In this article, we are discussing the TNPSC CTS Syllabus and Exam Pattern to help candidates understand the exam structure, important topics, and marking scheme. Candidates preparing for the TNPSC CTS exam must have a clear understanding of the syllabus and exam pattern, focus on relevant topics, make a strategic study plan, and improve overall performance in the examination.
TNPSC CTS Syllabus 2026 – Overview
| Particulars |
Details |
| Organization |
Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) |
| Exam Name |
Combined Technical Service Examination |
| Post |
Assistant Engineer (Civil/Mechanical/Electrical), Environmental Scientist, Project Officer, and others |
| Mode of Exam |
Offline (OMR-based) |
| Type of Questions |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Number of Papers |
|
| Duration |
- Paper 1 – 3 Hours
- Paper 2 – 2.5 Hours
|
| Negative Marking |
1/3 Mark |
TNPSC CTS Exam Pattern 2026
The TNPSC CTS Exam 2026 is divided into 2 parts. Paper 1 includes a total of 200 questions with 200 marks, while Paper 2 includes a total of 200 questions with a total of 300 marks. Which is described in the table below:
Exam Pattern for All Posts other than Translator:
| Paper |
Subject |
No. of Questions |
Marks |
Paper I
|
Tamil Eligibility Test |
100 |
100 |
| General Studies |
75 |
75 |
| Aptitude & Mental Ability |
25 |
25 |
| Total |
200 |
200 |
| Paper II |
Subject Paper |
200 |
300 |
NOTE:
Paper 1 carries 200 marks, while Paper 2 carries 300 marks.
Both Papers exam duration of both papers is 3 Hours.

Exam Pattern for Translator Posts
| Paper |
Subject |
No. of Questions |
Marks |
| Paper I |
Tamil Eligibility Test |
100 |
150 |
| General Studies |
75 |
150 |
| Aptitude & Mental Ability |
25 |
| Paper II |
Translation |
— |
100 |
Note:
Paper 1 carries 300 marks, while Paper 2 carries 100 marks.
Paper 1 exam duration is 3 hours, while Paper 2 exam duration is 2.5 Hours.
TNPSC CTS Syllabus PDF
The TNPSC CTS Syllabus 2026 has been released on the official website for Assistant Engineer (Civil/Mechanical/Electrical), Environmental Scientist, Project Officer, and other posts. Candidates applying for these posts must understand the important subjects and topics. The examination consists of a Tamil Eligibility Test, General Studies, Aptitude & Mental Ability, and a Technical topic. Candidates can check the detailed subject-wise syllabus from the official PDF given below.
TNPSC CTS Official Syllabus PDF – Click Here
TNPSC CTS Paper I Syllabus 2026
TNPSC CTS Tamil Eligibility Test Syllabus
| Important Topics for Tamil Eligibility Test |
- Tamil Grammar
- Vocabulary
- Synonyms and Antonyms
- Comprehension
- Sentence Formation
- Usage of the Tamil Language
- Proverbs and Idioms
- Error Detection
|
TNPSC CTS General Studies Syllabus
|
Important Topics of General Studies
|
Important Topics of the History Subject
- Ancient India
- Medieval India
- Modern India
- Indian National Movement
- Tamil Nadu History and Culture
|
Important Topics of Geography
- Physical Geography
- Indian Geography
- World Geography
- Geography of Tamil Nadu
|
Important Topics of Polity
- Indian Constitution
- Fundamental Rights
- Directive Principles
- Parliament and State Legislature
- Local Self-Government
|
Important Topics of Economics
- Indian Economy
- Economic Development
- Government Schemes
- Budget and Planning
|
Important Topics of Science
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Environmental Science
|
Important Topics of Current Affairs
- National and International Events
- Sports
- Awards and Honours
- Science & Technology
- Government Initiatives
|
TNPSC CTS Aptitude & Mental Ability Syllabus
| Important Topics of Aptitude & Mental Ability |
- Analogies
- Series Completion
- Coding-Decoding
- Blood Relations
- Mirror Images
- Embedded Figures
- Paper Folding and Cutting
- Pattern Completion
- Logical Deduction
- Logical Sequences
- Seating Arrangement
- Data Interpretation
- Venn Diagrams
- Syllogism
- Number Series
- Speed, Time, and Distance
- Profit and Loss
- Time and Work
- Ratio and Proportion
|
TNPSC CTS Paper II Syllabus 2026
TNPSC CTS Paper 2 Syllabus varies according to the post, which includes Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Computer Science, Agriculture, Horticulture, Library Science, Business Administration, & more technical subjects. The detailed syllabus is given below.
Engineering Subjects Syllabus
| Important Topics for Engineering Subjects |
- Engineering Mathematics
- Engineering Mechanics
- Strength of Materials
- Fluid Mechanics
- Structural Analysis
- Thermodynamics
- Heat Transfer
- Manufacturing Processes
- Electrical Circuits
- Electrical Machines
- Power Systems
- Control Systems
- Environmental Engineering
|
Computer Science & Information Technology Syllabus
| Important Topics of Computer Science & Information Technology |
- Data Structures
- Operating Systems
- Database Management Systems
- Computer Networks
- Software Engineering
- Programming Concepts
- Cyber Security
- Web Technologies
|
Agriculture & Horticulture Syllabus
| Important Topics for Agriculture & Horticulture |
- Agronomy
- Soil Science
- Plant Breeding
- Crop Production
- Irrigation Engineering
- Pest Management
- Horticulture
|
Science Subjects Syllabus
| Important Topics of Science Subjects |
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Environmental Science
- Geology
- Forensic Science
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
|
Commerce & Management Syllabus
| Important Topics of Commerce & Management |
- Financial Accounting
- Cost Accounting
- Financial Management
- Marketing Management
- Human Resource Management
- Business Administration
|
TNPSC CTS Exam Preparation Tips
To successfully pass the TNPSC CTS Exam 2026, candidates need a good strategy, commitment, & the right mindset. Follow these helpful tips to improve your preparation:
- Understand the exam structure and note down all high-weightage topics so you can make a study plan accordingly.
- Allocate fixed hours daily to both study and practice and avoid distractions.
- First, focus on the core concept, while making short notes of key formulas and definitions for last-minute revision.
- Practice on previous years’ papers to understand the question format and frequently asked topics in the exam.
- Candidates should practice mock tests regularly to analyze their performance & progress, while working on their weak areas.
- Be positive, motivated, and believe in your preparation for exam day.
