The Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) has officially released the TNPSC Group 1 Notification 2026 (Notification No. 05/2026, Advertisement No. 736) on June 23, 2026, inviting online applications for the Combined Civil Services Examination - I (Group I Services). This is one of the most prestigious civil services recruitment opportunities in Tamil Nadu, offering direct recruitment to top-level posts including Deputy Collector, District Registrar, and more. If you are an aspiring Tamil Nadu government job seeker, this complete guide covers everything - from vacancies and eligibility to the syllabus, exam pattern, and how to apply online.
TNPSC Group 1 Notification 2026 - PDF Download Link
Candidates are strongly advised to download and read the official notification PDF carefully before applying. The official notification (62 pages) contains complete details on eligibility, syllabus, rules, and annexures.
- Official Notification PDF: Download Here
- Apply Online Portal: www.tnpscexams.in
- Apply Online Portal: https://tnpsc.gov.in/
- Notification Number: 05/2026
- Advertisement Number: 736
The notification PDF includes the complete syllabus (Annexure III), examination instructions (Annexure IV), certificate formats (Annexures I, II, V), and all supporting document formats required for OTR, application, and certificate verification stages.
TNPSC Group 1 Recruitment 2026 - Overview
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Civil Services Examination - I (CCSE-1) |
| Notification No. | 05/2026 |
| Advertisement No. | 736 |
| Notification Date | June 23, 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 26 |
| Pay Level | Level 22 |
| Application Mode | Online Only |
| Official Website | https://tnpsc.gov.in/ |
| Application Start Date | June 30, 2026 |
| Application Last Date | July 29, 2026 (11:59 PM) |
| Preliminary Exam Date | September 6, 2026 |
TNPSC Group 1 Vacancy 2026 - Post-wise Details
The TNPSC Group 1 2026 notification announces a total of 26 vacancies across five prestigious posts under Group I Services. Here is the complete post-wise vacancy breakdown.
This recruitment covers posts across multiple Tamil Nadu state services, all placed at Pay Level 22. The vacancy count includes backlog and shortfall vacancies.
| S.No. | Post Name | Post Code | Service | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deputy Collector | 1001 | Tamil Nadu Civil Service | 12 (incl. backlog) |
| 2 | Assistant Commissioner (Commercial Taxes) | 1003 | Tamil Nadu Commercial Taxes Service | 2 |
| 3 | Deputy Registrar of Co-operative Societies | 1004 | Tamil Nadu Co-operative Service | 3 (incl. shortfall) |
| 4 | District Registrar | 1005 | Tamil Nadu Registration Service | 8 |
| 5 | Assistant Commissioner of Labour | 1946 | Tamil Nadu Labour Service | 1 |
| Total | 26 |
Note: The number of vacancies is tentative and may be revised until the publication of Preliminary Examination results.
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TNPSC Group 1 Important Dates 2026
Tracking key dates is essential for every candidate. Missing any deadline can result in disqualification. Below are all the critical dates for TNPSC Group 1 2026 to keep on your calendar.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | June 23, 2026 |
| Application Start Date | June 30, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | July 29, 2026 (11:59 PM) |
| Application Correction Window | August 2, 2026 (12:01 AM) to August 4, 2026 (11:59 PM) |
| Preliminary Examination | September 6, 2026 (9:30 AM to 12:30 PM) |
| Main Examination | To be announced after Preliminary results |
TNPSC Group 1 Eligibility Criteria 2026
Understanding the eligibility criteria is the first and most important step before applying. The TNPSC Group 1 eligibility covers age limit, educational qualification, Tamil language knowledge, and medical standards.
Age Limit for TNPSC Group 1 2026
The age limit is calculated as of July 1, 2026. The minimum age for all posts is 21 years. Maximum age varies by category and post.
For Others (General/Unreserved Candidates):
| Post | Maximum Age | Age with Benchmark Disability | Ex-Servicemen | Destitute Widow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deputy Collector (1001) | 34 | 44 | 50 | 39 |
| Asst. Commissioner (Commercial Taxes) - Any Degree | 34 | 44 | 50 | 39 |
| Asst. Commissioner (Commercial Taxes) - B.L. Degree | 35 | 45 | 50 | 40 |
| Deputy Registrar of Co-op. Societies (1004) | 34 | 44 | 50 | 39 |
| District Registrar (1005) | 34 | 44 | 50 | 39 |
| Asst. Commissioner of Labour (1946) | 34 | 44 | 50 | 39 |
For SC, SC(A), ST, MBC/DC, BC(OBCM), BCM Candidates:
| Post | Maximum Age | Age with Benchmark Disability | Ex-Servicemen | Destitute Widow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deputy Collector (1001) | 39 | 49 | 55 | 39 |
| Asst. Commissioner (Commercial Taxes) - Any Degree | 39 | 49 | 55 | 39 |
| Asst. Commissioner (Commercial Taxes) - B.L. Degree | 40 | 50 | 55 | 40 |
| Deputy Registrar of Co-op. Societies (1004) | 39 | 49 | 55 | 39 |
| District Registrar (1005) | 39 | 49 | 55 | 39 |
| Asst. Commissioner of Labour (1946) | 39 | 49 | 55 | 39 |
Important: General category candidates with 5 or more years of government service (central or state) are not eligible to apply, even if within the age limit.
