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About
TNPSC takes the Combined Civil Services Examination-I exam to recruit officers for Group 1 services in the Tamil Nadu state administration. This exam is also popular as TNPSC Group 1. TNPSC Group 1 exam is divided into three phases including Prelims exam, Mains exam, and Interview.
Latest Notification
TNPSC will announced TNPSC Group 1 notification 2025 in January 2025 (tentative). TNPSC Group 1 application form 2025 will me made available on the official website. To apply online, candidates need to register at the official website and pay one-time registration and exam fees.
Registration
The online application for the TNPSC Group 1 process started on January 2025 and the deadline to apply online was February 2025. The step-by instructions that need to be followed while doing online TNPSC online application Group 1 is mentioned below:
- Candidates need to register at the official website for one-time registration and sign in using the same TNPSC login ID and password.
- Candidates need to accurately mention details like name, educational qualification, post, and exam center preference, etc. while submitting the TNPSC Group 1 application form.
- All details in the form must be the same mentioned in the official records/documents
- Upload scanned copies of the latest passport-size photograph and other documents.
- Pay the application fee. TNPSC one time registration fee is Rs. 150 and the application fees to apply for the prelims exam fee is Rs. 100.
- TNPSC Group 1 application fee can be paid in any mode including online or offline methods.
Eligibility Criteria
The minimum eligibility to apply for TNPSC Group 1 is graduation. General TNPSC Group 1 eligibility details for all TNPSC Exams are mentioned below:
- Citizenship
- Character and Antecedents
- No Bigamy
- Related to candidates working in the government sector.
- Sound Health etc.
- Age Limit
- Knowledge of Tami
TNPSC Group 1 Eligibility: Age Limit
The Eligibility Criteria for TNPSC Group 1 Exam in terms of age is mentioned here:
| Post Name | Minimum Age | Maximum Age | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SCs, SC(A)s, STs, MBCs/DCs, BCs, BCMs and DWs of all categories | Others excluding SCs, SC(A)s, STs, etc. | ||
| All posts excluding Assistant Commissioner (Commercial Taxes ) | 21 years | 37 years | 32 years |
| Assistant Commissioner (Commercial Taxes) | |||
| For applicants possessing any degree | 21 | 37 | 32 |
| For applicants possessing B.L. a degree from a recognized university | 21 | 38 | 33 |
Educational Qualification – Candidates applying for the TNPSC Group 1 exam must be graduate from a recognized University/institution
Physical Qualification – Minimum physical qualifications differ from post to post.
TNPSC Group 1 Eligibility Criteria: Age Relaxation
Age relaxation related to TNPSC Group 1exam is mentioned below:
| Category | Age Limit Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC/ SC (Arunthathiyars) | 5 years |
| ST | 5 years |
| Most Backward Classes/ Denotified Communities | 5 years |
| Backward Classes | 5 years |
| Destitute Widows (All Categories) | 5 years |
Application Fee
TNPSC one time registration fee is Rs. 150 and the application fees to apply for the prelims exam fee is Rs. 100.
Exam Pattern
TNPSC Group 1 exam pattern is mentioned in the table below. TNPSC Group 1 prelim is of 300 marks and candidates need to qualify the same to get considered for the next selection round.
TNPSC Group 1 Prelims 2025: Exam Pattern
| Exam | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Combined Civil Services – I |
| Number of Papers | One |
| Number of Questions | 200 |
| Total Marks | 300 |
| Nature of Questions | Objective Type (MCQs) |
| Negative Marking | No |
| Subjects/Syllabus | General Studies – 175 questions; Aptitude & Mental Ability – 25 questions |
| Minimum Qualifying Marks |
|
| Duration | 3 hours |
Exam Pattern for TNPSC Group 1 Mains
In TNPSC Group 1 Exam Pattern for Mains, candidates are supposed to write three descriptive-type papers whose weightage in total is 750 marks.
