Ace the SSLC-level TNPSC Group 4 exam with our expert-curated guide. The syllabus features Part A: General Tamil (100 Qs), Part B: General Studies (75 Qs), and Part C: Aptitude & Mental Ability (25 Qs). Get detailed insights on Indian Polity, History, and reasoning to boost your rank and secure a government position.
The TNPSC Group 4 Syllabus 2026 is an essential roadmap for candidates aiming to qualify for the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission’s Combined Civil Services Examination (CCSE-IV). The official curriculum includes the mandatory Tamil Eligibility-cum-Scoring Test, General Studies, and the Aptitude & Mental Ability Test, all set to the SSLC standard. Reviewing the subject-wise breakdown is the first step toward effective exam preparation.
Overview of TNPSC Group 4 Syllabus 2026
The TNPSC Group 4 Syllabus 2026 is categorized into three core sections—Part A, Part B, and Part C—encompassing all high-yield topics frequently tested in the exam. By mastering these sections, candidates can pinpoint their strengths, bridge knowledge gaps, and optimize their study plans. Understanding the official syllabus is crucial for maximizing your performance in the upcoming Group 4 recruitment.
| TNPSC Group 4 Syllabus & Exam Pattern: Key Highlights | |
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TNPSC Group 4 Exam Pattern Breakdown
This section details the structure of the TNPSC Group 4 written exam. The paper is systematically divided into three segments: Part A focuses on Tamil Eligibility and scoring, Part B covers General Studies, and Part C tests the candidate's Aptitude and Mental Ability. This structure ensures a balanced assessment of language proficiency, general awareness, and logical reasoning skills.
- The TNPSC Group 4 Examination will be held in offline (pen-and-paper) mode.
- Candidates will be allotted a total of 3 hours to complete the examination.
- There is no provision for negative marking in the exam.
- Candidates are required to opt for either General Tamil or General English, and this section is mandatory for all applicants.
| TNPSC Group 4 Exam Pattern 2026 | ||||
| Subjects | Topics | Max. Questions | Total Marks | Time Duration |
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Tamil Eligibility-cum-Scoring Test* (SSLC Standard)
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இலக்கணம் | 25 |
150
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3 Hours
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| சொல்லகராதி | 15 | |||
| எழுதும் திறன் | 15 | |||
| கலைச்சொற்கள் | 10 | |||
| வாசித்தல்- புரிந்து கொள்ளும் திறன் | 15 | |||
| எளிய மொழி பெயர்ப்பு | 5 | |||
| இலக்கியம் தமிழ் அறிஞர்களும் தமிழ்த்தொண்டும் | 15 | |||
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General Studies (SSLC Standard)
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General Science | 5 |
150
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| Geography | 5 | |||
| History, Culture of India, and Indian National Movement | 10 | |||
| Indian Polity | 15 | |||
| Indian Economy and Development Administration in Tamil Nadu | 20 | |||
| History, Culture, Heritage, and Socio-Political Movements of Tamil Nadu | 20 | |||
| Aptitude & Mental Ability Test (SSLC Standard) | Aptitude | 15 | ||
| Reasoning | 10 | |||
| Total | 200 |
300
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Important Note: A minimum of 90 marks is required to qualify across all sections. Applicants scoring above this threshold proceed to the final merit list selection, with specific cut-off marks announced post-exam.
TNPSC Group 4 Subject-Wise Syllabus 2026
The TNPSC Group 4 examination follows an SSLC-level curriculum designed to identify suitable candidates for various administrative roles. The paper consists of 200 objective-type questions: 100 for the Tamil Language Test, 75 for General Studies, and 25 for Aptitude and Mental Ability, totaling 300 marks.
The syllabus emphasizes foundational subjects like General Science, Geography, Indian Polity, and the Indian National Movement, with a significant focus on the rich history, culture, and socio-political evolution of Tamil Nadu.
Part A: Tamil Eligibility and Scoring Test (100 Questions)
TNPSC Group 4 Tamil Proficiency Assessment
The Tamil Language paper is mandatory for qualifying. Candidates must achieve at least 40% to be eligible. The syllabus covers Tamil Grammar, literary works, and biographies of prominent scholars.




