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State services · Group III & IIIA · Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC)

TNPSC Group 3 Mock Tests, Syllabus & Complete Exam Guide

TNPSC Combined Civil Services Examination-III (Group III & IIIA Services). Practise 32 full-length mock tests on the official pattern, drill every topic, and get the eligibility, syllabus, cut-off, rank and college details you need — all in one place.

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TNPSC Group 3 at a glance

Questions
200
Written marks
300
Duration
3 hours
Marking
+1.5 · no negative
ModeOffline (OMR) · single written exam · Tamil and English
FrequencyOnce a year (as notified)
LanguagesTamil & English (bilingual)
By the ExamguruX Editorial TeamReviewed for pattern accuracy against Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC)Last updated 27 July 2026

TNPSC Group 3 full-length mock tests

Attempt 32 full-length TNPSC Group 3 mock tests built on the official 200-question pattern. The first mock is free — every test comes with instant results and a step-by-step solution for each question.

TNPSC Group 3 & 3A Written Exam Mock 01

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200 Qs · 300 marks180 min6.4K attemptsModerate
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TNPSC Group 3 & 3A Written Exam Mock 02

200 Qs · 300 marks180 min9.9K attemptsHard
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TNPSC Group 3 & 3A Written Exam Mock 03

200 Qs · 300 marks180 min13.5K attemptsEasy
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TNPSC Group 3 & 3A Written Exam Mock 04

200 Qs · 300 marks180 min17.0K attemptsHard
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TNPSC Group 3 & 3A Written Exam Mock 05

200 Qs · 300 marks180 min20.6K attemptsEasy
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TNPSC Group 3 & 3A Written Exam Mock 06

200 Qs · 300 marks180 min24.2K attemptsModerate
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TNPSC Group 3 & 3A Written Exam Mock 07

200 Qs · 300 marks180 min27.7K attemptsHard
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TNPSC Group 3 & 3A Written Exam Mock 08

200 Qs · 300 marks180 min31.3K attemptsModerate
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TNPSC Group 3 & 3A Written Exam Mock 09

200 Qs · 300 marks180 min34.8K attemptsHard
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TNPSC Group 3 — full access

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TNPSC Group 3 topic-wise tests & syllabus

270 topic tests across 10 subjects — a focused set of 15 tests for every topic in the TNPSC Group 3 syllabus, tagged with approximate exam weightage so you practise where the marks are.

270 topic-wise tests · 15 per topic across 10 subjects. Pick a subject, expand a topic, and start drilling.

Ancient, Medieval & Modern India — Test 01

15 Qs · 23 marks15 min84.7K attemptsModerate
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Ancient, Medieval & Modern India — Test 02

15 Qs · 23 marks15 min21.6K attemptsEasy
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Ancient, Medieval & Modern India — Test 03

25 Qs · 38 marks25 min46.5K attemptsHard
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Ancient, Medieval & Modern India — Test 04

15 Qs · 23 marks15 min71.4K attemptsModerate
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Ancient, Medieval & Modern India — Test 05

15 Qs · 23 marks15 min8.3K attemptsEasy
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Ancient, Medieval & Modern India — Test 06

25 Qs · 38 marks25 min33.2K attemptsHard
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Ancient, Medieval & Modern India — Test 07

15 Qs · 23 marks15 min58.1K attemptsModerate
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Ancient, Medieval & Modern India — Test 08

15 Qs · 23 marks15 min83.0K attemptsEasy
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Ancient, Medieval & Modern India — Test 09

25 Qs · 38 marks25 min20.0K attemptsHard
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Ancient, Medieval & Modern India — Test 10

15 Qs · 23 marks15 min44.9K attemptsModerate
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Ancient, Medieval & Modern India — Test 11

15 Qs · 23 marks15 min69.8K attemptsEasy
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Ancient, Medieval & Modern India — Test 12

25 Qs · 38 marks25 min6.7K attemptsHard
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Ancient, Medieval & Modern India — Test 13

15 Qs · 23 marks15 min31.6K attemptsModerate
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Ancient, Medieval & Modern India — Test 14

15 Qs · 23 marks15 min56.5K attemptsEasy
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Ancient, Medieval & Modern India — Test 15

25 Qs · 38 marks25 min81.4K attemptsHard
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TNPSC Group 3 sample questions (Tamil & English)

A few TNPSC Group 3 practice questions with answers and step-by-step solutions, shown in Tamil and English — the same bilingual format you get in the test player.