TheMains Exam Patternis given below.
| Exam | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Combined Civil Services – I Group -1 Services Main Written Examination |
| Number of Papers | Three |
| Total Marks |
Total: 750 + 100 marks (for Interview) |
| Nature of Questions | Descriptive-Type |
| Minimum Qualifying Marks |
|
| Duration | 3 hours for each paper |
Counselling
Step 1: Declare the results
TNPSC will announce the final result after completion of Prelims, Mains, and Interview (if applicable). Candidates who have completed all the stages will be shortlisted for the counseling programme.
Step 2: Discussion information
TNPSC will issue an official report on the counseling process.
The date, venue and directions for the interview will be specified.
You should refer to the official website of TNPSC for further details regarding the dates and guidelines for counselling.
Step 3: Document verification
Candidates who wish to attend counseling should bring original documents for verification.
Key publications include:
TNPSC Group 1 Admit Card (General and Special Features) .
Educational Qualification (Degree, 10th, 12th Marksheet) .
Caste Certificate (for reserved classes) .
Income certificate (if applicable) .
Aadhaar card/ID proof
Community Certificate (for reserve claimants) .
Proof of date of birth (Birth certificate, 10th Marksheet) .
Photo (passport size) .
Step 4: Post Preferences and Selection
Once the documents are verified, the candidates will be asked to select their preferred profession. This is an important factor when candidates choose the positions they want to be elected to.
Group 1 keywords include:
Deputy Collector
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) .
Assistant Commissioner (Commercial Taxes) .
District Secretary
Regional Labor Officer
Revenue Officer (RDO) .
Other staff positions
Post allocation depends on your order of merit and availability of vacancies in desired posts.
Step 5: Post distribution
Posts will be allocated based on the following.
Your position in the final merit list
Preferences formed during discussion
Positions available
Syllabus
TNPSC Group 1 Syllabus 2025
The list of topics asked in the TNPSC Group 1 prelims and mains examination is mentioned below.
TNPSC Syllabus of Prelims
The table includes some of the important topics asked in the TNPSC prelims exam.
| TNPSC Prelims Syllabus | |
|---|---|
| Unit I | General Science: Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology |
| Unit II | Latest Events: History, Political Science, Geography, Economics, Science |
| Unit III | Geography |
| Unit IV | History and Culture of India |
| Unit V | Indian Polity |
| Unit VI | Indian Economy |
| Unit VII | Indian National Movement |
| Unit VIII | Aptitude and Mental Ability TestsLogical Reasoning |
TNPSC Group 1 Syllabus for Prelims 2025
The detailed syllabus covering broad subject areas is mentioned below:
UNIT-I: General Science
- Scientific Knowledge–Reasoning Power, Learning Vs Conceptual Learning
- Kind of Universe – General Scientific Laws, Mechanics, Matter Properties, Force, Motion, etc.
- Elements & Compounds, Petroleum Products, Acids, Bases, Salts, Fertilizers, Pesticides.
- Main concepts of Life Science, Genetics, Physiology, Classification of Living Organisms, Evolution, Nutrition, etc.
UNIT-II: Current Events
- History –State’s profile of States, Events, National symbols, etc.
- Polity – Political parties and political system in the country
- Geography – Geographical landmarks.
- Economics – Current socio, economic issues in India.
- Science – Latest inventions in the field of Science and Technology.
UNIT- III: Geography Of India
- Location – Physical features, Water resources, Rivers in India, Forest and wildlife – Agricultural pattern.
- Transport – Communication.
- Social geography – Population density and distribution – Racial, linguistic groups and major tribes.
- Natural calamity – Disaster Management
UNIT – IV: History And Culture Of India
Indus valley civilization, Change and Continuity in the Indian History, Features of Indian culture, etc.
UNIT-V: Indian Polity
- Constitution of India
- Citizenship, Fundamental rights
- Union Executive, Union legislature
- Corruption in public life
UNIT-VI: Indian Economy
- Nature of Indian economy
- Sources of revenue
- Indian Economy Structure and Employment Generation, Land reforms, etc.
UNIT-VII: Indian National Movement
- National renaissance
- Different modes of Agitation
- Communalism and partition.
TNPSC Group 1 Syllabus for Mains 2020-2024
TNPSC Group 1 Mains Exam consists of three descriptive papers, and each paper is further divided into three units covering broad subject areas.
