The TNPSC Group 4 Syllabus 2026 covers Tamil, General Studies, and Aptitude and Mental Ability. The Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) conducts the Combined Civil Services Examination-IV to recruit candidates for various Group 4 posts. The written examination has 200 questions for 300 marks, and the question standard is based on SSLC (Class 10).
Candidates preparing for the TNPSC Group 4 Exam 2026 should check the complete unit-wise syllabus, exam pattern, marking scheme and official syllabus PDF before starting their preparation. The latest TNPSC Group 4 Notification 2026 was released on 6 October 2026, and the written examination is scheduled for 10 January 2027.
TNPSC Group 4 Syllabus 2026: Overview
The TNPSC Group 4 exam is a single objective type paper covering Tamil, General Studies, and Aptitude. Scoring the minimum required marks in the Tamil section is mandatory, otherwise your General Studies and Aptitude sections will not be evaluated.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Body | Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) |
| Exam Name | TNPSC Group 4 |
| Exam Level / Standard | SSLC (10th Standard) |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (OMR-based Pen & Paper Test) |
| Question Type | Objective Type Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Total Questions | 200 Questions |
| Total Marks | 300 Marks (1.5 Marks per Question) |
| Duration | 3 Hours (180 Minutes) |
| Negative Marking | No Negative Marking |
| Minimum Qualifying Marks | 90 Marks (30% overall; 40% mandatory in Part A) |
| Official Website | www.tnpsc.gov.in |
TNPSC Group 4 Exam Pattern 2026
The TNPSC Group 4 paper is divided into Part A and Part B. Part A is the Tamil Eligibility-cum-Scoring Test, while Part B contains General Studies and Aptitude & Mental Ability.
| Part | Subject | Questions | Marks | Standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Tamil Eligibility-cum-Scoring Test | 100 | 150 | SSLC |
| B | General Studies | 75 | 150 | |
| Aptitude & Mental Ability | 25 | |||
| Total | – | 200 | 300 | – |
Important: Part B will be evaluated only for candidates who secure at least 40% marks in Part A. The marks obtained in both Part A and Part B are considered for ranking.
TNPSC Group 4 Syllabus 2026: Subject-Wise Topics
The TNPSC Group 4 syllabus includes Tamil grammar and literature, General Science, Current Affairs, 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.
Part A: Tamil Eligibility-cum-Scoring Test
Part A contains 100 questions for 150 marks and is based on the SSLC standard. The syllabus broadly covers Tamil grammar, literature, Thirukkural, Tamil scholars, literary works, culture and the development of the Tamil language.
| Category | Topics / Details |
|---|---|
| Tamil Grammar | Choosing correct words; identifying famous quotations & authors; continuing phrases & meanings; splitting words (பிரித்தெழுதுக); antonyms (எதிர்ச்சொல்); identifying inappropriate/incorrect words; correcting spelling, singular/plural & grammatical errors; Tamil equivalents of English words; sound variations & meanings; meaning of one-letter words; root words (வேர்ச்சொல்); forming verb forms, verbal nouns & occupational nouns; alphabetical ordering; arranging words into sentences; types of nouns; grammatical notes; choosing questions for answers; types of sentences; active, causative & passive sentences; meanings through similes; Ethukai, Monai, Iyaibu; proverbs (பழமொழிகள்) |
| 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 & Classical Literature | Kamba Ramayanam, Ravana Kaviyam, Purananuru, Agananuru, Natrinai, Kurunthogai, Aingurunuru, Kalithogai, Ettuthogai, Pathupattu, Silappathikaram, Manimekalai, Jain & Buddhist epics |
| Bhakti & Other Literary Works | Periyapuranam, Nalayira Divya Prabandham, Thiruvilaiyadal Puranam, Thembavani, Seerapuranam |
| Minor Literary Works (Chitrilakkiyangal) | 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 |
| Tamil Scholars & Religious Pioneers | Appar, Sambandhar, Sundarar, Manickavasagar, Thirumoolar, Kulasekara Azhwar, Andal, Seethalai Sathanar, H.A. Krishnanar, Umaruppuvar |
| Modern Poets & 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 |
| Tamil Epistolary Literature | Diaries, Jawaharlal Nehru, Mahatma Gandhi, Mu. Varadarasanar, Perarignar Anna |
| Short Stories & Fine Arts | Tamil short stories & authors; matching authors with works; folk & performing arts; sculpture; painting; public speaking; cinema |
