TNPSC Group 1 Syllabus 2025 for Prelims & Mains, Download PDF
TNPSC Group 1 syllabus 2025 forms the foundation for preparing for the exam and qualifying it. The syllabus consists of Prelims, Mains and Interview. Candidates can go through this post to get complete details on the Prelims and Mains syllabus. Other than this, aspirants can also download the TNPSC Group 1 syllabus PDF to prepare for the exam.
TNPSC Group 1 Syllabus 2025
The TNPSC Group 1 exam is conducted by the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission to recruit candidates for prestigious administrative positions like Deputy Collector, DSP, Assistant Commissioner, Deputy Registrar, etc. The TNPSC Group 1 syllabus is designed to test a candidate's general knowledge, aptitude, and understanding of Tamil Nadu's socio-economic, historical, and political context.
In order to crack the exam, it is crucial to know the detailed TNPSC Group 1 syllabus for Prelims and Mains exam. We have shared the TNPSC Group 1 exam syllabus 2025 here on this page for Prelims and Mains exam.
Latest: TNPSC Group 1 Admit Card
TNPSC Group 1 Syllabus 2025 and Exam Pattern
The TNPSC Group 1 exam 2025 consists of Prelims, Mains and Interview. Candidates who will be appearing for the exam should know the complete syllabus to excel in the exam. The following table has the important details regarding the TNPSC Group 1 Exam syllabus. Candidates should check out the TNPSC Group 1 cut off to know the qualifying marks.
| TNPSC Group 1 Syllabus 2025 | |
| Organisation | Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission |
| Name of the Exam | TNPSC Group 1 Exam |
| TNPSC Group 1 Exam Date 2025 | 15th June 2025 |
| TNPSC Group 1 Selection Process |
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| Total Marks |
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| Duration of Exam |
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| Language of Exam | English, Tamil |
| Mode of Exam | Offline |
TNPSC Group 1 Exam Pattern 2025
The TNPSC Group 1 Exam consists of 3 phases: Prelims, Mains, and Interview. The first stage is the Prelims exam that consists of 120 marks. Candidates who qualify the Prelims will be eligible to appear for the Mains exam. Check the following table to know the exam pattern for the same.
| Subject | Duration | Maximum marks | Minimum Qualifying Marks (For SCs,SC(A)s, STs,MBCs /DCs, BC(OBCM)s and BCMs) | Minimum Qualifying Marks (Others) |
| Preliminary Exam | 3 hours | 300 | 90 | 120 |
| Mains Exam: Paper-I | 3 hours | 100 | 40 | 40 |
| Mains Exam: Paper-II | 3 hours | 250 | 255 | 340 |
| Mains Exam: Paper-III | 3 hours | 250 | ||
| Mains Exam: Paper-IV | 3 hours | 250 | ||
| Interview | No fix duration | 100 | Not Defined | |
TNPSC Group 1 Syllabus 2025 for Prelims
The TNPSC Group 1 Prelims Exam consists of two parts: General Studies (Degree Standard) and Aptitude & Mental Ability (SSLC Standard). The exam aims to test a candidate’s understanding of various academic and current topics. Here's a unit-wise breakdown of the syllabus:
Part A: General Studies (Degree Standard – 175 Questions)
The TNPSC Group 1 General studies paper consists of a total of 175 questions in total. It aims to test the candidate’s basic general knowledge of History, Geography, Current Affairs, etc. We have listed the details regarding the TNPSC Group 1 syllabus below for each topic.
Unit 1: General Science (10 Questions)
The TNPSC Group 1 General Science covers basic concepts in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Environmental Science. Topics include scientific temper, everyday science, inventions, human diseases, and ecological balance. It's designed to test conceptual understanding and practical applications. Listed below are the topics covered in this.
- Scientific awareness and reasoning
- Basic laws of mechanics, electricity, light, heat, etc.
