TNPSC Group 1 Syllabus: Prelims to Interview

The TNPSC Group 1 exam is a prestigious state-level competitive exam conducted by the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission to recruit candidates for top administrative posts like Deputy Collector, DSP, and Assistant Commissioner. The exam comprises three stages: Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and Interview. A clear understanding of the syllabus is crucial for effective preparation and success.

1. Preliminary Examination

Type: Objective (MCQs)

Total Marks: 300

Duration: 3 hours

Questions: 200 (General Studies – 175 + Aptitude & Mental Ability – 25)

Negative Marking: None

Subjects Covered:

General Studies:

Indian Polity and Constitution

Indian History and National Movement

Geography of India and Tamil Nadu

Indian Economy and Development

General Science & Technology

Tamil Nadu History, Culture, and Socio-Political Movements

Current Affairs (State, National, International)

Aptitude & Mental Ability:

Logical Reasoning

Simplification & Number Series

Time, Speed, Distance

Ratios, Percentages, Averages

Puzzles, Visual Reasoning, Dice

2. Mains Examination

Type: Descriptive (Essay/Analytical Writing)

Total Marks: 750 (Each Paper – 250 Marks)

Duration: 3 hours per paper

Paper Structure:

Paper 1 – Tamil Eligibility Test (Qualifying in nature)

Tests Tamil language proficiency through descriptive writing.

General Studies I:

Modern Indian History and Culture

Social Issues in India and Tamil Nadu

Aptitude and Mental Ability (Advanced)

General Studies II:

Indian Polity & Emerging Political Trends

Role and Impact of Science and Technology

Tamil Nadu’s Heritage and Culture

General Studies III:

Indian Economy & Planning

Global Economic Trends

Geography, Environment, and Biodiversity

3. Interview / Oral Test

Total Marks: 100

Conducted by a panel of experts

Evaluates: Personality, Communication Skills, General Awareness, Integrity, Leadership Qualities, and Problem-Solving Abilities.

Key Features of TNPSC Group 1 Exam:

Language Medium: Tamil & English

Application Mode: Online

Exam Mode: Offline (Written)

No Negative Marking in Prelims

Preparation Tips:

Analyze the syllabus deeply and focus on high-weightage topics.

Prepare with TN SCERT books, standard reference materials, and government reports.

Practice with previous year question papers and mock tests.

Maintain a balanced schedule with time for revisions, breaks, and current affairs updates.

Work on writing clear and concise answers for Mains.

Enhance personality traits and current affairs knowledge for the Interview stage.

Expert Guidance by KingMakers IAS Academy

KingMakers IAS Academy, recognized as one of the best TNPSC coaching centres in Chennai, provides:

Expert faculty with years of experience

Structured study plans and time-bound schedules

Daily test series and individual performance analysis

1000+ practice questions across subjects

Regular mock interviews and personality development sessions

With a clear understanding of the syllabus and a disc

1. TNPSC Group 1 Syllabus: Prelims, Mains & Interview

Candidates must understand the TNPSC Group 1 syllabus before preparing and writing exams.
This government exam tests the candidates’ general knowledge, aptitude & mental ability and
Tamil Nadu history, politics, and socio-economic conditions. TNPSC Group 1 syllabus
consists of Prelims, Mains and Interview, covering topics such as science, geography,
polity, economy, aptitude, India and Tamil Nadu history. It is important to understand the
syllabus and allot sufficient time for the preparation to crack the TNPSC Group 1 examinations.
In this article, you will find the complete details regarding TNPSC group 1 syllabus and how to
schedule it properly for better preparation.

KingMakers Academy, recognized as the best TNPSC coaching centre in Chennai, provides a
wide range of test series, individual assessment for each candidate and classes conducted by
experienced faculties. This prepares the TNPSC aspirants to crack the exam with ease.
TNPSC Group 1 Syllabus - A Brief Overview

TNPSC Group 1 exam is conducted by the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission to recruit
candidates for positions like Deputy Collector, DSP, Assistant Commissioner, Deputy Registrar,
Deputy Superintendent of Police, District Employment Officer. As said, the syllabus of the
TNPSC Group 1 exam consists of Prelims, Mains, and Interview. Prelims examination is a
MCQ-based paper, containing 300 marks, Mains examination has four papers with 750 marks,
and the final selection is followed by the Interview amounting to 100 marks.