Also read: RRB JE CBT 2 City Intimation Slip 2026 Out
Educational Qualification for TNPSC Group 1 2026
All five posts require a degree from a recognized University incorporated by an Act of the Central or State Legislature or declared a deemed university under the UGC Act, 1956.
Special preferences for specific posts:
- Assistant Commissioner (Commercial Taxes - Post 1003): Preference is given in the following order - (1st) B.Com + B.L. degree + Diploma in Taxation Laws, (2nd) B.Com + B.L. degree, (3rd) B.Com or B.L. degree + Diploma in Taxation Laws, (4th) B.Com or B.L. degree.
- Assistant Commissioner of Labour (Post 1946): Equal preference is given to freedom fighters and their family members.
Knowledge of Tamil
Candidates must possess adequate knowledge of Tamil as on the date of notification. A candidate is deemed to have adequate Tamil knowledge if they have passed SSLC, HSC, or a degree with Tamil as one of the languages, studied in Tamil medium, or passed the Second Class Language Test (Full Test) in Tamil conducted by TNPSC.
Medical and Vision Standards
All selected candidates must submit a physical fitness certificate at the time of joining. The prescribed standard of visual acuity for all five Group 1 posts is Standard III or better. Candidates with defective vision must submit an Eye Fitness certificate from a qualified Eye Specialist in a Government Hospital.
Apply Online - TNPSC Group 1 2026
Candidates must apply only through online mode via the official TNPSC website. Here is a step-by-step guide to applying successfully for TNPSC Group 1 2026.
Step-by-Step Online Application Process
Step 1 - One Time Registration (OTR)
- Visit www.tnpscexams.in
- Complete One Time Registration by paying Rs. 150/- as registration fee (valid for 5 years)
- Link your Aadhaar number - this is mandatory for all new and existing OTR users
- Upload a scanned photograph (20-50 KB, "Photograph.jpg") and signature (10-20 KB, "Signature.jpg"), both at 200 DPI
Step 2 - Fill Online Application
- Log in with your OTR credentials
- Click "APPLY" against the CCSE-1 Group 1 exam notification
- Verify pre-filled OTR details and fill in additional recruitment-specific information
- Upload a fresh passport-size photo taken on or after the notification date (June 23, 2026), showing your name and date printed at the bottom
Step 3 - Pay Examination Fee
- Preliminary Exam Fee: Rs. 100/- (unless fee exemption is claimed)
- Payment modes: Net Banking, Credit Card, Debit Card, UPI
- Offline payments (Demand Draft, Postal Order) are not accepted
Step 4 - Preview and Submit
- Preview your application before final submission
- Click "SUBMIT" to complete your application
- Note your Application Number for future reference
Step 5 - Application Correction Window
- If corrections are needed after the last date, use the Application Correction Window (August 2-4, 2026)
- No modifications are allowed after August 4, 2026
Examination Fee Exemption
Candidates belonging to the following categories are eligible for fee exemption:
- SC / SC(A) / ST candidates - Full exemption
- BC / BCM / MBC/DC candidates - Three free chances
- Persons with Benchmark Disability - Full exemption
- Destitute Widows - Full exemption
- Ex-Servicemen - Two free chances
Important: Candidates must apply well before the deadline to avoid website overload issues.
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TNPSC Group 1 Preliminary Exam 2026
The TNPSC Group 1 Preliminary Examination 2026 is scheduled to be held on September 6, 2026, from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM. This means candidates should plan their final preparation, revision, and mock tests around this date, as the prelims will be the first major step in the selection process.
TNPSC Group 1 Exam Pattern 2026
The TNPSC Group 1 selection process consists of three stages: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Interview. Understanding the exam pattern helps in strategic preparation.
Stage 1 - Preliminary Examination (Screening Test)
The Preliminary Examination is purely a screening test. Marks scored in the Prelims are not counted for final merit ranking.
| Subject | Standard | Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration | Min. Qualifying Marks (SC/ST/MBC/BC) | Min. Qualifying Marks (Others) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies | Degree | 175 | 300 | 3 Hours | 90 | 120 |
| Aptitude & Mental Ability | SSLC | 25 | ||||
| Total | 200 | 300 |
- Type: Objective (OMR-based)
- Language: Tamil and English
Stage 2 - Main Examination (Descriptive)
Candidates who qualify Prelims (up to 20 times the number of vacancies) are shortlisted for the Main Examination, held at Chennai only.
| Paper | Subject | Standard | Maximum Marks | Duration | Min. Qualifying Marks (SC/ST/MBC/BC) | Min. Qualifying Marks (Others) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Tamil Eligibility Test | SSLC | 100 | 3 Hours | 40 | 40 |
| Paper II | General Studies I | Degree | 250 | 3 Hours | 225 | 300 |
| Paper III | General Studies II | Degree | 250 | 3 Hours | 225 | 300 |
| Paper IV | General Studies III | Degree | 250 | 3 Hours | 225 | 300 |
| Interview | - | - | 100 | - | No minimum | No minimum |
| Total | 850 |
- Paper I (Tamil) is qualifying in nature - Papers II, III, IV are evaluated only if Paper I is cleared
- Appearance in all papers is compulsory - absence in any paper disqualifies the candidate
- The Interview carries 100 marks with no minimum qualifying marks
- Differently abled candidates can claim exemption from Paper I (Tamil Eligibility Test)
Stage 3 - Interview
Candidates are shortlisted for the Interview based on Main Examination scores - 2 times the vacancies (if vacancies ≥ 5 in a reservation group) or 3 times (if vacancies ≤ 4). The interview assesses personality, aptitude, general knowledge, and suitability for civil service.
