TNPSC Group 2 & 2A Examination 2026: Official Notification & Complete Recruitment Guide

Current official status — September 30, 2026: TNPSC Notification No. 07/2026 was issued on August 11, 2026. Applications closed on September 9, 2026, and the official Exam Dashboard lists the Preliminary Examination on November 1, 2026 (FN). Official Addendum 7A/2026 revised the vacancy total to 846 — 43 Group II + 803 Group IIA. Candidates should now follow the TNPSC dashboard for hall-ticket and exam-day notices. Looking for the detailed syllabus and pattern? Read our TNPSC Group 2 Syllabus & Exam Pattern Guide.

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1. Professional Overview of the Examination

Feature Domain	Details and Information
Exam Identity	Combined Civil Services Examination - II (CCSE-II) / TNPSC Group 2 & 2A 2026
Conducting Authority	Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC)
Notification No. & Advt.	Notification No. 07/2026 | Advt. No. 740
Total Vacancies	846 Posts (43 Group II + 803 Group IIA) after Addendum 7A/2026
Application Window	August 11 to September 9, 2026 (Closed)
Application Correction Window	September 13 to September 15, 2026
Preliminary Exam Date	November 1, 2026 (9:30 AM to 12:30 PM)
Selection Funnel	Common Prelims → Separate Group II / Group IIA Mains → certificate verification / counselling as applicable
Application Fee	₹150 One-Time Registration (OTR) + ₹100 Prelims Exam Fee (Exemptions apply)
Official Portals	https://www.tnpsc.gov.in & apply.tnpscexams.in

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2. Official Notification & Key Event Timelines (2026 Calendar)

The recruitment cycle for TNPSC Group 2 & 2A 2026 follows the official schedule confirmed under Notification No. 07/2026:

• Official Notification Release Date: August 11, 2026 (Released)
• Opening of Online Application Window: August 11, 2026
• Closing Date for Submission of Online Application: September 9, 2026 (11:59 PM)
• Application Correction Window: September 13, 2026 to September 15, 2026
• Admit Card / Hall Ticket: To be announced by TNPSC on the official portal
• Preliminary Examination Date: November 1, 2026 (Single Shift: 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM)
• Tentative Answer Key: To be announced after the examination
• Prelims Result & Mains Shortlisting: To be announced
• Main Written Examination (Group 2 & 2A): To be announced
• Further Selection Stage: Follow Notification No. 07/2026 and later TNPSC notices
• Certificate Verification / Counselling: To be announced

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2.1 Vacancy Revision — Official Addendum 7A/2026

TNPSC issued Addendum 7A/2026 on September 3, 2026. The official addendum gives the revised totals below:

Source	Group II	Group IIA	Total
Notification 07/2026	41	780	821
Addendum 7A/2026	+2	+23	+25
Revised Total	43	803	846

The addendum also added/revised post-specific age, qualification, visual-standard, disability-suitability and PSTM conditions. Those post-specific details should be read together with Notification 07/2026.

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3. Eligibility Mandates — Post-Specific Under Notification 07/2026

Candidates must strictly verify their age, educational, and technical credentials before filling out the online application.

A. Academic and Educational Qualifications

• General Degree Requirement: A Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline (B.A., B.Sc., B.Com, B.E., B.Tech, B.B.A., etc.) from a university recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) or an institution established by an Act of Parliament.
• Special Degree Preferences / Mandates:
  • Sub-Registrar Grade-II: Preferred degree in Law (B.L. / LL.B.) or Commerce/Economics.
  • Probation Officer (Social Welfare Dept): Degree in Sociology, Psychology, or Social Work.
  • Senior Inspector of Co-operative Societies: Degree in Commerce or Economics or Co-operation.
  • Assistant Section Officer (Law Dept): Degree in Law (B.L.).
  • Assistant Section Officer (Finance Dept): Master’s degree in Commerce, Economics, or Statistics.
• Language Proficiency: Candidates must possess adequate knowledge of Tamil. Those who have not studied Tamil as a subject in SSLC or HSC must pass the Special Second Class Language Test in Tamil conducted by TNPSC within two years of joining service.

B. Age Limits and Category Relaxations

TNPSC Group II / IIA does not have one universal age ceiling for every post. Notification 07/2026 contains post-wise minimum/maximum ages, community-based concessions and special conditions; Addendum 7A/2026 also revises conditions for certain posts.

