Last Updated: 12 August 2026 | Job Source: Official TNPSC Notification | Advt. No. 740 | Notification No. 07/2026 | Published on GovtJobDeck.com
TNPSC Group 2 Recruitment 2026
The Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) has released the Combined Civil Services Examination – II (Group II and Group IIA Services) 2026 notification. A total of 821 vacancies have been announced, including 41 Group II and 780 Group IIA posts.
The online application process started on 11 August 2026, and eligible candidates can apply online until 9 September 2026 at 11:59 PM. The common Preliminary Examination is scheduled for 1 November 2026 from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM.
For most posts, candidates need a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university. One of the most important things to understand is that Group II and Group IIA have different Main Examination patterns: Group II Paper II is descriptive, while Group IIA Paper II is an objective Computer-Based Test (CBT).
Candidates preparing for other Tamil Nadu government examinations can also check the TNPSC Group 1 Recruitment 2026 and TNPSC CTS Notification 2026 for additional opportunities.
Get direct exam notifications, admit cards, and PDF updates delivered daily.
Get Instant Job Alerts →TNPSC Group 2 Recruitment 2026 – Quick Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Organisation | Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission |
| Exam Name | Combined Civil Services Examination – II |
| Advertisement No. | 740 |
| Notification No. | 07/2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 821 |
| Group II Vacancies | 41 |
| Group IIA Vacancies | 780 |
| Application Start Date | 11 August 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 9 September 2026, 11:59 PM |
| Correction Window | 13–15 September 2026 |
| Preliminary Exam | 1 November 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Selection Process | Prelims + Mains + Certificate Verification + Counselling |
Important Dates
| Event | Date / Time |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 11 August 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | 11 August 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 9 September 2026, 11:59 PM |
| Application Correction Window | 13 September 2026, 12:01 AM to 15 September 2026, 11:59 PM |
| Preliminary Examination | 1 November 2026, 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM |
| Main Examination | To be announced |
| Admit Card | To be announced |
| Result | To be announced |
Quick Access Links
| Description | Link / Action |
|---|---|
| Official Website | TNPSC Official Website |
| Apply Online | Click Here To Apply Now |
| Official Notification – English | Download Official Notificaion |
| Official Notification – Tamil | Available on TNPSC website |
| TNPSC Annual Planner 2026 | Available on TNPSC website |

TNPSC Group 2 vs Group 2A: What Is the Difference?
Candidates should understand the difference between the two services before choosing their preparation strategy.
| Feature | Group II | Group IIA |
|---|---|---|
| Vacancies | 41 | 780 |
| Nature of Posts | Executive / higher-level posts | Ministerial and subordinate posts |
| Prelims | Common | Common |
| Mains Paper II | Descriptive | CBT Objective |
| Pay Levels | Level 16–18 | Level 9–12 |
| Interview | No | No |
| Final Merit | Based mainly on Mains Paper II | Based mainly on Mains Paper II |
The Preliminary Examination is common to both groups. Candidates shortlisted for the Main Examination then appear for the examination applicable to their respective group.
TNPSC Group 2 Vacancy 2026
TNPSC has announced 821 vacancies in total:
- Group II Services – 41 vacancies
- Group IIA Services – 780 vacancies
Group II Services – 41 Vacancies
| Post | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Assistant Inspector | 7 |
| Deputy Commercial Tax Officer | 1* |
| Junior Employment Officer | 1 |
| Probation Officer | 5 |
| Sub Registrar, Grade-II | 3 |
| Jailor (Men) | 3 |
| Jailor (Special Prison for Women) | 1 |
| Special Assistant | 2 |
| Special Branch Assistant – Greater Chennai Police | 6 |
| Special Branch Assistant – Criminal Investigation | 3 |
| Assistant Section Officer – Law | 5 |
| Assistant Section Officer – Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly | 2# |
| Assistant Section Officer – TNPSC Secretariat | 1 |
| Assistant Section Officer cum Programmer | 1* |
| Total | 41 |
* Shortfall vacancies where applicable.
