The official TNPSC Group 4 Syllabus 2026 covers Tamil, General Studies, and Aptitude & Mental Ability. Explore the detailed subject-wise syllabus, marking scheme, and proven preparation strategy to ace the exam.
The TNPSC Group 4 Syllabus 2026 is based on the updated curriculum established by the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) for the Combined Civil Services Examination-IV. This written test is administered at the SSLC (10th) standard through a single, OMR-based question paper featuring 200 objective-type questions worth a total of 300 marks.
Aspirants preparing for this competitive examination can review the detailed subject-wise syllabus, latest exam pattern, recruitment process, and direct PDF download links below.
TNPSC Group 4 Syllabus 2026: Complete Overview
The TNPSC Group 4 question paper is systematically divided into Part A and Part B. Part A functions as the Tamil Eligibility-cum-Scoring Test, whereas Part B encompasses General Studies alongside Aptitude & Mental Ability. The entire exam carries 300 marks and must be completed within a duration of 3 hours.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Body | Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) |
| Exam Name | TNPSC Group 4 Examination 2026 |
| Exam Level / Standard | SSLC (10th Standard) |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (OMR-based Pen & Paper Test) |
| Question Type | Objective Type Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Total Questions | 200 Questions |
| Total Marks | 300 Marks (1.5 Marks per Question) |
| Duration | 3 Hours (180 Minutes) |
| Negative Marking | No Negative Marking |
| Minimum Qualifying Marks | 90 Marks (30% overall; 40% mandatory in Part A) |
| Official Website | www.tnpsc.gov.in |
TNPSC Group 4 Exam Pattern 2026
Prior to beginning your preparation, it is crucial to understand how the 200 questions and 300 marks are structured across the assessment. The test is administered in a single 3-hour sitting. Notably, Part B is evaluated only if a candidate attains a minimum of 40% in Part A, equivalent to 60 out of 150 marks. Final merit rankings factor in scores from both sections.
| Part | Subject | Questions | Marks | Standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Tamil Eligibility-cum-Scoring Test | 100 | 150 | SSLC |
| B | General Studies | 75 | 150 | SSLC |
| B | Aptitude & Mental Ability | 25 | — | SSLC |
| Total | — | 200 | 300 | — |
TNPSC Group 4 Question Paper Structure
The TNPSC Group 4 exam format is split into Part A and Part B. Part A comprises the Tamil Eligibility-cum-Scoring Test, while Part B features General Studies and Aptitude & Mental Ability.
| Part | Subject | Standard | Questions | Marks | Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Tamil Eligibility-cum-Scoring Test | SSLC | 100 | 150 | Tamil only |
| B | General Studies (6 units) | SSLC | 75 | 150 | Tamil and English |
| Aptitude and Mental Ability | SSLC | 25 | |||
| Total (3 hours, OMR) | 200 | 300 | |||
Important: Part B will be evaluated only for candidates who secure at least 40% marks in Part A. The marks obtained in both Part A and Part B are considered for ranking.
TNPSC Group 4 Subject-Wise Syllabus 2026
The TNPSC Group 4 Syllabus 2026 extensively covers Tamil, General Science, Current Affairs, Geography, Indian History and Culture, Indian Polity, Indian Economy, Indian National Movement, Tamil Nadu History and Socio-Political Movements, Development Administration in Tamil Nadu, and Aptitude & Mental Ability.
