TNPSC Group 1 Syllabus 2026: Prelims & Mains Exam Pattern (Download PDF)

The TNPSC Group 1 Syllabus 2026 is mandated by the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) for the Combined Civil Services Examination-I. The selection process is structured into three stages: Prelims, Mains, and the Interview. The Prelims act as an objective screening round, while the Mains consist of a mandatory Tamil Language Eligibility Test and three descriptive General Studies papers. The curriculum covers History, Indian Polity, Economy, Geography, Science and Technology, Environment, Ethics, Tamil Nadu state-specific topics, Current Affairs, and Quantitative Aptitude.

Must Check – Download TNPSC Group 1 Previous Year Question Papers 2026

Must Check – Official TNPSC Group 1 Answer Key 2026

Complete TNPSC Group 1 Syllabus And Exam Pattern 2026

A thorough understanding of the TNPSC Group 1 Syllabus and Exam Pattern for 2026 is critical for strategic study planning. By reviewing the core subjects and weightage defined for both the Preliminary and Main examinations, candidates can focus their time efficiently on high-yield topics.

TNPSC Group 1 Syllabus 2026 For Prelims And Mains: Key Highlights
Name of Organization	Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission
Category	Syllabus
Stages	Three stages (Prelims, Mains, Interview)
Examination Duration	3 hours for each paper in Prelims and Mains
Examination Mode	Offline
Total Marks	Prelims: MCQ-based paper – 300 marks Mains: 3 descriptive papers – 750 marks Interview: 100 marks
Notification Date	23 June 2026
TNPSC Group 1 Prelims exam date	06 September 2026
Job Location	Tamil Nadu
Official Website	tnpsc.gov.in

Must Check: TNPSC Group 1 Notification 2026 Details

TNPSC Group 1 Prelims Syllabus 2026

The Prelims paper tests candidates through 200 objective-type questions, totaling 300 marks over a 3-hour duration. The syllabus encompasses General Studies (degree standard) and Aptitude & Mental Ability (SSLC standard).

TNPSC Group 1 Syllabus 2026 For Prelims Exam
Part	Units	Topics Covered	No. of Questions
Part A: General Studies (Degree Standard)	Unit I: General Science	Scientific knowledge and temper, reasoning, science applications, mechanics, physics, chemistry, life sciences, environment, ecology, inventions, current affairs.	10
	Unit II: Geography of India	Location, physical features, climate, water resources, natural resources, forest and wildlife, agriculture, transport, social geography, natural calamities, disaster management, environmental pollution, climate change, green energy, geographical landmarks, current affairs.	10
	Unit III: History, Culture of India, and Indian National Movement	Indus Valley Civilization, major dynasties, socio-cultural history, national renaissance, freedom movement, leaders, communalism, partition, Indian culture, unity in diversity, secularism, social harmony, personalities, national symbols, sports, books & authors, current affairs.	25
	Unit IV: Indian Polity	Constitution, preamble, salient features, union & state government structure, citizenship, fundamental rights, directive principles, executive, judiciary, federalism, elections, anti-corruption measures, Lokpal, Lokayukta, RTI, women’s empowerment, consumer protection, political parties, current affairs.	40
	Unit V: Indian Economy and Development Administration in Tamil Nadu	Nature of Indian economy, five-year plans, Planning Commission & NITI Aayog, RBI, fiscal & monetary policy, Finance Commission, taxation, employment, land reforms, agriculture, industrial growth, rural development, social problems (population, health, education).	50
	Unit VI: History, Culture, Heritage, and Socio-Political Movements in Tamil Nadu (40 Questions)	History of Tamil Society, related archaeological discoveries, Tamil literature from the Sangam age till contemporary times Key focus areas include the significance of Thirukkural as secular literature and its modern-day socio-political and economic relevance. Additionally, the syllabus covers the history of the freedom struggle in Tamil Nadu, including early anti-British agitations, the role of women, the Justice Party, the evolution of the Self-Respect and Dravidian Movements, and the contributions of iconic leaders like Thanthai Periyar and Perarignar Anna.	40
Part B: Aptitude and Mental Ability (SSLC Standard)		Basic quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning (10), numerical ability, data interpretation, problem-solving (15).	25
Total			200 Questions

Download Official TNPSC Group 1 Prelims Syllabus PDF - Click Here

TNPSC Group 1 Mains Syllabus 2026 Structure

The Mains examination features four distinct papers. Paper I is a mandatory Tamil Language Eligibility Test required to qualify for the evaluation of subsequent papers. Papers II, III, and IV focus on General Studies, and the cumulative score from these, along with the interview, determines the final merit list.