# Shortfall vacancies.
Group IIA Services – 780 Vacancies
Group IIA accounts for the majority of vacancies and includes Assistant, Inspector, Revenue, Accountant and other posts across different Tamil Nadu departments.
Major Vacancy Areas
| Post / Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Assistant – Department-wise | 450 |
| Senior Revenue Inspector | 45 |
| Assistant – Rural Development & Panchayat Raj | 122 |
| Senior Inspector / Supervisor and other posts | Multiple |
| Accountant and other posts | Multiple |
| Total Group IIA | 780 |
Some of the largest department-wise Assistant vacancies include:
| Department | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| School Education | 83 |
| Medical and Rural Health Services | 80 |
| Highways | 50 |
| Police | 45 |
| Public Health and Preventive Medicine | 42 |
| Forest | 30 |
| Transport | 16 |
| Industries and Commerce | 16 |
| Social Welfare | 15 |
The notification states that the Water Resources – Public Works vacancy will be announced later. Vacancies are also subject to change according to the recruitment process.
TNPSC Group 2 Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
For most Group II and Group IIA posts, candidates must have a degree from a UGC-recognised university.
Some posts require specific qualifications. Examples include:
- Assistant Section Officer (Law): B.L.
- Assistant Section Officer cum Programmer: MCA or M.Sc. in IT/Computer Science
- Accountant: Degree, with B.Com. required for certain post codes
- Junior Accountant: Degree in Commerce
- Assistant – Secretariat Law: Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, Economics or Statistics
- Certain posts also specify preference for qualifications in Social Work, Criminology, Sociology, Cooperation, Typewriting, Shorthand and related fields.
The prescribed qualification must be possessed as on 11 August 2026, the date of notification.
Can Final-Year Students Apply?
No. Candidates must possess the prescribed educational qualification on the date of notification, i.e. 11 August 2026.
If you are specifically looking for more opportunities after graduation, explore our Government Jobs After Graduation section for other eligible recruitment options.
Age Limit
The crucial date for calculating age is 1 July 2026.
For most Group II and Group IIA posts under General/EWS categories:
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Maximum Age: 32 years
However, certain posts have different age limits. For example, Executive Officer Grade III under Group IIA has a higher maximum age limit.
Reserved categories such as SC, SC(A), ST, MBC/DC, BC(OBCM) and BCM receive the applicable age concessions. For many reserved-category candidates, there is no maximum age limit subject to the conditions specified in the notification.
Tamil Language Requirement
Candidates must possess adequate knowledge of Tamil.
This can generally be established through:
- Studying Tamil as a language in SSLC, HSC, degree or postgraduate education;
- Required schooling in Tamil medium; or
- Passing the prescribed Second Class Language Test conducted by TNPSC.
Candidates should provide the required proof in accordance with the notification.
Post-Specific Eligibility Rules
Some posts have additional conditions.
Examples include:
- Jailor (Men): Male candidates
- Jailor (Special Prison for Women): Female candidates
- Certain posts have restrictions relating to PwBD eligibility.
- Colour blindness/night blindness is disqualifying for specified posts such as Assistant Inspector and Handloom Inspector.
- Certain posts have religion-specific eligibility conditions.
Candidates should check the specific post code before applying.
Physical and Medical Standards
Physical or medical standards apply to selected posts.
For example, Jailor posts have prescribed height, chest and vision requirements. Certain other posts also require specific vision standards or eye fitness certificates.
Candidates applying for such posts should check the relevant physical and medical requirements in the official notification.
TNPSC Group 2 Salary 2026
The salary depends on the post and applicable pay level.
Group II: Pay Level 16 to Level 18
Group IIA: Pay Level 9 to Level 12
| Pay Level | Approximate Pay Range |
|---|---|
| Level 18 | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
| Level 16 | ₹47,600 – ₹1,51,100 |
| Level 12 | ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400 |
| Level 11 | ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400 |
| Level 10 | ₹30,600 – ₹97,100 |
| Level 9 | ₹27,700 – ₹87,800 |
DA, HRA and other applicable benefits are provided according to the relevant rules.
