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

The Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) administers the Group 1 examination to recruit top-tier candidates for prestigious administrative roles, including Deputy Collector, DSP, Assistant Commissioner, and District Registrar.

To excel in this highly competitive civil service examination, aspirants must have a comprehensive understanding of the TNPSC Group 1 Syllabus 2026 and the detailed Prelims & Mains exam pattern. Analyzing the subject-wise weightage and marking criteria is vital for building a high-scoring preparation strategy.

TNPSC Group 1 Syllabus And Exam Pattern 2026

Success in the TNPSC Group 1 Exam 2026 depends on a disciplined study routine aligned with the official curriculum. A clear grasp of the exam structure, subject topics, and marking weightage will optimize your study plan. Consistent practice and regular revision are key to sharpening your accuracy and boosting your overall confidence for the exam.

Practice with our TNPSC Group 1 Mock Tests to gauge your readiness

TNPSC Group 1 Syllabus 2026 For Prelims Exam

The TNPSC Group 1 Prelims syllabus focuses on General Studies (at a degree standard) and Aptitude & Mental Ability (at an SSLC standard). Below is the detailed section-wise breakdown.

Download Official TNPSC Group 1 Prelims Syllabus PDF Here

TNPSC Group 1 Syllabus 2026 Mains Exam

The TNPSC Group 1 Mains consists of four descriptive, 3-hour papers. Notably, there are no optional subjects required for this exam. Review the detailed Mains syllabus provided below.

Syllabus For Mains Exam (Paper I)

Review the comprehensive TNPSC Group 1 Mains syllabus outlined below to ensure every topic is covered in your study schedule.

தாள் I – கட்டாயத் தமிழ் மொழித் தகுதி தேர்வு

(புத்தகம் வகுப்பு தரம் – 100 மதிப்பெண்கள் – விரிந்தவிதாட்டுக்குக் கும் 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 தமிழ்மொழியில் திறன் பரிசோதனைக்கான அடிப்படையாகும்.

Paper II – General Studies I (Degree Standard – 250 Marks)

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 (Degree Standard – 250 Marks)

Unit I: Indian Polity and Emerging Political Trends across the World 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 the Development of India (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 (Degree Standard – 250 Marks)

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 Impact of Global Economy on India (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

The TNPSC Group 1 exam is conducted in three stages: Prelims, Mains, and the Interview. Candidates must qualify in both written rounds to advance. Please refer to the table below for minimum qualifying standards, cut-offs, and exam pattern details essential for your success.

TNPSC Group 1 Interview