TNPSC Courses

About Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission

1. Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission is a government department in Tamil Nadu, responsible for the recruitment of eligible personnel into the State’s Public Service.

TNPSC Exams

Various recruitment exams for posts ranging from Group I to IV conducted by the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission throughout the year are listed below:

• Combined Civil Services Examination – I (Group 1 Services)

• Combined Civil Services Examination – II (Group-II and Group-II A Services)

• Combined Civil Services Examination – III (Group-III Services)

• Combined Civil Services Examination – IV (Group-IV Services & VAO)

• Combined Engineering Subordinate Services Examination

• TNPSC Assistant Engineer Examination

• TNPSC Assistant System Engineer Examination

• TNPSC District Education Officer Examination

• Combined Library and Information Services Examination

• Combined Geology Service Examination

• Combined Statistics Service Examination

TNPSC Eligibility

The TNPSC eligibility criteria are determined by the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission. Candidates must satisfy these conditions to appear for the exam.

Each group exam (Group 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.) has its unique eligibility rules. Candidates should read the TNPSC notification for details such as:

• TNPSC Age Limit

• TNPSC Educational Qualification

Basic criteria:

• Must be an Indian citizen

• Must be proficient in Tamil language

TNPSC Group 1 Exam Eligibility Criteria

• Age Limit: 32 years (General), 5-year relaxation for SC/ST/OBC

• Qualification: Graduation from a recognized university

• Additional: Special physical qualifications for certain posts like DSP and District Officer (Fire & Rescue)

TNPSC Group 2 Eligibility

• Age Limit:

  • Minimum: 18 years

  • Sub-Registrar Grade-II: 20 years

  • Probation Officer (Prison Dept): 22 years

  • Probation Officer (Social Defence): 26 years

  • Maximum: 30 years (General), No limit (Reserved)

• Qualification: Graduation (varies by post)

TNPSC Group 3 Eligibility

• Age Limit: 18–42 years

• Qualification: Graduate

TNPSC Group 4 Eligibility

• Age Limit:

  • General: 18–30 years

  • MBC/BC: 18–32 years

  • SC/ST/Destitute Widows: 18–35 years

• Qualification: Passed S.S.L.C. Public Exam

TNPSC Combined Engineering Services Exam Eligibility

• Age Limit: 18–30 years (General), no limit for Reserved

• Qualification: B.E. or equivalent in relevant field

TNPSC Assistant System Engineer Eligibility

• Age Limit:

  • General: 18–30 years

  • Destitute Widows/MBC/BC: 18–32 years

  • SC/ST: 18–35 years

• Qualification: B.E./B.Tech or diploma in relevant field

TNPSC Assistant Engineer Eligibility

• Age Limit:

  • Same as above

• Qualification: B.E./B.Tech or diploma in relevant field

TNPSC District Education Officer Eligibility

• Age Limit:

  • Teaching Posts (General): Max 40 years

  • Open Market Posts: Max 30 years

  • Ex-Servicemen: Max 48 years

  • No limit for Reserved

  • 10-year relaxation for differently-abled

• Qualification:

  • Master’s degree + B.T./B.Ed.

  • Tamil studied in Pre-University or HSC

TNPSC Exam Pattern

The TNPSC exam typically follows three stages:
Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and Interview/Personality Test.

Group-Wise Exam Pattern

• Group 1:

  • Prelims: 300 marks – 3 hrs

  • Mains: 750 marks (3 papers) – 9 hrs

  • Interview: 100 marks

• Group 2:

  • Prelims: 300 marks – 3 hrs

  • Mains: 400 marks (2 papers)

• Group 3 & 4:

  • One paper: 300 marks – 3 hrs

• Combined Engineering Services:

  • Paper I: 300 marks – 2 hrs

  • Paper II: 200 marks – 2 hrs

• Assistant System Engineer:

  • Paper I: 200 marks – 3 hrs

  • Paper II: 50 marks – 1 hr

  • Paper III: 150 marks – 2 hrs

  • (Part A – 10 questions × 5 marks, Part B – 10 × 10 marks)

• Assistant Engineer:

  • Paper I: 300 marks – 3 hrs

  • Paper II: 200 marks – 2 hrs

  • Interview: 70 marks

• District Education Officer:

  • Prelims: 300 marks – 3 hrs

  • Mains: 900 marks (3 papers) – 9 hrs

  • Interview: 120 marks

TNPSC Syllabus

The syllabus varies by group. Highlights:

Group 1 Prelims:

• General Studies (Degree Std) – 150 Qs

• Aptitude & Mental Ability (SSLC Std) – 50 Qs

Group 1 Mains:

• Paper 1: Indian History, Culture, Social Issues

• Paper 2: Polity, Science & Tech, Tamil Society

• Paper 3: Geography, Biodiversity, Economy

Group 2 Prelims:

• General Awareness – 175 Qs

• Aptitude & Mental Ability – 25 Qs

Group 2 Mains:

• Part A: Tamil ↔ English Translation

• Part B: Precis, Comprehension, Essay, Letter Writing

Group 3 & 4:

• General Studies (75 Qs), Aptitude (25 Qs), Language (100 Qs)

Engineering/Tech Streams (Paper I):

• Specialized subjects like Agricultural, Civil, Mechanical, IT, etc.

Paper II for All:

• General Studies + Aptitude

TNPSC Books

Candidates should use top TNPSC preparation books and reference material to strengthen their preparation across subjects like general awareness, mental ability, and specialized domains.