In the following table you can get a clear overview on the TNPSC Group 1 syllabus:


TNPSC Group 1 Syllabus
Conducting Body Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission
Examination Name TNPSC Group 1 Exam
Selection Process 1. Preliminary exam (Prelims)
2. Mains exam
3. Interview
Total Marks 1. Prelims (MCQ-based paper) – 300 marks
2. Mains (4 descriptive papers) – 750 marks
2. Interview – 100 marks

2. TNPSC Group 1 Syllabus
Negative marking No
Duration 3 hours for Prelims exam and 3 hours for
each Mains paper
Language of the Exam English, Tamil
Mode of the Application Online
Mode of the Exam Offline

TNPSC Group 1 - Prelims Syllabus

TNPSC Group 1 Prelims examination consists of 200 questions, each carries 1.5 marks totaling
300 marks. Candidates must get qualified in Prelims exam to be eligible for Mains exam. It can
be divided into two broad groups:

● General Studies: This part consists of 175 questions, testing the candidate’s knowledge
on basic general knowledge of History, Geography, Current Affairs, etc.
● Aptitude & Mental Ability: This part has 25 questions devised based on the SSLC
standard. It tests the candidates’ numerical ability and basic math skills, including topics
like ratios, simplification, interest, time, area and volume.
Part A: General Studies (175 Questions)

Let’s understand the type and topics covered in the general studies section of the TNPSC group
1 syllabus, based on the priority.
1. Indian Economy and Development - 50 Questions

Indian economy and development consists of topics like monetary policy, economic planning,
taxations and government schemes. It’s also emphasized on economic development in
Tamilnadu, including topics like welfare schemes, rural programs, human development
indicators, and pressing challenges such as unemployment and poverty.

3. Section Topic Subtopics
Indian Economy
Fundamentals
Economic Planning &
Development
● Five Year Plans
● NITI Aayog
● Economic Surveys
● GDP, GNP
● Economic Indicators
Sectoral Analysis
● Agriculture
● Industry
● Services
● Infrastructure
Economic Reforms
● 1991 Economic Reforms
● Recent Reforms
● Financial Inclusion
● Startup India
Tamil Nadu
Economic
Development State Economy Overview
● GSDP Trends
● Per Capita Income
● Economic Planning
● Budget Analysis
Industrial Development
● Manufacturing
● IT & Software
● MSME Sector
● Industrial Parks
Agriculture & Allied Activities
● Cropping Patterns
● Irrigation
● Agricultural Schemes
● Animal Husbandry
Infrastructure Development
● Transport
● Urban Development
● Water Resources Inter-state disputes,
management projects
Government
Schemes &
Policies Social Welfare Amma schemes, pension programs
Employment MGNREGA implementation in TN
Education Mid-day meal, scholarship schemes
Health Govt. health insurance, medical facilities

2. Tamilnadu History, Culture & Movements - 40 Questions

Since TNPSC Group 1 exam is a state exam conducted by and in Tamilnadu, it brings forth
topics related to Tamilnadu’s contribution to Indian culture, literature, and history. It focuses on

4. the movements such as self-respect movement, contributions of periyar, and literary
significance of Thirukkural.


Section Topic Subtopics
Ancient Tamil
Nadu Sangam Period
● Three Kingdoms
● Sangam Literature
● Society & Economy
● Religion
Post-Sangam Period
● Kalabhra Rule
● Pallava Dynasty
● Temple Architecture
Medieval Tamil
Nadu Chola Empire
● Administrative System
● Cultural Achievements
● Maritime Trade

Pandya Revival & Other
Dynasties
● Later Pandyas
● Hoysala Influence
● Vijayanagara Period
Colonial Period British Establishment
● East India Company
● Colonial Administration
● Economic Impact
● Social Changes
Resistance Movements
● Polygar Wars
● 1857 Revolt
● Early Nationalism
● Peasant Movements
Modern Socio-
Political
Movements
Justice Party & Self-Respect
Movement
● Justice Party
● Periyar E.V. Ramasamy
● Anti-Brahmin Movement
● Women's Rights
Dravidian Movement
● DMK Formation
● AIADMK Split
● Political Impact
● Cultural Renaissance
Contemporary Politics
● Regional Parties
● Social Justice
● Tamil Nationalism
● Recent Developments

5. 3. Indian Polity - 40 Questions

The Indian Polity section is primarily related to the Indian constitution, its features, governance,
structures and federal relations. It covers topics such as fundamental rights, duties, local
governance, judiciary systems, etc.