History & Freedom MovementSample 1

The First War of Independence (Sepoy Mutiny) took place in the year:

  • A.1857
  • B.1885
  • C.1919
  • D.1942

Solution: The First War of Indian Independence, or Sepoy Mutiny, began in 1857.

தமிழ்

முதல் சுதந்திரப் போர் (சிப்பாய் கலகம்) எந்த ஆண்டு நடந்தது?

  • A. 1857
  • B. 1885
  • C. 1919
  • D. 1942

இந்திய முதல் சுதந்திரப் போர் அல்லது சிப்பாய் கலகம் 1857-ல் தொடங்கியது.

Indian Constitution & PolitySample 2

The Constitution of India was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on:

  • A.15 August 1947
  • B.26 November 1949
  • C.30 January 1948
  • D.2 October 1950

Solution: The Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution on 26 November 1949, now observed as Constitution Day.

தமிழ்

இந்திய அரசியலமைப்பை அரசியலமைப்புச் சபை எந்த நாளில் ஏற்றுக்கொண்டது?

  • A. 1947 ஆகஸ்ட் 15
  • B. 1949 நவம்பர் 26
  • C. 1948 ஜனவரி 30
  • D. 1950 அக்டோபர் 2

அரசியலமைப்புச் சபை 1949 நவம்பர் 26 அன்று அரசியலமைப்பை ஏற்றுக்கொண்டது; இது அரசியலமைப்பு தினமாகக் கடைப்பிடிக்கப்படுகிறது.

Geography & EnvironmentSample 3

The Palk Strait separates India from:

  • A.Bangladesh
  • B.Sri Lanka
  • C.Maldives
  • D.Myanmar

Solution: The Palk Strait lies between India and Sri Lanka.

தமிழ்

பாக் நீரிணை இந்தியாவை எந்த நாட்டிலிருந்து பிரிக்கிறது?

  • A. வங்கதேசம்
  • B. இலங்கை
  • C. மாலத்தீவு
  • D. மியான்மர்

பாக் நீரிணை இந்தியாவிற்கும் இலங்கைக்கும் இடையே அமைந்துள்ளது.

Economy & DevelopmentSample 4

The financial year in India runs from:

  • A.January to December
  • B.April to March
  • C.July to June
  • D.October to September

Solution: India's financial year runs from 1 April to 31 March.

தமிழ்

இந்தியாவில் நிதியாண்டு எப்போது தொடங்கி முடிகிறது?

  • A. ஜனவரி முதல் டிசம்பர்
  • B. ஏப்ரல் முதல் மார்ச்
  • C. ஜூலை முதல் ஜூன்
  • D. அக்டோபர் முதல் செப்டம்பர்

இந்தியாவின் நிதியாண்டு ஏப்ரல் 1 முதல் மார்ச் 31 வரை உள்ளது.

General Science & TechnologySample 5

The chemical symbol for sodium is:

  • A.S
  • B.So
  • C.Na
  • D.N

Solution: The chemical symbol for sodium is Na (from Latin 'natrium').

தமிழ்

சோடியத்தின் வேதியியல் குறியீடு எது?

  • A. S
  • B. So
  • C. Na
  • D. N

சோடியத்தின் வேதியியல் குறியீடு Na (லத்தீன் 'natrium'-இலிருந்து) ஆகும்.

Current Affairs & Static GKSample 6

What is the national bird of India?

  • A.Peacock
  • B.Parrot
  • C.Eagle
  • D.Sparrow

Solution: The Indian peacock is the national bird of India.

தமிழ்

இந்தியாவின் தேசியப் பறவை எது?

  • A. மயில்
  • B. கிளி
  • C. கழுகு
  • D. சிட்டுக்குருவி

இந்திய மயில் இந்தியாவின் தேசியப் பறவையாகும்.

About the TNPSC Group 3 exam

Recruitment to Group III (interview) and Group IIIA (non-interview) posts such as Station Fire Officer and Junior Inspector of Co-operative Societies.

What is TNPSC Group 3 & 3A?

