TNPSC Combined Statistical Subordinate Service Exam Pattern

The TNPSC Combined Statistical Subordinate Service exam pattern is simple on paper: two objective papers, both of three hours, and a single written stage. What matters is how the marks are counted. Only 450 of the 600 marks you can attempt count for your rank, because the Tamil eligibility test is qualifying.

The pattern below follows the scheme used in the most recent cycle we could verify (2022), which replaced an older structure. We have not found a notification for a newer cycle, so confirm every number on tnpsc.gov.in when a new notification is released. Older pages may still show the January 2022 pattern, so follow the official notification.

Table of Contents

Exam pattern at a glance

Paper I: subject paper

Paper I is an objective test of 200 questions for 300 marks, so each question is worth 1.5 marks. You choose Statistics or Mathematics. The 2022 notification period schedule placed Paper I in the morning, from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM. The syllabus for each option is on the syllabus page.

Paper II: Tamil eligibility test and General Studies

Paper II was held in the afternoon, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM in the 2022 cycle. It has two parts in one three-hour sitting.

• Part A, Tamil eligibility test: 100 questions, 150 marks, SSLC standard. It is qualifying, and its marks are not added to your rank.

• Part B, General Studies and aptitude: 100 questions, 150 marks. Of these, 75 are General Studies at degree standard and 25 are Aptitude and Mental Ability at SSLC standard.

Questions are set in English and Tamil, except the Tamil eligibility test itself, which is in Tamil.

Qualifying marks

These minimums come from the scheme as reported for the 2022 cycle. A separate minimum of 40 percent (60 of 150) applies in the Tamil eligibility test. Qualifying marks are a pass requirement, not a selection score. Check the notification of the cycle you apply for, because TNPSC can change these figures.

Marking scheme

Every question in the three components carries 1.5 marks, derived from 150 or 300 marks over 100 or 200 questions. The correct answer earns full marks. We have not verified the rule on negative marking or on unanswered questions for this exam, so read the instructions in the notification and on the question paper. Until you confirm it, assume a wrong answer could cost you and avoid pure guessing.

What the pattern means for you

• Paper I decides your rank: it carries two thirds of the 450 ranking marks, so a strong Paper I can cover a modest Part B.

• Part B is not optional: 150 marks is a third of the ranking total, and 75 of the 100 questions are from General Studies, where statistics graduates often lose marks.

• Tamil is a hurdle: a weak Part A can remove you from the list even with a high Paper I score, since its marks are qualifying only.

• Speed matters: three hours for 200 questions gives about 54 seconds per question in each paper.

Final merit and selection

Your rank is based on Paper I plus Paper II Part B, a total of 450 marks, after the qualifying conditions are met. For example, a candidate scoring 210 in Paper I and 105 in Part B has 315 of 450, and the Tamil marks do not change that figure. There is no interview in the 2022 cycle scheme. Shortlisted candidates go through certificate verification and counselling for post allotment, with reservation rules applied.

Time management

1. Paper I: do a first pass for formula-based questions, then return to longer calculations. Keep the last 15 minutes for marking checks.

2. Paper II: take Part A first or last as practice shows, but allow about 40 to 45 minutes for it. Use the remaining time for Part B, where recall questions go quickly.

3. Practice routine: attempt full papers in the real time limit at least weekly in the last month.