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The TNPSC Combined Technical Services Examination (Non-Interview Posts) 2026 is conducted through a single-stage written examination.
Candidates preparing for this examination should understand the Paper I and Paper II structure clearly because both papers are compulsory.
TNPSC CTSE Non-Interview Exam Pattern 2026
For posts other than Translator, the examination pattern is:
Paper I
Part A – Tamil Eligibility Test
100 questions
SSLC Standard
150 marks
3 hours
OMR
Part B – General Studies
75 questions
Degree Standard
Part C – Aptitude and Mental Ability
25 questions
SSLC Standard
Paper I is conducted for a total of 150 marks.
Paper II
Subject-specific paper
200 questions
Degree / PG Degree Standard
300 marks
3 hours
Computer Based Test (CBT)
Total Marks
The total marks considered for final ranking for posts other than Translator are:
Part B of Paper I
Part C of Paper I
Paper II
Total – 450 marks
Tamil Eligibility Test
The Tamil Eligibility Test is Part A of Paper I.
Candidates must obtain at least 40%, which is 60 marks, in the Tamil Eligibility Test.
Paper II and Parts B and C of Paper I will be evaluated only if the candidate secures the minimum qualifying marks in Part A.
Therefore, candidates should not ignore the Tamil Eligibility Test while preparing for the examination.
General Studies
Part B of Paper I consists of General Studies at Degree standard.
Candidates should prepare the topics prescribed in the official syllabus and regularly practise objective questions.
Since General Studies marks are included in the marks considered for ranking, candidates should give adequate importance to this section.
Aptitude and Mental Ability
Part C of Paper I consists of Aptitude and Mental Ability at SSLC standard.
Regular practice can help candidates improve calculation speed, logical thinking and accuracy.
Paper II – Technical Subject
Paper II is the major technical component of the TNPSC CTSE Non-Interview examination.
The subject paper depends on the candidate’s prescribed educational qualification.
The notification includes subjects such as:
Agriculture
Agricultural Engineering
Civil Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Architecture
Chemistry
Geology
Horticulture
Computer Science and Information Technology
Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Environmental Science
Library and Information Science
Statistics and Mathematics
Town Planning
Travel and Tourism
Visual Communication
Translation
and several other specialized subjects.
Library and Information Science – Subject Code 594
Library and Information Science is included as a Paper II subject under Subject Code 594.
Candidates preparing for this subject should concentrate on the complete prescribed syllabus.
Important areas include:
Library and Society
Library movement in India
Library legislation
Professional ethics
Library management
Collection development
Technical services
Circulation services
Reference services
Preservation and conservation
Human resource management
Financial management
Green libraries
Information processing
Library classification
Colon Classification
Dewey Decimal Classification
Universal Decimal Classification
Library of Congress Classification
Translator Examination Pattern
Translator has a separate Paper II pattern.
For Translator:
Paper II – Translation
Degree Standard
2½ hours
100 marks
Descriptive examination
The total marks considered for Translator are 250.
Compulsory Appearance
Candidates must appear for both Paper I and Paper II.
Candidates who do not appear for either Paper I or Paper II will not be considered for selection even if they secure the minimum qualifying marks.
How Final Ranking is Prepared
For posts other than Translator, final ranking is based on the total marks obtained in:
Part B of Paper I
Part C of Paper I
Paper II
The total is 450 marks.
In case of a tie, the notification provides a ranking procedure based on higher qualification, age and earlier application submission.
How to Prepare for TNPSC CTSE
Candidates should follow a structured preparation strategy.
Step 1: Identify your eligible post and subject paper.
Step 2: Download and study the prescribed syllabus.
Step 3: Divide the syllabus into manageable units.
Step 4: Complete the technical subject preparation.
Step 5: Prepare General Studies and Tamil simultaneously.
Step 6: Practise Aptitude and Mental Ability regularly.
Step 7: Solve topic-wise model questions.
Step 8: Take full-length mock examinations.
Step 9: Analyse mistakes and revise weak areas.
Step 10: Practise previous-year questions regularly.
Prepare with Francis Xavier Academy
Francis Xavier Academy provides expert-led online coaching, live classes, recorded sessions, study materials, model questions, mock examinations and performance tracking for competitive examination preparation.
Candidates can benefit from:
Expert-led online classes
Recorded sessions
Comprehensive study materials
1000+ model questions
Topic-wise practice
Full-length mock tests
Performance analysis
Personalised mentorship
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many marks does Paper II carry?
Paper II carries 300 marks for posts other than Translator.
- What is the total mark for TNPSC CTSE Non-Interview Posts?
The total marks considered for most posts are 450.
- What is the Tamil Eligibility Test minimum mark?
The minimum qualifying mark is 60 out of 150, which is 40%.
- Is Paper II conducted through CBT?
Yes. Paper II is conducted through Computer Based Test for posts other than Translator.
- Is Paper I compulsory?
Yes. Candidates must appear for both Paper I and Paper II.
- Is Library and Information Science included?
Yes. Library and Information Science is included as Subject Code 594.
- Is there an interview?
No. This is the Combined Technical Services Examination for Non-Interview Posts.
Official TNPSC Website:
https://www.tnpsc.gov.in/
Related Francis Xavier Academy Blogs:
- TNPSC Library Service Exam 2026: Confirmed Notification & How to Prepare with Francis Xavier Academy
https://www.francisxavieracademy.com/blog/tnpsc-library-service-exam-2026-francis-xavier-academy/
- TNPSC Combined Library Services Exam (PG Degree Standard) – Syllabus
https://www.francisxavieracademy.com/blog/tnpsc-combined-library-services-exampg-degree-standard-syllabus/
- TNPSC Combined Library Service – Library Science Model Questions
https://www.francisxavieracademy.com/blog/tnpsc-combined-library-service-library-science-2007-model-questions/
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@francisxavieracademy
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