TNPSC Group 3 & 3A — the Combined Civil Services Examination-III — recruits for a distinctive set of Tamil Nadu government posts, most notably in the Fire & Rescue Services and the Co-operative sector. A single examination fills two categories: Group III 'interview posts' (such as Station Fire Officer and Junior Inspector of Co-operative Societies) and Group IIIA 'non-interview posts' (such as Store Keeper in various departments).

Unlike Group 1 and Group 2, which are decided through a Preliminary and a Main examination, Group 3 is settled by a single objective written test. For Group III interview posts, a 40-mark oral test is then added; Group IIIA posts are selected on the written examination alone. The Station Fire Officer post is unusual in also requiring physical measurements and a physical efficiency test, reflecting the demands of firefighting.

Why Group 3 is a distinct opportunity

For graduates drawn to uniformed or field service, Group 3 offers a route that Group 1 and Group 2 do not — the Fire & Rescue Services, where the Station Fire Officer leads firefighting and disaster-response teams. Equally, the Co-operative posts place officers at the heart of Tamil Nadu's vast network of co-operative banks and societies, which touch agriculture, credit and rural livelihoods.

Because selection turns on one written paper, every mark counts from the outset, and with no negative marking a complete, confident attempt is essential. The written test blends General Studies with Aptitude and a General Tamil or General English section, so balanced preparation across knowledge, reasoning and language is what separates the shortlisted from the rest. Practising exam-accurate bilingual mocks builds both the speed and the breadth the single paper demands.

TNPSC Group 3 eligibility & exam pattern

Check whether you meet the TNPSC Group 3 eligibility criteria and understand exactly how the paper is structured and marked before you plan your preparation.

Eligibility criteria

Educational qualification
A Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university; some technical posts specify particular qualifications.
Age limit
Generally 18–32 years for most posts, with upper-age relaxations for SC/ST/MBC/BC, ex-servicemen and other categories per TNPSC rules.
Physical standards (Fire Officer)
The Station Fire Officer post carries prescribed physical measurements and a physical efficiency test in addition to the written exam.
Knowledge of Tamil
Adequate knowledge of Tamil is required; the paper is offered in both Tamil and English.
Number of attempts
No fixed cap on attempts, subject to the upper age limit for your category.
Nationality
Indian citizens satisfying the residence and other service conditions are eligible.

Exam pattern & marking

SubjectQuestionsMarks
General Studies (Part A)History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Current Affairs, TN~150225
Aptitude & Mental Ability (Part B)~2537.5
General Tamil / General English (Part B)Choose your language~2537.5
TotalNaN300

Group 3 is a single objective written examination of 200 questions worth 300 marks (1.5 marks each), taken over 3 hours with NO negative marking. It combines General Studies with Aptitude and a General Tamil / General English section. For Group III interview posts, a 40-mark oral test is added to the written marks; Group IIIA posts are decided on the written exam alone.

Duration: 3 hours (180 minutes).

How to prepare for TNPSC Group 3

A fresher-friendly TNPSC Group 3 roadmap — understand the paper first, follow a month-by-month plan, build a weekly routine and peak with reviewed full-length mocks.

Beginner-friendly roadmap

Your TNPSC Group 3 plan: first day to exam day

Start with the paper structure, build concepts in layers, then use timed practice and review to turn preparation into a repeatable score.

Coverage10 subjects
Exam clock3 hours (180 minutes)
MarkingGroup 3 is a single objective written examination of 200 questions worth 300 marks (1.5 marks each), taken over 3 hours with NO negative marking. It combines General Studies with Aptitude and a General Tamil / General English section. For Group III interview posts, a 40-mark oral test is added to the written marks; Group IIIA posts are decided on the written exam alone.

The first 12 weeks

A plan a fresher can actually follow

  1. Month 1

    Understand the paper and build your base

    Read the official pattern first, then make a realistic subject map for 10 subjects. Begin with History & Freedom Movement, Indian Constitution & Polity, Geography & Environment. Focus on concepts before speed.

    Take one diagnostic topic test. Its purpose is to find gaps, not to judge your score.
  2. Month 2

    Finish the core syllabus through practice

    Cover the remaining syllabus, including Economy & Development, General Science & Technology, Current Affairs & Static GK, Tamil Nadu — Culture & Administration, Tamil Language, English Language, Aptitude & Mental Ability, while revising Month 1 every week. Move from untimed questions to short timed sets.