Part A: Tamil Eligibility-cum-Scoring Test
Part A contains 100 questions valued at 150 marks, designed around the SSLC curriculum. The syllabus focuses on Tamil grammar, classical and modern literature, Thirukkural, prominent Tamil scholars, literary heritage, culture, and the evolution of the Tamil language.
| Category | Topics / Details |
|---|---|
| Tamil Grammar | Choosing correct words; identifying famous quotations & authors; continuing phrases & meanings; splitting words (பிரித்தெழுதுக); antonyms (எதிர்ச்சொல்); identifying inappropriate/incorrect words; correcting spelling, singular/plural & grammatical errors; Tamil equivalents of English words; sound variations & meanings; meaning of one-letter words; root words (வேர்ச்சொல்); forming verb forms, verbal nouns & occupational nouns; alphabetical ordering; arranging words into sentences; types of nouns; grammatical notes; choosing questions for answers; types of sentences; active, causative & passive sentences; meanings through similes; Ethukai, Monai, Iyaibu; proverbs (பழமொழிகள்) |
| Thirukkural (25 Chapters) | Anbu, Panbu, Kalvi, Kelvi, Arivu, Adakkam, Ozhukkam, Porai, Natpu, Vaimai, Kalam, Vali, Oppuravarithal, Seynandri, Sanrananmai, Periyarai Thunaik Kolal, Porul Seyal Vagai, Vinai Thittam, Iniyavai Kural, Ookka Mudaiyai, Eegai, Therindhu Seyal Vagai, Inna Seyyamai, Kooda Nattri, Uzhavu |
| Aram Noolgal | Naladiyar, Nanmanikadigai, Pazhamozhi Naanuru, Muthumozhi Kanchi, Thirikadugam, Inna Narpathu, Iniyavai Narpathu, Sirupanchamoolam, Elathi, Avvaiyar’s works, other Pathinen Keezhkanakku works |
| Epic & Classical Literature | Kamba Ramayanam, Ravana Kaviyam, Purananuru, Agananuru, Natrinai, Kurunthogai, Aingurunuru, Kalithogai, Ettuthogai, Pathupattu, Silappathikaram, Manimekalai, Jain & Buddhist epics |
| Bhakti & Other Literary Works | Periyapuranam, Nalayira Divya Prabandham, Thiruvilaiyadal Puranam, Thembavani, Seerapuranam |
| Minor Literary Works (Chitrilakkiyangal) | Thirukkutralakuravanji, Kalingathuparani, Muthollayiram, Tamilvidu Thoothu, Nandhikkalambagam, Mukkoodarpallu, Kavadi Chindu, Muthukumaraswamy Pillai Thamizh, Rajaraja Soman Ula |
| Other Literary Works | Manonmaniyam, Panchali Sabatham, Kuyil Pattu, Iratturai Mozhithal, Azhagiya Chokkanathar, Folk songs, Siddhar songs |
| Tamil Scholars & Religious Pioneers | Appar, Sambandhar, Sundarar, Manickavasagar, Thirumoolar, Kulasekara Azhwar, Andal, Seethalai Sathanar, H.A. Krishnanar, Umaruppuvar |
| Modern Poets & Writers | Bharathiyar, Bharathidasan, Namakkal Kavignar, Kavimani Desiga Vinayagam, Mudiyarasan, Vanidasan, Suratha, Kannadasan, Udumalai Narayana Kavi, Pattukkottai Kalyanasundaram, Marudhakasi |
| New Poetry (Puthukavithai) | N. Pichamurthy, C.S. Chellappa, Dharumu Sivaramu, Pasuvayya, Ra. Meenakshi, C. Mani, Sirpi, Mu. Metha, Erode Thamizhan, Abdul Rahman, Kalapriya, Kalyanji, Gnanakkoothan |
| Tamil Epistolary Literature | Diaries, Jawaharlal Nehru, Mahatma Gandhi, Mu. Varadarasanar, Perarignar Anna |
| Short Stories & Fine Arts | Tamil short stories & authors; matching authors with works; folk & performing arts; sculpture; painting; public speaking; cinema |
| Antiquity & Development of Tamil | Antiquity of Tamil language; special features of Tamil; Dravidian languages; development of Tamil; scientific ideas & thoughts in Tamil |
| Tamil Prose & Language Service | Maraimalai Adigal, Parithimar Kalaignar, N.M. Venkatasamy Naattar, Ra.Pi. Sethu, Thiru.Vi. Kalyanasundaranar, Vaiyapuri, Prof. Thaninayagam Adigal, Sekkuthambi Pavalar, U.Ve. Swaminathar, The. Po. Meenakshi Sundaranar, C. Ilakkuvanar, Devaneya Pavanar, Pavalar Perunchithiranar, G.U. Pope, Veeramamunivar |
