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TNPSC Group 3 Syllabus 2026 is the starting point for every aspirant planning to crack the Combined Civil Services Examination–III (CCSE-III) conducted by the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission. Whether you are searching for TNPSC Group 3 syllabus PDF, TNPSC Group 3 exam pattern 2026, or TNPSC Group 3 notification 2026, this guide brings everything together in one place — subject-wise topics, marks distribution and the official syllabus PDF
The Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission has not made major structural changes to the Group 3 exam in recent notification cycles, so the TNPSC Group 3 syllabus 2026 and exam pattern 2026 closely follow the previous year’s official notification. If TNPSC has not yet released a fresh 2026 syllabus PDF at the time you’re reading this, you can safely refer to the most recent official syllabus PDF below — the subjects, units, and question pattern have remained unchanged for several recruitment cycles, and TNPSC will only formally update it once the new Group 3 notification is out.
What is TNPSC Group 3 Exam?
TNPSC Group 3 recruits candidates for various ministerial, non-ministerial, and technical posts under the Tamil Nadu government, including posts like Junior Inspector, Store-Keeper, Assistant, and other CCSE-III category positions. It is one of the most searched Tamil Nadu government exams because of its relatively simple eligibility (SSLC/Degree standard depending on post), moderate difficulty level, and wide range of vacancies across districts.
TNPSC Group 3 Syllabus 2026 PDF Download
For the full, unit-by-unit official syllabus with detailed sub-topics, always cross-check with the TNPSC website. The Commission publishes the syllabus under its official syllabus archive:
- Official TNPSC Syllabus Portal: tnpsc.gov.in → Syllabus section
- TNPSC Group 3 (CCSE-III) Syllabus PDF (most recent official version): “Syllabus for Combined Civil Services Examination-III” — available on tnpsc.gov.in under Syllabus/Notifications
If the fresh TNPSC Group 3 Notification 2026 PDF is not yet live on the official portal when you check, download and study from the most recent previous year’s official syllabus PDF. TNPSC has historically kept the Group 3 syllabus structure consistent year over year, so the earlier PDF remains a reliable reference until the updated one is officially notified.
TNPSC Group 3 Exam 2026: Quick Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Civil Services Examination – III (CCSE-III) |
| Category | TNPSC Group 3 Notification 2026 |
| Selection Process | Written Exam + Document Verification (Interview only for select posts) |
| Exam Mode | Offline (OMR-based, Objective Type) |
| Total Marks | 300 (written exam) |
| Total Questions | 200 |
| Exam Duration | 3 Hours (180 minutes) |
| Negative Marking | No |
| Official Website | www.tnpsc.gov.in |
TNPSC Group 3 Exam Pattern 2026 – Topics & Marks
The TNPSC Group 3 exam pattern is divided into two parts — Part A and Part B — with a combined total of 200 objective-type questions worth 300 marks. Each correct answer carries 1.5 marks, and there is no negative marking, so candidates are encouraged to attempt every question.
- Part A questions are set only in the language chosen (Tamil or English), while Part B (General Studies + Aptitude) is available in both English and Tamil.
- Part B is evaluated only if a candidate scores the minimum qualifying marks in Part A, so Tamil/English proficiency cannot be skipped.
- The Aptitude and Mental Ability section is set at SSLC (10th standard) level, making it scoring if practiced well.
- Minimum qualifying marks are generally around 90 out of 300 for most categories (exact cutoffs vary by category and are confirmed in the official notification).
- Interview/oral test marks (where applicable) are added separately for posts that include a personal interview stage.
| Part | Subject | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A | Tamil Eligibility Test / General English | 100 | 150 |
| Part B | General Studies | 75 | 112.5 |
| Part B | Aptitude and Mental Ability Test (SSLC Standard) | 25 | 37.5 |
| Total | 200 | 300 |
TNPSC Group 3 Syllabus 2026: Subject-Wise Breakdown
The TNPSC Group 3 syllabus covers four broad areas — General Tamil/English, General Studies, and Aptitude & Mental Ability. Here is the detailed, unit-wise syllabus useful for building your TNPSC Group 3 study plan 2026.