Paper	Subjects	Topics Covered	Marks
Paper I	Compulsory Tamil Language Test (10th Standard Level)	Translation (Tamil-English & English-Tamil), précis writing, comprehension, essay from Thirukkural, letter writing, Tamil language proficiency, socio-economic development of Tamil Nadu, social justice, reservation policies, and the role of social reform movements.	100
Paper II	General Studies – I	Modern history of India and Indian culture, social issues in India and Tamil Nadu, general aptitude & mental ability.	250
Paper III	General Studies – II	Indian polity and emerging political trends, role and impact of science & technology in India, Tamil society and its cultural heritage.	250
Paper IV	General Studies – III	Indian economy, planning, rural development, industry, agriculture, geography of India with special reference to Tamil Nadu, biodiversity, and disaster management.	250
Interview	Oral Test	Personality test and interview.	100

TNPSC Group 1 Mains Syllabus: Paper I Breakdown

Below is the detailed breakdown of the Mains syllabus. Candidates are advised to review these modules thoroughly to align their preparation with the examination standards.

தாள் I – கட்டாயத் தமிழ் மொழித் தகுதித் தேர்வு

(பத்தாம் வகுப்புத் தரம் – 100 மதிப்பெண்கள் – விரிந்துரைக்கும் வகை)

தேர்வு திட்டம்

• மொழிப்பயர்த்தல்: தமிழிலிருந்து ஆங்கிலத்துக்கு மொழிப்பயர்த்தல், ஆங்கிலத்திலிருந்து தமிழுக்கு மொழிப்பயர்த்தல்
• சுருக்கம் வரைத்தல்
• பொருள் உணர்த்தல்
• சுருக்கக் குறிப்பிலிருந்து விரிந்தமாகக் குறிப்பிடல்
• திருக்குறள் தொடர்பான கட்டுரை வரைவது
• கட்டுரை வரைத்தல் (அவசியம் சார்ந்தது)
• தமிழ் மொழி அறிவு

பாடத்திட்டம்

• தற்கால நிலைவுகள்
• சமூகநாய் பிரச்சனைகள்
• சுற்றுச்சூழல் தொடர்பான தலைப்புகள்
• இந்தியப் பொருளாதாரம் தொடர்பான தலைப்புகள்
• அறிவியல் தொழில்நுட்பமும்
• கலையும் பண்பாடும்
• பத்திரிகை இலக்கியங்கள்
• திரைப்படம் – இசை
• சுவாமி விவேகானந்தர்
• இக்காலத் தமிழ் மொழிக் கண்ணோட்டம்
• வழக்குச் மன்றம் (நீதித்துறை) தொடர்பான தலைப்புகள்
• தமிழர்களின் சமூக பொருளாதார வரலாற்று பார்வை (பெண்கள், விவசாயத்திற்கும்)
• சமூக நலத்திட்டங்கள்
• இட ஒதுக்கீட்டுத் திட்டம்
• சமூக நீதி மற்றும் மாநிலத்தின் பொருளாதார நிலை
• வங்கிகள் (நிதி அமைப்புகள்)
• மின் தகவல் தொடர்பு வளர்ச்சி
• தகவல் தொழில்நுட்ப வளர்ச்சி
• மகளிர் கல்வி மற்றும் வேலைவாய்ப்பு
• மொழிகளின் பயன்பாடு
• கல்வி வளர்ச்சி
• எழுத்து, பொருள் வேறுபாடு
• பிரித்தானிய ஆட்சியின் விளைவுகள்
• கல்வித் துறையின் வளர்ச்சி
• அரசியல் வளர்ச்சி
• இலக்கிய முன்னோடிகள் மற்றும் இலக்கிய வரலாறு
• வரலாறு தொடர்பான முக்கிய தலைப்புகள்
• தமிழக அரசியல் வளர்ச்சி
• அரசு அலுவலர்களின் அடிப்படைத் தேர்வுத் தமிழ் தேர்வுத் திட்டம்
• பத்திரிகை தொடர்பான தகவல்கள்
• திருக்குறள் தொடர்பான அறிவியல் மற்றும் சமூக நெறிகள்

இந்த பாடத்திட்டம் தமிழ்மொழித் திறனை அளவிடுவதற்கான அடிப்படையாகும்.

