TNPSC Group 4 Syllabus 2026 - Subject-Wise Topics, Exam Pattern and PDF
The TNPSC Group 4 syllabus 2026 has two parts: Part A is the Tamil Eligibility-cum-Scoring Test, and Part B covers General Studies and Aptitude & Mental Ability. The paper is OMR-based, has 200 questions for 300 marks, runs for 3 hours, and follows the SSLC (10th standard) level.
TNPSC Group 4 Syllabus 2026 - Quick Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting body | Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) |
| Exam | Combined Civil Services Examination-IV (TNPSC Group 4) |
| Standard | SSLC (10th standard) |
| Mode | Offline, OMR-based pen and paper test |
| Question type | Objective-type multiple-choice questions |
| Total questions | 200 |
| Total marks | 300 (1.5 marks per question) |
| Duration | 3 hours (180 minutes) |
| Negative marking | None |
| Minimum qualifying marks | 90 marks (30% overall), with at least 40% in Part A |
| Official website | tnpsc.gov.in |
TNPSC Group 4 Exam Pattern 2026
The exam is a single paper split into two parts. Part B is evaluated only if you score at least 40% in Part A, which is 60 out of 150 marks. Marks from both parts count towards the final ranking.
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| Part | Subject | Questions | Marks | Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Tamil Eligibility-cum-Scoring Test | 100 | 150 | Tamil only |
| B | General Studies | 75 | 150 (combined with Aptitude) | Tamil and English |
| B | Aptitude and Mental Ability | 25 | Included in the 150 | Tamil and English |
| Total | 200 | 300 | - | |
Qualifying Marks and Marking Scheme
- Each correct answer earns 1.5 marks.
- There is no negative marking.
- You need at least 60 out of 150 marks in Part A for your Part B answer sheet to be checked.
- The overall minimum qualifying mark is 90 out of 300.
TNPSC Group 4 Syllabus 2026 Subject-Wise
The syllabus covers Tamil, General Science, Current Events, Geography, Indian History and Culture, Indian Polity, Indian Economy, the Indian National Movement, Tamil Nadu history and socio-political movements, Development Administration in Tamil Nadu, and Aptitude & Mental Ability.
TNPSC Group 4 Part A Syllabus: Tamil Eligibility-cum-Scoring Test
Part A has 100 questions for 150 marks at SSLC standard. It tests Tamil grammar, literature, Thirukkural, scholars, culture and the development of the language.
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| Category | Topics |
|---|---|
| Tamil Grammar | Choosing correct words; famous quotations and authors; continuing phrases and meanings; splitting words; antonyms; identifying incorrect words; correcting spelling, singular/plural and grammar errors; Tamil equivalents of English words; sound variations and meanings; meaning of one-letter words; root words; verb forms, verbal nouns and occupational nouns; alphabetical ordering; arranging words into sentences; types of nouns; types of sentences; active, causative and passive sentences; similes; Ethukai, Monai, Iyaibu; proverbs |
| 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 and Classical Literature | Kamba Ramayanam, Ravana Kaviyam, Purananuru, Agananuru, Natrinai, Kurunthogai, Aingurunuru, Kalithogai, Ettuthogai, Pathupattu, Silappathikaram, Manimekalai, Jain and Buddhist epics |
| Bhakti and Other Works | Periyapuranam, Nalayira Divya Prabandham, Thiruvilaiyadal Puranam, Thembavani, Seerapuranam |
| Minor Literary Works | 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 |
| Scholars and Religious Pioneers | Appar, Sambandhar, Sundarar, Manickavasagar, Thirumoolar, Kulasekara Azhwar, Andal, Seethalai Sathanar, H.A. Krishnanar, Umaruppuvar |
| Modern Poets and 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 |
| Epistolary Literature | Diaries; letters of Jawaharlal Nehru, Mahatma Gandhi, Mu. Varadarasanar, Perarignar Anna |
| Short Stories and Fine Arts | Tamil short stories and authors; matching authors with works; folk and performing arts; sculpture; painting; public speaking; cinema |
| Antiquity and Development of Tamil | Antiquity of Tamil; special features of Tamil; Dravidian languages; development of Tamil; scientific ideas in Tamil |
| Tamil Prose and 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 and Tamil Nadu Personalities | Thanthai Periyar, Perarignar Anna, Muthuramalingar, B.R. Ambedkar, Kamarajar, Ma.Po. Sivagnanam, Kayidhe Millath |
| Tamil Nadu and Global Tamil Community | Origin and changes of place names; global Tamil contributions; Tamil heritage; Tamil trade and archaeological studies; ancient sea voyages; palm-leaf manuscripts; food as medicine and medicinal herbs; religious harmony; Thayumanavar, Ramalinga Adigalar, Thiru.Vi. Kalyanasundaranar |
| Women in Tamil History and Society | Mooloor Ramamirthammal, Dr. Muthulakshmi Ammaiyar, Velu Nachiyar, Thillaiyadi Valliammai, Rani Mangammal, Annie Besant; women in the freedom struggle; contributions to Tamil society |
TNPSC Group 4 Part B Syllabus: General Studies
General Studies has 75 questions. Units 1 to 9 below make up the General Studies syllabus.