TNPSC Group 2 Selection Process 2026
The selection process consists of:
Preliminary Examination → Main Examination → Certificate Verification → Counselling
There is no interview stage in the selection process described in the notification.
Candidates preparing for multiple competitive examinations can also explore the Latest Government Jobs 2026 page for newly announced recruitment opportunities.
Stage 1: Preliminary Examination
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | OMR |
| Type | Objective |
| Duration | 3 Hours |
| Total Questions | 200 |
| Maximum Marks | 300 |
| Minimum Qualifying Marks | 90 |
Prelims Question Distribution
| Subject | Questions |
|---|---|
| General Studies | 75 |
| Aptitude and Mental Ability | 25 |
| General Tamil / General English | 100 |
| Total | 200 |
The Preliminary Examination is a screening test, and its marks do not count towards final selection.
Stage 2: Main Examination
Candidates shortlisted from the Preliminary Examination appear for the Main Examination applicable to their group.
Group II Mains Exam Pattern
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Tamil Eligibility Test | 100 | Descriptive |
| Paper II | General Studies | 300 | Descriptive |
Paper II is the key merit-based paper for final ranking, subject to the applicable recruitment rules.
Group IIA Mains Exam Pattern
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Tamil Eligibility Test | 100 | Descriptive |
| Paper II | General Studies + General Intelligence & Reasoning | 300 | CBT Objective |
Key difference: Group II Mains Paper II is descriptive, whereas Group IIA Mains Paper II is objective and computer-based.
Stage 3: Certificate Verification
Shortlisted candidates undergo online/on-screen certificate verification followed by physical certificate verification as applicable.
Candidates must upload the required certificates within the time given by TNPSC.
Stage 4: Counselling
Candidates participate in counselling according to their rank and the applicable rules.
The post selected during counselling cannot subsequently be changed under the conditions specified in the notification.
How to Apply for TNPSC Group 2 Recruitment 2026
Eligible candidates can apply online through the official TNPSC examination portal.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Visit tnpscexams.in.
- Complete One Time Registration (OTR) if required.
- Log in using your User ID and password.
- Select the Combined Civil Services Examination – II notification.
- Enter your personal, educational and post-preference details.
- Upload the required documents, photograph and signature.
- Pay the applicable examination fee.
- Preview the application carefully.
- Submit the application before 9 September 2026 at 11:59 PM.
- Save your Application Number and submitted application for future reference.
Aadhaar linking with OTR, along with a valid mobile number and email ID, is required according to the notification.
TNPSC Group 2 Application Fee
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| One Time Registration | ₹150 |
| Preliminary Examination | ₹100 |
| Main Examination – Group II or IIA | ₹150 |
| Main Examination – Both Group II and IIA | ₹300 |
Eligible reserved-category candidates, PwBD candidates, Destitute Widows and Ex-Servicemen can claim the applicable fee exemptions according to TNPSC rules.
Documents Required
Candidates should keep the following documents ready wherever applicable:
- SSLC/HSC certificate or DOB proof
- Degree/PG degree or provisional certificate
- Community certificate
- Tamil-language/PSTM proof
- PwBD certificate
- Ex-Servicemen documents
- Destitute Widow certificate
- Post-specific medical/vision certificates
- No Objection Certificate for government employees
- Aadhaar card
The exact documents depend on the candidate’s category and selected post.
GovtJobDeck Expert View
The TNPSC Group 2 Recruitment 2026 is a major opportunity for graduates seeking Tamil Nadu Government jobs.
The biggest attraction is the 821 vacancies, with 780 posts under Group IIA. However, candidates should not select a group only because it has more vacancies.
The Main Examination pattern, nature of posts and pay levels are different, so candidates should choose their preparation strategy accordingly.
Who Should Apply?