- Elements, compounds, acids, bases, and fertilizers
- Life science: classification, evolution, genetics, health & hygiene
- Ecology, environment, and recent science & tech developments
- Current scientific affairs
Unit 2: Geography of India (10 Questions)
The focus will be on the physical and social geography — climate, rivers, soil, natural resources, and agriculture. Includes human geography such as population, communication, and disaster management. Also tests awareness of current geographical issues like pollution and climate change.
| Topic | Key Points |
| Location & Physical Features | - India: Southern Asia, bounded by Himalayas & Indian Ocean - Major physical divisions: Himalayas, Northern Plains, Peninsular Plateau, Coastal Plains, Islands |
| Monsoon, Rainfall, Weather & Climate | - Monsoon: Southwest (June–Sept) and Northeast (Oct–Dec) - Rainfall: Uneven – heavy in Northeast, low in West - Climate Zones: Tropical in South, Temperate in North - Seasonal variations: Summer, Winter, Monsoon |
| Water Resources & Rivers | - Major Rivers: Ganga, Yamuna, Brahmaputra (North); Godavari, Krishna, Cauvery (South) - Uses: Irrigation, drinking, hydroelectric power - Issues: Pollution, overuse |
| Soil, Minerals & Natural Resources | - Soils: Alluvial (North), Black (Deccan), Red, Laterite, Desert - Minerals: Coal, Iron, Bauxite, Mica – Chhota Nagpur Plateau rich in minerals - Importance of sustainable resource use |
| Forest & Wildlife | - Types: Tropical evergreen, deciduous, thorn, mangroves - Wildlife Sanctuaries & National Parks: Kaziranga, Sundarbans, Gir - Conservation programs: Project Tiger, Project Elephant |
| Agricultural Pattern | - Major crops: Rice, Wheat, Pulses, Cotton, Sugarcane - Cropping seasons: Kharif, Rabi, Zaid - Issues: Monsoon dependency, irrigation gaps |
| Transport & Communication | - Transport: Railways, Roads, Airways, Waterways - Communication: Telecom, Internet, Mass media - Importance in trade and connectivity |
| Social Geography | - Population: 1.4+ billion; high density in Indo-Gangetic plains - Distribution: Urban vs. Rural - Racial Groups: Dravidian, Aryan, Mongoloid - Linguistic Diversity: 22 official languages, many dialects - Major Tribes: Santhal, Bhil, Gond, Toda, Jarawa |
| Natural Calamities & Disaster Management | - Types: Earthquakes, floods, cyclones, droughts - Disaster Management Act (2005) - Agencies: NDMA, SDRF - Importance of early warning, preparedness |
| Environmental Pollution & Preventive Measures | - Types: Air, Water, Soil, Noise - Causes: Industrial waste, vehicles, plastic - Solutions: Afforestation, waste management, clean tech |
| Climate Change & Green Energy | - Causes: Greenhouse gases, deforestation - Effects: Global warming, sea-level rise, extreme weather - Green Energy: Solar, Wind, Hydel – reduce carbon footprint - India’s commitment: National Solar Mission, COP summits |
| Geographical Landmarks | - Himalayas, Thar Desert, Western & Eastern Ghats, Sunderbans, Western Coast, Deccan Plateau - UNESCO World Heritage sites (natural) |
| Current Affairs | - Climate summits, environmental policies, renewable energy initiatives - National & international geography-related updates (like El Niño, Cyclones, etc.) |
Unit 3: Indian History & National Movement (25 Questions)
The Indian History & National Movement will cover ancient to modern Indian history, including major dynasties, freedom struggle, and cultural evolution. It will also include personalities from India's freedom movement and their contributions, with an emphasis on social reforms and national unity.
