The TNPSC Group 4 Syllabus 2026 is an important resource for candidates preparing for the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) Combined Civil Services Examination-IV. This examination provides an opportunity for eligible candidates to apply for various government posts in Tamil Nadu. Candidates should understand the complete syllabus, examination pattern, subject-wise topics and qualifying marks before starting their preparation.
The TNPSC Group 4 examination is conducted at the SSLC (10th Standard) level. The written examination consists of objective-type multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and is conducted using an OMR-based answer sheet. Candidates should prepare for the Tamil Eligibility-cum-Scoring Test, General Studies, and Aptitude and Mental Ability according to the official syllabus.
TNPSC Group 4 Syllabus 2026
| Recruitment Body | Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) |
|---|---|
| Examination Name | TNPSC Group 4 / Combined Civil Services Examination-IV |
| Examination Level | SSLC (10th Standard) |
| Examination Mode | Offline, OMR-based pen-and-paper test |
| Question Type | Objective-type MCQs |
| Total Questions | 200 |
| Total Marks | 300 |
| Marks Per Question | 1.5 marks |
| Examination Duration | 3 hours (180 minutes) |
| Negative Marking | No negative marking, as per the stated pattern |
| Minimum Qualifying Marks | 90 marks overall |
| Part A Qualifying Requirement | 60 marks out of 150 (40%) |
| Official Website | www.tnpsc.gov.in |
TNPSC Group 4 Exam Pattern 2026
The TNPSC Group 4 examination consists of a single paper divided into the Tamil Eligibility-cum-Scoring Test and the General Studies and Aptitude sections. Candidates have three hours to complete the examination. The Tamil section is an important qualifying component because candidates must secure the prescribed minimum marks before their remaining answer sheet is evaluated.
| Part | Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A | Tamil Eligibility-cum-Scoring Test | 100 | 150 |
| Part B | General Studies | 75 | Included in Part B total |
| Part B | Aptitude and Mental Ability | 25 | Included in Part B total |
| Total | All sections | 200 | 300 |
Part A carries 150 marks, while General Studies and Aptitude and Mental Ability together carry the remaining 150 marks. Each question carries 1.5 marks, and candidates should check the latest official notification for the applicable examination rules.
TNPSC Group 4 Syllabus 2026: Part A – Tamil
Part A is the Tamil Eligibility-cum-Scoring Test. It contains 100 questions for 150 marks and follows the SSLC standard. Candidates should practise Tamil grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, literary topics and other areas listed in the official syllabus.
Important Tamil Syllabus Topics
- Tamil Grammar: Word formation, sentence structure, grammatical rules, spelling, punctuation and correct word usage.
- Vocabulary: Synonyms, antonyms, meanings of words, suitable words, word relationships and identifying incorrect usage.
- Writing Skills: Sentence arrangement, sentence correction, grammatical usage and forming correct sentences.
- Technical Terms: Tamil equivalents of technical, scientific, administrative and other commonly used terms.
- Reading Comprehension: Understanding passages, newspaper content, editorials, government-related news and the meaning of expressions.
- Translation: Translating commonly used English words and expressions into Tamil and understanding translated content.
- Literature: Thirukkural, Tamil literary works, Tamil scholars, authors and contributions to the Tamil language.
Candidates should give regular attention to Tamil grammar and vocabulary because these areas can be practised systematically. Reading Tamil textbooks up to the SSLC level and solving previous examination questions can help candidates understand the question style.
TNPSC Group 4 Syllabus 2026: Part B – General Studies
General Studies contains 75 questions and forms part of the combined 150-mark section that also includes Aptitude and Mental Ability. The syllabus covers science, geography, Indian history, the national movement, Indian polity, the economy, Tamil Nadu administration, and the history and culture of Tamil Nadu.
1. General Science
This section tests candidates’ understanding of basic scientific concepts and their everyday applications.
Important topics include:
- Basic concepts of physics, chemistry and biology
- Force, motion, pressure and energy
- Electricity, magnetism, light, sound and heat
- Elements, compounds, acids, bases and salts
- Human body, nutrition, health and hygiene
- Diseases, genetics and the classification of living organisms
- Environmental science and pollution
- Scientific discoveries, technology and current affairs
2. Geography
The Geography section focuses on the physical features, natural resources, climate and population of India and Tamil Nadu.
Important topics include:
- Earth’s location and physical features
- Monsoon, rainfall, weather and climate
- Rivers, water resources, soils and minerals
- Forests, wildlife and agriculture
- Transport and communication
- Population distribution and density
- Natural disasters and disaster management
- Environmental issues and climate change
- Important geographical locations and current affairs
3. History, Culture of India and Indian National Movement
Candidates should study major historical events, important dynasties, cultural developments and the struggle for Indian independence.
Important topics include:
- Indus Valley Civilization
- Gupta Empire, Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Empire
- Marathas and South Indian history
- Social and national reform movements
- Formation and development of the Indian National Congress
- Important freedom fighters and national leaders
- India’s cultural diversity, languages and traditions
- India’s secular character
4. Indian Polity
Indian Polity covers the Constitution, government institutions, fundamental rights and the functioning of democracy.