| Unit | Topics |
|---|---|
| 1. General Science | Nature of the universe; measurement; scientific laws in motion, force, pressure, energy; everyday applications of mechanics, electricity, magnetism, light, sound, heat and nuclear physics; elements, compounds, acids, bases, salts, petroleum products, fertilizers, pesticides, metallurgy, food adulterants; life science (classification, evolution, genetics, physiology, nutrition, health and hygiene, human diseases); environmental science |
| 2. Current Events | Latest events; national symbols; state profiles; eminent personalities; places in news; sports; books and authors; government welfare schemes; political parties and systems in Tamil Nadu and India; latest inventions in science and technology; geographical landmarks; current socio-economic issues |
| 3. Geography | Earth location; physical features; monsoon, rainfall, weather and climate; water resources; rivers; soil; minerals and natural resources; forest and wildlife; agriculture; transport and communication; population density and distribution in Tamil Nadu and India; calamities and disaster management; environment and 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 and Union Territory; citizenship; Fundamental Rights, Fundamental Duties, Directive Principles; Union and State executive and legislature; local governments and Panchayat Raj; Centre-State relations; elections; judiciary and rule of law; corruption and anti-corruption measures, Lokpal and Lokayukta, RTI; women empowerment; consumer protection; human rights |
| 6. Indian Economy | Nature of the Indian economy; Five Year Plans; Planning Commission and NITI Aayog; sources of revenue, RBI, Finance Commission, resource sharing, GST; economic trends; employment; land reforms; agriculture and science and technology in agriculture; industrial growth; rural welfare programmes; social problems including population, education, health and poverty |
| 7. Indian National Movement | National renaissance; early uprisings against British rule; Indian National Congress; leaders such as 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; modes of agitation in Tamil Nadu |
| 8. History, Culture, Heritage and Socio-Political Movements of Tamil Nadu | History of Tamil society; archaeological discoveries; Tamil literature from the Sangam age to contemporary times; Thirukkural (secular literature, relevance to daily life, universal values, philosophical content); Tamil Nadu in the freedom struggle; role of women; social reformers and reform movements |
| 9. Development Administration in Tamil Nadu | Social justice and social harmony in socio-economic development; education and health systems in Tamil Nadu; geography of Tamil Nadu and its impact on economic growth |
TNPSC Group 4 Aptitude and Mental Ability Syllabus
Aptitude and Mental Ability has 25 questions at SSLC level. The topics listed in the source are:
- Simplification, percentage, HCF and LCM
- Ratio and proportion
- Simple interest and compound interest
- Area and volume
- Time and work
- Logical reasoning and puzzles
- Dice and visual reasoning
- Alpha-numeric reasoning and number series
TNPSC Group 4 Syllabus 2026 PDF Download
A syllabus PDF covering Part A, General Studies and Aptitude & Mental Ability is available through the source page below. This file is hosted by Adda247, not TNPSC, so compare it with the official website, www.tnpsc.gov.in, before relying on it.
How to Prepare for the TNPSC Group 4 Syllabus
Part B is checked only if you clear 40% in Part A, so give Tamil as much attention as General Studies. These steps come from the source's preparation advice.
- Finish Tamil grammar, literature, Thirukkural chapters and the listed authors first.
- Build General Studies basics from Tamil Nadu State Board textbooks, 6th to 10th standard.
- Follow current affairs, including national developments and Tamil Nadu events.
- Practise aptitude and reasoning questions daily with a time limit.
- Solve TNPSC Group 4 previous year papers to spot frequently asked topics.
- Take full-length 200-question OMR mock tests within 3 hours.
- Keep short notes on key facts, formulas, Tamil literary works and current affairs for revision.
Important Instructions for Candidates
- Score at least 60 out of 150 in Part A, or your Part B will not be evaluated.
- Part A questions are in Tamil only; Part B is available in Tamil and English.
- Answers are marked on an OMR sheet within the 3-hour limit.
- Check www.tnpsc.gov.in for the latest official updates before the exam.
TNPSC Group 4 Syllabus 2026 - Important Links
- Official website: tnpsc.gov.in
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the TNPSC Group 4 syllabus 2026?
It covers Part A (Tamil Eligibility-cum-Scoring Test) and Part B (General Studies plus Aptitude and Mental Ability), all at SSLC standard.
Is there negative marking in TNPSC Group 4?
No. Each correct answer gives 1.5 marks and wrong answers carry no penalty.
How many questions and marks are there in TNPSC Group 4?
The paper has 200 questions for 300 marks. Part A has 100 questions for 150 marks. Part B has 75 General Studies and 25 Aptitude questions, carrying 150 marks together.
What are the minimum qualifying marks in TNPSC Group 4?
You need 90 marks overall (30%), with at least 60 out of 150 (40%) in Part A.
Is Tamil compulsory in the TNPSC Group 4 exam?
Yes. The Tamil Eligibility-cum-Scoring Test is Part A of the paper, and Part B is checked only if you pass the 40% cut in it.