Table of Contents
The TNPSC has released the CTS syllabus on its official website. It conducts the Combined Technical Services (CTS) Examination for Degree Level (AE) and Diploma/ITI Level. Candidates preparing for any exam must check the TNPSC CTS Syllabus & Exam Pattern 2026. In this article, we have provided both syllabus together along with the exam pattern, subject-wise topics, and official PDF links.
TNPSC CTS Syllabus 2026 – Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Technical Services Examination |
| Levels Covered | Degree Level (AE) & Diploma/ITI Level |
| Posts (Degree Level) | Assistant Engineer (Civil/Mechanical/Electrical), Environmental Scientist, Project Officer, and others |
| Posts (Diploma/ITI Level) | Draughtsman, Field Assistant, Technical Assistant, and other Diploma/ITI posts |
| Mode of Exam | OMR/CBT based |
| Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Number of Papers | Paper I & Paper II |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 Mark |
| Official Website | tnpsc.gov.in |
TNPSC CTS Exam Pattern 2026
The TNPSC CTS Exam Pattern 2026 for Diploma ITI & Degree Posts is divided into 2 parts. Paper 1 & Paper 2 Exam Pattern, which is described below.
TNPSC CTS Exam Pattern For Degree Posts
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 CTSE Diploma Exam Pattern
| Paper | Subject | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I |
Tamil Eligibility Test | 100 | 150 | 3 Hours |
| General Studies | 75 | 150 | ||
| Aptitude & Mental Ability | 25 | |||
| Total | 200 | 300 | ||
| Paper II | Subject Paper | 200 | 300 | 3 Hours |
TNPSC CTS Paper I Syllabus 2026
TNPSC CTS Paper I syllabus consists of Tamil Eligibility Test, General Studies, & Aptitude & Mental Ability subjects, which are the same for both Degree and ITI Diploma exams. Candidates can check their topic-wise TNPSC CTS Syllabus & TNPSC CTSE Diploma Syllabus for the Paper I exam in the table below.
TNPSC CTS Tamil Eligibility Test Syllabus
| Important Topics for Tamil Eligibility Test |
|
TNPSC CTS General Studies Syllabus
|
Important Topics of General Studies |
Topics of History
|
Topics of Geography
|
Topics of Polity
|
Topics of Economics
|
Topics of Science
|
Topics of Current Affairs
|
TNPSC CTS Aptitude & Mental Ability Syllabus
| Important Topics of Aptitude & Mental Ability |
|
TNPSC CTSE Paper II Syllabus 2026
TNPSC CTS Paper 2 Syllabus varies according to the post, which includes both engineering-based topics & diploma-based topics of Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Computer Science, Agriculture, Horticulture, Library Science, Business Administration, & more technical subjects. The detailed syllabus is given below.
TNPSC CTS Paper II Syllabus (Degree Level)
Engineering Subjects
| Important Topics for Engineering Subjects |
|
Computer Science & Information Technology Syllabus
| Important Topics of Computer Science & Information Technology |
|
Agriculture & Horticulture Syllabus
| Important Topics for Agriculture & Horticulture |
|
Science Subjects Syllabus
| Important Topics of Science Subjects |
|
Commerce & Management Syllabus
| Important Topics of Commerce & Management |
|
TNPSC ITI Diploma Syllabus
Chemical Engineering and Technology Syllabus (Diploma Standard)
- Chemistry and Thermodynamics
- Basic Engineering
- Chemical Technology
- Stoichiometry
- Fluid Mechanics, Instrumentation and Control
- Mechanical Operations
Civil Engineering Syllabus (Diploma Standard)
- Engineering Mechanics
- Mechanics of Structures
- Construction Materials & Practice
- Transportation Engineering
- Hydraulics
- Surveying & Remote Sensing
- Environmental Engineering
- Estimating & Costing
- Structural Engineering
- Construction Management
Mining Engineering Syllabus (Diploma Standard)
- Engineering Mechanics & Structures
- Hydraulics & Water Supply
- Surveying & Advanced Surveying
- Construction Management
- Mining Geology & Mine Development
- Mining Methods
- Mine Management & Legislation
- Mine Surveying
- Mine Planning & Design
Electrical & Electronics Engineering Syllabus (Diploma Standard)
- Circuit Theory & DC Machines
- AC Machines
- Measurements & Instruments
- Electronic Devices & Circuits
- Analog & Digital Electronics
- Generation, Transmission & Switchgear
- Distribution & Utilisation
- Microcontroller & Applications
- Power Electronics & Drives
- Control of Electrical Machines
Chemical Engineering Syllabus (Diploma Standard)
- Mass Transfer Operations
- Chemical Reaction Engineering
- Industrial Safety
- Pollution Control
Architectural Draughtsman (ITI Standard)
- Familiarization with engineering drawing
- Construction
- AutoCAD & Model Space Viewport in AutoCAD
- History of Architecture
- Reading and Interpretation of Structural Drawing & SketchUp Software
- Working Drawing
- Case study, Anthropometry & Ergonomics
- Climate Responsive Designs
- Revit Software
- Green Architecture
Diesel Mechanic (ITI Standard)
- Safety Workshop Practice & First Aid, Measuring & Marking Tools
- Fastening & Fitting, Hydraulics & Pneumatics
- Basic Electrical & Electronics
- Vehicle Specification, Service Station Equipment, Engine Classification, Dashboard Gauges
- Engine Constructional details
- Cooling & Lubrication System
- Intake & Exhaust System
- Diesel Engine Fuel System
- Charging, Starting System and Emission Control
- Trouble Shooting
All other branch/trade detailed syllabus has been provided in the detailed syllabus PDF.
TNPSC CTS Syllabus PDF
The TNPSC CTS Syllabus 2026 has been released on the official website for various 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 CTSE Official Syllabus PDF – Click Here
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 concepts, 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.










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