TNPSC Group II & IIA Services
Complete Detailed Syllabus (2026)
Notification No. 07/2026 | Annexure III
1. Preliminary Examination (Common for Group II & IIA)
Single Paper | 300 Marks | 3 Hours | 200 Questions | Objective Type (OMR)
Minimum Qualifying Marks: 90 (for all communities)
Part A – General Studies (75 Questions) – Degree Standard
Unit I: General Science (5 Questions)
Scientific knowledge and scientific temper – Power of reasoning – Rote learning vs conceptual learning – Science as a tool to understand the past, present and future – Nature of universe – General scientific laws – Mechanics – Properties of matter, force, motion and energy – Everyday application of basic principles of mechanics, electricity and magnetism, light, sound, heat, nuclear physics, laser, electronics and communications – Elements and compounds, acids, bases, salts, petroleum products, fertilizers, pesticides – Main concepts of life science, classification of living organisms, evolution, genetics, physiology, nutrition, health and hygiene, human diseases – Environment and ecology – Latest inventions in science and technology – Current affairs.
Unit II: Geography of India (5 Questions)
Location – Physical features – Monsoon, rainfall, weather and climate – Water resources – Rivers in India – Soil, Minerals and Natural Resources – Forest and Wildlife – Agricultural pattern – Transport – Communication – Social Geography – Population density and distribution – Racial, linguistic groups and major tribes – Natural calamity – Disaster management – Environmental pollution – Reasons and preventive measures – Climate change – Green energy – Geographical landmarks – Current affairs.
Unit III: History, Culture of India and Indian National Movement (10 Questions)
Indus Valley Civilization – Guptas, Delhi Sultans, Mughals and Marathas – Age of Vijayanagaram and Bahmani Kingdoms – South Indian History – National Renaissance – Early uprising against British rule – Indian National Congress – Emergence of leaders (B.R. Ambedkar, Bhagat Singh, Bharathiar, V.O. Chidambaranar, Jawaharlal Nehru, Kamarajar, Mahatma Gandhi, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Thanthai Periyar, Rajaji, Subash Chandra Bose, Rabindranath Tagore and others) – Different modes of agitation – Growth of Satyagraha and Militant Movements – Communalism and Partition – Change and continuity in the socio-cultural history of India – Characteristics of Indian Culture, Unity in Diversity – Race, Language, Custom – India as a secular state – Social harmony – Prominent personalities in various spheres (Arts, Science, Literature and Philosophy).
TNPSC Group II & IIA Unit I: General Science – Detailed Study Material | Free PDF Download: CLICK HERE
Unit IV: Indian Polity (15 Questions)
Constitution of India – Preamble – Salient features – Union, State and Union Territory – Citizenship – Fundamental Rights, Fundamental Duties, Directive Principles of State Policy – Union Executive, Union Legislature – State Executive, State Legislature – Local Governments, Panchayat Raj – Spirit of federalism: Centre-State relationships – Election – Judiciary in India – Rule of Law – Corruption in public life – Anti-corruption measures – Lokpal and Lok Ayukta – Right to Information – Empowerment of Women – Consumer Protection Forums – Human Rights Charter – Political parties and political system in India – Current affairs.
Unit V: Indian Economy and Development Administration in Tamil Nadu (20 Questions)
Nature of Indian Economy – Five-year plan models – Planning Commission and NITI Aayog – Sources of revenue – Reserve Bank of India – Fiscal Policy and Monetary Policy – Finance Commission – Resource sharing between Union and State Governments – Goods and Services Tax – Structure of Indian Economy and Employment Generation – Land Reforms and Agriculture – Application of Science and Technology in Agriculture – Industrial growth – Rural welfare oriented programmes – Social problems (Population, Education, Health, Employment, Poverty) – Human Development Indicators in Tamil Nadu – Impact of social reform movements – Political parties and welfare schemes – Rationale behind reservation policy – Economic trends in Tamil Nadu – Role and impact of social welfare schemes – Social Justice and social harmony – Education and health systems in Tamil Nadu – Geography of Tamil Nadu and its impact on economic growth – Achievements of Tamil Nadu – e-Governance in Tamil Nadu – Public awareness and General administration – Welfare oriented Government schemes – Problems in public delivery systems – Current socio-economic issues – Current affairs.