What to Check	Official 2026 Rule
Age reference date	Use the date stated in Notification 07/2026 for the selected post
Minimum age	Varies by post
Maximum age for Others / OC	Varies by post
BC / BCM / MBC / DNC / SC / SC(A) / ST	Apply the exact post-specific relaxation / no-maximum-age condition where stated
PwBD / Ex-Servicemen / Destitute Widow	Use the concession clause applicable to that post
Addendum-affected posts	Read Notification 07/2026 together with Addendum 7A/2026

This preserves the full eligibility section without presenting one generic age table as valid for every Group II/IIA post.

C. Domicile, Medium of Instruction & Reservation Rules

• Community Reservation: Reservation benefits (BC, BCM, MBC/DNC, SC, SC(A), ST) apply strictly to Tamil Nadu native candidates holding valid community certificates issued by competent TN revenue officers.
• PSTM Reservation: 20% Horizontal Reservation is provided for candidates who completed their entire education (from SSLC, HSC up to Degree) in Tamil Medium (Person Studied in Tamil Medium).
• Special Reservations: 30% reservation for Women, 5% for Ex-Servicemen, and 4% for Differently Abled Persons.

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4. Selection Funnel — Notification 07/2026

The 2026 scheme uses a common Preliminary Examination, followed by separate Main Examination schemes for Group II and Group IIA.

Stage	Group II	Group IIA
Preliminary Examination	Common OMR screening test	Common OMR screening test
Main Paper I	Tamil Eligibility Test — descriptive, 100 marks, qualifying 40	Tamil Eligibility Test — descriptive, 100 marks, qualifying 40
Main Paper II	General Studies — descriptive, 300 marks, qualifying 90	General Studies + General Intelligence & Reasoning — CBT objective, 200 questions / 300 marks, qualifying 90
Further stage	Certificate verification / counselling as notified	Certificate verification / counselling as notified
Oral Test	Not part of the current 07/2026 scheme	Not part of the scheme

Group II Main Examination

• Paper I: Tamil Eligibility Test, SSLC standard, 100 marks, 3 hours, minimum 40.
• Paper II: General Studies, Degree standard, descriptive, 300 marks, 3 hours, minimum 90.

Group IIA Main Examination

• Paper I: Tamil Eligibility Test, descriptive, 100 marks, 3 hours, minimum 40.
• Paper II: 150 General Studies questions + 50 General Intelligence & Reasoning questions = 200 questions / 300 marks, 3 hours, CBT objective, minimum 90.

Paper II is evaluated only after the candidate secures the qualifying mark in Paper I.

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5. Web Application Process Guidelines

The 2026 application window is closed. The steps below are retained as application-process reference for Notification 07/2026; candidates should use the official portal only if TNPSC reopens or publishes a fresh activity link.

1. One Time Registration (OTR):
   • First-time users must register on the OTR portal by paying ₹150. OTR is valid for 5 years.
   • Aadhaar authentication is mandatory for OTR creation and profile linking.
2. Application Form Filling:
   • Log in using your OTR User ID and Password.
   • Select Combined Civil Services Examination II (Group 2 & Group 2A) 2026.
   • Verify pre-filled personal, educational, community, and address details.
3. Uploading Photo and Signature:
   • Upload the photograph, signature and other required files in the specifications shown by the active TNPSC application instructions. Do not reuse old file-size rules if the portal changes them.
4. Language Option Selection:
   • Choose between General Tamil OR General English for Section 1 of the Preliminary Exam.
5. Payment of Examination Fee:
   • Pay the ₹100 Prelims Examination Fee online via Net Banking, UPI, Credit Card, or Debit Card.
   • Fee Exemption: Full fee exemption is granted to SC, SC(A), ST, Destitute Widows, and Differently Abled candidates, and up to 3 free chances for BC/MBC candidates.
6. Final Submission & Printout:
   • Review all entries carefully in the preview window.
   • Submit the application form and save the generated PDF acknowledgement for future reference.

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6. Syllabus Framework and Examination Pattern

A. Preliminary Examination Scheme (Common OMR Test)

• Duration: 3 Hours (180 Minutes)
• Total Questions: 200 Questions
• Total Marks: 300 Marks
• Minimum Qualifying Marks: 90 Marks out of 300
• Negative Marking: None

Section	Subject / Domain	Standard	No. of Questions	Marks
Part A	General Tamil OR General English	SSLC Standard	100	150
Part B	General Studies	Degree Standard	75	112.5
Part C	Aptitude and Mental Ability Test	SSLC Standard	25	37.5
Total	Combined Prelims Paper	--	200	300

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B. Detailed Syllabus Breakdown for Preliminary Exam

1. Part A: General Tamil / General English (100 Questions)

• Grammar: Parts of Speech, Tenses, Voice, Sentence Types, Correction of Errors, Antonyms, Synonyms, Compound Words, Prefix & Suffix, Idioms & Phrases.
• Literature: Works of renowned poets, Bharathiyar, Bharathidasan, Namakkal Kavingnar, 18 Kilkanakku Noolgal, Epics (Silappathikaram, Manimekalai), Devotional Literature.
• Authors & Literary Works: Contributions of Tamil scholars, Tamil Renaissance, Social Reformers, and modern Tamil prose/poetry writers.

