TNPSC Group 2 Syllabus 2026: Prelims & Mains Exam Pattern (Download PDF)

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The TNPSC Group 2 & 2A Syllabus 2026 PDF is essential for aspirants preparing for Tamil Nadu’s Combined Civil Services Examination-II (CCSE-II). These exams provide opportunities for various administrative and clerical posts, with Group 2 offering higher authority roles and Group 2A focusing on supportive positions. According to the official TNPSC Annual Planner released on December 3, 2025, the official notification for Group 2 & 2A will be released on August 11, 2026, and the Preliminary Examination is scheduled for October 25, 2026. Understanding the updated syllabus and exam pattern is the crucial first step towards success.

TNPSC Group 2 & 2A – Prelims & Mains Exam Pattern

The Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) conducts the Combined Civil Services Examination-II (CCSE-II) for Group 2 and Group 2A services. Below is the detailed exam pattern for both, based on official TNPSC guidelines.

TNPSC Group 2 & 2A Preliminary Examination

The Prelims is common for both Group 2 and Group 2A.

Common Preliminary Examination (Group II and Group IIA Services)

• Purpose: Screening test for both Group 2 and Group 2A services.
• Total Marks: 300
• Total Questions: 200 (Objective type)
• Duration: 3 Hours
• Minimum Qualifying Marks (All Categories): 90
• Mode of Exam: OMR (Offline)
• Language of Questions: Questions on General Studies will be set in both Tamil and English.

Subjects and Standards:

1. General Studies – 75 Questions (Degree Standard)
2. Aptitude & Mental Ability – 25 Questions (SSLC Standard)
3. General Tamil / General English – 100 Questions (SSLC Standard)

Note: Marks from the Preliminary Exam are strictly for screening and are not counted in the final merit list.

TNPSC Group 2 Mains Exam Pattern (Interview Posts)

Appearance in both papers of the Main Examination is compulsory. Candidates who do not appear for any one of the two papers will not be considered for selection, even if they secure minimum qualifying marks.

Structure: Paper I + Paper II + Interview

• Stage 1: Paper I – Tamil Eligibility Test
  • Type: Descriptive
  • Standard: SSLC
  • Marks: 100
  • Duration: 3 Hours
  • Minimum Qualifying Marks: 40 (for all communities)

Note: Qualifying in nature; candidates must secure minimum marks for Paper II to be evaluated.

• Stage 2: Paper II – General Studies
  • Type: Descriptive
  • Standard: Degree
  • Marks: 300
  • Duration: 3 Hours
  • Minimum Qualifying Marks: 90 (for all communities)
• Stage 3: Interview (Oral Test)
  • Conducted after Mains Exam
  • Marks: 40
  • Final selection based on Mains + Interview score

TNPSC Group 2A Mains Exam Pattern (Non-Interview Posts)

• Appearance in both papers of the Main Examination is compulsory. Candidates who do not appear for any one of the two papers will not be considered for selection, even if they secure minimum qualifying marks.

Structure: Paper I + Paper II (No Interview)

• Stage 1: Paper I – Tamil Eligibility Test
  • Type: Descriptive
  • Standard: SSLC
  • Marks: 100
  • Duration: 3 Hours
  • Minimum Qualifying Marks: 40 (for all communities)
  • Note: Qualifying in nature; candidates must secure minimum marks for Paper II to be evaluated.
• Stage 2: Paper II: General Studies, General Intelligence, and Language
  • Standard:
    • General Studies: Degree
    • General Intelligence and Reasoning: SSLC
    • Language (General Tamil or General English): SSLC
  • Type: Objective Type (Computer-Based Test – CBT)
  • Total Marks: 300
  • Duration: 3 Hours
  • Minimum Qualifying Marks: 90 (for all communities)
  • Mode: CBT (Online Exam)

Sections (Objective CBT):

1. General Studies – 100 Questions (Degree Standard)
2. General Intelligence & Reasoning – 40 Questions (SSLC Standard)
3. General Tamil / General English – 60 Questions (SSLC Standard)

Note: There is no interview for Group 2A; selection is based solely on written exam scores.

Check out the TNPSC Group 2 General Studies Last 10 years question papers with answer keys here.

Additional Notes

• Language Exemption: Differently-abled candidates can seek exemption from the Tamil Eligibility Test (Paper I) by submitting a prescribed certificate (as per Annexure IV of the notification) during the application process.
• Certificate Verification (Group 2A):
  • Onscreen Certificate Verification: Conducted in a 1:3 ratio for General Turn and 1:2 for Reserved categories.
  • Physical Certificate Verification: Conducted in a 1:3 ratio for General Turn and 1:1.5 for Reserved categories.
• Language of Questions: General Studies questions in both Preliminary and Main exams are set in Tamil and English.

✅ Download Group 2 General Tamil Previous Year Papers (PDF)

Summary: TNPSC Group 2 vs Group 2A Exam Pattern