TN TET Syllabus 2026: Paper I and Paper II Guide
The TN TET syllabus covers the subjects and teaching skills that the Teachers Recruitment Board (TRB), Tamil Nadu, expects from teachers of Classes I to VIII. Paper I (Classes I to V) has five sections of 30 marks each, and Paper II (Classes VI to VIII) has three 30-mark sections plus a 60-mark subject section. Each paper carries 150 objective questions and no negative marking.
TRB publishes the syllabus on its website, framed around the Tamil Nadu school curriculum for the classes each paper covers. The topic lists below follow that structure and the questions seen in recent papers. Use them as a working checklist, and check the official syllabus PDF for your cycle before you finalise your plan. The same syllabus applies to the open TNTET cycle and to the 2026 special sessions for working teachers.
Table of Contents
TN TET Syllabus at a Glance
Paper | Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
Paper I | Child Development and Pedagogy (ages 6 to 11) | 30 | 30 |
Paper I | Language I (Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada or Urdu) | 30 | 30 |
Paper I | Language II (English) | 30 | 30 |
Paper I | Mathematics | 30 | 30 |
Paper I | Environmental Studies | 30 | 30 |
Paper II | Child Development and Pedagogy (ages 11 to 14) | 30 | 30 |
Paper II | Language I | 30 | 30 |
Paper II | Language II (English) | 30 | 30 |
Paper II | Mathematics and Science, or Social Science | 60 | 60 |
Each paper runs for 3 hours on an OMR sheet. Section-wise timing and marking rules are explained on the TN TET exam pattern page.
Key Points Before You Start
Different age bands for pedagogy: Paper I pedagogy is about children aged 6 to 11, while Paper II covers ages 11 to 14. The theories are the same, but the examples and applications change.
Choose Language I carefully: You pick one of Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada or Urdu. Most candidates choose Tamil, and preparation material is widely available for it.
Paper II subject depends on your teaching subject: Mathematics and Science teachers take the Mathematics and Science section, and Social Science teachers take Social Science. Teachers of other subjects may choose either.
Content plus teaching method: Subject sections test both the content and how to teach it, so expect questions on teaching aids, classroom activities and assessment alongside facts.
Older pages can mislead: Some sites mix up the topic lists for Science and Social Science or still show old qualifying marks. Follow the official syllabus and the current notification.
Child Development and Pedagogy Syllabus
This section carries 30 marks in both papers. It is the one section every candidate takes, so it deserves early and steady preparation.
Paper I (Ages 6 to 11)
Part | Topics to cover | Start with |
|---|---|---|
Part A: Child Development | Children's profile at the start of primary education (physical, cognitive, social and emotional); physical and intellectual development from 6 to 10 years; social, emotional and moral development in the primary years | Stages of development and Piaget's and Kohlberg's theories |
Part B: Learning | Meaning of learning; types, levels and approaches to learning; concepts and constructs; factors that affect learning; constructivist approach; learning and knowledge | Constructivism and factors affecting learning |
Paper II (Ages 11 to 14)
Unit | Topics to cover |
|---|---|
Educational psychology | Nature, scope and methods of educational psychology |
Growth and development | Principles of development, adolescence, heredity and environment |
Cognitive development | Piaget, Bruner and Vygotsky; thinking and problem solving |
Social, emotional and moral development | Erikson, Kohlberg, emotional development in adolescence |
Learning | Theories of learning, transfer of learning, memory and forgetting |
Intelligence and creativity | Theories and tests of intelligence, fostering creativity |
Motivation and group dynamics | Types of motivation, classroom groups, leadership |
Personality and assessment | Theories of personality, assessment tools |
Mental health and hygiene | Adjustment, stress, defence mechanisms |
Guidance and counselling | Types of guidance, the counselling process, the teacher's role |
Questions here are often scenario-based. You read a short classroom situation and choose the response that fits a child-centred approach, so understanding matters more than memorising definitions.
Language I Syllabus
Language I is 30 marks in both papers. For Tamil, which most candidates choose, prepare these areas:
Grammar: Ezhuthu, sol, porul and yappu basics, sandhi rules and sentence structure.
Literature: Thirukkural, Sangam literature, devotional and modern poets and their works, as covered in state board textbooks.
Comprehension: Reading unseen passages and poems and answering questions on meaning and inference.
Vocabulary: Synonyms, antonyms, idioms, proverbs and word usage.
Teaching of language: Listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, and methods for teaching them to young learners.
Candidates choosing Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada or Urdu follow the same structure for their language.
Language II (English) Syllabus
English is compulsory as Language II and carries 30 marks in both papers.
