The Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) conducts the Group 2 examination to recruit candidates for a variety of administrative roles in the state government. These roles include important positions such as Revenue Assistants, Municipal Commissioners, and Sub-Registrars, among others. The exam is highly competitive and is seen as a gateway for candidates seeking a prestigious and stable career in Tamil Nadu’s public service.
Understanding the TNPSC Group 2 Syllabus 2024 is crucial for aspirants to plan and prepare effectively. With recent updates and structural changes, it’s more important than ever to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern, subjects, and topics in detail.
TNPSC Group 2 Exam Structure
The TNPSC Group 2 exam follows a three-stage selection process for Group 2 (interview posts) and a two-stage process for Group 2A (non-interview posts).
Stages in the Exam
Preliminary Examination – Objective type, acts as a screening test.
Main Written Examination – Descriptive type.
Interview/Oral Test – Only for certain Group 2 posts.
Candidates who clear the Prelims become eligible to appear for the Mains. For Group 2A posts, there is no interview stage.
TNPSC Group 2 Exam Pattern 2024
Preliminary Examination
- Type: Objective (Multiple Choice Questions)
- Total Marks: 300
- Duration: 3 hours
- No. of Questions: 200
- Qualifying Marks: 90
- Subjects Covered:
- General Studies – 75 Questions
- Aptitude and Mental Ability – 25 Questions
- General English / General Tamil – 100 Questions
Candidates can opt for either General English or General Tamil, but not both.
Main Written Examination
The Mains consist of two papers:
Paper I – Tamil Eligibility Test
- Type: Descriptive
- Marks: 100
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Qualifying Nature: Must score a minimum of 40% to be evaluated for Paper II
Paper II – General Studies
- Type: Descriptive
- Marks: 300
- Duration: 3 hours
- Minimum Qualifying Marks: Varies by category
Interview (For Group 2 Posts)
- Marks: 40
- This stage assesses the candidate’s personality, communication skills, and administrative aptitude.
TNPSC Group 2 Syllabus 2024 – Subject-Wise Breakdown
Preliminary Examination Syllabus
General Studies (Degree Standard)
This section includes the following broad topics:
- General Science: Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology, latest scientific developments
- Current Events: National and international affairs, latest awards, books and authors, government policies
- Geography: Physical features of India and Tamil Nadu, climate, natural resources, industries, and agriculture
- History and Culture of India and Tamil Nadu: Ancient to modern history, freedom struggle, and Tamil culture
- Indian Polity: Constitution, Parliament, State Legislatures, Fundamental Rights, local governance
- Indian Economy: Planning, rural development, economic reforms, GDP, poverty, budget
- Indian National Movement: Key movements, leaders, and contributions from Tamil Nadu
- Development Administration in Tamil Nadu: Governance structure, welfare schemes, policies in Tamil Nadu
Aptitude and Mental Ability (SSLC Standard)
- Simplification
- HCF & LCM
- Percentage
- Ratio and Proportion
- Simple Interest & Compound Interest
- Area, Volume
- Time and Work
- Logical Reasoning
- Number Series
- Dice, Visual Reasoning, Puzzles
General Tamil / General English (SSLC Standard)
Candidates must choose either General Tamil or General English. Topics include:
- Grammar and usage
- Synonyms and Antonyms
- Comprehension
- Proverbs and Phrases
- Sentence Rearrangement
- Letter Writing and Essay Writing
- Poetry and Authors
Main Examination Syllabus
Paper I – Tamil Eligibility Test (SSLC Standard)
This paper tests language proficiency and includes:
- Translation (Tamil to English and vice versa)
- Precis writing
- Comprehension passages
- Essay writing (Thirukkural-based and general)
- Letter writing
- Knowledge of Tamil grammar
Note: This paper is qualifying in nature and its marks are not considered for the merit list.
