TNPSC CTS Syllabus 2026 has been officially released by the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission on https://tnpsc.gov.in. This examination is for the recruitment of various posts, including Assistant Engineer (Civil/Mechanical/Electrical), Environmental Scientist, and Project Officer, among others.
The selection process consists of a written exam followed by an interview for certain posts. Candidates must be well-acquainted with the exam structure to ensure effective preparation. It is crucial to refer to the official syllabus PDF for comprehensive details regarding the topics, weightage, and exam pattern.
Note: All information is sourced from the official notification. Candidates are advised to refer to the official syllabus PDF for the most accurate details.
TNPSC CTS Syllabus 2026 – Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | TNPSC Combined Technical Services Examination |
| Organization | Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) |
| Post Name | Assistant Engineer (Civil/Mech./Electrical), Environmental Scientist, Project Officer & Others |
| Total Vacancies | 461 Posts |
| Exam Mode | Offline (OMR-based) |
| Exam Type | Objective (MCQ) |
| Number of Papers | 2 (Paper I & Paper II) |
| Total Marks | Paper I: 150 |
| Exam Duration | Paper I: 3 Hours |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 Mark |
| Selection Process | Written Exam + Interview (for Interview Posts) |
| Exam Language | English / Tamil |
| Official Website | https://tnpsc.gov.in |
TNPSC CTS Exam Pattern 2026
Understanding the TNPSC CTS exam pattern 2026 is crucial for effective preparation.
Exam Pattern for Posts other than Translator (Non-Interview / Interview Posts)
| Paper No. | Subject | No. of Questions | Total Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper – I | Tamil Eligibility Test | 100 | 150 | 3 Hours |
| General Studies | 75 | |||
| Aptitude & Mental Ability Test | 25 | |||
| Paper – II | Subject Paper (Technical) | 200 | 300 | 3 Hours |
Important Points:
- The Tamil Eligibility Test is qualifying in nature.
- Minimum qualifying marks are required in the Tamil Eligibility Test.
- There is a negative marking of 1/3 mark for wrong answers.
- Question papers are available in both English and Tamil.
TNPSC CTS Syllabus 2026 – Subject-Wise Topics
1. Paper I: Tamil Eligibility Test
- Tamil Language Proficiency (SSLC Standard)
- Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension, etc.
2. General Studies
- Ancient, Medieval & Modern Indian History
- Physical, Indian & World Geography
- Indian Polity & Constitution
- Indian Economy, Planning & Schemes
- Physics, Chemistry & Biology (Science)
- Current Affairs (National & International)
- Sports, Culture, Awards, Important Days
- Tamil Nadu Specific GK
3. Aptitude & Mental Ability Test
- Analogies, Series Completion, Coding-Decoding
- Blood Relations, Direction Sense
- Logical Deduction, Syllogism
- Number Series, Ratio & Proportion
- Profit & Loss, Time & Work, Speed & Distance
- Data Interpretation, Percentage
- Visual Reasoning, Mirror Images
4. Paper II: Subject Specific (Technical Paper)
- Civil Engineering – Building Materials, Surveying, Strength of Materials, Structural Analysis, etc.
- Mechanical Engineering – Thermodynamics, Engineering Mechanics, Fluid Mechanics, etc.
- Electrical Engineering – Electrical Circuits, Machines, Power Systems, etc.
- Other technical subjects as per the post (Environmental Science, etc.)
Important Topics for TNPSC CTS Exam 2026
High Priority Topics:
- Current Affairs (Last 6-12 months)
- Tamil Nadu Specific GK & Schemes
- Technical Subject (Core Engineering Topics)
- Aptitude – Data Interpretation, Percentage, Ratio
- General Studies – Polity, Economy & History
TNPSC CTS Exam Preparation Tips 2026
- Understand the Complete Syllabus & Exam Pattern – Download the official PDF.
- Create a Realistic Study Timetable – Focus more on the Technical Paper & Current Affairs.
- Refer to Best Study Materials & Books – Standard books for General Studies and Technical subjects.
- Practice Previous Year Question Papers – Understand exam trends.
- Take Regular Mock Tests – Improve speed and accuracy.
- Focus on Tamil Eligibility Test – Score qualifying marks.
- Daily Current Affairs – Read newspapers and compile notes.
- Make Short Notes – For quick revision.
- Stay Updated – Check tnpsc.gov.in regularly.
- Time Management – Practice full-length tests.
Best Books for TNPSC CTS Preparation 2026
| Subject | Recommended Books | Author/Publication |
|---|---|---|
| General Studies | TNPSC General Studies Manual | Various / Arihant |
| Aptitude & Reasoning | Quantitative Aptitude | R.S. Aggarwal |
| Tamil Eligibility | TNPSC Tamil Books (SSLC Level) | Standard Tamil Books |
| Technical Subject | Subject-specific Degree Level Books | As per the Branch |
| Current Affairs | Manorama Yearbook / Pratiyogita Darpan | Various |
Important Links
| Particulars | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Download TNPSC CTS Syllabus PDF 2026 | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Where can I download the syllabus PDF?
Ans. The syllabus PDF can be downloaded from the official website as mentioned in the Important Links section above.
Q2. What subjects are included in the exam?
Ans. The exam covers the subjects as listed in the Detailed Syllabus section above.
Q3. What is the total number of vacancies for the TNPSC CTS exam?
Ans. There are a total of 461 vacancies for the TNPSC CTS exam.
Q4. What is the marking scheme for the TNPSC CTS exam?
Ans. The exam has a negative marking of 1/3 mark for each wrong answer.
Q5. How many papers are there in the TNPSC CTS exam?
Ans. The exam consists of two papers: Paper I and Paper II.
Q6. Is there an interview stage in the selection process?
Ans. Yes, the selection process includes a written exam followed by an interview for certain posts.
Q7. In which languages will the question paper be available?
Ans. The question papers will be available in both English and Tamil.