| Antiquity & Development of Tamil | Antiquity of Tamil language; special features of Tamil; Dravidian languages; development of Tamil; scientific ideas & thoughts in Tamil |
| Tamil Prose & 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 & Tamil Nadu Personalities | Thanthai Periyar, Perarignar Anna, Muthuramalingar, B.R. Ambedkar, Kamarajar, Ma.Po. Sivagnanam, Kayidhe Millath |
| Tamil Nadu & Global Tamil Community | Origin & changes of place names; global Tamil contributions; Tamil language & cultural heritage; Tamil trade & archaeological studies; ancient sea voyages; palm-leaf manuscripts; food as medicine & medicinal herbs; religious harmony; Thayumanavar, Ramalinga Adigalar, Thiru.Vi. Kalyanasundaranar |
| Women in Tamil History & Society | Mooloor Ramamirthammal, Dr. Muthulakshmi Ammaiyar, Velu Nachiyar, Thillaiyadi Valliammai, Rani Mangammal, Annie Besant; role of women in freedom struggle; contributions to Tamil society |
Part B: General Studies and Aptitude & Mental Ability
General Studies consists of 75 questions carrying 150 marks. The syllabus covers 10 major areas, ranging from General Science and Current Affairs to Tamil Nadu history and Development Administration.
| Category | Topics / Details |
|---|---|
| 1. General Science | Nature of Universe, Measurement, Scientific Laws in Motion, Force, Pressure, Energy; Everyday applications of Mechanics, Electricity, Magnetism, Light, Sound, Heat, Nuclear Physics; Elements, Compounds, Acids, Bases, Salts, Petroleum Products, Fertilizers, Pesticides, Metallurgy, Food Adulterants; Life Science concepts, Classification, Evolution, Genetics, Physiology, Nutrition, Health & Hygiene, Human diseases; Environmental Science |
| 2. Current Events | Latest events, National symbols, State profiles, Eminent personalities, Places in news, Sports, Books & Authors; Government welfare schemes, Political parties & systems in Tamil Nadu and India; Latest inventions in Science & Technology, Geographical landmarks, Current socio-economic issues |
| 3. Geography | Earth location, Physical features, Monsoon, Rainfall, Weather & Climate, Water resources, Rivers, Soil, Minerals, Natural resources, Forest & Wildlife, Agriculture; Transport, Communication; Population density & distribution in Tamil Nadu and India; Calamities, Disaster Management, Environment, 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 & Union Territory; Citizenship, Fundamental Rights, Fundamental Duties, Directive Principles; Union Executive, Union Legislature, State Executive, State Legislature, Local Governments, Panchayat Raj; Federalism: Centre-State relationships; Election, Judiciary, Rule of Law; Corruption, Anti-Corruption measures, Lokpal & Lokayukta, RTI, Women Empowerment, Consumer Protection, Human Rights |
| 6. Indian Economy | Nature of Indian economy, Five Year Plans, Planning Commission & NITI Aayog; Sources of revenue, RBI, Finance Commission, Resource sharing, GST; Economic trends, Employment, Land Reforms, Agriculture, Science & Technology in Agriculture, Industrial growth, Rural welfare programmes, Social problems, Population, Education, Health, Employment, Poverty |
| 7. Indian National Movement | National Renaissance, Early uprisings against British Rule, Indian National Congress; Emergence of leaders: 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, and others; Different modes of agitation in Tamil Nadu and movements |
| 8. History, Culture, Heritage and Socio-Political Movements of Tamil Nadu | History of Tamil Society, Archaeological Discoveries, Tamil Literature from Sangam age to contemporary times; Thirukkural: Secular literature, Relevance to everyday life, Impact on humanity, Universal values, Socio-politico-economic relevance, Philosophical content; Role of Tamil Nadu in freedom struggle, Early agitations, Role of women; Social reformers, Social reform movements, Social transformation |
| 9. Development Administration in Tamil Nadu | Social Justice & Social Harmony as cornerstones of socio-economic development; Education & Health systems in Tamil Nadu; Geography of Tamil Nadu & its impact on Economic growth |
| 10. Aptitude & Mental Ability Tests | Simplification, Percentage, HCF, LCM; Ratio & Proportion; Simple Interest, Compound Interest, Area, Volume, Time & Work; Logical Reasoning, Puzzles, Dice, Visual Reasoning, Alpha Numeric Reasoning, Number Series |
TNPSC Group 4 Syllabus 2026 PDF Download
Candidates can download the TNPSC Group 4 Syllabus 2026 PDF and keep it as a reference while preparing each subject. The syllabus PDF covers the Tamil Eligibility-cum-Scoring Test, General Studies and Aptitude & Mental Ability.
