TNPSC Group 1 Exam Preparation 2026
The complete free guide for Deputy Collector & Deputy Superintendent of Police posts. Prelims, Mains, Interview — all in English.
Exam Stages
Prelims
200 MCQs, 300 marks, 3 hours. Screening only, doesn't count toward merit.
Mains
Comprehensive written exam. 4 papers — Paper I Tamil qualifying (100, doesn't count) + Papers II-IV General Studies (750, counts toward merit).
Interview
Personal interview, 100 marks. Mains + Interview = 850 marks toward the final merit list.
Quick Links
TNPSC Group 1 Syllabus — Summary
The full syllabus is available on tnpsc.gov.in.
- 175 General Studies + 25 Aptitude questions
- Screening only, doesn't count toward merit
- Qualifying only
- Doesn't count toward merit
- 250 marks each
- Counts toward final merit list
Exam Details
Eligibility
- Bachelor's degree required
- Age: 21 to 32 years
- Resident of Tamil Nadu
Exam pattern
- Prelims + Mains + Interview
- Prelims: 200 MCQs, 300 marks (screening only)
- Mains: 4 papers, 750 marks toward merit
- Interview: 100 marks
Salary
- Deputy Collector: ₹56,100+
- Deputy SP: ₹67,700+
- Plus separate government allowances
For the official notification, check tnpsc.gov.in.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the TNPSC Group 1 exam?
TNPSC Group 1 is Tamil Nadu's highest-level government job exam. It selects candidates for IAS-equivalent posts including Deputy Collector and Deputy Superintendent of Police.
What is the TNPSC Group 1 exam pattern?
Three stages: Prelims (300 marks, screening only), Mains (850 marks — Paper I qualifying + Papers II-IV worth 750), Interview (100 marks). Final merit is based on Mains + Interview = 850. See the full syllabus.
What is the Deputy Collector exam syllabus?
There is no separate exam for Deputy Collector — the post is filled entirely through the TNPSC Group 1 exam. Candidates who clear Prelims (screening only), Mains (Paper I Tamil qualifying + Papers II-IV General Studies, 750 marks), and Interview (100 marks) — 850 marks total — may be selected for Deputy Collector and other senior posts based on rank. There is no longer an optional subject.
What is the eligibility for TNPSC Group 1?
A bachelor's degree is required. Age limit is 21 to 32 years. Must be a resident of Tamil Nadu.
What is the TNPSC Group 1 salary?
Salaries range from ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500 per month, depending on the post. Government quarters and vehicle allowances are also included.