Unit VI: History, Culture, Heritage and Socio-Political Movements in Tamil Nadu (20 Questions)
History of Tamil Society – Related archaeological discoveries – Tamil literature from Sangam age till contemporary times – Thirukkural (Significance as a secular literature, Relevance to everyday life, Impact on humanity, Universal values, Relevance to Socio-politico-economic affairs, Philosophical content) – Role of Tamil Nadu in freedom struggle – Early agitations against British Rule – Role of women in freedom struggle – Evolution of 19th and 20th century socio-political movements in Tamil Nadu – Justice Party – Growth of Rationalism – Self Respect Movement – Dravidian Movement and principles – Contributions of Thanthai Periyar and Perarignar Anna.
Part B – Aptitude and Mental Ability (25 Questions) – SSLC Standard
Unit I: Aptitude (15 Questions)
Simplification – Percentage – Highest Common Factor (HCF) – Lowest Common Multiple (LCM) – Ratio and Proportion – Simple Interest – Compound Interest – Area – Volume – Time and Work.
Unit II: Reasoning (10 Questions)
Logical reasoning – Puzzles – Dice – Visual reasoning – Alphanumeric reasoning – Number series.
Part C – Language (100 Questions) – SSLC Standard
Candidates can choose either General Tamil or General English.
(Detailed units for Grammar, Vocabulary, Writing Skills, Technical Terms, Reading Comprehension, Translation and Literary Works are prescribed as per SSLC standard. Full list available in official notification.)
TNPSC Group II & IIA Unit I: General Science – Detailed Study Material | Free PDF Download: CLICK HERE
2. Main Examination – Paper I (Tamil Eligibility Test)
Common for Group II & IIA | Descriptive | SSLC Standard | 100 Marks | 3 Hours
Minimum Qualifying Marks: 40
Topics:
- Translation (Tamil to English & English to Tamil)
- Precis Writing
- Comprehension
- Expansion of ideas from short notes
- Essay writing related to Thirukkural (Secular nature, Relevance to daily life, Impact on humanity, Universal values, Socio-political-economic relevance, Philosophical content)
- Official Letter Writing
- Tamil Language Knowledge (Current affairs, Social issues, Environment, Indian Economy, Science & Technology, Arts & Culture, Rationalist movements, Contemporary Tamil language, Socio-economic development of Tamil Nadu, etc.)
3. Main Examination – Group II Services (Paper II)
General Studies | Degree Standard | Descriptive | 300 Marks | 3 Hours
Minimum Qualifying Marks: 90 | Only Paper II marks counted for ranking
Unit I: Modern History of India with specific reference to Tamil Nadu (40 Marks)
Advent of Europeans – Expansion of British rule – Early uprisings (Poligars, South Indian Rebellion, Vellore Mutiny) – Indian National Movements – Freedom struggle in Tamil Nadu – Role of leaders and women – Impact of British Rule – Origin and Growth of Social Justice ideology – Socio-Religious Movements – Political Parties and Achievements.
Unit II: Tamil Society – Culture and Heritage (30 Marks)
(Can be answered in Tamil or English)
Ancient Tamil Society – Archaeological evidence (Arikamedu, Adichanallur, Keezhadi) – Sangam Literature – Thirukkural – Socio-political movements of 19th & 20th centuries – Justice Party, Rationalism, Self-Respect Movement, Dravidian Movement – Contributions of Periyar, Anna and others – Arts, Folk culture, World Tamil Conferences.
Unit III: Social Issues in India with specific reference to Tamil Nadu (50 Marks)
Population Explosion – Health Care – Child Labour and Child Abuse – Women Empowerment – Marginalised Groups – Social Changes (Urbanization, Modernization, Globalization) – Impact of Violence – Current Affairs.
Unit IV: Science and Technology in Development (40 Marks)
Robotics – Atomic & Nuclear Physics – Electronics – Broadcasting Technology – Polymers – Medicinal Chemistry – Biotechnology – GIS – Nanotechnology – Advanced reproductive techniques – Computer Science (Hardware, Software, Networks, AI, Cyber Security, Blockchain, IoT, Cloud Computing) – Current Affairs.