Paper 1 – General Studies
- Unit I – Modern Indian History and Culture
- Unit II – Indian Social Issues and Issues in Tamil Nadu
- Unit III – Mental Ability and General Aptitude
Paper 2 – General Studies
- Unit I – Indian Polity and Emerging Political Trends across the globe.
- Unit II – Role and impact of Science and Technology in Overall Development in the country
- Unit III – Tamil Society
Paper 3 – General Studies
- Unit I – Indian Geography with special focus on Tamil Nadu
- Unit II – Disaster Management, Environment, and Biodiversity
- Unit III – Indian Economy and Current Economic Trends
Exam
TNPSC Group 1 Exam Pattern 2025
The TNPSC Group 1 exam has three stages:
A. First Test (Objective Type) .
Highlights combined:
- Duration: 3 hours 200 Questions (Multiple Choice Questions - MCQs) .
Topics: - General Studies (150 marks) – History, Geography, Indian Politics, Economics, Science, and Technology, Current Topics.
- Requirements and Mental Abilities (50 achievements) .
- General Tamil/General English (50 marks) .
B. Special Test (Descriptive Type) .
Highlights combined:
- Duration: 3 hours for each paper
- Paper: Paper 3 (250 marks each) .
- Practical Studies (Paper 1) .
- Practical Studies (Paper 2) .
- General Tamil/General English (Paper 3) .
The Mains examination is descriptive in nature and tests the in-depth knowledge and writing skills of the candidates.
C. Interview/Personality Test
Highlights:
Final selection is done on the basis of cumulative marks obtained in Prelims, Mains and Interview.
Eligibilty Criteria
The minimum eligibility to apply for TNPSC Group 1 is graduation. General TNPSC Group 1 eligibility details for all TNPSC Exams are mentioned below:
- Citizenship
- Character and Antecedents
- No Bigamy
- Related to candidates working in the government sector.
- Sound Health etc.
- Age Limit
- Knowledge of Tami
TNPSC Group 1 Eligibility: Age Limit
The Eligibility Criteria for TNPSC Group 1 Exam in terms of age is mentioned here:
| Post Name | Minimum Age | Maximum Age | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SCs, SC(A)s, STs, MBCs/DCs, BCs, BCMs and DWs of all categories | Others excluding SCs, SC(A)s, STs, etc. | ||
| All posts excluding Assistant Commissioner (Commercial Taxes ) | 21 years | 37 years | 32 years |
| Assistant Commissioner (Commercial Taxes) | |||
| For applicants possessing any degree | 21 | 37 | 32 |
| For applicants possessing B.L. a degree from a recognized university | 21 | 38 | 33 |
Educational Qualification – Candidates applying for the TNPSC Group 1 exam must be graduate from a recognized University/institution
Physical Qualification – Minimum physical qualifications differ from post to post.
TNPSC Group 1 Eligibility Criteria: Age Relaxation
Age relaxation related to TNPSC Group 1exam is mentioned below:
| Category | Age Limit Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC/ SC (Arunthathiyars) | 5 years |
| ST | 5 years |
| Most Backward Classes/ Denotified Communities | 5 years |
| Backward Classes | 5 years |
| Destitute Widows (All Categories) | 5 years |
Exam Pattern
TNPSC Group 1 exam pattern is mentioned in the table below. TNPSC Group 1 prelim is of 300 marks and candidates need to qualify the same to get considered for the next selection round.
TNPSC Group 1 Prelims 2025: Exam Pattern
| Exam | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Combined Civil Services – I |
| Number of Papers | One |
| Number of Questions | 200 |
| Total Marks | 300 |
| Nature of Questions | Objective Type (MCQs) |
| Negative Marking | No |
| Subjects/Syllabus | General Studies – 175 questions; Aptitude & Mental Ability – 25 questions |
| Minimum Qualifying Marks |
|
| Duration | 3 hours |
Exam Pattern for TNPSC Group 1 Mains
In TNPSC Group 1 Exam Pattern for Mains, candidates are supposed to write three descriptive-type papers whose weightage in total is 750 marks.
