TNPSC VAO Syllabus 2026
300 marks · 200 questions · 3 hours · -1/3 mark for each wrong answer
Tamil Eligibility-cum-Scoring Test
150 marksGrammar
- Case markers (வேற்றுமை)
- Letter grammar
- Word grammar
- Meaning/semantics
- Basics of prosody (யாப்பு)
Literature
- Sangam literature
- Ethical literature (Thirukkural)
- Epics
- Bhakti literature
General Tamil Knowledge
- Development of the Tamil language
- History of Tamil literature
- Proverbs
- Synonyms / antonyms
General Studies + Aptitude and Mental Ability
150 marksHistory
- History of India
- History of Tamil Nadu
- Freedom struggle
- Notable figures of Tamil Nadu
Geography
- Geography of India
- Geography of Tamil Nadu
- Rivers and dams
- Weather and climate
Polity
- Basics of the Indian Constitution
- Tamil Nadu administrative structure
- Local self-government bodies
Science
- Basics of Physics
- Basics of Chemistry
- Basics of Biology
- Science in everyday life
Current Affairs
- Tamil Nadu current affairs
- National current affairs
- International current affairs
- Sports and awards
Aptitude and Mental Ability
- Numerical aptitude (percentage, ratio, profit & loss)
- Logical reasoning
- Data interpretation
See tnpsc.gov.in for the full official syllabus. This list was compiled based on TNPSC's previous question papers.
Preparation Tips
- Grammar and Thirukkural are frequently asked in the General Tamil section — allocate extra time to these
- Read current affairs daily — use our daily current affairs page
- Revise History and Geography from Samacheer Kalvi textbooks, classes 6-12
- Practice previous question papers to get familiar with the exam pattern
- Solve previous question papers to check your preparation level
Frequently Asked Questions
How many sections are in the TNPSC VAO syllabus?
The TNPSC VAO syllabus has two sections — Tamil Eligibility-cum-Scoring Test (150 marks) and General Studies + Aptitude and Mental Ability (150 marks, combined). Total 300 marks, 200 questions, 3 hours. (Source: tnpsc.gov.in Scheme of Examination, verified 21.07.2026)
What topics come under the VAO General Studies section?
History, Geography, Polity, basic Science, and Current Affairs are the topics covered under the General Studies section.
Is there negative marking in the VAO exam?
Yes. 1/3 mark is deducted for each wrong answer.