1. Part A – General Tamil / General English Syllabus
- Grammar: sentence correction, tenses, articles, prepositions, voice, and comprehension
- Vocabulary: synonyms, antonyms, one-word substitutions, idioms and phrases
- Comprehension passages and error spotting
- Proofreading and correction of common usage errors
- Tamil section (for candidates opting Tamil): இலக்கணம், சொல் வளம், கவிதை, உரைநடை பகுதிகள்
2. Part B – General Studies Syllabus (Degree/SSLC Standard)
The TNPSC Group 3 General Studies syllabus is spread across multiple units covering science, history, polity, economy, and Tamil Nadu-specific topics:
- General Science: Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology — basic scientific laws, inventions, national laboratories, nutrition and health
- Current Events: National and international current affairs, sports, government schemes
- Geography: Physical, social, and economic geography of India, with emphasis on Tamil Nadu’s resources and industries
- History and Culture of India: Indus Valley Civilization, Freedom Movement, role of Tamil Nadu leaders (V.O.C, Periyar, Rajaji, Bharathiar)
- Indian Polity: Constitution of India, fundamental rights and duties, Panchayati Raj, Centre-State relations
- Indian Economy: Five-Year Plans, banking, agriculture, poverty and unemployment
- Indian National Movement: Emergence of national leaders, Gandhi, Nehru, Tagore, agitation movements
- Development Administration in Tamil Nadu: Social justice schemes, education and health systems, geography’s impact on Tamil Nadu’s economic growth
3. Aptitude and Mental Ability Test Syllabus (SSLC Standard)
- Simplification, Percentage, HCF and LCM
- Ratio and Proportion
- Simple Interest, Compound Interest, Area, Volume, Time and Work
- Logical Reasoning, Puzzles, Dice, Visual Reasoning
- Alpha-Numeric Reasoning and Number Series
- Data Interpretation: tables, graphs, diagrams, and analytical interpretation of data
TNPSC Group 3 Selection Process 2026
- Written Examination – Objective type, 200 questions, 300 marks (Part A + Part B)
- Document Verification – Verification of certificates, community, and age proof for shortlisted candidates
- Interview – Applicable only for select posts under Group 3/3A that carry interview marks
Final selection is based on marks secured in the written exam (plus interview marks, if applicable), community-wise reservation, and the number of vacancies notified.
How to Prepare for TNPSC Group 3 2026 with the Entri App
Scoring well in the TNPSC Group 3 exam needs a structured plan across General Tamil/English, General Studies, and Aptitude. Here’s how the Entri app can help:
- Subject-wise video lessons covering the entire TNPSC Group 3 syllabus, from General Science to Tamil Nadu history
- Daily current affairs updates in Tamil and English to stay exam-ready
- Topic-wise and full-length mock tests modeled on the latest TNPSC Group 3 exam pattern
- Previous year question papers with detailed solutions to understand question trends
- Aptitude practice sets to strengthen your SSLC-level quantitative and reasoning skills
Download the Entri app and start your TNPSC Group 3 2026 preparation with structured courses, mock tests, and expert guidance tailored to the latest exam pattern.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the TNPSC Group 3 syllabus 2026 different from previous years?
No major changes have been made to the Group 3 syllabus in recent cycles. The subjects, units, and exam pattern generally remain the same until TNPSC officially notifies a revision.
Is there negative marking in TNPSC Group 3 exam?
No, there is no negative marking in the TNPSC Group 3 written examination.
How many questions are there in TNPSC Group 3 exam?
The exam consists of 200 objective-type questions for a total of 300 marks, to be completed in 3 hours.
What is the minimum qualifying mark for TNPSC Group 3?
Candidates generally need a minimum of around 90 marks to qualify, though exact cutoffs vary by category and post as specified in the official notification.
Where can I download the TNPSC Group 3 syllabus PDF?
The official syllabus PDF is available on tnpsc.gov.in under the Syllabus section. If the 2026 version is not yet uploaded, refer to the latest available official PDF, as the syllabus structure typically stays consistent.
What subjects are included in TNPSC Group 3 syllabus 2026?
General Tamil/English, General Studies (Science, History, Polity, Economy, Geography, Tamil Nadu Development Administration), and Aptitude & Mental Ability.