| Topic | Key Points |
| Indus Valley Civilization | - Urban planning, drainage systems, trade - Cities: Harappa, Mohenjodaro, Dholavira - Script undeciphered, decline theories vary |
| Guptas, Delhi Sultans, Mughals & Marathas | - Guptas: Classical age, advancements in science, literature, and arts - Delhi Sultans: Introduction of Persian culture, architecture (Qutub Minar) - Mughals: Akbar’s policy of tolerance, administrative reforms, art/architecture - Marathas: Shivaji’s guerrilla warfare, rise of regional power |
| Vijayanagara & Bahmani Kingdoms | - Vijayanagara: Hampi, administration, promotion of art and temple architecture - Bahmani: Indo-Islamic culture, conflict with Vijayanagara |
| South Indian History | - Sangam age, Cholas, Cheras, Pandyas - Cholas: Naval power, temple architecture, inscriptions |
| Change & Continuity in Socio-Cultural History | - From Vedic age to modern times - Blend of religions, art, social reforms - Preservation of traditions with adaptation |
| National Renaissance & Early Uprisings | - Rise in modern education, press, and socio-religious reform movements - Early revolts: Vellore Mutiny, 1857 Revolt |
| Indian National Congress | - Formed in 1885 - Moderate phase → Extremist phase → Gandhi era - Platform for nationalist movement |
| Prominent Freedom Fighters & Leaders | - Mahatma Gandhi: Non-violence, Satyagraha - Subash Chandra Bose: INA, militant nationalism - Jawaharlal Nehru: First PM, industrialization - B.R. Ambedkar: Architect of Constitution, social justice - Bhagat Singh: Revolutionary freedom fighter - Bharathiar & V.O.C.: Nationalist poets and leaders - Periyar & Rajaji: Social reformers and statesmen - Maulana Azad, Kamarajar, Tagore: Education, unity, literature |
| Modes of Agitation | - Satyagraha: Civil disobedience, non-cooperation - Militant Movements: Armed resistance, revolutionary activities |
| Communalism & Partition | - Divide-and-rule policy - Rise in religious tensions - Partition of India in 1947 – massive displacement |
| Indian Culture – Unity in Diversity | - Diverse races, languages, religions - Common cultural threads: festivals, tolerance, family values |
| India as a Secular State & Social Harmony | - Equal respect for all religions - Constitutional protection of minority rights - Promotion of social peace and national integration |
| Prominent Personalities in Arts, Science, Literature & Philosophy | - Arts: M.S. Subbulakshmi, Ravi Shankar - Science: C.V. Raman, Abdul Kalam - Literature: Tagore, Bharathiar - Philosophy: Vivekananda, Aurobindo |
| National Symbols & General Awareness | - Symbols: Flag, Emblem, Anthem, Animal (Tiger), Bird (Peacock) - Eminent Personalities in News: Nobel winners, national awards - Sports: Olympics, cricket, major sports events - Books & Authors: Important recent publications |
| Current Affairs | - Recent government schemes - International relations - Scientific developments, social issues, economic policies |
Unit 4: Indian Polity (40 Questions)
The focus in the India Polity subject will be on the Indian Constitution, its features, governance structures, and federal relations. Topics such as fundamental rights, duties, local governance, election systems, judiciary, anti-corruption bodies, and current affairs related to politics and policy will be covered in this. .
| Topic | Key Points |
| Constitution of India | - Supreme law of the land - Adopted on 26th Nov 1949, came into force on 26th Jan 1950 - Framework for political principles, governance, rights, duties |
| Preamble | - Introduces the Constitution’s spirit - Declares India as: Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic - Ensures: Justice, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity |
| Salient Features | - Written and detailed Constitution - Federal structure with unitary bias - Independent judiciary - Fundamental Rights and Duties - Parliamentary system |
| Union, State & Union Territories | - India is a Union of States - Division of powers through Union List, State List, Concurrent List - UTs governed by President through Administrators |
| Citizenship | - Defined under Articles 5-11 - Only single citizenship - Acquired by birth, descent, registration, naturalization |
| Fundamental Rights | - Six rights (Art 12-35), include: - Right to Equality, Freedom, Against Exploitation - Right to Freedom of Religion - Cultural & Educational Rights - Right to Constitutional Remedies |
| Fundamental Duties | - Added by 42nd Amendment (1976) - Total 11 duties - Promote harmony, protect environment, safeguard public property |
| Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) | - Aimed at social and economic democracy - Not enforceable in court - Guide government policies for welfare |
| Union Executive | - President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Council of Ministers - Real power lies with the Prime Minister |
| Union Legislature (Parliament) | - Bicameral: Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha - Lawmaking, budget, debates, confidence motions |
| State Executive | - Governor (constitutional head) - Chief Minister and Council of Ministers hold real power |
| State Legislature | - Unicameral or bicameral (some states) - Similar structure to Parliament at the state level |
| Local Governments & Panchayati Raj | - 73rd Amendment: Gram Panchayats (rural) - 74th Amendment: Municipalities (urban) - Three-tier system: Village, Intermediate, District levels |
| Spirit of Federalism | - Division of power between Centre and States - Co-operative federalism: working together - Competitive federalism: improving performance |
| Elections | - Conducted by Election Commission of India - Free, fair, and periodic elections fundamental to democracy |
| Judiciary in India | - Independent and integrated system - Supreme Court → High Courts → District & Subordinate Courts - Guardian of Constitution and protector of rights |
| Rule of Law | - No one is above the law - Law applies equally to all citizens |
| Corruption in Public Life | - Major governance issue - Weakens institutions, hampers development |
| Anti-Corruption Measures | - Vigilance Commissions - Prevention of Corruption Act - Awareness and transparency tools |
| Lokpal and Lokayukta | - Lokpal: Central anti-corruption body - Lokayukta: State-level equivalent - Investigates corruption by public officials |
| Right to Information (RTI) | - Enacted in 2005 - Empowers citizens to access information - Promotes transparency and accountability |
| Empowerment of Women | - Legal provisions: Reservation in local bodies, maternity benefits, protection laws - Schemes: Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Ujjwala Yojana |
| Consumer Protection | - Consumer Protection Act, 2019 - Establishes consumer rights - Redressal through Consumer Commissions at District, State, and National levels |
Unit 5: Indian Economy (50 Questions)
Indian Economy will encompass the economic planning, taxation, monetary policy, and government schemes. Emphasis is laid on economic development in Tamil Nadu, including welfare policies, human development indicators, rural programs, and challenges like unemployment and poverty.
| Topic | Key Points |
| Nature of Indian Economy & Planning | - Mixed economy with agriculture, industry, services - Five-Year Plans: Varied models (Nehru-Mahalanobis, etc.) - Planning Commission: Set national priorities until 2014 - NITI Aayog: Successor body with focus on cooperative federalism |
| Sources of Revenue & Financial Institutions | - Tax (Direct & Indirect), Non-tax revenue - RBI: Controls monetary policy, issues currency, manages inflation - Fiscal Policy: Govt spending & taxation decisions - Monetary Policy: Managed by RBI – repo rate, CRR, etc. - Finance Commission: Recommends Union-State resource sharing |
| GST & Resource Sharing | - Goods and Services Tax: Unified indirect tax system - Brings efficiency and transparency - Union-State Sharing: Based on Finance Commission formulas |
| Structure of Economy & Employment | - Primary (Agri), Secondary (Industry), Tertiary (Services) - Employment: High in informal sector - Need for skill development and job creation |
| Agriculture & Land Reforms | - Green Revolution, modern tools & irrigation - Land redistribution & ceiling laws - Technology Use: Precision farming, drip irrigation, biotech crops |
| Industrial Growth & Rural Welfare | - MSME growth, Make in India initiative - Rural Schemes: MGNREGA, PMAY, NRLM, etc. for upliftment |
| Social Issues in India | - Population: Pressure on resources - Education: Gaps in quality and access - Health: Public healthcare challenges - Poverty & Employment: Persisting despite growth |
| Human Development in Tamil Nadu | - High literacy and life expectancy - Better HDI compared to national average - Effective public health and education systems |
| Social Reform & Political Role | - Impact of Self-Respect and Dravidian movements - Focus on upliftment of backward classes - Political Parties: Welfare-driven agenda (e.g., Amma Canteens, Free Education) |
