Review the comprehensive TNPSC CTS Syllabus 2026 and Exam Pattern for all technical posts. Access topic-wise breakdowns for Paper 1 and Paper 2, marking schemes, qualifying criteria, and essential preparation strategies here.
TNPSC CTS Syllabus 2026 – Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Technical Services Examination |
| Levels Covered | Degree Level (AE) & Diploma/ITI Level |
| Posts (Degree Level) | Assistant Engineer (Civil/Mechanical/Electrical), Environmental Scientist, Project Officer, and others |
| Posts (Diploma/ITI Level) | Draughtsman, Field Assistant, Technical Assistant, and other Diploma/ITI posts |
| Mode of Exam | OMR/CBT based |
| Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Number of Papers | Paper I & Paper II |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 Mark |
| Official Website | tnpsc.gov.in |
TNPSC CTS Exam Pattern 2026
The TNPSC CTS Exam Pattern 2026 for Diploma, ITI, and Degree-level posts is categorized into two distinct papers. Below, we provide a detailed breakdown of the Paper 1 and Paper 2 structure.
TNPSC CTS Exam Pattern For Degree Posts
Exam Pattern for All Posts other than Translator
| Paper | Subject | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I |
Tamil Eligibility Test | 100 | 100 |
| General Studies | 75 | 75 | |
| Aptitude & Mental Ability | 25 | 25 | |
| Total | 200 | 200 | |
| Paper II | Subject Paper | 200 | 300 |
EXAM OVERVIEW:
Paper 1 consists of 200 marks, while Paper 2 consists of 300 marks.
The allocated duration for each paper is 3 hours.
Exam Pattern for Translator Posts
| Paper | Subject | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Tamil Eligibility Test | 100 | 150 |
| General Studies | 75 | 150 | |
| Aptitude & Mental Ability | 25 | ||
| Paper II | Translation | — | 100 |
NOTE:
Paper 1 carries 300 marks, while Paper 2 carries 100 marks.
Paper 1 duration is 3 hours; Paper 2 duration is 2.5 hours.
TNPSC CTSE Diploma Exam Pattern
| Paper | Subject | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I |
Tamil Eligibility Test | 100 | 150 | 3 Hours |
| General Studies | 75 | 150 | ||
| Aptitude & Mental Ability | 25 | |||
| Total | 200 | 300 | ||
| Paper II | Subject Paper | 200 | 300 | 3 Hours |
TNPSC CTS Paper I Syllabus 2026
The TNPSC CTS Paper 1 syllabus encompasses the Tamil Eligibility Test, General Studies, and Aptitude & Mental Ability. These sections are uniform for both Degree and ITI Diploma candidates. Refer to the table below for the complete syllabus breakdown.
TNPSC CTS Tamil Eligibility Test Syllabus
| Important Topics for Tamil Eligibility Test |
|
TNPSC CTS General Studies Syllabus
|
Key Topics for General Studies |
Topics of History
|
Topics of Geography
|
Topics of Polity
|
Topics of Economics
|
Topics of Science
|
Topics of Current Affairs
|
TNPSC CTS Aptitude & Mental Ability Syllabus
| Important Topics of Aptitude & Mental Ability |
|
TNPSC CTSE Paper II Syllabus 2026
The TNPSC CTS Paper 2 syllabus is post-specific, covering technical subjects related to Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics & Communication, Computer Science, Agriculture, Horticulture, Library Science, Business Administration, and other specialized engineering disciplines.
TNPSC CTS Paper II Syllabus (Degree Level)
Engineering Subjects
| Important Topics for Engineering Subjects |
|
Computer Science & Information Technology Syllabus
| Important Topics of Computer Science & Information Technology |
|
Agriculture & Horticulture Syllabus
| Important Topics for Agriculture & Horticulture |
|
Science Subjects Syllabus
| Important Topics of Science Subjects |
|
Commerce & Management Syllabus
| Important Topics of Commerce & Management |
|
TNPSC ITI Diploma Syllabus
Chemical Engineering and Technology Syllabus (Diploma Standard)
- Chemistry and Thermodynamics
- Basic Engineering
- Chemical Technology
- Stoichiometry
- Fluid Mechanics, Instrumentation and Control
- Mechanical Operations
Civil Engineering Syllabus (Diploma Standard)
- Engineering Mechanics
- Mechanics of Structures
- Construction Materials & Practice
- Transportation Engineering
- Hydraulics
- Surveying & Remote Sensing
- Environmental Engineering
- Estimating & Costing
- Structural Engineering
- Construction Management
Mining Engineering Syllabus (Diploma Standard)
- Engineering Mechanics & Structures
- Hydraulics & Water Supply
- Surveying & Advanced Surveying
- Construction Management
- Mining Geology & Mine Development
- Mining Methods
- Mine Management & Legislation
- Mine Surveying
- Mine Planning & Design
Electrical & Electronics Engineering Syllabus (Diploma Standard)
- Circuit Theory & DC Machines
- AC Machines
- Measurements & Instruments
- Electronic Devices & Circuits
- Analog & Digital Electronics
- Generation, Transmission & Switchgear
- Distribution & Utilisation
- Microcontroller & Applications
- Power Electronics & Drives
- Control of Electrical Machines
Chemical Engineering Syllabus (Diploma Standard)
- Mass Transfer Operations
- Chemical Reaction Engineering
- Industrial Safety
- Pollution Control
Architectural Draughtsman (ITI Standard)
- Familiarization with engineering drawing
- Construction
- AutoCAD & Model Space Viewport in AutoCAD
- History of Architecture
- Reading and Interpretation of Structural Drawing & SketchUp Software
- Working Drawing
- Case study, Anthropometry & Ergonomics
- Climate Responsive Designs
- Revit Software
- Green Architecture
Diesel Mechanic (ITI Standard)
- Safety Workshop Practice & First Aid, Measuring & Marking Tools
- Fastening & Fitting, Hydraulics & Pneumatics
- Basic Electrical & Electronics
- Vehicle Specification, Service Station Equipment, Engine Classification, Dashboard Gauges
- Engine Constructional details
- Cooling & Lubrication System
- Intake & Exhaust System
- Diesel Engine Fuel System
- Charging, Starting System and Emission Control
- Trouble Shooting
Detailed syllabi for all other branches and trades are available in the comprehensive official PDF.
TNPSC CTS Syllabus PDF
The official TNPSC CTS Syllabus 2026 has been published. Aspirants should prioritize understanding the specific requirements for the Tamil Eligibility Test, General Studies, Aptitude, and their respective technical domains. Use the official PDF link below for your reference.
Download TNPSC CTSE Official Syllabus PDF – Click Here
TNPSC CTS Exam Preparation Tips
Achieving success in the TNPSC CTS Exam 2026 requires a structured study plan, consistent practice, and focused preparation. Implement these proven strategies to enhance your performance.
- Understand the exam structure and note down all high-weightage topics so you can make a study plan accordingly.
- Allocate fixed hours daily to both study and practice and avoid distractions.
- First, focus on the core concepts, while making short notes of key formulas and definitions for last-minute revision.
- Practice on previous years’ papers to understand the question format and frequently asked topics in the exam.
- Candidates should practice mock tests regularly to analyze their performance & progress, while working on their weak areas.
- Be positive, motivated, and believe in your preparation for exam day.
FAQs
Review the detailed TNPSC CTS Syllabus 2026 outlined throughout this article.
Combined Technical Services (CTS) recruitment details are covered under the official TNPSC CTS Syllabus 2026.