    Keep a single error log: concept missed, why it happened and the correct method.
  3. Month 3

    Build exam temperament with mocks

    Use the real exam time limit (3 hours (180 minutes)) in full-length practice. Review every mock longer than it took to attempt it; the review is where improvement happens.

    Turn each weak area from your error log into a 30–45 minute repair session.

Your repeatable week

The study loop that makes revision stick

  1. 1
    Learn

    Read one focused concept block and make a short revision sheet.

  2. 2
    Solve

    Immediately answer topic questions; do not wait until you have ‘finished’ the syllabus.

  3. 3
    Review

    Log mistakes by concept, not just by score. Revisit them after 2–3 days.

  4. 4
    Simulate

    Use a timed section or mock to practise decisions under the clock.

Mock-test ladder

Don’t start with a full mock every day

  • Month 1: topic tests after each completed concept.
  • Month 2: one timed sectional test each week, plus error-log revision.
  • Month 3: one or two full mocks weekly under the real 3 hours (180 minutes) clock.

TNPSC Group 3-specific priorities

What to focus on as you move through the plan

  1. 1

    Build broad, factual General Studies

    Group 3 rewards wide factual recall across History, Polity, Geography, Economy and Science at degree standard. Root your revision in the Samacheer Kalvi and NCERT textbooks and keep concise, revisable notes of high-frequency facts.

  2. 2

    Score fully in Aptitude and language

    The Aptitude and the General Tamil / General English sections are the most predictable marks in the paper. Drill arithmetic, reasoning and grammar so these become guaranteed points — especially valuable when one written exam decides everything.

  3. 3

    Learn the Co-operative and civic themes

    Given the exam's link to the Co-operative sector and public administration, pay attention to co-operation, rural development and Tamil Nadu administration topics, which recur and are often overlooked by candidates.

  4. 4

    Prepare for the Fire Officer physical test

    If you are targeting the Station Fire Officer post, begin physical training early — the physical measurements and efficiency test are as decisive as the written paper for that role.

  5. 5

    Follow Tamil Nadu current affairs

    Track state and national current events, schemes and appointments from about a year before the exam, since current affairs and static general knowledge together carry a meaningful share of the paper.

  6. 6

    Simulate the single written paper

    Because there is no second chance in a Mains, rehearse full 200-question mocks in your chosen language under the 3-hour clock, and analyse each one to convert weak areas into reliable marks.

Final 7 days

Revise your short notes and error log; do not begin major new topics.

Take only the number of mocks you can properly review; protect sleep and routine.

Confirm the official admit-card instructions, reporting time, centre and permitted items.

Want personal support?

Request an online trainer for your TNPSC Group 3 preparation.

Get help with your study plan, difficult concepts and mock-test review, subject to trainer availability.

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TNPSC Group 3 marks, cut-offs & selection

Use this practice benchmark to understand score ranges, qualifying cut-offs and the selection stages for TNPSC Group 3. The conducting authority sets official merit and appointments.

TNPSC Group 3 marks vs. rank

Score rangeWritten zoneGuidance
210+ / 300Top zoneVery strong — safe with interview margin
185–209StrongComfortably in contention
165–184Safe (General)Around the General cut-off
145–164BorderlineMay clear for reserved categories
120–144Below cut-offStrengthen General Studies and Aptitude

Written-exam cut-off by category (indicative)

General (UR)Written cut-off

Indicative marks: ≈ 165 – 178

BCWritten cut-off

Indicative marks: ≈ 158 – 170

MBC / DNCWritten cut-off

Indicative marks: ≈ 152 – 165

SCWritten cut-off

Indicative marks: ≈ 130 – 152

STWritten cut-off

Indicative marks: ≈ 110 – 138

The single-written-exam pattern, the +1.5 no-negative marking, the bilingual format and the Group III / IIIA distinction are the official TNPSC Group 3 details. Written-exam cut-offs and score zones are indicative, based on recent-cycle trends, and vary each year; the Station Fire Officer post also involves a physical test. Always verify current specifics on tnpsc.gov.in.

