The Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission is conducting the Combined Technical Services Examination to fill 461 vacancies across multiple specialized roles. Aspiring candidates looking to secure a technical position under the commission must stay updated with the latest exam schedule, structure, and syllabus requirements. For detailed announcements, you can check updates regarding TNPSC CTS Exam Date 2026.
Positions include Assistant Engineer (Civil/Mech./Electrical), Environmental Scientist, Project Officer, and others. Preparation requires a rigorous approach, particularly since the examination is administered offline using an OMR-based framework with Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). Candidates should also ensure they download their entry passes on time via TNPSC CTS Hall Ticket 2026 Out – Click to Download and practice extensively using TNPSC CTS Previous Year Question Papers- Click to Download.
TNPSC CTS Examination Overview
The selection process is structured across two papers, incorporating a negative marking scheme of 1/3 mark for incorrect responses. The primary highlights of the recruitment drive are summarized below:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Combined Technical Service Examination |
| Post | Assistant Engineer (Civil/Mech./Electrical), Environmental Scientist, Project Officer, and others |
| Vacancy | 461 |
| TNPSC CTS Exam Date 2026 | 16th August to 19th September 2026 |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (OMR-based) |
| Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Number of Papers | 2 (Paper 1 & 2) |
| Duration | Paper 1- 3 Hours Paper 2- 2.5 Hours |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 Mark |
TNPSC CTS Exam Pattern 2026
The examination pattern varies slightly depending on whether you are applying for standard technical roles or the Translator position. Paper 1 duration is 3 hours for posts other than Translator, and Paper 2 duration is 3 hours for posts other than Translator, while Paper 2 duration for Translator post is 2.5 hours.
Exam Pattern for Posts other than Translator
| Paper No. | Subject | Number Of Questions | Total Marks | Exam Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper – I | Tamil Eligibility Test | 100 | 100 | 3 Hours |
| Paper – I | General Studies | 75 | 75 | 3 Hours |
| Paper – I | Aptitude and Mental Ability Test | 25 | 25 | 3 Hours |
| Paper – II | Subject Paper | 300 | 300 | 3 Hours |
Exam Pattern Translator Post
| Paper No. | Subject | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper – I | Part A – Tamil Eligibility Test | 100 | 150 | 3 hours |
| Paper – I | Part B – General Studies | 75 | 150 | 3 hours |
| Paper – I | Part C – Aptitude and Mental Ability | 25 | 150 | 3 hours |
| Paper – II | Translation | – | 100 | 2½ hours |
Syllabus Breakdown
To clear the examination, candidates should thoroughly prepare based on the prescribed topics for General Studies and Aptitude & Mental Ability.
General Studies Syllabus
- Ancient India
- Medieval India
- Modern India
- Physical Geography
- Indian Geography
- World Geography
- Indian Constitution
- Political System in India
- State Government
- Basics of the Indian Economy
- Economic Planning
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Current Affairs
- Sports and Culture
- Indian Awards and Honors
- Famous Personalities
- Important Days and Dates
- Major Economic Schemes and Policies
Aptitude & Mental Ability Syllabus
- Analogies
- Series Completion
- Coding-Decoding
- Blood Relations
- Mirror Images
- Embedded Figures
- Paper Folding and Cutting
- Pattern Completion
- Logical Deduction
- Logical Sequences
- Seating Arrangement
- Data Interpretation
- Venn Diagrams
- Syllogism
- Number Series
- Speed, Time, and Distance
- Profit and Loss
- Time and Work
- Ratio and Proportion
Next Steps for Candidates
After verifying your exam details and familiarizing yourself with the syllabus, ensure you keep track of the hall ticket release dates, plan your travel arrangements ahead of the examination window, and continuously test your preparation using previous year papers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Negative Marking & Net Score Calculator
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