| Syllabus | PDF Link |
| TNPSC Group 4 Syllabus in Tamil | Download PDF |
| TNPSC Group 4 Syllabus in English | Download PDF |
TNPSC Group 4 Syllabus 2026 Video
Candidates who prefer learning through video can watch the TNPSC Group 4 syllabus explanation in Tamil.
The video can help candidates understand the syllabus and plan their preparation. Use it along with the official syllabus PDF to ensure that every prescribed topic is covered.
How to Prepare for the TNPSC Group 4 Exam 2026
A subject-wise preparation plan can help candidates cover the syllabus systematically and revise important topics before the examination.
- Complete Tamil First: Cover Tamil grammar, literature, Thirukkural chapters, and prescribed authors systematically.
- Build General Studies Basics: Study SSLC-level Tamil Nadu State Board textbooks (6th to 10th standard) to clear core concepts.
- Follow Current Affairs: Regularly revise key national developments and Tamil Nadu state-specific events.
- Practise Aptitude Daily: Solve numerical and logical reasoning questions daily under a timed limit to increase speed and accuracy.
- Solve Previous Year Papers: Analyze past question papers to identify high-weightage topics and recurring question patterns.
- Take Full-Length Mock Tests: Practise full 200-question OMR mock exams within the 3-hour exam limit to build endurance.
- Maintain Revision Notes: Keep short notes for key facts, math formulas, Tamil literary works, and current affairs for quick revision.
TNPSC Group 4 90-Day Preparation Plan
Candidates with around three months to prepare can divide their study schedule into three stages.
| Timeline | Primary Focus | Key Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1–30 | Concept Building | • Complete Tamil Grammar rules & Thirukkural chapters. • Cover Aptitude formulas & basic concepts. • Read (TN State Board) 6th–10th books for General Studies. |
| Days 31–60 | Topic Practice & PYQs | • Solve Tamil Nadu History (Unit 8) & Polity questions daily. • Solve Previous Year Question papers to identify high-weightage topics. • Practice 25 Aptitude questions daily for speed. |
| Days 61–90 | Mock Tests & Revision | • Take full-length 3-hour OMR mock tests. • Revise short notes, current affairs, and weak areas. • Avoid starting new topics in the final two weeks. |
TNPSC Group 4 Syllabus 2026: FAQs
What is the TNPSC Group 4 Syllabus 2026?
The TNPSC Group 4 syllabus includes the Tamil Eligibility-cum-Scoring Test, General Studies, and Aptitude and Mental Ability. The examination has 200 questions for 300 marks and follows the SSLC standard.
How many questions are there in the TNPSC Group 4 exam?
The examination has 200 questions. Part A contains 100 Tamil questions, while Part B contains 75 General Studies questions and 25 Aptitude and Mental Ability questions.
What is the minimum qualifying mark for the Tamil section?
Candidates must score at least 60 out of 150 marks in Part A. Part B will not be evaluated if this minimum requirement is not met.
Is the TNPSC Group 4 syllabus based on the 10th standard?
Yes. The official syllabus follows the SSLC standard. Candidates should check the prescribed topics in the official syllabus PDF before choosing their study materials.
How many units are included in the TNPSC Group 4 syllabus?
The syllabus includes seven units for Tamil, six units for General Studies and two units for Aptitude and Mental Ability.
Where can candidates download the TNPSC Group 4 syllabus PDF?
Candidates can download the English syllabus PDF from the official TNPSC website. The document is available under syllabus Code 496.
How should candidates prepare for TNPSC Group 4?
Candidates should follow the official syllabus, study the prescribed topics, practise Tamil and Aptitude regularly, revise current affairs, solve previous-year papers and take mock tests.
When is the TNPSC Group 4 Exam 2026 scheduled?
According to Notification No. 11/2026, the written examination is scheduled for 10 January 2027. Candidates should check the official TNPSC website for any subsequent changes.
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