TNPSC Group 1 Syllabus 2026
TNPSC Group 1 Syllabus 2026 CCSE-I

Prelims: 27 September 2026 Official PDF — Tamil & English

Updated syllabus as per TNPSC notification

Exam CCSE-I / Group 1
Posts Deputy Collector, DSP, Asst. Commissioner
Vacancies 26+
Duration 3 Hours
Language Tamil & English
Stages Prelims, Mains & Interview

Prelims Exam Pattern 2026

The Preliminary Examination consists of a single paper with two sections: General Studies and Aptitude & Mental Ability. You are allowed 3 hours to complete the paper.

SubjectNo. of QuestionsMarks
General Studies175262.5
Aptitude & Mental Ability2537.5
Total200300

TNPSC Group 1 Prelims Syllabus 2026

Part A: General Studies (Degree Standard – 175 Questions)

Unit I: General Science 10 Qs

Physics – Scientific knowledge & temper – Power of reasoning – Rote learning vs conceptual learning – Science as a tool to understand the past, present, and future; Nature of universe – General scientific laws – Mechanics – Properties of matter, force, motion, and energy – Everyday application of the basic principles of mechanics, electricity and magnetism, light, sound, heat, nuclear physics, laser, electronics, and communications.

Chemistry – Elements and Compounds, Acids, Bases, Salts, Petroleum Products, Fertilizers, and Pesticides.

Biology – Main concepts of life science, classification of living organisms, evolution, genetics, physiology, nutrition, health and hygiene, human diseases – Environment and ecology.

Current affairs – Latest inventions in science and technology.

Unit II: Geography of India 10 Qs

Location – Physical features – Monsoon, rainfall, weather and climate – Water resources – Rivers in India – Soil, Minerals and Natural Resources – Forest and Wildlife – Agricultural pattern – Transport – Communication; Social Geography – Population density and distribution – Racial, linguistic groups and major tribes. – Natural calamity – Disaster management – Environmental pollution – Reasons and preventive measures – Climate change – Green energy. – Geographical landmarks; – Current affairs.

Unit III: History, Culture of India & Indian National Movement 25 Qs

Indian History – Indus Valley Civilization – Guptas, Delhi Sultans, Mughals, and Marathas – Age of Vijayanagaram and Bahmani Kingdoms – South Indian History. – Change and continuity in the socio-cultural history of India.

National Renaissance – Early uprising against British rule – Indian National Congress – Emergence of leaders – B.R. Ambedkar, Bhagat Singh, Bharathiar, V.O. Chidambaranar, Jawaharlal Nehru, Kamarajar, Mahatma Gandhi, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Thanthai Periyar, Rajaji, Subash Chandra Bose, Rabindranath Tagore, and others.

Different modes of agitation – Growth of Satyagraha and Militant Movements; Communalism and Partition; Characteristics of Indian Culture, Unity in Diversity – Race, Language, Custom; India as a Secular State, Social Harmony; Prominent personalities in various spheres – Arts, Science, Literature and Philosophy.

National symbols – Eminent personalities and places in news – Sports – Books and Authors. – Current affairs.

Unit IV: Indian Polity 40 Qs

Constitution of India – Preamble to the Constitution – Salient features of the Constitution – Union, State and Union Territory – Citizenship, Fundamental Rights, Fundamental Duties, Directive Principles of State Policy – Union Executive, Union Legislature – State Executive, State Legislature – Local Governments, Panchayat Raj – Spirit of federalism: Centre – State relationships – Election – Judiciary in India – Rule of Law – Corruption in public life – Anti-corruption measures – Lokpal and Lok Ayukta – Right to Information – Empowerment of Women – Consumer Protection Forums – Human Rights Charter – Political parties and political system in India. – Current affairs.

Unit V: Indian Economy & Development Administration in Tamil Nadu 50 Qs

Nature of Indian Economy – Five-year plan models – an assessment – Planning Commission and Niti Aayog – Sources of revenue – Reserve Bank of India – Fiscal Policy and Monetary Policy – Finance Commission – Resource sharing between Union and State Governments – Goods and Services Tax.

