Exam pattern
| Stage | Paper | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prelims | General Studies (175) and Aptitude and Mental Ability (25) | 200 | 300 | 3 hours |
| Mains | Paper I: Tamil Eligibility Test (qualifying) | Written | 100 | 3 hours |
| Mains | Paper II: General Studies I | Written | 250 | 3 hours |
| Mains | Paper III: General Studies II | Written | 250 | 3 hours |
| Mains | Paper IV: General Studies III | Written | 250 | 3 hours |
| Interview | Interview and records | 100 |
Prelims marks only decide who goes on to the Mains. The Tamil Eligibility Test is at SSLC (Class 10) level and only qualifying. The ranking adds the three General Studies papers (750 marks) and the Interview (100).
Prelims: General Studies
- General science.
- Current events.
- Geography of India.
- History and culture of India.
- Indian polity.
- Indian economy.
- The Indian National Movement.
- History, culture, heritage and socio-political movements of Tamil Nadu.
- Development administration in Tamil Nadu.
- Aptitude and mental ability (SSLC level).
Mains: Paper I, Tamil Eligibility Test
- Tamil comprehension, grammar, translation and writing, at SSLC level.
Mains: General Studies I
- Modern history of India and Indian culture.
- Social issues in India and Tamil Nadu.
- General aptitude and mental ability.
Mains: General Studies II
- Indian polity and emerging political trends across the world that affect India.
- The role and impact of science and technology in India's development.
- Tamil society: its culture and heritage.
Mains: General Studies III
- Geography of India, with special reference to Tamil Nadu.
- Environment, biodiversity and disaster management.
- Indian economy: current trends and the effect of the global economy on India.