Paper II – General Studies I

Unit I: Modern History of India and Indian Culture (100 Marks)

• Advent of Europeans – Colonialism and imperialism – Establishment, expansion and consolidation of British Rule Early uprisings against British Rule – South Indian rebellion (1799 – 1801 A.D.) – Vellore rebellion (1806 A.D.) – Sepoy mutiny (1857 A.D.)
• Indian National Movements – Moderation, Extremism, and Terrorism Movements of Indian Patriotism
• Significant Indian National Leaders – Rabindranath Tagore, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhas Chandra Bose, B.R. Ambedkar, and Vallabhai Patel. Constitutional developments in India from 1773 to 1950 Second World War, and the final phase of the independence struggle
• Partition of India – Role of Tamil Nadu in the freedom struggle. Contributions of Tamil Nadu leaders: Subramaniya Bharathi, V.O. Chidambaranar, C. Rajagopalachariar, Thanthai Periyar, Kamarajar, and others
• Impact of British rule on socio-economic affairs – National Renaissance Movement – Socio-religious reform movements Social reform and educational reform acts
• Emergence of “Social Justice” Ideology in Tamil Nadu – Origin, Growth, Decay, and achievements of the Justice Party Socio-political movements and their achievements after Independence
• Salient features of Indian culture: Unity in diversity – Race – Language – Religion, Customs, and Rituals
• India as a Secular State – Organizations for Fine Arts, Dance, Drama, and Music – Cultural Panorama National Symbols
• Eminent personalities in cultural fields, and the Latest historical research developments in Tamil Nadu

Unit II: Social Issues in India and Tamil Nadu (100 Marks)

• Population Explosion – Fertility, Mortality – Population Control Programmes – Migration – Poverty – Illiteracy – Dropouts – Right to Education, Women Education – Skill-based education and programmes – E-Learning
• Child labour and Child abuse – Child Education – Child school dropouts – Child abuse – Laws to protect Child abuse – Child protection and welfare schemes
• Sanitation: Rural and Urban Sanitation – Role of Panchayat Raj and Urban development agencies in sanitation schemes and programmes
• Women Empowerment: Social justice for women – Schemes and programmes – Domestic violence – Dowry menace – Sexual assault – Laws and awareness programmes – Prevention of violence against women
• Role of Government and NGOs in women empowerment – Schemes and Programmes Social Changes: Urbanization – Policy, Planning, and Programmes in India and Tamil Nadu – Comparative study on social and economic indicators – Impact of violence on society
• Religious violence – Terrorism and Communal violence – Causes – Steps to control and awareness, Problems of minorities – Human rights issues – Regional disparities in India – Causes and remedies
• Social development: Approaches – Models – Policies and programmes – Linkage between education and social development – Community development programmes Self-employment and entrepreneurship development – Role of NGOs in social development
• Education – Health and human development – Health care problems in India – Children, Adolescents, Women, and the Aged – Health Policy in India – Schemes – Health Care Programmes in India
• Vulnerable sections of the population: Problems – Laws and punishments, Various welfare programmes for vulnerable sections by the State, Central Government, and NGOs, Current Affairs

Unit III: Ethics and Integrity (50 Marks)

• Ethics and Human Interface: Definition and scope of ethics – Ethics of Indian Schools of Philosophy – Ethics of Thirukkural
• Kinds of ethics: Intuitionism – Existentialism – Duties and responsibility – Moral judgements – Moral Absolutism – Moral Obligation
• Attitude: Its influence and relation with thought and behaviour – Moral and political attitudes
• Ethics in public administration: Philosophical basis of governance and probity in Governance
• Codes of ethics and conduct: Primary responsibilities of public service professionals – Transparency of information sharing and service delivery, Professional and non-professional interaction – Potentially beneficial interaction, Maintenance of confidentiality of records – Disclosure of Information – Boundaries of competence – Consultation on ethical obligation, Ethics and Non-discrimination – Citizens’ Charters – Challenges of corruption – Ethics of public policy determination.