Section Topic Subtopics
Constitutional
Framework Constitutional Development
● Historical Background
● Constituent Assembly
Fundamental Provisions
● Preamble
● Fundamental Rights
● Fundamental Duties
● Directive Principles
Union Government Executive
● President
● Vice-President
● Prime Minister
● Cabinet System
Legislature
● Lok Sabha
● Rajya Sabha
● Parliamentary Procedures
● Legislative Relations
Judiciary
● Supreme Court
● High Courts
● Judicial Review
● Judicial Activism
State Government
& Federalism State Executive & Legislature
● Governor
● Chief Minister
● State Legislature
Centre-State Relations
● Legislative Relations
● Administrative Relations
● Financial Relations
●
Local Government
& Contemporary
Issues Panchayati Raj
● 73rd Amendment
● Elections
● Women's Participation
Urban Local Bodies
● 74th Amendment
● Functions & Finances
● Smart Cities

6. 4. History and Indian National Movement - 25 Questions

This section covers the major Indian national movements spanning freedom struggle, rise of
dynasties and cultural evolution. It also includes several notable personalities involved in the
freedom struggle and social reforms movements.

Section Topic Subtopics
Ancient India Early Civilizations
Indus Valley
Vedic Period
Religious Movements
Mauryan Empire
Classical Period
Gupta Empire
Post-Gupta
South Indian Dynasties
Medieval India Delhi Sultanate
Establishment
Administrative System
Economic Policies
Mughal Empire
Foundation
Akbar's Policies
Later Mughals
Maratha Rise
Modern India &
Freedom Struggle British Colonial Rule
Company Rule
Crown Rule
Economic Impact
National Movement
Early Phase
Extremist Phase
Gandhian Era

5. Geography of India - 10 Questions

It focused on the physical and social geography of India. The former includes climate, rivers,
natural resources and agriculture. And, the latter includes population, communication and
disaster management.

Section Topic Subtopics
Physical
Geography Physiographic Divisions
● Northern Mountains
● Northern Plains
● Peninsular Plateau
● Coastal Plains
● Islands

7. Climate & Monsoon
● Monsoon System
● Seasonal Variations
● Rainfall Distribution
● Climate Change
Human Geography Population Geography
● Distribution Patterns
● Demographic Trends
● Census Data
Economic Geography
● Agricultural Regions
● Industrial Centers
● Transport Networks
Environmental
Geography Environmental Issues
● Natural Disasters
● Environmental Issues
● Conservation

6. General Science - 10 Questions

This part of the TNPSC Group 1 syllabus focuses on the basic concepts in Physics, chemistry,
biology, and environmental science.

Section Topic Subtopics
Physics Classical Physics
Mechanics
Heat & Thermodynamics
Optics
Electricity & Magnetism
Modern Physics
Atomic Structure
Space Science
Nuclear Science
Chemistry Basic Chemistry
Atomic Theory
Chemical Reactions
Organic Chemistry
Environmental Chemistry
Applied Chemistry
Industrial Chemistry
Food Chemistry
Biochemistry
Biology Life Sciences
Cell Biology
Genetics
Evolution
Ecology
Human Biology
Human Physiology
Health & Disease
Reproduction

8. Current Science &
Technology Contemporary Issues
Recent Discoveries
Technology Applications
Medical Advances
Environmental Technology

Part B: Aptitude & Mental Ability (25 Questions)

Let’s find the list of aspects of aptitude candidates will be tested in this part:

