Last Verified: 2026-03-01 from official conducting body notifications.
Official Overview & Examination Scope
Purpose, Scope & Academic Impact
TNPSC Group 1 is the highest competitive civil services examination conducted in Tamil Nadu. Successful candidates are inducted into the state premier executive administrative cadre as Deputy Collectors, DSPs, and Commercial Tax leaders.
Eligibility Criteria & Academic Qualifications
Exam Pattern & Test Structure
Total: 850 Marks (Mains 750 + Interview 100)| Section / Paper | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prelims: General Studies & Aptitude | General Studies (175 Qs) + Aptitude & Mental Ability (25 Qs) | 300 Marks | 3 Hours |
| Mains Paper I: Tamil Eligibility Test | Descriptive Translation, Précis, Essay, Letter | 100 Marks (Need 40% to qualify) | 3 Hours |
| Mains Paper II: Modern History & Social Issues | Indian History & Tamil Culture, Social Issues in India & TN | 250 Marks | 3 Hours |
| Mains Paper III: Indian Polity & Science & Tech | Constitution, Tamil Nadu Administration, Science & Tech | 250 Marks | 3 Hours |
| Mains Paper IV: Geography & Environment & Economy | Tamil Nadu Geography, Biodiversity, Indian & TN Economy | 250 Marks | 3 Hours |
| Oral Test (Interview) | Commission Board Interview | 100 Marks | 30 Minutes |
Prelims: +1.5 marks per correct answer, zero negative marking. Mains Papers II, III, IV (750 Marks) + Interview (100 Marks) determine final rank.
Negative Marking Rule: No negative marking in TNPSC Prelims
Recommended Preparation Roadmap & Strategy
Cutoff Trends & Score Benchmark
Prelims cutoff typically requires scoring 135-142 questions correct out of 200.
Recruited Posts, Services & Cadres
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there negative marking in TNPSC Group 1 Prelims?
No, there is no negative marking in the TNPSC Group 1 Preliminary examination.
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