TheMains Exam Patternis given below.
| Exam | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Combined Civil Services – I Group -1 Services Main Written Examination |
| Number of Papers | Three |
| Total Marks |
Total: 750 + 100 marks (for Interview) |
| Nature of Questions | Descriptive-Type |
| Minimum Qualifying Marks |
|
| Duration | 3 hours for each paper |
Syllabus
TNPSC Group 1 Syllabus 2025
The list of topics asked in the TNPSC Group 1 prelims and mains examination is mentioned below.
TNPSC Syllabus of Prelims
The table includes some of the important topics asked in the TNPSC prelims exam.
| TNPSC Prelims Syllabus | |
|---|---|
| Unit I | General Science: Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology |
| Unit II | Latest Events: History, Political Science, Geography, Economics, Science |
| Unit III | Geography |
| Unit IV | History and Culture of India |
| Unit V | Indian Polity |
| Unit VI | Indian Economy |
| Unit VII | Indian National Movement |
| Unit VIII | Aptitude and Mental Ability TestsLogical Reasoning |
TNPSC Group 1 Syllabus for Prelims 2025
The detailed syllabus covering broad subject areas is mentioned below:
UNIT-I: General Science
- Scientific Knowledge–Reasoning Power, Learning Vs Conceptual Learning
- Kind of Universe – General Scientific Laws, Mechanics, Matter Properties, Force, Motion, etc.
- Elements & Compounds, Petroleum Products, Acids, Bases, Salts, Fertilizers, Pesticides.
- Main concepts of Life Science, Genetics, Physiology, Classification of Living Organisms, Evolution, Nutrition, etc.
UNIT-II: Current Events
- History –State’s profile of States, Events, National symbols, etc.
- Polity – Political parties and political system in the country
- Geography – Geographical landmarks.
- Economics – Current socio, economic issues in India.
- Science – Latest inventions in the field of Science and Technology.
UNIT- III: Geography Of India
- Location – Physical features, Water resources, Rivers in India, Forest and wildlife – Agricultural pattern.
- Transport – Communication.
- Social geography – Population density and distribution – Racial, linguistic groups and major tribes.
- Natural calamity – Disaster Management
UNIT – IV: History And Culture Of India
Indus valley civilization, Change and Continuity in the Indian History, Features of Indian culture, etc.
UNIT-V: Indian Polity
- Constitution of India
- Citizenship, Fundamental rights
- Union Executive, Union legislature
- Corruption in public life
UNIT-VI: Indian Economy
- Nature of Indian economy
- Sources of revenue
- Indian Economy Structure and Employment Generation, Land reforms, etc.
UNIT-VII: Indian National Movement
- National renaissance
- Different modes of Agitation
- Communalism and partition.
TNPSC Group 1 Syllabus for Mains 2020-2024
TNPSC Group 1 Mains Exam consists of three descriptive papers, and each paper is further divided into three units covering broad subject areas.
Paper 1 – General Studies
- Unit I – Modern Indian History and Culture
- Unit II – Indian Social Issues and Issues in Tamil Nadu
- Unit III – Mental Ability and General Aptitude
Paper 2 – General Studies
- Unit I – Indian Polity and Emerging Political Trends across the globe.
- Unit II – Role and impact of Science and Technology in Overall Development in the country
- Unit III – Tamil Society
Paper 3 – General Studies
- Unit I – Indian Geography with special focus on Tamil Nadu
- Unit II – Disaster Management, Environment, and Biodiversity
- Unit III – Indian Economy and Current Economic Trends
Counselling
Step 1: Declare the results
TNPSC will announce the final result after completion of Prelims, Mains, and Interview (if applicable). Candidates who have completed all the stages will be shortlisted for the counseling programme.
Step 2: Discussion information
TNPSC will issue an official report on the counseling process.
The date, venue and directions for the interview will be specified.
You should refer to the official website of TNPSC for further details regarding the dates and guidelines for counselling.
Step 3: Document verification
Candidates who wish to attend counseling should bring original documents for verification.
Key publications include:
TNPSC Group 1 Admit Card (General and Special Features) .
Educational Qualification (Degree, 10th, 12th Marksheet) .
Caste Certificate (for reserved classes) .
Income certificate (if applicable) .
