TNPSC Group 1 Syllabus 2026: Official Exam Pattern & PDF Download

The Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission has officially released the TNPSC Group 1 Syllabus 2026 for the Combined Civil Services Examination – I. With the Preliminary stage scheduled for 6th September 2026, candidates must prepare strategically. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the unit-wise syllabus for Prelims and Mains, marking schemes, subject-wise weightage, expert-recommended books, and a proven 90-day study plan.

TNPSC Group 1 Syllabus 2026

The TNPSC Group 1 selection process consists of a 3-hour objective-type Preliminary examination (300 marks) followed by a comprehensive descriptive Mains examination (750 marks).

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TNPSC Group 1 Exam Pattern 2026

The Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) conducts the Combined Civil Services Examination (Group 1 Services) through a three-stage rigorous selection process: Preliminary Examination, Mains Examination, and the Oral Test (Interview).

The Preliminary stage is an objective-type screening test and is qualifying in nature, meaning scores do not contribute to the final rank. Conversely, the Mains examination is descriptive and, combined with the interview, determines the final merit list.

TNPSC Group 1 Prelims Syllabus 2026

The TNPSC Group 1 Prelims syllabus covers General Studies at a degree level, while the Aptitude & Mental Ability section follows an SSLC standard. Below is the bifurcated structure of the TNPSC Group 1 Prelims Syllabus 2026, divided into two distinct parts.

TNPSC Group 1 Prelims Exam Pattern 2026

1. The TNPSC Group 1 Prelims Exam consists of one paper carrying 200 objective-type questions for 1.5 mark each.
2. The duration of the prelims exam is 3 hours.
3. There would be no negative marking for incorrect answers.
4. TNPSC Group 1 Prelims is of a qualifying nature, and marks will not be included in the merit list.
5. The language of the Preliminary Exam will be English and Tamil. 

TNPSC Group 1 Prelims Part A Syllabus 

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

1. General Science
2. Geography
3. History, Culture of India, and Indian National Movement
4. Indian Polity
5. Indian Economy and Development Administration in Tamil Nadu
6. History, Culture, Heritage, and Socio-Political Movements in Tamil Nadu

Unit 1- General Science (10 Questions)

1. Scientific Knowledge and Scientific temper - Power of Reasoning - Rote Learning Vs Conceptual Learning - Science as a tool to understand the past, present and future
2. 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.
3. Elements and Compounds, Acids, Bases, Salts, Petroleum Products, Fertilizers, Pesticides
4. Main concepts of Life Science, Classification of Living Organisms, Evolution, Genetics, Physiology, Nutrition, Health and Hygiene, Human diseases
5. Environment and Ecology
6. Latest Inventions in Science & Technology
7. Current Affairs

Unit 2- Geography of India (10 Questions)

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

Unit 3- History, Culture of India, and Indian National Movement (25 Questions)

1. Indus Valley Civilization - Guptas, Delhi Sultans, Mughals, and Marathas - Age of Vijayanagaram and Bahmani Kingdoms - South
2. Indian History; Change and Continuity in the socio-cultural History of India
3. 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
4. Different modes of agitation: Growth of Satyagraha and Militant Movements; Communalism and Partition
5. Characteristics of Indian Culture, Unity in Diversity – Race, Language, Custom
6. India as a Secular State, Social Harmony; Prominent personalities in various spheres – Arts, Science, Literature and Philosophy
7. National symbols
8. Eminent personalities and places in the news
9. Sports
10. Books and Authors
11. Current affairs.

Unit 4- Indian Polity (40 Questions)

1. Constitution of India - Preamble to the Constitution - Salient features of the Constitution -
2. Union, State and Union Territory
3. Citizenship, Fundamental rights, Fundamental duties, Directive Principles of State Policy
4. Union Executive, Union legislature – State Executive, State Legislature – Local Governments, Panchayat Raj
5. Spirit of Federalism: Centre - State Relationships
6. Election - Judiciary in India – Rule of law
7. Corruption in public life – Anti-corruption measures – Lokpal and LokAyukta - Right to Information - Empowerment of women - Consumer protection forums, Human rights charter
8. Political parties and political system in India
9. Current affairs

Unit 5- Indian Economy (50 Questions)

1. Nature of Indian economy – Five-year plan models - an assessment – Planning Commission and Niti Ayog
2. 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
3. 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
4. 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
5. Education and health systems in Tamil Nadu
6. Geography of Tamil Nadu and its impact on economic growth
7. Achievements of Tamil Nadu in various fields
8. e-Governance in Tamil Nadu
9. Public awareness and General administration - Welfare oriented Government schemes and their utility, Problems in public delivery systems
10. Current socio-economic issues
11. Current affairs.

Unit 6: History, Culture, Heritage and Socio-Political Movements in Tamil Nadu (40 Questions)

1. History of Tamil Society, related Archaeological discoveries, Tamil Literature from Sangam age till contemporary times.
2. Thirukkural :

• Significance as a Secular literature
• Relevance to Everyday Life
• Impact of Thirukkural on Humanity
• Thirukkural and Universal Values - Equality, Humanism, etc
• Relevance to Socio - Politico - Economic 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.

TNPSC Group 1 Prelims Part B Syllabus 2026

Part B – Aptitude and Mental Ability (SSLC Standard – 25 Questions)

1. Aptitude
2. Reasoning

Unit 1: 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 2: Reasoning (10 Questions) 

1. Logical reasoning
2. Puzzles
3. Dice
4. Visual reasoning
5. Alphanumeric reasoning
6. Number series

Download Official TNPSC Group 1 Prelims Syllabus PDF

TNPSC Group 1 Mains Syllabus 2026

The Mains examination comprises four papers, each allowing a 3-hour duration. The curriculum focuses on descriptive, analytical answers to assess the candidate's deep conceptual understanding.

TNPSC Group 1 Mains Exam Pattern 2026

Subject-wise Mains Syllabus

For a comprehensive overview of the syllabus, including detailed subject-wise topics for both the Prelims and the four Mains papers, refer to the official PDF provided by the commission below.

Download Official TNPSC Group 1 Mains Syllabus PDF

Best Books for TNPSC Group 1 2026 Preparation

Selecting the right study material is essential for exam success. Access our curated, subject-wise booklist recommended by top-ranking candidates and academic experts.

TNPSC Group 1 Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026: Overview