Paper III – General Studies II

Unit I: Indian Polity and Global Political Trends Affecting India (100 Marks)

• Constitution of India – Historical background – Making of the Indian Constitution – Preamble – Salient features of the Indian Constitution
• Parts, Articles, and Schedules – Amendments; Citizenship; Fundamental Rights and Fundamental Duties
• Directive Principles of State Policy; Structure, Power and Functions of Governments: Union Government
• Legislature: Parliament – Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha; Executive: President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, and Council of Ministers – Constitutional Authorities
• Judiciary: Supreme Court – Judicial Review – Judicial Activism – Latest Verdicts
• State Government – Legislature: State Legislative Assembly – State Legislative Council; Executive: Governor – Chief Minister – Council of Ministers
• Judiciary: High Court – District Courts – Subordinate Courts – Tribunals
• Local Government: Rural and Urban Local Governments – Historical background – 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts
• Union Territories: Evolution – Administration; Federalism: Indian Federal System – Differentiating from other forms of federalism
• Union – State Relations: Legislative, Administrative, and Financial Relations
• Indian Administration: Civil Services in India – Historical background – Classification of Civil Services – Central and State Services – Recruitment and Training
• Political Parties: National and Regional – Pressure groups – Public opinion – Mass Media – Social Media –  Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
• Administrative Reforms: Central Vigilance Commission – Anti-Corruption measures – Lokadalat – Lokayukta – Lokpal – Ombudsman in India – RTI Act
• Citizens’ Grievances and Administrative Reform Commission – Administrative Tribunals
• Profile of Indian States: Demography – State Language – Developmental Programmes – e-governance
• India and World: India’s foreign policy – India’s relationship with world countries – Defence and National Security – Nuclear Policy – Terrorism – Human Rights and Environmental issues – International Organisations – Pacts and Summits
• Current Affairs

Unit II: Role and Impact of Science and Technology in Indian Development (100 Marks)

• Science and Technology – Role, Achievements and Developments – their applications and impacts
• Elements and Compounds, Acids, Bases, and Salts – Oxidation and reduction – Carbon, Nitrogen, and their compounds
• Chemistry of Ores and Metals – Fertilizers, Pesticides, Insecticides – Polymer and Plastics – Corrosion – Chemistry in everyday life
• Energy – Renewable and Non-Renewable – Self-sufficiency – Oil and Minerals exploration
• Space Research – Nano Science and Technology – Application of Nano-materials
• Information Technology – Robotics and Automation – Artificial Intelligence – Mobile and Wireless Technology
• Current Affairs

Unit III: Tamil Society – Culture and Heritage (50 Marks)

(Candidates may answer the questions in this unit either in Tamil or in English)

• Origin and Development of Tamilian – Palmleaf Manuscript – Document – Archaeological excavation in Tamil Nadu – Adhichanallur, Arikamedu, Keeladi, Konthakai, Manalur, Sivakalai
• Arts, Science, and Culture: Literature, Music, Drama, and other arts – Science – Culture (Internal and External)
• Tamil Society and the condition of business – Sangam age – Medieval age – Modern age
• Growth of Rationalism – Origin and Development of Dravidian Movements in Tamil Nadu – Their contribution to socio-economic development
• Socio-cultural life of the modern Tamilian
• Tamil Diaspora – Development of modern Tamils: Print – Edition – Translation – Film Industries – Computer and Media

Paper IV – General Studies III

Unit I: General Geography and Geography of India with Special Reference to Tamil Nadu (75 Marks)

• Earth and Universe: Solar System – Atmosphere, Lithosphere, Hydrosphere, and Biosphere
• India and Tamil Nadu: Location – Physical Divisions – Drainage – Weather and Climate: Monsoon, Rainfall
• Natural Resources: Soil, Natural Vegetation, Wildlife – Irrigation and Multipurpose Projects – Mineral Resources – Energy Resources
• Agriculture: Crops, Livestock, Fisheries, Agricultural Revolutions
• Industries – Population: Growth, Distribution, and Density – Migration: Races, Tribes, Linguistics, and Religions
• Trade – Geo Politics: Border Disputes; Ocean and Sea: Bottom relief features of the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, and the Bay of Bengal
• Geospatial Technology: Remote Sensing, Geographical Information System (GIS), and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)
• Map: Locating Features and Places
• Current Affairs

Unit II: Environment, Biodiversity, and Disaster Management (75 Marks)