| Social Reformers & Tamil Nadu Personalities | Thanthai Periyar, Perarignar Anna, Muthuramalingar, B.R. Ambedkar, Kamarajar, Ma.Po. Sivagnanam, Kayidhe Millath |
| Tamil Nadu & Global Tamil Community | Origin & changes of place names; global Tamil contributions; Tamil language & cultural heritage; Tamil trade & archaeological studies; ancient sea voyages; palm-leaf manuscripts; food as medicine & medicinal herbs; religious harmony; Thayumanavar, Ramalinga Adigalar, Thiru.Vi. Kalyanasundaranar |
| Women in Tamil History & Society | Mooloor Ramamirthammal, Dr. Muthulakshmi Ammaiyar, Velu Nachiyar, Thillaiyadi Valliammai, Rani Mangammal, Annie Besant; role of women in freedom struggle; contributions to Tamil society |
Part B: General Studies and Aptitude & Mental Ability
The General Studies section comprises 75 questions carrying 150 marks. This segment spans 9 core domains, ranging from General Science and Current Affairs to Tamil Nadu's rich history and regional administrative development.
| Category | Topics / Details |
|---|---|
| 1. General Science | Nature of Universe, Measurement, Scientific Laws in Motion, Force, Pressure, Energy; Everyday applications of Mechanics, Electricity, Magnetism, Light, Sound, Heat, Nuclear Physics; Elements, Compounds, Acids, Bases, Salts, Petroleum Products, Fertilizers, Pesticides, Metallurgy, Food Adulterants; Life Science concepts, Classification, Evolution, Genetics, Physiology, Nutrition, Health & Hygiene, Human diseases; Environmental Science |
| 2. Current Events | Latest events, National symbols, State profiles, Eminent personalities, Places in news, Sports, Books & Authors; Government welfare schemes, Political parties & systems in Tamil Nadu and India; Latest inventions in Science & Technology, Geographical landmarks, Current socio-economic issues |
| 3. Geography | Earth location, Physical features, Monsoon, Rainfall, Weather & Climate, Water resources, Rivers, Soil, Minerals, Natural resources, Forest & Wildlife, Agriculture; Transport, Communication; Population density & distribution in Tamil Nadu and India; Calamities, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate change |
| 4. History and Culture of India | Indus Valley Civilization, Guptas, Delhi Sultans, Mughals, Marathas, South Indian History; Characteristics of Indian Culture, Unity in Diversity – Race, Language, Custom; India as a Secular State |
| 5. Indian Polity | Constitution of India, Preamble, Salient features, Union, State & Union Territory; Citizenship, Fundamental Rights, Fundamental Duties, Directive Principles; Union Executive, Union Legislature, State Executive, State Legislature, Local Governments, Panchayat Raj; Federalism: Centre-State relationships; Election, Judiciary, Rule of Law; Corruption, Anti-Corruption measures, Lokpal & Lokayukta, RTI, Women Empowerment, Consumer Protection, Human Rights |
| 6. Indian Economy | Nature of Indian economy, Five Year Plans, Planning Commission & NITI Aayog; Sources of revenue, RBI, Finance Commission, Resource sharing, GST; Economic trends, Employment, Land Reforms, Agriculture, Science & Technology in Agriculture, Industrial growth, Rural welfare programmes, Social problems, Population, Education, Health, Employment, Poverty |
| 7. Indian National Movement | National Renaissance, Early uprisings against British Rule, Indian National Congress; Emergence of leaders: B.R. Ambedkar, Bhagat Singh, Bharathiar, V.O. Chidambaranar, Thanthai Periyar, Jawaharlal Nehru, Rabindranath Tagore, Kamarajar, Mahatma Gandhi, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Rajaji, Subhash Chandra Bose, Muthulakshmi Ammaiyar, Muvalur Ramamirtham, and others; Different modes of agitation in Tamil Nadu and movements |