Structure of Indian economy and employment generation, Land Reforms and Agriculture – Application of Science and Technology in Agriculture – Industrial growth – Rural welfare oriented programmes – Social problems – Population, Education, Health, Employment, Poverty.

Human Development Indicators in Tamil Nadu and a comparative assessment across the Country – Impact of social reform movements in the socio-economic development of Tamil Nadu – Political parties and welfare schemes for various sections of people – Rationale behind the reservation policy, and access to the social resources – Economic trends in Tamil Nadu – Role and impact of social welfare schemes in the socio-economic development of Tamil Nadu – Social justice and social harmony as the cornerstones of socio-economic development.

Development Administration in Tamil Nadu – Education and health systems in Tamil Nadu. – Geography of Tamil Nadu and its impact on economic growth. – Achievements of Tamil Nadu in various fields; e-Governance in Tamil Nadu. – Public awareness and General administration – Welfare oriented Government schemes and their utility, Problems in public delivery systems. – Current socio-economic issues.

Unit VI: History, Culture, Heritage & Socio-Political Movements in Tamil Nadu 40 Qs

History of Tamil Society, related archaeological discoveries – Tamil literature from Sangam age till contemporary times. – Thirukkural – Significance as a secular literature – Relevance to everyday life, Impact of Thirukkural on humanity, Thirukkural and universal values – Relevance to Socio-politicoeconomic affairs, Philosophical content in Thirukkural.

Role of Tamil Nadu in freedom struggle – Early agitations against British Rule – Role of women in freedom struggle. – Evolution of 19th and 20th century socio-political movements in Tamil Nadu – Justice Party, Growth of Rationalism – Self Respect Movement, Dravidian Movement, and principles underlying both these movements. – Contributions of Thanthai Periyar and Perarignar Anna.

Part B: Aptitude and Mental Ability SSLC Standard – 25 Qs

Unit I: Aptitude (15 Questions)

Simplification – Percentage – Highest Common Factor (HCF) – Lowest Common Multiple (LCM) – Ratio and Proportion – Simple interest – Compound interest – Area – Volume – Time and Work.

Unit II: Reasoning (10 Questions)

Logical reasoning – Puzzles – Dice – Visual reasoning – Alpha numeric reasoning – Number series.


Download Syllabus PDF

Get the official TNPSC Group 1 syllabus for Prelims and Mains in Tamil and English. Click the buttons below to download.


TNPSC Group 1 Mains Exam Pattern 2026

The Mains Examination consists of three descriptive papers (General Studies I, II, III) and a compulsory Tamil Eligibility Test. The interview & records carry additional marks.

Mains Subject (Degree Standard)DurationMax. Marks
Paper-I: Tamil Eligibility Test*3 Hours100
Paper-II: General Studies I3 Hours250
Paper-III: General Studies II3 Hours250
Paper-IV: General Studies III3 Hours250
Interview & Records100
Total950

Note: Only if 40% marks are secured in the Tamil Eligibility Test will the other competitive papers be evaluated.

TNPSC Group 1 Mains Syllabus 2026 (Overview)

Paper I – Tamil Eligibility Test (கட்டாயத் தமிழ் மொழி தகுதித் தேர்வு)

Translation (Tamil ↔ English), Précis writing, Comprehension, Expansion of notes, Essay on Thirukkural, Official letter writing, Tamil language knowledge. Topics include current affairs, social issues, environment, Indian economy, science & technology, art & culture, rationalist movements, Dravidian movement, Self-Respect movement, modern Tamil (computer Tamil, court Tamil, official Tamil), socio-economic progress of Tamil Nadu, government welfare schemes, social justice, reservation, and more.

Paper II – General Studies I (250 Marks)

Unit I: Modern History of India and Indian Culture (100 marks) – Advent of Europeans, Colonialism, British Rule expansion, Early uprisings, South Indian rebellion (1799–1801), Vellore rebellion (1806), Sepoy mutiny (1857), Indian National Movements, Moderation, Extremism, Terrorism, Significant leaders (Tagore, Azad, Gandhi, Nehru, Bose, Ambedkar, Patel), Constitutional developments (1773–1950), WWII, Partition, Role of Tamil Nadu, Impact of British rule, Socio-religious reform movements, Social Justice ideology in Tamil Nadu, Justice Party, India since Independence, Unity in diversity, Cultural panorama, Latest historical research.

