TNPSC Exam

TNPSC GROUP 1 - INTRODUCTION

Each and every year Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission conducts examinations for
recruiting persons for various services of the State Government of Tamil Nadu, including
State, Subordinate and Ministerial Services. TNPSC conducts over 170 examinations for
the recruitment in these services. Notifications for these examinations are released from
time to time. The applicants have to follow all sorts of rules and regulations for these
examinations. The candidates have to fill an application form and submit it within the
given date in order to enroll their names for these exams.
TNPSC conducts Combined Subordinate Services Examination I (CSSE-I) for direct
recruitment in a number of services under Tamil Nadu Government. The services are
divided in two parts: One for which both Written and Oral Exams are conducted and one
for which only written exams are conducted. Both the examination leads candidates to a
government service. Number of vacancies in these services is available with the
notification.
Popularity of the exams
A large number of students from across the state of Tamil Nadu appear for TNPSC every
year and the competition is quite tough. As the seats are fixed for various services,
applicants have to work hard to get the job.
GROUP 1 POSTS

Group-I Exam is conducted by Tamil Nadu Public Services commission (TNPSC) for the
posts of

Note:

DC (Deputy Collectors), Later Conferred IAS.

DSP (Deputy Superintendent of Police), Later Conferred IPS
CTO (Commercial Tax Officers).
DR (District Registrar in Co-operative Societies).
DR (Deputy Registrar in Registration Dept) Etc,
District Employment Officer.
Divisional Fire Officer
Assistant Director of Rural Development Dept

There is no optional paper in the PRELIMS & MAINS. Only General Knowledge. 30%
RESERVATION FOR WOMEN. AGE LIMIT (Right Now): Recently 5 years age
relaxation announced by the Government of Tamil Nadu.

OC = 35 Years
BC and MBC = 40 Years
SC/ST = No upper age limit

ELIGIBILITY CONDITIONS

Age
Educational qualifications
Physical Qualifications

Age (as on the prescribed date)

1. Minimum age limit Should have completed 21 years for all candidates
2. Maximum age limit Should not have completed 35 years for SCs, STs,
MBCs/DCs, BCs and Destitute Widows of all castes. 30 years for candidates not
belonging to any of the above said categories
3. For the post of Commercial Tax Officer - For candidates possessing B.L/Law
Degree of any University or Institution recognised by the University Grants
Commission - must be below 36 years in the case of SCs, STs, MBCs/DCs, BCs
and Destitute Widows of all castes and 31 years in the case of candidates not
belonging to any of the above said categories
4. For the post of Deputy Registrar of Co-operative Societies: (Post Code : 1004) In
respect of candidates who have held the post of Manager, Secretary or Executive
Officer of the Tamil Nadu State Co-operative Bank, Tamil Nadu State Land
Development Bank, Tamil Nadu Handloom Weavers Co-operative Society, The
Tamil Nadu Co-operative Union, Co-operative Central Bank, Co-operative
Wholesale Stores or The Co-operative Marketing Federation for a period of not
less than two years, the maximum age-limit will be increased by two years
5. Age relaxation of 5 years in the maximum age limit will be applicable to persons
(viz., unemployed youth and those who are in Government Service) affected by
the ban orders as per the orders issued in G.O.Ms.No.98, P&AR(S) Department
dated 17.07.06 and G.O.Ms.No.152, P&AR(S) Department dated 18.09.06
respectively
6. Candidates not belonging to SCs, STs, MBCs/DCs and BCs (i.e. others) who have
put in five years of service in the State/Central Government are not eligible to
apply, even though they are within the age limit
7. The Technical and Non-technical staff of TANSI who are facing retrenchment and
have not been absorbed in the Government Corporations/Undertakings may also
apply (evidence to be produced), if they satisfy all the prescribed qualifications

except age. The relevant age rule will be relaxed by the Government in their
favour, if they come up for selection
8. Emergency Commissioned Officers may also apply for the post of Deputy
Superintendent of Police (Category-I) even if they do not satisfy the age-limit
prescribed. The case of each such applicant will be considered on merit and the
question of relaxing the rule relating to age-limit will be considered by the
Government, if he is selected