Aadhaar card/ID proof
Community Certificate (for reserve claimants) .
Proof of date of birth (Birth certificate, 10th Marksheet) .
Photo (passport size) .
Step 4: Post Preferences and Selection
Once the documents are verified, the candidates will be asked to select their preferred profession. This is an important factor when candidates choose the positions they want to be elected to.
Group 1 keywords include:
Deputy Collector
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) .
Assistant Commissioner (Commercial Taxes) .
District Secretary
Regional Labor Officer
Revenue Officer (RDO) .
Other staff positions
Post allocation depends on your order of merit and availability of vacancies in desired posts.
Step 5: Post distribution
Posts will be allocated based on the following.
Your position in the final merit list
Preferences formed during discussion
Positions available
Old Question Papers
How to Use Old Question Papers for Preparation
Using old question papers effectively can significantly beautify your probabilities of achievement inside the TNPSC Group 1 Exam 2025. Here’s how you could do it:
A. Understand the Exam Pattern
Reviewing antique query papers will give you a clean idea about the examination shape and the types of questions asked within the Preliminary and Mains tests.
TNPSC Group 1 normally consists of the following sections:
General Studies (protecting topics like History, Geography, Economy, Science, and many others.)
B. Time management
Give yourself time while dealing with old question papers to study the exam deadline. Spending a certain amount of time practicing can help improve your speed and efficiency.
C. Focus on weak areas
If you find some topics difficult while dealing with old question papers, focus on improving understanding in those areas.
Be sure to make a list of frequently asked questions and review them thoroughly.
D. Choose recurring themes
Going through old questions will help you identify important common questions. This will help you prioritize your studies and focus on the areas that are most likely to show up in the upcoming exam.
Prep Materials
1. General Preparation Policy of TNPSC Group
Understand the testing model:
Before diving into the details, you should familiarize yourself with the testing model. The TNPSC Group 1 exam usually has the following.
Preliminary Testing:
- General Practice (150) .
- Requirements and Mental Abilities (50 achievements) .
- General Tamil/General English (50 marks) .
- Special Test (Explanation):
- General Studies Paper I, II, III (250 marks each) .
- Interview (you will choose the latter) .
Key areas to focus on:
History, Geography, Indian Politics, Economics, Science (Current, Practical Knowledge)
Requirements and Cognitive Abilities (Logic, Data Interpretation, Basic Mathematics) .
Tamil/English grammar, translation, comprehension, and writing skills
Prioritize topics:
Based on the previous year’s papers and curriculum, identify key areas of focus.
General studies courses like Indian politics, geography, economics, science etc. are very important.
Aptitude & Mental Ability requires constant practice.
Both Tamil/English languages should be used regularly, with attention paid to grammar, pronunciation and comprehension.
2. Recommended Study Material for TNPSC Group
A. Preparation of Practice Reports
Reference Books:
- Study for TNPSC Group 1 by Sura Books
- Detailed history, geography, politics, economics, and details.
- TNPSC Group 1 General Course by V.V.K. Written by Subburaj
- Includes major sections such as Indian History, Indian Politics, Geography and Economics.
- Good reason by Lucent
- A good book for quick review and general understanding.
- Indian Politics by M. Laxmikanth
- The best book to master Indian politics, essential for Group 1.
- NCERT Study Manual (Classes 6-12) .
- These books provide a solid foundation in history, geography, science, and economics.
Admit card
1. How to Download TNPSC Group 1 Admit Card 2025
TNPSC Group 1 Admit Card is available for download on the official website of TNPSC. Once the admission form is released, follow these steps to download:
Steps to download the admission form:
- Visit the official TNPSC website:
- Find the admit card link:
- Check the title "Download Admit Card for TNPSC Group 1 2025 Exam" or a similar link on the homepage or under the "What's New" or "Examinations" section.
How to access the portal:
Click the link to continue. You will need to login with your registration number and password (which you received when you submitted your application).
Download the entry form:
Once logged in, your login card will appear on the screen. Double-check all information, such as your name, test location, date and time.
Print the admission form:
Download a printout of the admission form. Make sure it is clear and legible. You must take this printout to the examination center.
