Is Tamil compulsory for TNPSC Group 4?

What the notification says

Group 4 is one paper of 200 questions for 300 marks. Part A is the Tamil Eligibility-cum-Scoring Test: 100 questions, 150 marks, set in Tamil only. Part B (General Studies, 75 questions) and Part C (Aptitude and Mental Ability, 25 questions) are set in both Tamil and English.

Parts B and C are evaluated only if you score at least 40% in Part A, that is 60 of 150. Below that, the rest of your paper is not marked at all, however well you did on it. Above it, your Tamil marks count towards your rank with everything else.

Source: Notification 11/2026, para 6.1

The one exemption

Differently abled candidates, whatever the percentage of disability, who studied only English at Board or University level may take General English (SSLC standard) instead of the Tamil test. The same 40% (60 of 150) applies, and the disability certificate must be uploaded with the application. There is no other way to skip Part A: it is not a choice of language for everyone.

Source: Notification 11/2026, para 6.2

What this means for your preparation

Tamil is half the paper and the gate to the other half, so it is the first thing to secure, not the last. The questions come from the Samacheer Kalvi Tamil books for classes 6 to 12, which are free to download here, and you can practise every Group 4 Tamil paper from 2023 on, question by question.

More on how to prepare: Tamil is the half that decides the paper.

Share on WhatsApp

Frequently asked questions

Can I write Group 4 in English instead of Tamil?

Parts B and C, yes: they are set in both languages. Part A, no: it is set in Tamil only, and only differently abled candidates who studied only English may take General English instead.

What is the qualifying mark in Group 4 Tamil?

40%, which is 60 of 150 marks, for every community.