2. Part B: General Studies (75 Questions - Degree Standard)

• Unit 1: General Science: Scientific Laws, Scientific Instruments, Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology, Human Physiology, Diseases, Environment & Ecology.
• Unit 2: Current Events: Latest National & International Events, State Initiatives, Sports, Awards, Appointments, Books & Authors.
• Unit 3: Geography of India & Tamil Nadu: Physical Features, Monsoon, Rainfall, Weather, Water Resources, Rivers, Soil, Minerals, Wildlife, Transportation, Population Density.
• Unit 4: History and Culture of India: Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic Age, Maurya, Gupta, Delhi Sultanate, Mughals, Marathas, South Indian Kingdoms, Cultural Diversity.
• Unit 5: Indian Polity: Constitution of India, Preamble, Fundamental Rights & Duties, Directive Principles, Union & State Executive, Parliament & State Legislature, Judiciary, Panchayati Raj, CAG, Election Commission, Anti-Corruption measures.
• Unit 6: Indian Economy: Features of Indian Economy, Five-Year Plans, NITI Aayog, Reserve Bank of India, Fiscal & Monetary Policy, GST, Land Reforms, Unemployment, Rural Welfare Schemes.
• Unit 7: Indian National Movement: National Renaissance, Early uprising against British rule, Indian National Congress, Leaders (Gandhi, Nehru, Bose, Patel, Rajaji, Kamarajar, VOC, Periyar).
• Unit 8: History, Culture, Heritage & Socio-Political Movements in Tamil Nadu:
  • History of Tamil Society, Archaeological Discoveries (Keezhadi, Adichanallur, Sivakalai).
  • Sangam Literature & Heritage.
  • Thirukkural: Ethical values, Governance, Socio-economic relevance.
  • Role of Tamil Nadu in Freedom Struggle & Justice Party / Self-Respect Movement.
• Unit 9: Development Administration in Tamil Nadu:
  • Human Development Indicators (HDI) in TN.
  • Social Welfare Schemes, Education & Health Systems in TN.
  • e-Governance in Tamil Nadu, Economic Trends & Reservation Policies.

3. Part C: Aptitude and Mental Ability (25 Questions - SSLC Standard)

• Simplification, Percentage, Highest Common Factor (HCF) & Lowest Common Multiple (LCM), Ratio and Proportion.
• Simple Interest & Compound Interest, Area, Volume, Time and Work.
• Logical Reasoning: Puzzles, Dice, Visual Reasoning, Alpha-numeric Reasoning, Number Series.

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C. Main Written Examination Scheme

Paper I: Mandatory Tamil Eligibility Test (SSLC Standard - Descriptive Type)

• Duration: 3 Hours | Total Marks: 100 Marks | Minimum Qualifying Marks: 40 Marks
• Topics: Translation (English to Tamil & Tamil to English), Precis Writing, Reading Comprehension, Hints Development, Essay Writing on Socio-Economic Issues of Tamil Nadu, Official Letter Writing, Tamil Language Grammar Knowledge.
• Note: Paper II will be evaluated only if the candidate secures a minimum of 40 marks in Paper I.

Paper II (Group II Services - Descriptive Type)

• Duration: 3 Hours | Total Marks: 300 Marks
• Topics: Advanced General Studies covering State Administration, Socio-Economic Issues in India and Tamil Nadu, Role of Science & Technology in National Development.

Paper II (Group IIA Services - Objective Type)

• Duration: 3 Hours | Total Marks: 300 Marks (200 Questions)
• Questions: General Studies 150 + General Intelligence and Reasoning 50 = 200 questions / 300 marks.