Educational Qualification
Candidates should possess the following or such other qualification as have been declared
to be higher than or equivalent to the said qualification by the State Government in
consultation with the Committee constituted under the Chairmanship of the Chairman,
Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission for the purpose
1. A Degree of any of the Universities incorporated by an Act of the Central or State
Legislature in India or any other educational institutions established by an Act of
Parliament or declared to be deemed as a University under section 3 of the
University Grants Commission Act, 1956
2. The Candidates who have written the final year degree examination may also
apply to the Preliminary Examination for direct recruitment to the posts included
in Group-I Services, subject to the condition that they should produce proof of
having passed the degree examination when admitted to the Main Written
Examination failing which they will not be admitted to the Main Written
Examination
3. The Candidates who have passed the final professional M.B.B.S or any other
Medical Examination but have not completed the internship may also apply to the
Preliminary Examination for direct recruitment to the posts included in Group-I
Services provided they should submit along with their applications a copy of
Certificate from the concerned authority of the University/Institution that they had
passed the requisite final professional Medical examination. In such cases, the
candidates will be required to produce at the time of their Interview, original
degree or a Certificate from the concerned competent authority of the University/
Institution that they had completed all requirements (including completion of
internship) for the award of the Degree.
Provided that, other things being equal, preference will be given to the candidates who
possess the qualification mentioned against each of the following posts:

Deputy Superintendent of Police (Category 1)- A Degree or Diploma in

Criminology and Forensic Science and also to those who possess National Award
for Physical efficiency
Commercial Tax Officer-

First preference - A Degree both in Commerce and Law together with a

Diploma in Taxation Laws
o Second Preference - A Degree both in Commerce and Law
o Third Preference - A Degree either in Commerce or Law together with a
Diploma in Taxation Laws
o Fourth Preference - A Degree either in Commerce or Law.
District Employment Officer - Graduate in Economics, Education, Sociology,
Statistics and Psychology and to those with Post Graduate Diploma in Social
Science and experience in Industrial or Personnel Management or Labour Welfare
Deputy Registrar of Cooperative Societies
1. First Preference M.A. (Co-operation) Degree
2. Second Preference M.Com. Degree with Co-operation as subject
3. Third Preference B.A. (Co-operation) Degree
Assistant Director in Rural Development Department / Personal Assistant
(Development) to Collector
o Post Graduate Degree in Rural Service of the Gandhigram Rural Institute,
Madurai District
o P.G. Degree or Diploma in Extension
o P.G. Degree or Diploma in Sociology
o

Candidates to be admitted to the Main Written Examination shall be required to

produce evidence relating to preferential qualifications, if any, possessed by them

Physical qualification
1. Deputy Superintendent of Police (Category 1)
1. For Men: Must be not less than 165 cms in Height and not less than 86 cms
round the chest on full inspiration and must have a chest expansion of not
less than 5 cms on full inspiration
2. For Women: Must be not less than 155 cms in Height. The Chest
measurement will not apply to them.
2. Divisional Officer in Fire and Rescue Services.
1. For Men: Must be not less than 165 cms in Height, 50 kgs in Weight and
not less than 89 cms round the chest on full inspiration and 84 cms (normal)
with not less than 5 cms expansion on full inspiration
2. For Women: Must be not less than 155 cms in Height. The Chest
measurement will not apply to them
3. An applicant selected for appointment to the post of Deputy Superintendent of
Police (Category I) and Divisional Officer in Fire and Rescue Services must
satisfy the Medical Board in Tamil Nadu as to his/her physique, fitness and
capacity for active outdoor work and must be certified by the Superintendent of
Government Ophthalmic Hospital, Chennai that his/her vision comes upto the
requirements prescribed in the rules without the use of contact glasses.

4. An applicant selected for appointment to the post of Deputy Collector must satisfy
the Medical Board in Tamil Nadu as to his/her physique, fitness and capacity for
active outdoor work.
SCHEME OF EXAMINATION

TNPSC group 1 consist of a preliminary examination and main examination. Those who
cleared the preliminary exam only can write the main exam and attend the interview.
Preliminary Examination
Subject

Duration

Single paper in General Knowledge- Degree Standard - Objective

Type - 200 Questions

3 Hours

Maximum
Marks
300

Note:

The question paper will be set both in Tamil and English

No negative marks for wrong answers.