● Logical reasoning
● Quantitative Aptitude
● Syllogism
● Simplification
● Ratios
● Logical and visual reasoning
● Puzzle and number series
● Dice and alphanumeric problems
TNPSC Group 1 - Mains Syllabus

TNPSC Group 1 Mains examination has 4 descriptive type papers summing up 750 marks, with
3 hours of exam duration for each:

● Paper 1: Tamil Eligibility Test
● Paper 2: General Studies I
● Paper 3: General Studies II
● Paper 4: General Studies III
Paper 1: Tamil Eligibility Test (100 marks)

In this paper, candidates will get descriptive type questions, which test their Tamil language
proficiency.
Paper 2: General Studies I (250 marks)

Here, candidates will be asked questions based on modern history of India and culture, social
issues in India and Tamilnadu and general aptitude and mental ability.
Paper 3: General Studies II (250 marks)

9. In this paper, questions are devised based on Indian polity and emerging political trends,
science and technology in development, and Tamilnadu society, culture, & heritage.
Paper 4: General Studies III (250 marks)

Here, candidates will be asked questions derived from subjects like geography of India,
environment, biodiversity, Indian economy and global trends.
TNPSC Group 1 - Interview

TNPSC Group 1 is the final step of the recruitment process for the various positions in
Tamilnadu. In this stage, the candidates’ personality, communication skills and general
awareness of the society will be tested. This interview is conducted by a panel of experts
including experienced administrators and subject matter experts. Mostly, questions are based
on current affairs, general knowledge, personal and behavioural questions, etc.

This is the complete information on the TNPSC group 1 syllabus. You might think of how to
schedule these subjects properly and study them. In the succeeding section, we are providing
some tips to manage your study process.

Also read: TNPSC Group 2 and 2A Syllabus
Tips to Crack TNPSC Group 1 Exam

Below, we have listed the several tips to crack the TNPSC Group 1 examination:

● Deep analysis of syllabus: Ensure to examine the TNPSC group 1 syllabus to
understand the topics and subjects and pay attention to the score weightage of each
topic.
● Create a study schedule: Develop a well-structured schedule covering all the topics
based on the priority, allot a specific time for each subject, assign a time for revisions
and stick to it.
● Prioritize weak spots: Give special attention to the areas where you are lacking. Try to
study those aspects while early and when you’re having a fresh mind.
● Regular breaks: Breaks must be included in the study routine to avoid burnout and
improve the memory.
● Use previous question papers: Simulate the exam conditions and try to write the
TNPSC Group 1 exam under stipulated time. This prepares the candidates to excel in
the examination.

10. ● Use proper study books: Get a good grasp on TN SCERT books and recommended
guides. Make sure to read, understand and remember all the important details and
information given in the relevant textbooks.

Learn more: TNPSC Group 1 Study Plan
TNPSC Group 1 Exam Preparation Made Easier!

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FAQs on TNPSC Group 1 Syllabus
1. What TNPSC Group 1 syllabus consists of?
The TNPSC Group 1 syllabus consists of three stages: Preliminary exam (Prelims), Mains
exam, and Interview. Each test specific candidates’ knowledge, skills and aptitude.
2. What are the subjects and topics covered in the TNPSC Group 1 Prelims
syllabus?
The TNPSC Group 1 Prelims syllabus covers two broad subjects or skills, followed by several
topics - General Studies (Indian economy, Tamil Nadu history and culture, Indian polity, Indian
history, geography, general science) and Aptitude & Mental Ability.
3. How is the TNPSC Group 1 Mains exam structured?
The TNPSC Group 1 Mains exam has four papers with descriptive type questions: Tamil
Eligibility Test, General Studies I, General Studies II, and General Studies III. It has questions
valuing 750 marks, with three hours duration for each paper.
4. Is there any negative marking in the TNPSC Group 1 Prelims exam?
No, there is no negative marking in the TNPSC Group 1 Prelims exam.

11. 5. What tips can be used to prepare for the TNPSC Group 1 exam?
Candidates can start by analysing the TNPSC Group 1 syllabus deeply and ensure to create a
structured study schedule, focus on weak spots, take short and regular breaks, and practice
previous year question papers to excel in the real-time conditions of the exam.