Unit V: Constitution, Polity and Governance in India with specific reference to Tamil Nadu (60 Marks)
Constitution of India – Union & State Executive & Legislature – Local Governments – Federalism – Judiciary – Electoral System – Integrity in Polity – Political parties in Tamil Nadu – Welfare schemes – Education & Health Administrative Structure – e-Governance – Current Affairs.
Unit VI: Geography of India, Environment, Biodiversity and Disaster Management (40 Marks)
Physical Geography – Climate – Soil – Vegetation – Minerals – Energy – Industries – Transport – Environmental issues – Biodiversity – Sustainable Development – Disaster Management (with special reference to Tamil Nadu) – Current Affairs.
Unit VII: Indian Economy with specific reference to Tamil Nadu (40 Marks)
Nature of Indian Economy – New Economic Policy – Sources of Revenue – RBI & Monetary Policy – Fiscal Policy – Finance Commission – Agricultural & Rural Development – Labour – Poverty & Human Development – Foreign Trade – Current Affairs.
TNPSC Group II & IIA Unit I: General Science – Detailed Study Material | Free PDF Download: CLICK HERE
4. Main Examination – Group IIA Services (Paper II)
Objective Type (Computer Based Test) | 300 Marks | 3 Hours | 200 Questions
Minimum Qualifying Marks: 90 | Only Paper II marks counted for ranking
Part A – General Studies (Degree Standard) – 150 Questions
Unit I: Modern History of Tamil Nadu, Tamil Society – Culture and Heritage (30 Questions)
Advent of Europeans – Anglo-Mysore & Anglo-Maratha Wars – Poligar Rebellion – Vellore Mutiny – Socio-religious reforms – Freedom Struggle in Tamil Nadu – Ancient Tamil Society – Sangam Literature – Thirukkural – Socio-political movements – Justice Party, Rationalism, Self-Respect Movement, Dravidian Movement – Contributions of Periyar, Anna and others.
Unit II: Administration of States with reference to Tamil Nadu (45 Questions)
Constitution of India – Union & State Government – Local Governments – Tamil Nadu Administration (Secretariat, District Administration) – e-Governance – Welfare schemes and measures – Current Affairs.
Unit III: Science and Technology in Development (20 Questions)
Atomic & Nuclear Physics – Electronics – Robotics – Nanotechnology – Biotechnology – Computer Fundamentals – Software – Networks – Multimedia – Network Security – Current Affairs.
Unit IV: Tamil Nadu Economy and Social Issues in Tamil Nadu (30 Questions)
Tamil Nadu Economy – Agriculture – Education – Poverty & Unemployment – Population – Health – Women Empowerment – Marginalised Groups – Current Affairs.
Unit V: Geography of Tamil Nadu, Environment, Biodiversity and Disaster Management in Tamil Nadu (25 Questions)
Physical Geography of Tamil Nadu – Climate – Soil – Forests – Irrigation – Minerals – Industries – Transport – Environmental issues – Biodiversity – Disaster Management – Current Affairs.
Part B – General Intelligence and Reasoning (SSLC Standard) – 50 Questions
Analogy – Classification – Coding-Decoding – Relationship Concepts – Puzzles – Dice – Direction & Distance – Logical Venn diagrams – Alpha-numeric reasoning – Arithmetical reasoning – Calendar – Permutation Combination – Logical reasoning – Figural series – Mirror images – Embedded figures – Visual reasoning – and other related topics.
TNPSC Group II & IIA Unit I: General Science – Detailed Study Material | Free PDF Download: CLICK HERE
Important Note:
• Unit-wise distribution of questions is only indicative. The Commission reserves the right to marginally increase or decrease the number of questions in each unit.
• Always refer to the official Notification No. 07/2026 for the most accurate and complete details.
• Official Website: www.tnpsc.gov.in | www.tnpscexams.in
TNPSC Group II & IIA Unit I: General Science – Detailed Study Material | Free PDF Download: CLICK HERE