TNPSC Combined Technical Services Exam Pattern 2026
The TNPSC CTS (Diploma / ITI Level) examination is conducted in an objective type (OMR) format containing two distinct papers.
| Paper / Section | Subject | Questions | Max Marks | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Subject Paper (Civil / Mech / EEE / Trade Standard) | 200 Qs | 300 Marks | Counted for Ranking |
| Paper II: Part A | Tamil Eligibility Test (SSLC Standard) | 100 Qs | 150 Marks | Qualifying only (Min 40% / 60 Marks needed) |
| Paper II: Part B | General Studies (Diploma Standard) | 75 Qs | 150 Marks | Counted for Ranking |
| Paper II: Part C | Aptitude & Mental Ability (SSLC Standard) | 25 Qs |
Total Merit Score Calculation: Final rankings are calculated out of 450 Marks (Paper I 300 Marks + Paper II General Studies & Aptitude 150 Marks).
Paper II: Core General Syllabus Breakdown
Part A: கட்டாயத் தமிழ் மொழி தகுதித் தேர்வு (SSLC Standard)
- பிரித்தெழுதுதல் & சேர்த்தெழுதுதல்
- எதிர்ச்சொல்லை எடுத்தெழுதுதல் & பொருந்தாச் சொல்லைக் கண்டறிதல்
- பிழை திருத்தம் (சந்திப்பிழை, ஒருமை பன்மை பிழைகள்)
- ஆங்கிலச் சொல்லுக்கு நிகரான தமிழ்ச்சொல்லை அறிதல்
- வேர்ச்சொல்லைத் தேர்வு செய்தல், வினைமுற்று, வினையெச்சம் உருவாக்கல்
Part B: General Studies (Diploma Standard)
- General Science: Nature of Universe, Mechanics, Physical properties of matter, Elements and Compounds, Acids, Bases, Salts, Nutrition & Health.
- Current Events: Latest National & State events, Sports, Awards, Eminent personalities, Science & Technology updates.
- Geography: Earth and Universe, Monsoon, Rainfall, Weather & Climate, Water resources, Soil, Minerals, Natural resources, and Geography of Tamil Nadu.
- History and Culture of India: Indus Valley Civilization, Guptas, Delhi Sultans, Mughals, Marathas, South Indian History, Characteristics of Indian culture.
- Indian Polity: Constitution of India, Preamble, Salient features, Union, State and Union Territory, Fundamental Rights & Duties, Human Rights Charter.
- Indian Economy: Nature of Indian economy, Five-year plan models, Planning Commission/NITI Aayog, Land reforms & Agriculture, RBI, Fiscal policy.
- Indian National Movement: National Renaissance, Early uprising against British rule, Indian National Congress (INC), Emergence of leaders (Gandhi, Nehru, Tagore, Kamarajar).
- History, Culture & Socio-Political Movements in TN: History of Tamil Society, Archaeological discoveries, Tamil Literature from Sangam age to contemporary times, Thirukkural.
Part C: Aptitude and Mental Ability (SSLC Standard)
- Simplification, Percentage, Highest Common Factor (HCF), Lowest Common Multiple (LCM).
- Ratio and Proportion.
- Simple Interest & Compound Interest.
- Area and Volume, Time and Work.
- Logical Reasoning: Puzzles, Dice, Visual Reasoning, Alpha-numeric Series, Number Series.
Paper I: Technical Subject Outline (Civil Engineering Example)
Note: Below is the standard syllabus structure for JDO/Road Inspector aspirants. Other branch candidates should select their respective EEE, Mechanical, or ITI Trade core syllabi.
- Engineering Mechanics: Simple Stresses and Strains, Shear Force and Bending Moment Diagrams.
- Construction Materials & Practices: Brick, Stone, Cement, Concrete, Flooring, Roofing, Painting.
- Surveying: Chain, Compass, Plane Table, Levelling, Theodolite, Total Station, and GPS.
- Transportation Engineering: Highway alignment, Geometric design, Pavement design, Traffic Engineering.
- Hydraulics & Water Resources: Hydrostatics, Flow through pipes, Open channels, Dams, Irrigation practices.
- Structural Engineering: Concrete design properties, Steel structural designs, Columns, Footings.
- Estimating and Costing: Quantity take-offs, Abstract estimates, Rate analysis, Specifications, Tender filings.