Unit II: Social Issues in India and Tamil Nadu (100 marks) – Population, Fertility, Mortality, Poverty, Illiteracy, Education, Child labour & abuse, Sanitation, Women empowerment, Domestic violence, Social changes, Urbanization, Human rights, Regional disparities, Social development models, Health care, Vulnerable sections, Welfare programmes, Current affairs.

Unit III: Ethics and Integrity (50 marks) – Ethics and Human Interface, Indian schools of philosophy, Thirukkural ethics, Intuitionism, Existentialism, Attitude, Ethics in public administration, Governance, Probity, Codes of conduct, Transparency, Confidentiality, Citizen's Charters, Corruption, Ethics of public polity.

Paper III – General Studies II (250 Marks)

Unit I: Indian Polity and Emerging Political Trends (100 marks) – Constitution, Preamble, Features, Parts, Articles, Schedules, Amendments, Fundamental Rights & Duties, Directive Principles, Union & State Governments, Judiciary, Local Governments, Federalism, Union-State relations, Civil Services, Political parties, Pressure groups, Administrative reforms (CVC, Lokpal, RTI, etc.), India and World, Foreign policy, Defence, Nuclear policy, Terrorism, International organisations.

Unit II: Role & Impact of Science & Technology (100 marks) – Science & Technology developments, Elements, Compounds, Acids, Bases, Energy (renewable/non-renewable), Space research, Nano Science, IT, AI, Robotics, Computer systems, Cropping pattern, Organic farming, Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering, Life Science concepts, Human diseases, Organ transplantation, Stem Cell, Forensic science, Government policy, DRDO, Medical Tourism, Current affairs.

Unit III: Tamil Society – Culture and Heritage (50 marks) – Origin of Tamils, Palmleaf manuscripts, Archaeological excavations (Adhichanallur, Arikkamedu, Keeladi, etc.), Literature, Music, Drama, Science, Culture, Sangam age, Medieval age, Modern age, Rationalist & Dravidian movements, Socio-economic contributions, Modern Tamil society (Caste, Religion, Women, Polity, Education, Economics), Tamil Diaspora, Print, Edition, Translation, Film, Computer & Media.

Paper IV – General Studies III (250 Marks)

Unit I: General Geography & Geography of India with Special Reference to Tamil Nadu (75 marks) – Earth & Universe, Atmosphere, Lithosphere, Hydrosphere, Biosphere, India & Tamil Nadu: Location, Physical divisions, Drainage, Climate, Monsoon, Natural resources, Irrigation, Minerals, Energy, Agriculture, Industries, Population, Migration, Races, Tribes, Linguistics, Religions, Trade, Geo Politics, Ocean features, Geospatial Technology (GIS, GNSS), Map reading, Current affairs.

Unit II: Environment, Biodiversity & Disaster Management (75 marks) – Ecology, Ecosystem services, Biodiversity conservation, Hotspots, In-situ/Ex-situ conservation, CITES, IUCN, CBD, Environmental pollution & management, EIA, Sustainable Development, Climate change, SDGs, Paris Agreement, NDCs, Environmental laws, Disasters, Disaster Management Authority, Sendai Framework, Environmental Health, Current affairs.

Unit III: Indian Economy – Current Trends & Impact of Global Economy (100 marks) – Features of Indian Economy, National Income, NEP, NITI Aayog, Agriculture, Land Reforms, Green Revolution, MSP, PDS, Food Security, Crop Insurance, Rural Credit, Industry, Privatisation, PPP, SEZs, MSMEs, Make in India, Infrastructure, Banking, Finance, RBI, Monetary Policy, Public Finance, GST, Fiscal Policy, Poverty, Inequality, MGNREGA, Inflation, Foreign Trade, Globalisation, IMF, World Bank, BRICS, SAARC, ASEAN, Tamil Nadu Economy, GSDP, Demographic profile, Organic farming, Entrepreneurship, Infrastructure, Tourism, Self Help Groups, Rural poverty, Regional disparities, Recent welfare programmes, Current affairs.

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