| 8. History, Culture, Heritage and Socio-Political Movements of Tamil Nadu | History of Tamil Society, Archaeological Discoveries, Tamil Literature from Sangam age to contemporary times; Thirukkural: Secular literature, Relevance to everyday life, Impact on humanity, Universal values, Socio-politico-economic relevance, Philosophical content; Role of Tamil Nadu in freedom struggle, Early agitations, Role of women; Social reformers, Social reform movements, Social transformation |
| 9. Development Administration in Tamil Nadu | Social Justice & Social Harmony as cornerstones of socio-economic development; Education & Health systems in Tamil Nadu; Geography of Tamil Nadu & its impact on Economic growth |
| 10. Aptitude & Mental Ability Tests | Simplification, Percentage, HCF, LCM; Ratio & Proportion; Simple Interest, Compound Interest, Area, Volume, Time & Work; Logical Reasoning, Puzzles, Dice, Visual Reasoning, Alpha Numeric Reasoning, Number Series |
TNPSC Group 4 Syllabus 2026 PDF Download Link
Candidates can download the official TNPSC Group 4 Syllabus 2026 PDF to use as a primary reference during subject-wise preparation. The downloaded document covers the complete framework for the Tamil Eligibility-cum-Scoring Test, General Studies, and Aptitude & Mental Ability.
Download TNPSC Group IV Syllabus 2026 - PDF
How to Prepare for the TNPSC Group 4 Syllabus 2026
Effective Preparation Tips for the TNPSC Group 4 Exam 2026
A structured, subject-wise preparation blueprint allows candidates to conquer the entire syllabus methodically without leaving critical units for the last minute. Because Part A requires a mandatory minimum passing score of 40% before Part B is graded, aspirants must dedicate consistent effort to mastering Tamil alongside General Studies and Aptitude.
- Complete Tamil First: Cover Tamil grammar, literature, Thirukkural chapters, and prescribed authors systematically.
- Build General Studies Basics: Study SSLC-level Tamil Nadu State Board textbooks (6th to 10th standard) to clear core concepts.
- Follow Current Affairs: Regularly revise key national developments and Tamil Nadu state-specific events.
- Practise Aptitude Daily: Solve numerical and logical reasoning questions daily under a timed limit to increase speed and accuracy.
- Solve Previous Year Papers: Analyze past question papers to identify high-weightage topics and recurring question patterns.
- Take Full-Length Mock Tests: Practise full 200-question OMR mock exams within the 3-hour exam limit to build endurance.
- Maintain Revision Notes: Keep short notes for key facts, math formulas, Tamil literary works, and current affairs for quick revision.
TNPSC Group 4 90-Day Strategic Study Plan
| Timeline | Primary Focus | Key Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1–30 | Concept Building | • Complete Tamil Grammar rules & Thirukkural chapters. • Cover Aptitude formulas & basic concepts. • Read (TN State Board) 6th–10th books for General Studies. |
| Days 31–60 | Topic Practice & PYQs | • Solve Tamil Nadu History (Unit 8) & Polity questions daily. • Solve Previous Year Question papers to identify high-weightage topics. • Practice 25 Aptitude questions daily for speed. |
| Days 61–90 | Mock Tests & Revision | • Take full-length 3-hour OMR mock tests. • Revise short notes, current affairs, and weak areas. • Avoid starting new topics in the final two weeks. |
| Also Check |
| TNPSC Group 4 Salary |
| TNPSC Group 4 Previous Year Papers |
| TNPSC Group 4 Exam Date 2026 |