPSC exam has its own pattern. Most share a common shape — a screening Preliminary exam followed by a Main exam — but they differ in the papers, the final stage and the subject focus.

Group 1 (CCSE-I)

Prelims — one objective paper (General Studies and Aptitude), used to screen for the Mains. Mains — descriptive papers. Interview — a personality test. There is no negative marking. The final merit is drawn from the Mains and the Interview.

Group 2 & 2A (CCSE-II)

Prelims — one objective paper of 200 questions / 300 marks (General Studies, Aptitude and General Tamil/English). Mains — a qualifying Tamil Eligibility Test (100 marks) and a General Studies paper of 300 marks, which is descriptive for Group 2 and objective (computer-based) for Group 2A. Under the 2026 notification there is no interview; selection is on the Mains Paper II marks. No negative marking.

Group 4 (CCSE-IV)

A single objective (OMR) paper of 200 questions / 300 marks covering General Studies, Aptitude and General Tamil/English — no Mains and no interview. There is no negative marking; a minimum qualifying mark is set in the notification.

Syllabus

Questions test general studies, current affairs, and the subject knowledge specific to each post, at the standard set out in each exam's official syllabus on tnpsc.gov.in.