Area | Topics to cover |
|---|---|
Grammar | Parts of speech, tenses, articles, prepositions, voice, reported speech, sentence types |
Vocabulary | Synonyms, antonyms, phrasal verbs, idioms, spelling |
Comprehension | Unseen prose and poetry passages |
Language skills | Listening, speaking, reading (phonics, fluency) and writing |
Teaching of English | Methods and approaches, teaching aids, remedial teaching, assessment |
Mathematics Syllabus for Paper I
Topic | What to cover | Start with |
|---|---|---|
Numbers | Place value, number names, even and odd numbers, comparison | Place value |
Operations | Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, word problems | Word problems |
Fractions and decimals | Types of fractions, operations, conversion to decimals | Equivalent fractions |
Factors and multiples | LCM, HCF, divisibility rules, prime numbers | Divisibility rules |
Measurement | Length, weight, capacity, time, money and their units | Time and money |
Geometry | Shapes, lines, angles, perimeter and area of simple figures | Perimeter and area |
Patterns and data handling | Number and shape patterns, pictographs, bar graphs | Reading graphs |
Teaching of mathematics | Activity-based learning, teaching aids, common errors, assessment | Common errors of children |
Environmental Studies Syllabus for Paper I
Theme | Topics to cover |
|---|---|
Family and community | Family, relationships, occupations, festivals |
Food and health | Nutrition, balanced diet, hygiene, common diseases, first aid |
Plants and animals | Parts of plants, animal habitats, food chains, conservation |
Water and air | Sources of water, conservation, pollution, weather |
Shelter and transport | Types of houses, means of transport and communication |
Our state and country | Tamil Nadu districts, rivers and landmarks, national symbols |
Science basics | Matter, simple machines, light, sound, the solar system |
Teaching of EVS | Field trips, projects, observation-based learning, assessment |
Mathematics and Science Syllabus for Paper II
This 60-mark section splits between Mathematics and Science. The notification does not fix how many questions come from each, so prepare both fully.
Mathematics
Number system: Integers, rational numbers, squares, square roots, cubes and exponents.
Algebra: Algebraic expressions, identities, linear equations in one variable.
Commercial mathematics: Ratio, proportion, percentage, profit and loss, simple and compound interest.
Geometry and practical geometry: Lines, angles, triangles, quadrilaterals, circles and constructions.
Measurement: Perimeter, area, surface area and volume.
Statistics: Mean, median, mode and graphs.
Science
Physics: Measurement, motion, force and pressure, heat, light, sound, electricity and magnetism.
Chemistry: Matter and its states, atoms and molecules, acids, bases and salts, chemical changes.
Life science: Cells, plant and animal nutrition, human body systems, micro-organisms, reproduction.
Environment: Natural resources, pollution and conservation.
Teaching of mathematics and science: Experiments, inquiry-based learning, laboratory methods and evaluation.
Social Science Syllabus for Paper II
Subject | Topics to cover |
|---|---|
History | Ancient, medieval and modern India; Tamil Nadu history including the Sangam age, Pallavas, Cholas and Pandyas; the freedom struggle |
Geography | The earth and solar system, landforms, climate, resources, geography of India and Tamil Nadu, maps |
Civics | The Constitution, fundamental rights and duties, government structure, local bodies, elections |
Economics | Basic concepts, money and banking, the Indian economy, consumer rights |
Teaching of social science | Methods, map work, projects, use of sources, assessment |
Where to Focus Within the Syllabus
No section is officially weighted above another within a paper, but some areas give steadier returns for the time you put in.
Pedagogy scenarios: Classroom-situation questions in Child Development and Pedagogy follow familiar principles such as child-centred learning, continuous assessment and inclusive education. Once you understand these, many questions become quick wins.
Language grammar: Grammar rules in Tamil and English are finite and repeat across papers. A fixed daily practice slot of 20 to 30 minutes builds accuracy fast.
Comprehension passages: Each language section usually includes passage-based questions. These reward careful reading rather than prior knowledge, so practise reading speed.
Paper II subject section: At 60 marks, it is 40% of Paper II. Weak preparation here can easily pull a Paper II score below the qualifying mark.
Teaching methods inside subjects: A share of Mathematics, EVS, Science and Social Science questions ask how to teach a concept. Read the teaching-method chapters of D.El.Ed and B.Ed material for each subject.
Study Sources for the TN TET Syllabus
Source | Use it for |
|---|---|
Official TRB syllabus PDF | Confirming the unit list for your cycle |
Tamil Nadu state board textbooks, Classes I to VIII | Content for Language I, English, Mathematics, EVS, Science and Social Science |
D.El.Ed and B.Ed psychology material | Child Development and Pedagogy theories and teaching methods |
TRB final answer keys and master question papers | Understanding question style and difficulty |
Your own error log | Revising the topics where you lose marks in practice tests |
Overlap Between Paper I and Paper II
If you plan to take both papers, you can study several areas once and adjust for the level.
Area | Paper I | Paper II | How to plan |
|---|---|---|---|
Child Development and Pedagogy | Ages 6 to 11 | Ages 11 to 14 | Learn theories once, then practise examples for both age groups |
Language I | 30 marks | 30 marks | One preparation covers both; add higher-level literature for Paper II |
English | 30 marks | 30 marks | Same grammar and comprehension practice works for both |
Mathematics | Primary level | Upper-primary level (in Mathematics and Science) | Build Paper I basics first, then extend to algebra and geometry |
EVS and Science or Social Science | EVS themes | Detailed Science or Social Science | EVS gives a base for both; go deeper for your Paper II subject |
How to Cover the TN TET Syllabus
Weeks 1 to 4, foundations: Cover Child Development and Pedagogy theories, and read the relevant state board textbooks for your content sections. Make one page of notes per chapter.
Weeks 5 to 8, language and practice: Add daily Tamil and English grammar and comprehension practice. Start topic-wise tests in your weakest section.
Weeks 9 to 12, subject depth: For Paper II, spend most of your time on the 60-mark subject section. For Paper I, balance Mathematics and EVS.
Final four weeks, full tests: Take full-length timed papers, analyse each one the same day and revise from an error log.
TRB also publishes the final answer key with the master question paper after each result on https://www.trb.tn.gov.in/.
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