Main written examination and oral test

Subject

General Studies Paper-I (Degree

Standard and Descriptive type)
General Studies Paper-II (Degree
Standard and Descriptive type)
Interview and record
Total

Duration

Maximum
Marks

3 Hours 300

Minimum Qualifying
Marks for Selection
SCs, STs, MBCs and
Others
BCs
204

272

3 Hours 300
-

80
680

NOTE:

The question papers for the Main Written Examination will be set both in Tamil
and English. Candidates are allowed to answer the Main Written Examination
either in Tamil or in English or partly in Tamil or partly in English
Candidates are allowed to specify the technical Words wherever necessary in
either of the languages
The main written examination will be held at Chennai only. The candidates
admitted to the main written examination will be informed of the timetable and
exact place of examination individually at least 10 days in advance.

Exercising of option
Candidates should exercise their options regarding post preferences in column 23 of the
OMR application form. However, Fresh/Revised option regarding Post preferences
including the names of the post for which they do not wish to be considered will be
obtained from all the candidates who are qualified in the Main Written Examination at
the time of Oral Test.
PROCEDURE OF SELECTION

The selection will be made in three successive stages, viz

Preliminary Examination for selection of candidates for admission to the Main

Written Examination
Main Written Examination followed by
An Oral Test in the shape of an Interview
The Preliminary Examination is meant to serve as a screening test only. The marks
obtained in the Preliminary Examination by the candidates, who are declared
qualified for admission to the Main Written Examination will not be counted for
determining their final order of merit. The number of candidates to be admitted to
the Main Written Examination will be exactly ten times the number of candidates
to be recruited having regard to the rule of reservation of appointments
Final selection will be made on the basis of the total marks obtained by the
candidates at the Main Written Examination and Oral Test taken together subject
to the rule of reservation of appointments and the options exercised by the
candidates in the order of preference in which they wish to be selected
Candidates selected in the Main Written examination should attend the Oral Test.
A candidate who has not appeared in any one of the papers in the Main Written
Examination or Oral Test will not be considered for selection, even if he/she
secures qualifying marks for selection in the Main Written Examination.

SYLLABUS FOR PRELIMINARY AND MAIN EXAMINATION

Syllabus for Preliminary Examination (Objective type)

General Knowledge
The paper on general knowledge will include questions covering the following fields of
knowledge. General Science, current events of national and international importance,
history and culture of India, geography, Indian Polity, Indian economy, Indian National
Movement and Freedom struggle, Mental ability tests and other related fields
General Science

Questions on general science will cover general appreciation and understanding of

science, including matters of every day observation and experience as may be expected of
a well educated person who has not made a special study of any scientific discipline
History
In history emphasis will be on broad general understanding of the subject in its social,
economic, political aspects; social and cultural heritage of India emphasizing unity in
diversity
Tamil, Tamil Nadu etc
Questions on Tamil, Tamil Nadu, Language and Literature, Culture and heritage of its
people
Geography
In geography emphasis will be on geography of India including the physical, social,
economic, geography and on the main features of Indian agriculture and natural resources
Indian Polity and Economy
Questions on Indian polity and economy will test knowledge on the countrys political,
executive, Judicial System, Panchayat raj, Rural and Community Development and
Economic Planning in India
Indian National Movement
Questions on Indian National Movement will relate to the nature and character of the
Nineteenth century resurgence, growth of nationalism and attainment of independence
General Mental Ability
General mental ability test will include analysis of classified data, logical and behavioural
reasoning, analogies, school arithmetic, numerical ability and basic concepts of
computers
Current Events
Current events will include latest developments on all the fields detailed above including
science and technology
Note

About 20% of the Questions in this Paper shall be exclusively with reference to Tamil,
Tamil Nadu, Language and literature, culture and heritage of its people.

Syllabi for Main Written Examination (Descriptive type)

General Studies

Paper I

Modern history of India and Indian Culture

Current events of National and International importance
Statistical analysis, graphs and diagrams
Social Problems and other current sensitive issues.

PAPER II

Indian Polity
Indian Economy and Geography of India
Role and impact of science and technology in the development of India
Tamil Language, Tamil Society, its culture and heritage
Tamil Nadu Administration.

