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Candidates preparing for the TNPSC Combined Technical Services Examination (Interview Posts) 2026 should understand the examination pattern before starting their preparation.
The TNPSC CTSE Interview Posts examination includes a written examination and interview. The written examination consists of Paper I and Paper II for most posts.
The total marks for the written examination and interview together come to 510 marks.
TNPSC CTSE Exam Pattern 2026
For most posts, the written examination consists of:
Paper I – Tamil Eligibility Test, General Studies, Aptitude and Mental Ability
Paper II – Subject Paper
Interview – 60 Marks
The examination is conducted in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode for the written examination.
TNPSC CTSE Paper I
Paper I contains three parts:
Part A – Tamil Eligibility Test
Part B – General Studies
Part C – Aptitude and Mental Ability
Paper I is conducted for three hours and carries 150 marks.
Paper I Structure
Tamil Eligibility Test – 100 questions
General Studies – 75 questions
Aptitude and Mental Ability – 25 questions
Candidates should understand that the Tamil Eligibility Test is an important qualifying component of the examination.
TNPSC CTSE Paper II
Paper II is the subject paper.
The subject selected by the candidate should correspond to the prescribed educational qualification.
Paper II carries 300 marks and consists of 200 questions for most posts.
The duration is three hours.
Subject areas covered under the notification include:
- Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science
- Associate Company Secretaryship
- Basics of Engineering
- Business Administration
- Financial and Cost Accountancy
- Chemical, Electrical, Electronics and Mechanical Engineering
- Computer Science and Information Technology
- Library and Information Science
- Nautical Science
- Psychology
- Statistics and Economics
- Town Planning
- Textile Technology
- Traditional Architecture and Sculpture
- Zoology and Medical Entomology
- Stenography
Candidates should select the subject that corresponds to their eligible educational qualification.
TNPSC CTSE Total Marks
The complete selection process carries 510 marks.
Paper I – 150 Marks
Paper II – 300 Marks
Interview – 60 Marks
Grand Total – 510 Marks
The written examination therefore plays a major role in determining the ranking of candidates.
TNPSC CTSE Interview 2026
The interview carries 60 marks.
The purpose of the interview is to assess the candidate’s suitability for the post.
The interview may assess:
- Personality
- Bearing
- Aptitude
- General Knowledge
- Technical Knowledge
- Suitability for the Post
Candidates should therefore prepare not only the written examination syllabus but also important technical and general questions related to their chosen field.
TNPSC CTSE Selection Process
The selection process includes:
- Written Examination
- Onscreen Certificate Verification
- Physical Certificate Verification
- Interview
- Final Ranking
Candidates are shortlisted for the subsequent stages based on their written examination performance, applicable qualifying marks and reservation rules.
Candidates applying for posts requiring experience should also ensure that their experience certificates satisfy the requirements specified by TNPSC.
TNPSC CTSE Ranking Procedure
The final ranking is prepared based on the applicable written examination marks and interview marks.
If two candidates obtain equal marks, TNPSC follows the prescribed tie-breaking procedure.
The candidate who is senior in age is placed higher when marks are equal.
If age is also equal, the candidate with higher written examination marks is given preference.
If the written examination marks are also equal, the application sequence is considered according to the prescribed procedure.
Is Attendance Compulsory?
Yes.
Candidates must appear for the required stages of the examination.
A candidate who does not appear for Paper I, Paper II or the Interview will not be considered for selection even if the candidate has obtained the minimum qualifying marks.
Special Exam Pattern for Tamil Reporter and English Reporter
Tamil Reporter and English Reporter have a different Paper II structure.
For these posts, Paper II is based on the relevant stenography subject.
Tamil Reporter candidates will have Stenography in Tamil as the subject paper.
English Reporter candidates will have Stenography in English as the subject paper.
Candidates applying for these positions should carefully follow the examination scheme prescribed specifically for these posts.
How to Prepare for TNPSC CTSE Exam 2026
A successful preparation strategy should combine conceptual study and regular practice.
Start with the official syllabus and understand the weightage of each section.
Prepare General Studies regularly.
Practise Aptitude and Mental Ability every day.
Spend sufficient time on the technical subject.
Solve model questions and previous examination questions.
Take regular mock tests.
Analyse mistakes after every test.
Start interview preparation after developing a strong written-examination foundation.
Official TNPSC Website
Candidates should always check the official TNPSC website for examination dates, notifications and official announcements.
https://www.tnpsc.gov.in
Frequently Asked Questions
How many marks is TNPSC CTSE 2026?
The written examination and interview together carry 510 marks.
How many marks does Paper II carry?
Paper II carries 300 marks.
How many marks is the TNPSC CTSE interview?
The interview carries 60 marks.
What is the duration of Paper I?
Paper I is conducted for three hours.
What is the duration of Paper II?
For most posts, Paper II is conducted for three hours.
Is TNPSC CTSE conducted online?
The written examination is conducted as a Computer Based Test.
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Complete Guide to the TNPSC Combined Statistical Subordinate Services Examination
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