Posts under TNPSC Group III & IIIA

Group 3 recruits into the Fire & Rescue Services and the Co-operative sector, among others. Group III posts include a 40-mark interview; Group IIIA posts are filled on the written exam alone. The list below shows representative posts with their department and selection track.

PostDepartmentTrackSelection process
Station Fire OfficerFire & Rescue ServicesGroup III (Interview)Written + Physical + Interview
Junior Inspector of Co-operative SocietiesCo-operation DepartmentGroup III (Interview)Written + Interview
Assistant Supervisor of Industrial Co-operative SocietiesIndustries DepartmentGroup III (Interview)Written + Interview
Sub-Registrar (co-operative cadre posts)Co-operative societiesGroup III (Interview)Written + Interview
Store KeeperEmployment & Training DepartmentGroup IIIA (Non-interview)Written exam only
Store KeeperIndustries & Commerce DepartmentGroup IIIA (Non-interview)Written exam only
Junior Co-operative AuditorCo-operative AuditGroup IIIA (Non-interview)Written exam only
Assistant (departmental)Various departmentsGroup IIIA (Non-interview)Written exam only

A representative view of posts and selection routes linked to TNPSC Group 3. Confirm vacancies, stages and final appointments in the current official notice.

TNPSC Group 3 important dates

The typical TNPSC Group 3 recruitment timeline, from notification to result and document verification. Dates are tentative until the official notice is released.

  1. Notification & online application

    As announced by TNPSC on tnpsc.gov.in

  2. Written examination

    Single objective paper, as per the TNPSC calendar

  3. Physical test (Station Fire Officer only)

    For shortlisted Fire Officer candidates

  4. Oral test (Group III interview posts)

    For shortlisted interview-post candidates

  5. Result & counselling

    A few weeks after the written exam

  6. Final result & posting

    Merit lists for Group III and Group IIIA posts

TNPSC Group 3 — frequently asked questions

Quick, reliable answers to the questions TNPSC Group 3 aspirants ask most.

What is the difference between TNPSC Group 3 and Group 3A?

Both are recruited through the same objective written examination, but they differ at the final stage. Group III posts (such as Station Fire Officer and Junior Inspector of Co-operative Societies) are 'interview posts' — selection adds a 40-mark oral test. Group IIIA posts (such as Store Keeper) are 'non-interview posts', decided on the written exam alone.

What is the TNPSC Group 3 exam pattern?

Group 3 is a single objective written examination of 200 questions worth 300 marks (1.5 marks each), completed in 3 hours with no negative marking. It combines General Studies with an Aptitude & Mental Ability section and a General Tamil / General English section. Unlike Group 1 and Group 2, there is no separate Preliminary and Main stage.

Is there a physical test in TNPSC Group 3?

For the Station Fire Officer post in the Fire & Rescue Services, yes — candidates must meet prescribed physical measurements and pass a physical efficiency test in addition to the written examination. Other Group 3 posts, such as the Co-operative Society inspectors and Store Keepers, do not require a physical test.

Which posts are offered under TNPSC Group 3 & 3A?

Group III interview posts include Station Fire Officer, Junior Inspector of Co-operative Societies and Assistant Supervisor of Industrial Co-operative Societies. Group IIIA non-interview posts include Store Keeper in departments such as Employment & Training and Industries & Commerce, and Junior Co-operative Auditor. The specific post depends on your merit and preferences.

What is the eligibility for TNPSC Group 3?

A Bachelor's degree in any discipline is the basic requirement, along with being within the age band (generally 18–32 years, with relaxations for reserved categories) and having adequate knowledge of Tamil. The Station Fire Officer post additionally requires the prescribed physical standards.

How should I use mock tests to prepare for TNPSC Group 3?

Since a single written paper decides selection, take full-length bilingual mocks in your chosen language to rehearse attempting all 200 questions in 3 hours across General Studies, Aptitude and the language section. Use subject and topic tests to build depth — especially in Co-operation, Tamil Nadu administration and the language paper — and review each mock to close weak areas.

Official sources & references

Use Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC)'s official sources below to verify the latest TNPSC Group 3 pattern, marking, eligibility, dates and notices. Exam details can change each cycle, so confirm current specifics before relying on them.

Start your TNPSC Group 3 preparation today

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Devaseelan

Devaseelan

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