• Ecology: Structure and function of ecosystem – Ecological succession – Ecosystem services
• Biodiversity conservation – Biodiversity Types – Biodiversity Hot Spots in India
• Biodiversity: Significance and Threats – In-situ and Ex-situ conservation measures
• Roles of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) – Biodiversity Act
• Environmental Pollution and Management: Air, Water, Soil, Thermal, and Noise pollution – Pollution Prevention and control strategies
• Solid and hazardous waste management – Environmental Standards and Environmental Monitoring
• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): Steps in the EIA process – Environmental Clearance – Environmental Auditing
• Sustainable Development: Global Environmental Issues and Management – Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Targets – Climate Change – Changes in monsoon pattern in Tamil Nadu, India, and the Global scenario
• Environmental consequences of climate change and mitigation measures – Clean and Green Energy – Paris Agreement – Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
• Environmental Laws, Policies, and Treaties in India and the Global Scenario
• Natural Calamities, Manmade Disasters – Disaster Management and National Disaster Management Authority – Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction
• Environmental Health and Sanitation
• Current Affairs

Unit III: Indian Economy – Current Economic Trends and Global Impact (100 Marks)

• Features of Indian Economy – National Income – Capital formation – NEP (New Economic Policy) – NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India)
• Agriculture – Role of Agriculture – Land Reforms – New Agricultural Strategy – Green Revolution – Contract Farming – Minimum Support Price – Price Policy
• Public Distribution System (PDS), Subsidy, Food Security – Agricultural Marketing, Crop Insurance, Labour – Rural Credit and Indebtedness – World Trade Organization and Agriculture
• Industry: Growth – Policy – Role of Public Sector and Disinvestment – Privatisation and Liberalization – Public Private Partnership (PPP) – SEZs (Special Economic Zones) – MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises)
• Infrastructure: Transport, Communication, Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways, Urbanisation, and Smart Cities
• Banking, Money, and Financial Markets – Financial Inclusion – RBI – Monetary Policy – Fiscal Policy – Budgeting and Public Finance – Foreign Exchange Management
• Sources of Revenue – Tax and Non-Tax Revenue – Canons of Taxation – Goods and Services Tax
• Public Expenditure – Fiscal Policy – Public Debt – Finance Commission – Fiscal Federalism; Issues in the Indian Economy – Poverty and Inequality
• Poverty alleviation programmes – Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act – New Welfare Programmes for Rural Poverty Unemployment, Gender inequality
• Inflation – Inflation targeting – Deflation – Sustainable Economic Growth
• India’s Foreign Trade – Balance of Payment, Export-Import Policy, Foreign Exchange Market, Foreign Direct Investment
• Globalization – Global Economic Crisis – Impact on Indian Economy; International Institutions – IMF (International Monetary Fund) – World Bank – BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) – SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation) – ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations).
• Tamil Nadu Economy and Issues – Gross State Domestic Product – Trends in State’s Economic Growth – Demographic Profile of Tamil Nadu – Agriculture – Contract Farming
• Tamil Nadu State Policy on Promotion of Organic Farming – Industry and Entrepreneurship Development in Tamil Nadu – Infrastructure – Power, Transportation systems – Tourism – Health – Eco-tourism – Social Infrastructure – Self Help Groups and Rural women empowerment – Rural Poverty and Unemployment – Regional economic disparities – Local Government – Recent Government welfare programmes; Current Affairs.

TNPSC Group 1 Exam Pattern 2026 Explained

The examination cycle comprises Prelims, Mains, and an Interview. Prelims serve as a mandatory screening test. In the Mains stage, candidates must clear the Paper I Tamil Language Eligibility Test; Papers II, III, and IV contribute directly to the merit list alongside the final Interview score.

Stage & Paper	Subject / Topic	Total Questions / Marks	Duration	Minimum Qualifying Marks (Others)
Prelims (Objective)	General Studies (175 Qs) + Aptitude (25 Qs)	200 Qs / 300 Marks	3 Hours	120
Mains: Paper I	Compulsory Tamil Language Test (SSLC Standard)	100 Marks (Qualifying – 40% Min)	3 Hours	40
Mains: Paper II	General Studies I (Modern History, Social Issues, Aptitude)	250 Marks	3 Hours	340
Mains: Paper III	General Studies II (Polity, Science & Tech, Tamil Society)	250 Marks	3 Hours
Mains: Paper IV	General Studies III (Geography, Environment, Economy)	250 Marks	3 Hours
Final Stage	Oral Test / Interview	100 Marks	–
Total Marks	Mains + Interview (Final Merit)	850 Marks	–

TNPSC Group 1 Interview Process