Part A: General English (Alternative for Differently Abled Candidates)
This section outlines the General English syllabus provided specifically for differently-abled candidates as an alternative to the Tamil language paper.
| Units | Detailed Syllabus |
| Unit I: Grammar |
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| Unit II: Vocabulary |
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| Unit III: Writing Skills |
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| Unit IV: Technical Terms |
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| Unit V: Reading Comprehension |
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| Unit VI: Translation |
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| Unit VII: Literary Works | The Model Millionaire – Oscar Wilde; A Retrieved Reformation – O. Henry; The Selfish Giant – Oscar Wilde; The Night the Ghost Got In – James Thurber; The Open Window – Saki; With the Photographer – Stephen Leacock; The Gift of the Magi – O. Henry; Our Local Team – S.J. Scully; Snake – D.H. Lawrence; The Piano – D.H. Lawrence; The Man He Killed – Thomas Hardy; O Captain! My Captain! – Walt Whitman; The River – Caroline Ann Bowles; Be the Best of Whatever You Are – Douglas Malloch; A Psalm of Life – H.W. Longfellow; Laugh and Be Merry – John Masefield; The Apology – Ralph Waldo Emerson; Women’s Rights – Annie Louisa Walker; The Cry of the Children – Elizabeth Barrett Browning; Migrant Bird – Famida Y. Basheer; To Cook and Eat – Debbie Lamedman The Flying Wonder – Stephen Leacock; The First Patient – Jerome K. Jerome; My Greatest Olympic Prize – Jesse Owens; The One Minute Apology – Spencer Johnson; The Unexpected – Robert Lynd; The Wooden Bowl – Leo Tolstoy; The Tears of the Desert – C. Rajagopalachari; The Last Leaf – O. Henry; The Merchant of Venice – William Shakespeare (Play); The Never Never Nest – Cedric Mount (Play) The Bishop’s Candlesticks – Norman Mckinnel (Play); The Dear Departed – Stanley Houghton (Play); India – My Land – Dr. Abdul Kalam; The Shilpi – S. Mangalam; Nine Gold Medals – David Roth, The Secret of the Machines – Rudyard Kipling; The Ant and the Cricket – Adapted from Aesop’s Fable; The Comet – Norman Littleford; The Snake and the Mirror – Vaikom Muhammad Basheer The Night the Ghost Got In – James Thurber; Two Gentlemen of Verona – A.J. Cronin, The Cat and the Painkiller – Mark Twain; The Model Millionaire – Oscar Wilde, The Refugee – K.A. Abbas; The Hero – R.K. Narayan; The Selfish Giant – Oscar Wilde; The Singers – Herbert Kaufman; The Tears of the Desert – C. Rajagopalachari; The Bench – Richard R. Thomas; The Wooden Bowl – Leo Tolstoy My Grandmother’s House – Kamala Das; The School Boy – William Blake; A Poison Tree – William Blake; Be the Best – Douglas Malloch; A Psalm of Life – H.W. Longfellow; Snake – D.H. Lawrence; No Men are Foreign – James Kirkup; The Cry of the Children – Elizabeth Barrett Browning; The Apology – Ralph Waldo Emerson; The Man He Killed – Thomas Hardy; Migrant Bird – Famida Y. Basheer; Women’s Rights – Annie Louisa Walker; The Piano – D.H. Lawrence; India – Dr Abdul Kalam. |

Part B: General Studies (75 Questions)
This section evaluates candidates across various units of General Studies, as detailed below:
- Unit I: General Science
- Unit II: Geography
- Unit III: History, Culture of India, and Indian National Movement
- Unit IV: Indian Polity
- Unit V: Indian Economy and Development Administration in Tamil Nadu
- Unit VI: History, Culture, Heritage, and Socio-Political Movements of Tamil Nadu
Note: We have consolidated the unit-wise topics for General Studies below. Candidates are encouraged to download the official PDF to access a granular breakdown of every syllabus unit.

Part C: Aptitude and Mental Ability (25 Questions)
Part C focuses on logical reasoning, quantitative aptitude, and mental ability. Refer to the details provided below for the complete syllabus coverage.
| Units | Detailed Syllabus |
| Unit I: Aptitude |
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| Unit II: Reasoning |
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Official TNPSC Group 4 Syllabus 2026 PDF
Access the direct link to the TNPSC Group 4 Syllabus 2026 via our portal or the official commission website. Downloading and analyzing the PDF is vital for a structured revision strategy, helping you master the exam requirements and improve your chances of securing a top rank.
Preparation Tips for TNPSC Group 4 2026
To successfully crack the TNPSC Group 4 exam, maintain a disciplined study schedule and prioritize regular revisions. Focus on high-weightage subjects, including General Tamil/English, Indian Polity, History, General Science, and quantitative aptitude.
| 30-Day Plan | 60-Day Plan | 90-Day Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Understand the syllabus and exam pattern | Start mock tests and revision | Attempt full-length mock tests regularly |
| Complete basic concepts of all subjects | Improve speed and accuracy | Revise important topics and short notes |
| Solve previous year papers daily | Focus on weak areas | Focus on high-weightage topics |
| Read current affairs regularly | Practice aptitude and reasoning daily | Avoid new topics and revise more |
| Also Check |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the purpose of the TNPSC Group 4 exam?
The TNPSC Group 4 exam is a recruitment drive conducted by the Tamil Nadu government to fill various administrative and clerical-cadre positions across state departments.
Where can I download the TNPSC Group 4 syllabus PDF?
You can download the official syllabus PDF directly from the TNPSC website or via the links provided on this page.
Can I opt for General English instead of General Tamil?
Yes, eligibility for choosing General English depends on the specific guidelines provided during the application process, primarily for differently-abled candidates.
What subjects are included in General Studies?
General Studies covers:
Current Affairs
History & Culture
Geography
Indian Polity
Economics
Indian National Movement
General Science
Is the syllabus identical for all Group 4 posts?
Yes, the syllabus and exam pattern are uniform for all posts under the TNPSC Group 4 recruitment notification.
What is the duration of the TNPSC Group 4 exam?
The examination duration is 3 hours.
Which subjects constitute the TNPSC Group 4 syllabus?
The syllabus consists of General Studies, Aptitude & Mental Ability, and a language paper (General Tamil or General English).
What is the difficulty level of the exam?
The questions in the TNPSC Group 4 exam are set at the SSLC (10th standard) academic level.
What is the total marks structure?
The TNPSC Group 4 paper consists of 200 questions, carrying a maximum of 300 marks.
Is the Tamil language test compulsory?
Yes, under the current exam pattern, the Tamil Eligibility-cum-Scoring Test is a mandatory requirement of the syllabus.