TNPSC Group 4 syllabus explained unit by unit, in simple words

TNPSC Guide is not the official TNPSC website. The official syllabus and notification are only on tnpsc.gov.in.

Checked on: 24.10.2026. On that day TNPSC's syllabus page still linked this file (code 496, dated 12.12.2024).

Before you buy books for Group 4, see the whole syllabus once. This page explains each unit in plain words, with the official PDF's page number for every fact.

What does the syllabus look like at a glance?

The exam is one paper of 200 questions for 300 marks, at SSLC standard (Notification 11/2026, page 20). For marks in detail, read Group 4 exam pattern and marks.

The question count the PDF prints for each unit is only indicative; TNPSC may raise or lower it slightly (Notification 11/2026, para 6.3, page 21).

A note on letters: the syllabus PDF calls General Studies "Part A", Aptitude "Part B" and Tamil "Part C" (pages 1-2). We follow the notification: Part A Tamil, Part B General Studies, Part C Aptitude (page 20). If in doubt, go by the part's name.

What do I study in Part A Tamil? (7 units)

Part A is the Tamil Eligibility-cum-Scoring Test: 100 questions for 150 marks, set in Tamil only. Part B and Part C of your answer sheet are evaluated only if you score at least 60 of 150 in Part A (Notification 11/2026, page 20, para 6.1). The PDF prints these units in Tamil, on pages 2-3 and again on pages 6-7.

Grammar (இலக்கணம்)

Two sections, letters and words: short and long vowels, telling ல, ள and ழ apart, sandhi errors, root words, finite verbs and participles (page 2).

Vocabulary (சொல்லகராதி)

Word meanings: antonyms, several words with one meaning, and the pure Tamil word for a colloquial one (page 2).

Writing skills (எழுதும் திறன்)

It tests building a correct sentence: active and passive voice, the traditional rules of class and gender agreement, and punctuation marks (page 2). Despite the name, you write no essay. The whole exam is objective type (Notification 11/2026, page 20).

Technical terms (கலைச் சொற்கள்)

The Tamil word for terms from science, medicine, law, information technology and other fields. The syllabus's own example: search engine is தேடு பொறி (page 3).

Reading comprehension (வாசித்தல் – புரிந்து கொள்ளும் திறன்)

You read a passage, such as a newspaper item, an editorial or government news, and choose the right answer. The meaning of idioms and proverbs is tested here too (page 3).

Translation (எளிய மொழி பெயர்ப்பு)

You need the Tamil equivalents of English and other foreign words; the syllabus lists pendrive and printer as examples. Understanding the titles of documents, letters and petitions is part of it too (page 3).

Literature and Tamil scholars (இலக்கியம், தமிழ் அறிஞர்களும், தமிழ்த்தொண்டும்)

It covers Thirukkural (only the 20 chapters the syllabus lists), the ethical works, the antiquity of Tamil and the work of Tamil scholars. The syllabus notes that this unit is based on school textbooks up to SSLC standard (page 3).

What do I study in Part B General Studies? (6 units)

Part B General Studies has 75 questions, set in Tamil and English (Notification 11/2026, page 20, para 6.1). Current affairs has no unit of its own; it sits inside General Science, Geography, Polity and Economy (syllabus, page 1).

General Science

Basics of physics, chemistry and life science. For example: elements and compounds, acids, bases, and food adulterants (page 1).

Geography

Earth location, monsoon, rivers, soil, forest and wildlife, disaster management and climate change (page 1). Population density and distribution in Tamil Nadu and India are also here.

History, Culture and Indian National Movement

From the Indus Valley Civilization to the freedom movement. The syllabus also names leaders, among them V.O. Chidambaranar, Thanthai Periyar, Kamarajar and Mahatma Gandhi (page 1).

Indian Polity

The Constitution of India, the Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Fundamental Duties, local governments and Panchayat Raj, and the Right to Information (page 1).

Indian Economy and Development Administration in Tamil Nadu

Five-year plan models, NITI Aayog, the Reserve Bank of India, Goods and Services Tax and the government's welfare schemes (page 1).

History, Culture, Heritage and Socio-Political Movements in Tamil Nadu

The history of Tamil society and archaeological discoveries, Tamil literature from the Sangam age to today, Thirukkural, Tamil Nadu's role in the freedom struggle, and social reformers (pages 1-2). Thirukkural appears both here and in the Part A literature unit.

What do I study in Part C Aptitude? (2 units)

Part C is Aptitude and Mental Ability, with 25 questions. Parts B and C carry 150 marks together (Notification 11/2026, page 20).

Aptitude

The syllabus lists: simplification, percentage, HCF, LCM, ratio and proportion, simple interest, compound interest, area, volume, and time and work (page 2).

Practice question (ours): What is 15% of 800?

Answer: 120. Quick way: 10% of 800 is 80. 5% is half of that, 40. So 80 + 40 = 120.

Reasoning

Logical reasoning, puzzles, dice, visual reasoning, alpha-numeric reasoning and number series (page 2).

Practice question (ours): 3, 6, 12, 24, ... What comes next?

Answer: 48. Each number is double the one before it.

Is there a separate VAO syllabus?

No. Village Administrative Officer is one post in this same exam, with post code 2025 in Notification 11/2026 (page 3). The same 15 units apply. Use the official PDF, not a separate "VAO syllabus" file.

How do I split my time?

This is our advice, not a TNPSC rule.

• Part A is half the total marks (150 of 300), and without 60 there the other parts are not evaluated (Notification 11/2026, page 20, para 6.1). Put Tamil first every day.
• In General Studies, units with more indicative questions in the PDF (page 1) can take a little more time.
• For aptitude, a few sums every day help more than one long session.

If you also work, see the Group 4 study schedule for working people.

Where is the official PDF?

• TNPSC's syllabus page links the Group 4 syllabus. Direct link: Group 4 syllabus, code 496.
• One file of 8 pages, dated 12.12.2024: English on pages 1-4, Tamil on pages 5-8. The Tamil pages print their own footer from "Page 1 of 4"; this article uses the file's page numbers.
• Notification 11/2026 prints the syllabus in Annexure III (pages 62-65). We have not yet checked it against the 2024 file; if in doubt, go by the notification.
• The tnpsc.gov.in home page may ask for a security check (captcha).
• Some differently abled candidates may write General English instead of the Tamil test. The rules are in para 6.2 of the notification (pages 20-21), and that syllabus is on pages 3-4 of the PDF.

Practical steps

1. Download the official PDF and save it on your phone.
2. Copy the table above into a notebook, add each unit's indicative count from the PDF, and tick each unit as you finish it.
3. Start with Part A grammar.
4. Before you buy a book, check that its chapters match the topics in the PDF.
5. Look at previous-year papers to see how questions from each unit were asked.
6. Read Annexure III of the notification once as well.

Read next

• Group 4 syllabus summary (exam page)
• Group 4 exam pattern: parts, questions and marks
• Group 4 previous-year papers and answer keys
• Study schedule for working people

If you would like a guided daily routine, read about our 30-day program. The TNPSC Guide app has a free 3-day period in which the plan's Day 1–3 lessons, the full question bank and one sectional test are open. After that, the free parts stay open. You do not need the app to use this page.