This recruitment is particularly relevant for:
- Graduates seeking Tamil Nadu Government jobs
- Candidates preparing for state-level competitive examinations
- Applicants interested in administrative, executive or ministerial positions
- Candidates who meet the Tamil-language requirement
- Candidates comfortable with the respective Group II or Group IIA Main Examination pattern
What Should Candidates Check Before Applying?
Before submitting the application, verify:
- Your qualification for the selected post.
- Your age as on 1 July 2026.
- Tamil-language eligibility.
- Post-specific restrictions.
- Physical/medical requirements, if applicable.
- Whether you want to target Group II, Group IIA or both.
Important Link
| Description | Link / Action |
|---|---|
| Official Website | TNPSC Official Website |
| Apply Online | Click Here To Apply Now |
| Official Notification – English | Download Official Notificaion |
| Official Notification – Tamil | Available on TNPSC website |
| TNPSC Annual Planner 2026 | Available on TNPSC website |
Get direct exam notifications, admit cards, and PDF updates delivered daily.
Get Instant Job Alerts →Related Government Job Opportunities
Candidates preparing for government competitive examinations can also explore:
- TNPSC Group 1 Recruitment 2026
- TNPSC CTS Notification 2026
- UPPSC PCS Recruitment 2026
- RRB JE Recruitment 2026
- Latest Government Jobs 2026
TNPSC Group 2 Vacancy 2026 : Frequently Asked Questions
How many vacancies are available in TNPSC Group 2 Recruitment 2026?
There are 821 vacancies in total — 41 Group II and 780 Group IIA posts.
What is the last date to apply for TNPSC Group 2 2026?
The last date to submit the online application is 9 September 2026 at 11:59 PM.
When is the TNPSC Group 2 Prelims 2026?
The Preliminary Examination is scheduled for 1 November 2026 from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM.
What is the qualification for TNPSC Group 2?
A bachelor’s degree from a recognised university is required for most posts. Certain posts have specific educational requirements.
What is the age limit for TNPSC Group 2?
For most General/EWS candidates, the age limit is 18 to 32 years, although post-specific limits apply. The crucial date is 1 July 2026.
Is there an interview in TNPSC Group 2 Recruitment 2026?
No. The selection process described in the notification consists of the Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, certificate verification and counselling.
What is the difference between Group II and Group IIA?
Group II has a descriptive Main Examination Paper II, while Group IIA has an objective CBT Main Examination Paper II. Group II also carries higher pay levels for its posts.
Can I apply for both Group II and Group IIA?
Yes, candidates can apply for both subject to the applicable conditions and examination fees.
Is Tamil compulsory for TNPSC Group 2?
Candidates must possess adequate knowledge of Tamil and satisfy the prescribed requirement through education or the specified TNPSC language test.
What is the salary for TNPSC Group 2 posts?
The notified pay levels range from Level 9 to Level 18, with starting basic pay ranging from approximately ₹27,700 to ₹56,100, depending on the post.
Can final-year students apply?
No. Candidates must possess the prescribed educational qualification on 11 August 2026, the date of notification.
When is the application correction window?
The correction window is scheduled from 13 September 2026 at 12:01 AM to 15 September 2026 at 11:59 PM.
Final Takeaway
The TNPSC Group 2 Recruitment 2026 offers 821 vacancies across Group II and Group IIA Services and is one of the important Tamil Nadu Government recruitment opportunities of 2026.
Candidates should remember two key dates:
Last Date to Apply: 9 September 2026
Preliminary Examination: 1 November 2026
Before applying, carefully check your qualification, age, Tamil-language eligibility and post-specific requirements. Candidates should also understand whether their preparation is better suited to the descriptive Group II Mains or the objective Group IIA Mains.
Disclaimer
This article is based on TNPSC Advertisement No. 740 / Notification No. 07/2026, released on 11 August 2026. Candidates should read the complete official notification before applying. Recruitment conditions, vacancies, dates and eligibility requirements are subject to the rules and updates issued by TNPSC.