| Reservation Policy & Access to Resources | - Ensures representation in education and jobs - Promotes social equity - Legal backing through Constitution |
| Economic Trends in Tamil Nadu | - Strong industrial base – automobiles, textiles - Leading in exports and service sector - High urbanization and infrastructural growth |
| Welfare Schemes & Social Justice | - Free bicycles, laptops, maternity benefits - Women's welfare and education incentives - Social Justice & Harmony: Ensures inclusive development |
| Education & Health in TN | - High literacy, midday meal schemes, free uniforms - Strong network of PHCs and health insurance (CMCHIS) |
| Geography & Economy of Tamil Nadu | - Coastal state with ports (Chennai, Tuticorin) - Fertile delta regions aid agriculture - Climatic diversity affects cropping patterns |
| Achievements of Tamil Nadu | - Leadership in e-Governance, health, education - Smart cities, industrial hubs, green energy |
| e-Governance & Administration | - TNeGA initiatives, Digital Tamil Nadu - Online services – Patta, Birth cert, Grievance Redressal |
| Public Awareness & Delivery Systems | - Awareness via mass media, NGOs, campaigns - Issues: Delays, corruption, lack of transparency - Solutions: RTI, grievance redressal mechanisms |
| Current Socio-Economic Issues & Affairs | - Inflation, unemployment, climate change, rural distress - Important government initiatives and national/international developments |
Unit 6: Tamil Nadu History & Movements (40 Questions)
As TNPSC Group 1 exam is a state PSC exam for Tamil Nadu, therefore, it will highlights Tamil Nadu’s unique contributions to Indian culture, literature, and history. Focuses on the evolution of social movements, including the Self-Respect Movement, contributions of Periyar and Anna, and the importance of Thirukkural in ethics and society.
| Topic | Key Points |
| History of Tamil Society & Archaeological Discoveries | - Evolution from prehistoric to historical periods - Sites: Adichanallur, Keeladi, Kodumanal, Porunthal - Sangam age society: Kudi system, occupations, women’s status - Influence of trade, agriculture, governance |
| Tamil Literature: Sangam Age to Contemporary Times | - Sangam: Ettuthogai, Pathuppaattu – love, valor - Post-Sangam: Silappathikaram, Manimekalai – ethics, Buddhism/Jainism - Bhakti Movement: Alwars & Nayanmars – devotional hymns - Modern: Bharathiyar, Pudhumaipithan – reform, freedom - Contemporary: Socio-political, Dalit literature |
| Thirukkural - Significance & Themes | - Secular Work: Non-religious, universal values - Everyday Life: Ethics in family, business, governance - Impact: Global admiration (e.g. Gandhi, Tolstoy) - Values: Truth, justice, compassion - Relevance: Socio-political & economic themes - Philosophy: Aram (virtue), Porul (wealth), Inbam (love) |
| Role of Tamil Nadu in Freedom Struggle | - Early resistance: Vellore Mutiny (1806) - Leaders: Bharathiyar, V.O.C., Rajaji - Women’s Role: Velu Nachiyar, participation in protests - Use of education, press in nationalist awakening |
| Socio-Political Movements in Tamil Nadu (19th & 20th Century) | - Justice Party: First non-Brahmin govt, promoted reservation, education - Rationalism: Critique of caste, religion - Self-Respect Movement: Founded by Periyar – self-respect, atheism, gender equality - Dravidian Movement: Language, culture, anti-Hindi stance, rise of DMK |
| Contributions of Periyar & Anna | - Thanthai Periyar: Anti-caste, rationalism, women’s rights, social justice - Perarignar Anna: First DMK CM, Tamil pride, anti-Hindi imposition, powerful orator |
Part B: Aptitude & Mental Ability (SSLC Standard – 25 Questions)
The Part B of the TNPSC Group 1 Aptitude and Mental Ability is based on SSLC standard. It tests the numerical ability and basic math skills. Topics include simplification, ratios, interests, time, area, and volume. These questions assess problem-solving skills needed in day-to-day life and administrative tasks. The reasoning section evaluates logical thinking through puzzles, sequences, dice, and visual/alphanumeric reasoning. It's aimed at measuring analytical skills and mental agility — essential for any administrative officer.
Unit 1: Aptitude (15 Questions)
- Basic arithmetic: simplification, percentage, HCF, LCM
- Ratios, interest calculations
- Geometry: area, volume
- Time & work problems
Unit 2: Reasoning (10 Questions)
- Logical and visual reasoning
- Puzzles and number series
- Dice and alphanumeric problems
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