Important topics include:
- Constitution of India and its Preamble
- Fundamental Rights and Fundamental Duties
- Directive Principles of State Policy
- Union and State governments
- Parliament and State Legislature
- Judiciary and the rule of law
- Local government and Panchayati Raj
- Centre-State relations and federalism
- Elections and political systems
- Right to Information, human rights and anti-corruption measures
5. Indian Economy and Development Administration in Tamil Nadu
This section focuses on economic development, public welfare, government programmes and the administration of Tamil Nadu.
Important topics include:
- Basic concepts of the Indian economy
- Economic planning and NITI Aayog
- Reserve Bank of India and Finance Commission
- Government revenue and Goods and Services Tax (GST)
- Agriculture, industries and employment generation
- Poverty, population and social problems
- Education and healthcare systems in Tamil Nadu
- Rural development and welfare programmes
- Social justice and economic development
- Current economic and social issues
6. History, Culture, Heritage and Socio-Political Movements of Tamil Nadu
This section is especially important for candidates preparing for the state-level examination. Candidates should study Tamil Nadu’s history, literature, cultural heritage and social reform movements.
Important topics include:
- History of Tamil society and archaeological discoveries
- Sangam literature and Tamil literary development
- Thirukkural and its values
- Tamil Nadu’s role in the Indian freedom struggle
- Early resistance against British rule
- Contributions of women to the freedom movement
- Social reformers and their contributions
- Major social and political movements in Tamil Nadu
- Tamil culture, heritage and language development
TNPSC Group 4 Syllabus 2026: Aptitude and Mental Ability
Aptitude and Mental Ability contains 25 questions and is included in the combined 150 marks allocated to General Studies and Aptitude. This section evaluates numerical skills, logical thinking and problem-solving ability at the SSLC level.
Important Aptitude Topics
- Simplification
- Percentage
- Highest Common Factor (HCF)
- Lowest Common Multiple (LCM)
- Ratio and proportion
- Simple interest
- Compound interest
- Area and volume
- Time and work
Important Mental Ability and Reasoning Topics
- Logical reasoning
- Puzzles
- Dice-based questions
- Visual reasoning
- Alphanumeric reasoning
- Number series
Candidates should practise numerical problems daily and learn short calculation methods. Regular practice with timed mock tests can improve calculation speed and help reduce avoidable mistakes.
TNPSC Group 4 Minimum Qualifying Marks 2026
According to the examination scheme provided, the minimum qualifying mark for all communities is 90 out of 300. Candidates must also secure at least 60 marks out of 150 in Part A, which represents 40% of the Tamil Eligibility-cum-Scoring Test. Candidates who do not meet the Part A requirement should refer to the official notification for the applicable evaluation rules.
| Qualifying Requirement | Marks |
|---|---|
| Total Examination Marks | 300 |
| Overall Minimum Qualifying Marks | 90 |
| Part A Maximum Marks | 150 |
| Minimum Marks Required in Part A | 60 |
| Part A Qualifying Percentage | 40% |
Candidates should remember that minimum qualifying marks are not the same as the final selection cutoff. The actual marks needed for selection may depend on factors such as vacancies, reservation rules, candidate performance and the applicable selection procedure.
How to Prepare for the TNPSC Group 4 Examination 2026
A well-planned study routine can help candidates cover the complete syllabus and revise important topics before the examination.
- Understand the official syllabus: Download the latest syllabus from the TNPSC website and make a checklist of every subject.
- Prepare a daily timetable: Divide study time between Tamil, General Studies and Aptitude.
- Use SSLC-level textbooks: Study the prescribed school-level concepts before moving to additional preparation material.
- Practise previous-year question papers: This can help you understand question formats and identify topics that need more attention.
- Take mock tests: Complete practice papers within three hours to improve time management.
- Revise regularly: Make short notes for dates, important personalities, constitutional provisions, formulas and Tamil grammar rules.
- Follow current affairs: Read reliable news sources and revise important national and Tamil Nadu developments.
- Analyse your mistakes: Review incorrect answers and practise similar questions until you understand the concept.
TNPSC Group 4 Syllabus 2026 PDF Download
Candidates can download the official TNPSC Group 4 syllabus and examination scheme from the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission website. Always refer to the latest official document for the correct subject list, examination pattern and instructions.
Official Website: https://www.tnpsc.gov.in/
Official Group 4 Syllabus PDF: Download TNPSC Group 4 Syllabus
Official Examination Scheme PDF: View TNPSC Group 4 Exam Pattern
Candidates should verify whether any updated syllabus or revised instructions have been published for the current recruitment cycle before beginning their final preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The syllabus covers the Tamil Eligibility-cum-Scoring Test, General Studies, and Aptitude and Mental Ability. Important areas include Tamil grammar, science, geography, history, Indian polity, the economy, Tamil Nadu history and culture, mathematics and reasoning.
The examination consists of 200 objective-type questions for a total of 300 marks.
Candidates get three hours, or 180 minutes, to complete the examination.
The TNPSC Group 4 Syllabus 2026 helps candidates understand the subjects, question distribution and qualifying requirements for the examination. Candidates should prepare Tamil, General Studies and Aptitude and Mental Ability in a balanced way while giving special attention to the Part A qualifying requirement.
Regular revision, practice papers, mock tests and a clear study timetable can help candidates improve their preparation. For the most accurate information, download the latest syllabus and examination instructions directly from the official TNPSC website before starting your preparation.