Modern history of India and Indian culture will cover the broad history of the country
from about the middle of the nineteenth century (advent of European invasion) and would
include questions on Gandhi, Tagore, Nehru and Periyar.
Statistical analysis, graphs and diagrams will include exercises to test the candidates
ability to draw commonsense conclusions from information presented in statistical,
graphical and diagrammatical form and to point out deficiencies, limitations and
inconsistencies therein. Social problems and sensitive issues will include problems like
bonded labour, child labour, gender bias, minorities, SC/ST, illiteracy, poverty,
employment etc. Indian polity will include questions on constitution of India and Political
system in India
On Indian economy and geography, questions will be put on planning in India and the
physical, economic, social Geography of India
On role and impact of science and technology, questions will be asked to test the
candidates awareness of the latest developments in science and technology with special
emphasis on applied aspects
Under Tamil language and culture questions will be put to test the candidates general
awareness on those topics. Tamil Nadu administration will cover topics in general

administration like organizational structure, functions, control, social welfare oriented

programmes etc.
Further information about syllabus is available in : http://www.tnpsc.gov.in/syllabus.htm
BOOKS SUGGESTED AND TREND OF QUESTIONS

General Knowledge
Tamil Nadu State Board Text Books are the major source for TNPSC Exams. These
books cover approximately 80% of questions and considered as the major source. Hence,
the aspirants have to read and revise the State Board Books (Tamil Nadu) to get the
desired results. Group I aspirants may also depend on the Materials and Books which are
prepared on the basis of State Board Text Books. General Knowledge Books published
by M/s Sura Books, Sakthi Publishing House, Raman Guide may play important role
with regard to Tamil Nadu and World Affairs. The aspirants are also cautioned that they
have to refer to other books also to verify the authenticity of the answers, since there are
occasional errors and printing mistakes in these books. If a person is preparing
simultaneously for the UPSC Civil Services Exam also, standard General Knowledge
year book published by Tata McGraw Hill, Pierson and Manorama may solve the dual
purposes and one may be confident enough.
General Science
In TNPSC Exams, the general science questions are asked mainly from 6th Standard to
10th Standard State Board Text books and also from Physics, Chemistry, Biology Text
Books of 11 and 12th Standard. Out of 100 Questions, at least 30-35 are asked from
general science. In particular, about 8-10 Questions are asked in Physics, 10-12
Questions in Chemistry, 12-14 questions in Biology. Few questions are also asked from
the current developments in Science and Technology.
Indian History
Almost 15 to 20 percent questions are asked from Indian History. The main source books
are the State Board text books from 6th standard to 10th standard (Social Science) and
the History text book of 11 and 12th standard. Importance is to be given to Indian
National Movement. In Indian History and Indian National Movement, the role played by
Tamil Nadu is given weightage in TNPSC Group I exams.
Indian Geography
In Indian Geography, about 10 to 12 % of questions are asked. The main sources are 6 to
10th Standard Social Science books and 11th and 12th Geography text books. Aspirants
are stressed that they have to bestow better attention with regard to the Tamil Nadu

Geography i.e., location, rivers, mountains, industries, Dams, irrigation, crops, physical
setting etc of Tamil Nadu.
Indian Constitution
Nearly 10 to 12 percent questions are framed from Indian Polity and Constitution. For
this subject, in addition to the Civics books of Tamil Nadu State Board, any standard
book on Indian Constitution will take care.
Indian Economy
With regard to Indian Economy, the main source is the 11th and 12th standard State
Board books. One has to follow the latest economic developments in India especially in
Tamil Nadu and for this one has to read standard newspapers like The Hindu for current
economy. It is advised to read India 2010, Economic Survey of India 2009-2010 and the
Tamil Nadu Year Book 2010. The latest budgets of Central and Tamil Nadu State
Governments may be given a thorough reading.
Current Events
5 to 10 questions are asked from current events. In this regard, The Hindu and Dinamani,
daily newspapers may serve as a major source so far as the latest current affairs are
concerned. One has to give priority for the last 18 months happenings around the world
just prior to the commencement of exams. If you are an aspirant to UPSC Civil Services
also, the Civil Services Chronicle and Competition Wizard serves the most for General
Knowledge and Current Affairs preparation.
Mathematics
In Mathematics subject, problems/sums are asked from Class 7, 8, 9, 10 State Board Text
books. At least 5 to 10 questions are asked in this topic covering the mental ability. One
may rely on R.S.Aggarwal's Quantitative Aptitude book for mental ability, which covers
all the major aspects of mental ability.
Special Focus on Tamil Nadu
It is pertinent to note that almost 20 % questions will surely be asked from Tamil Nadu
Affairs. Hence, one has to concentrate on the policies, budgets, welfare schemes,
developmental activities, the Tamil Nadu Polity, Tamil Literature, Books and Authors,
Current Events, Awards, General Knowledge, Current Tamil Nadu Economy,
Geography, History of TAMIL NADU.
Miscellaneous Subjects