Paper II – General Studies (Degree Standard)
The topics are:
- Modern History of India and Indian Culture: Advent of Europeans, British rule, Indian freedom movement, national leaders, cultural movements, role of Tamil Nadu
- Social Issues in India and Tamil Nadu: Women empowerment, communalism, caste issues, poverty, public health, urbanization
- Indian Polity: Constitution, Union and State Governments, local bodies, governance
- Indian Economy and Tamil Nadu Economy: Agriculture, industrial growth, employment, government policies, welfare programs
- Geography of India with special reference to Tamil Nadu: Water resources, agriculture, forests, industries
- Environment and Disaster Management: Ecology, conservation, pollution control, disaster response
- Science and Technology: Innovations, space programs, IT, robotics, nanotechnology
- Data Interpretation: Graphs, tables, charts, statistics
- Development Administration in Tamil Nadu: Public services, e-governance, rural and urban development programs
How to Download TNPSC Group 2 Syllabus 2024 PDF
To get the official syllabus:
Visit the official TNPSC website.
Go to the “Syllabus” section under the “Examination” tab.
Click on “Group 2 Services”.
Download the PDF version for detailed syllabus and topic breakdown.
Preparation Tips for TNPSC Group 2 Exam
Understand the Syllabus Thoroughly: Begin by analyzing each topic mentioned in the syllabus. Make a study plan accordingly.
Refer to Standard Books:
History: NCERTs, Tamil Nadu state board books
Polity: Laxmikanth
Economy: Ramesh Singh
Science: NCERT textbooks (6th to 10th standard)
Current Affairs: Newspapers, monthly magazines
Daily Practice:
Solve previous year question papers
Attempt online mock tests
Practice essay writing and comprehension for Mains
Focus on Tamil Language Paper:
This is qualifying but compulsory
Practice writing essays, translation, and grammar rules
Time Management:
Divide your preparation into stages: syllabus coverage, revision, mock tests
Allocate daily time for each subject
Group Study & Coaching:
Join online forums or offline coaching classes if needed
Stay motivated and consistent
Important Topics to Prioritize
While all topics are important, certain areas have consistently shown higher weightage:
- Indian Polity and Constitution
- History (especially Modern India and Tamil Nadu freedom struggle)
- Current Events
- Aptitude and Mental Ability
- Tamil Nadu-specific topics
- Science and Technology developments
Frequently Asked Question
Is the TNPSC Group 2 and Group 2A syllabus the same?
Yes, the syllabus for both is mostly the same. The major difference is that Group 2 includes an interview, while Group 2A is a non-interview post.
What is the minimum qualifying mark in the TNPSC Group 2 Preliminary exam?
You must score a minimum of 90 marks out of 300 in the Preliminary exam to qualify for the Mains.
Is it compulsory to pass the Tamil Eligibility Paper in Mains?
Yes, Paper I (Tamil Eligibility Test) is compulsory and qualifying in nature. Only if you pass this paper will Paper II be evaluated.
Can I write the TNPSC exam in English?
Yes, candidates can choose to answer the General Studies papers in either English or Tamil. However, for the language paper, you must choose between General Tamil or General English.
What is the level of difficulty of the Aptitude section?
The Aptitude section is at the SSLC level (Class 10). With regular practice, it is one of the scoring sections.
Are there any changes in the TNPSC Group 2 Syllabus for 2024?
Yes, minor updates have been made to include current developments and Tamil Nadu-specific policies. It’s advisable to check the official notification for any syllabus revisions.
How long should I prepare for the TNPSC Group 2 exam?
On average, a serious aspirant should dedicate 6–9 months of consistent preparation. This can vary depending on your background and study plan.
Conclusion
The TNPSC Group 2 Exam 2024 is a gateway to a secure and respected government job in Tamil Nadu. Whether you’re aiming for Group 2 or Group 2A posts, understanding the syllabus and aligning your preparation accordingly is essential. With a clear strategy, good resources, and disciplined study, you can crack this competitive exam.To succeed, treat the syllabus not just as a list, but as a roadmap to structure your learning journey. Start early, practice consistently, and stay updated with current events and TN-specific developments.