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7. Strategic Preparation Methodology

1. Samacheer Kalvi Textbook Focus: Master Tamil Nadu State Board (Samacheer Kalvi) textbooks from Class 6th to 12th for General Tamil/English, History, Geography, Polity, Science, and Economics.
2. Prioritize Unit 8 & Unit 9: These two units carry high weightage in General Studies. Focus extensively on Thirukkural, Tamil Nadu Freedom Struggle, Archaeological findings, and TN Government welfare schemes.
3. Daily Aptitude Practice: Solve at least 25 aptitude and reasoning questions daily from previous years' papers to target a full score (25/25) in Part C.
4. Language Section Consistency: Choose General Tamil or General English based on your comfort and stick to it; 100 questions (150 marks) in Part A determine your prelims qualification.
5. Mains Descriptive Skill Development: Practice English-to-Tamil and Tamil-to-English translation, precis writing, and official letter writing regularly for Paper I eligibility.
6. Mock Tests & Time Management: Practice full-length 3-hour OMR mock tests to build speed and accuracy for 200 questions without negative marking.

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8. Post-Examination Activities & Cut-off Determination

1. Tentative Answer Key Release: TNPSC will publish the answer-key/objection notice after the examination. Use the official notice for the exact objection window and reference requirements.
2. Final Key & Prelims Results: TNPSC will publish the result and main-exam admission information after the Preliminary Examination; use the official notice for the exact shortlisting rule.
3. Certificate Verification (CV): Shortlisted candidates must upload original documents (community, educational, PSTM certificates) via designated e-Seva centers across Tamil Nadu.
4. Mains Exam & Merit: Follow the ranking / counselling provisions in Notification 07/2026. The current scheme does not use the older 40-mark Group II oral-test model.
5. Counselling Session: Single-window counselling is conducted at TNPSC Office, Chennai, for post and department allocation based on rank and category reservation.

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9. Official Important Links Hub

Essential Resource / Process	Direct Access Link
TNPSC Official Web Portal	Visit TNPSC Official Portal
TNPSC Online Application Portal	Apply Online on TNPSC Exams
Official 2026 Exam Dashboard	TNPSC CCSE-II 07/2026 Dashboard
Official Addendum 7A/2026	TNPSC Addendum PDF
Official Examination Syllabus & Pattern	Download Official Syllabus PDF
Previous Year Question Paper Archives	Access Question Papers Archive
TNPSC Annual Planner 2026	View TNPSC Annual Planner 2026
Admit Card / Hall Ticket Portal	Download Hall Ticket Zone

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10. Document Verification Requirements (Final Stage)

Candidates called for Certificate Verification (CV) must upload and present the following original documents:

1. SSLC / 10th Standard Mark Sheet: Proof of Date of Birth and study of Tamil language subject.
2. HSC / 12th Standard Mark Sheet / Diploma Certificate: Academic progression proof.
3. Undergraduate Degree Certificate & Consolidated Marksheets: Proof of required educational qualification.
4. Community Certificate: Permanent Community Card (BC, BCM, MBC/DNC, SC, SC(A), ST) issued by competent Revenue Authorities in Tamil Nadu.
5. PSTM Certificates: Formats certified by School/College Principals confirming education in Tamil Medium from 1st Std to Degree (if claiming 20% PSTM quota).
6. Differently Abled (PwBD) Certificate: Issued by Medical Board / Competent Authority (if applicable).
7. Destitute Widow / Ex-Servicemen Certificate: Issued by RDO / Assistant Collector or District Ex-Servicemen Welfare Board (if applicable).
8. No Objection Certificate (NOC): Mandated for candidates currently working in State/Central Government or PSU services.
9. Valid Government Photo ID Proof: Aadhaar Card, Driving License, Voter ID, or PAN Card.

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11. Certificate Verification & Counselling Preparation

The current Notification 07/2026 scheme does not use the older Group II interview model. Candidates should instead prepare for verification and counselling stages announced by TNPSC after the written examinations.

• Keep original academic, community, PSTM, disability and service-related certificates ready.
• Ensure every reservation / qualification claim matches the online application.
• Review post preferences, department, service conditions and pay level before counselling.
• Track only TNPSC dashboard/result/counselling notices carrying Notification No. 07/2026.
• Do not rely on older Group II “40-mark interview” preparation material for this 2026 cycle.

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12. Conclusion & Final Words of Success

The TNPSC Group 2 & 2A Examination 2026 is now in the post-application, pre-Prelims stage. The confirmed next event is the November 1, 2026 Preliminary Examination. Preparation should follow the 07/2026 syllabus and current Group II / IIA main-exam structure.

Stay updated with official announcements on tnpsc.gov.in, stick to a disciplined preparation schedule, and approach every stage with confidence. Good luck to all aspirants!

Last Updated: October 1, 2026 | Current dates and vacancy revision verified against the TNPSC official application portal, Exam Dashboard for Notification 07/2026, and Addendum 7A/2026.