Recent trend shows that in addition to the above, questions are also framed form
Commerce, Statistics, Hindu Religion, Logic, Ethics, Sociology, Psychology and
Philosophy. These miscellaneous subjects are well covered in class 11 and 12 of Tamil
Nadu Text books. One cannot omit these areas because even a single mark will make the
difference and become the ultimate deciding factor for final selection.
Text Books published by Tamil Nadu Text Books Society
Science
6,
7,
8,
9,
10th
Physics
11,
12th
Chemistry
11,
12th
Biology
11,
12th
Social
Science
6,
7,
8,
9,
10
History
&
INM
11,
12th
Geography
11,
12th
Political
Science
11,
12th
Mathematics
7,
8,
9,
10
Logic
12th
standard
Psychology
12th
standard
Political
Science
11,
12th
Indian
Culture
-12th
standard
Ethics - 11th standard

standard
standard
standard
standard
standards
standard
standard
standard
standards
(Old)
(Old)
standard
(Old)

Magazines and Guides

Civil Services Chronicle Competition Wizard Tata McGraw Hill - Year Book 2010
Pierson - Year Book 2010 Manorama - Year Book 2010
Newspapers/Magazines
The Hindu, the English National News Paper GK Times (Tamil Monthly Magazine)
Dinamani (Tamil Daily Newspaper)
APPLICATION PROCEDURE

For TNPSC Group 1 Preliminary Examination : Rs. 75/- (Rupees Seventy five
only).
For TNPSC Group 1 Main Written Examination : Rs. 125/- (Rupees One hundred
and twenty five only).

The fee for TNPSC Group 1 Preliminary Examination should be paid only through any
one of the Post Offices listed in AnnexureIII to the Information Brochure and the

Postal Receipt obtained for the payment of fee should be pasted in the space provided in
the application form for TNPSC Group 1 Exam 2011.
Candidates (other than those who apply Online) should inform the Counter Clerk of the
Post Office their OMR application Number for obtaining the Postal Receipt.
The fee for TNPSC Group 1 Main Written Examination should be paid by those, who are
to be admitted to the Main Written Examination based on the result of Preliminary
Examination, on receipt of intimation from the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission,
unless exemption of fee is claimed.
(For further details refer para 2 under partIII of TNPSC Group 1 Information Brochure
and for Examination fee concessions refer para 12 of the Instructions, etc., to
candidates).
Enclosures to be sent along with TNPSC Group 1 Exam Application Form
Candidates should enclose attested copies of all the required certificates (including
evidence for S.S.LC, H.SC, U.G.Degree possessed by them) as mentioned in para 15 of
the Commissions Instructions, etc., to candidates and in item 26 under Part-II of
information Brochure, along with a Postal Receipt to the value of 75/- pasted in the
column provided in the application form, unless exemption of fee is claimed and a Self
Certificate (if applicable) as mentioned in Note(v) under para 5(B) of TNPSC Group 1
2011 Notification.
Original Certificates should not be sent. Those applying Online may please refer para
14(d) of TNPSC Group 1 Latest Notification / TNPSC Group 1 Advertisement.
Among the candidates admitted to the TNPSC Group 1 Main Written Examination, those
who opt for the posts of Deputy Superintendent of Police (Category-I) and Divisional
Officer in Fire and Rescue Services must in addition to the documents referred to above
should send a certified copy of Certificate from a Medical Officer of/or above the rank of
an Assistant Surgeon appointed by the Government to the Government Medical
Institution obtained on or after 29-12-2010 containing the following particulars :

Note:

Height (centimeters)
Weight (centimeters)
Chest Measurement:
1. On full inspiration (centimeters)
2. On full expiration (centimeters)
3. Difference (Expansion) (centimeters)

However, in the case of woman applicants for the post of Deputy Superintendent of
Police (CategoryI) and the post of Divisional Officer, the Chest measurement need not
be specified in the said certificate. Information relating to debarment by any recruiting
agency, criminal or any disciplinary proceeding initiated or finalized should also be
furnished along with the TNPSC Group 1 application and col. 23, 23(a) and 23(c) should
be shaded compulsorily. TNPSC Group 1 Applications received without the certificates
as specified above will be rejected. No Objection Certificate : For details please refer to
paragraph 15(g) of the Commissions Instructions, etc., to candidates.
Concessions:
Concessions in the matter of age and/or fees allowed to SCs, SC(A)s, STs, MBCs/DCs,
BC(OBCM)s, BCMs, Destitute Widows, Ex-Servicemen, Differently Abled persons,
discharged and serving temporary State Government employees below 40 years of age,
etc., are given in the Commissions Instructions, etc., to candidates. Concession if
any, to be availed evidence has to be produced along with the application.
Issue of TNPSC Group 1 Exam Application Forms
a) TNPSC Group 1 OMR application form along with an Information Brochure,
Instructions, etc., to candidates and an envelope for sending application can be
obtained from any one of the selected post *offices (285 Nos.) in Tamil Nadu (including
Alagappapuram, Sivaganga) / Puducherry on payment of 30/-. (The list of Post Offices
is available in the Annexure-III of TNPSC Group 1 Information Brochure).
b) TNPSC Group 1 Exam OMR application forms can also be obtained in person from
the sales counter of the office of the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission, No.1,
Greams Road, Commercial Tax Annexe Building, Chennai-600 006, on all the working
days till the closing date upto 5.00 p.m. (excluding lunch interval between 1.30 to 2.00
p.m.) on cash payment of 30/-. TNPSC Group 1 Exam Application Forms will not be
supplied to the candidates by Post.
c) Candidates should use only the OMR application form for TNPSC Group 1 Exam
2011. No other typed or printed or Xeroxed / Photocopy of the application form will be
accepted and such application, if any received, will be summarily rejected.
d) Candidates can also avail of the facility of applying online on the Commissions
Website.
Candidates applying online should possess and keep ready Postal Receipt for 105/- (i.e.
TNPSC Group 1 Exam Application fee 30/- and Examination fee 75/-) and Candidates
claiming fee exemption should possess and keep ready Postal Receipt for 30/- towards
the application fee before registering Online. The Postal Receipt obtained for the

payment of Application Fee / Examination Fee should be pasted in the space provided in
the TNPSC Group 1 Exam application form. Candidates applying online should send the
applications (i.e. The printout generated from the website and signed by the candidate)
with the Postal Receipt along with attested copies of required Certificates so as to reach
the Commissions office on or before the last date for receipt of TNPSC Group 1 Exam
applications, failing which his / her application will be rejected.
Receipt of TNPSC Group 1 Exam Application Form :

Candidates are advised to verify the following aspects also before sending their
filled in OMR applications to the Commissions office :
1. Signature by the candidate in ball point pen or fountain pen only in the
OMR application below the declaration. Failure to sign will entail rejection
of his / her application.
2. (ii) Columns 1, 1(a), 3, 4 and 24 in the OMR application form filled up
based on the details available in TNPSC Group 1 Exam Notification /
TNPSC Group 1 Latest Advertisement.
3. (iii) Self Certificate, as specified in Note (v) under para 5 (B) with due
signature (if applicable).
Filled in applications must be sent well in advance to the TamilNadu Public
Service Commission address mentioned below and the same should reach before
last date.
The
Controller
Tamil
Nadu
Public
Commercial
Taxes
No.1
Greams
Chennai 600 006.

The Controller of Examinations,

Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission,
Commercial Taxes Annexe Building,
No.1 Greams Road,
Chennai 600 006.

of
Service
Annexe

Examinations,
Commission,
Building,
Road,