Final Merit and Ranking
The final merit list is prepared based on combined marks of Main Exam (Papers II + III + IV) and Interview (total 850 marks). Prelims marks are excluded. In case of a tie, the candidate senior in age is ranked higher; if age is also the same, the one with higher Main Exam marks ranks higher; if still tied, the earlier application submission date determines the rank.
TNPSC Group 1 Syllabus 2026
The TNPSC Group 1 syllabus covers a wide range of subjects for both Preliminary and Main Examinations. Candidates should refer to the official Annexure III of the notification for the complete unit-wise syllabus.
Preliminary Exam Syllabus (Code: 497)
Part A - General Studies (Degree Standard - 175 Questions)
- Unit I - General Science (10 Questions): Scientific knowledge, nature of universe, mechanics, life sciences, environment and ecology, latest inventions
- Unit II - Geography of India (10 Questions): Physical features, monsoon, water resources, social geography, disaster management, climate change
- Unit III - History, Culture of India & National Movement (25 Questions): Indus Valley to modern history, national leaders, cultural unity, current affairs
- Unit IV - Indian Polity (40 Questions): Constitution, fundamental rights, union and state governments, judiciary, anti-corruption measures, RTI
- Unit V - Indian Economy & Development Administration in Tamil Nadu (50 Questions): Five-year plans, fiscal policy, agriculture, social welfare schemes, e-Governance in Tamil Nadu
- Unit VI - History, Culture, Heritage & Socio-Political Movements in Tamil Nadu (40 Questions): Sangam literature, Thirukkural, freedom struggle, Dravidian movement, contributions of Periyar and Perarignar Anna
Part B - Aptitude and Mental Ability (SSLC Standard - 25 Questions)
- Unit I - Aptitude (15 Questions): Simplification, percentage, HCF, LCM, ratio, simple/compound interest, area, volume, time and work
- Unit II - Reasoning (10 Questions): Logical reasoning, puzzles, dice, visual reasoning, alpha-numeric reasoning, number series
TNPSC Group 1 Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026 - Download PDF
Main Exam Syllabus
Paper I - Tamil Eligibility Test (SSLC Standard): Translation, summarization, précis writing, essay writing related to current affairs and Tamil society.
Paper II - General Studies I (250 Marks):
- Unit I: Modern History of India and Indian Culture (100 marks)
- Unit II: Social Issues in India and Tamil Nadu (100 marks)
- Unit III: Ethics and Integrity (50 marks)
Paper III - General Studies II (250 Marks):
- Unit I: Indian Polity and Global Political Trends affecting India (100 marks)
- Unit II: Role and Impact of Science and Technology in India (100 marks)
- Unit III: Tamil Society - Culture and Heritage (50 marks)
Paper IV - General Studies III (250 Marks):
- Unit I: General Geography and Geography of India with Special Reference to Tamil Nadu (75 marks)
- Unit II: Environment, Biodiversity and Disaster Management (75 marks)
- Unit III: Indian Economy - Current Economic Trends and Global Impact on India (100 marks)
TNPSC Group 1 Salary 2026
One of the most searched aspects of TNPSC Group 1 is the salary. Here is what the official notification states about the pay structure.
All five posts under TNPSC Group 1 2026 are placed at Pay Level 22 of the Tamil Nadu Government Pay Matrix. This is a senior-level pay grade applicable to Tamil Nadu Civil Service officers including Deputy Collectors and equivalent posts.
In addition to the basic pay, selected candidates are entitled to applicable allowances under Tamil Nadu government service rules, including Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and other admissible benefits. The exact pay matrix value for Level 22 can be verified from the Tamil Nadu Government Pay Rules.
TNPSC Group 1 Salary 2026 - Pay Scale, In-Hand Salary, Allowances & Job Profile
TNPSC Group 1 Reservation Policy 2026
The TNPSC Group 1 2026 recruitment follows Tamil Nadu's communal reservation policy. Here is a summary of reservation percentages.
| Category | Reservation |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 15% |
| Scheduled Caste (Arunthathiyar) - SC(A) | 3% |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 1% |
| Backward Class (BC) | 26.5% |
| Backward Class (Muslim) - BC(M) | 3.5% |
| Most Backward Class / Denotified Communities (MBC/DC) | 20% |
| Women (across all categories) | Minimum 30% |
| Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD) | 4% (1% each for specific disability categories) |
Note: Reservation for Destitute Widows and Ex-Servicemen does not apply to this recruitment.
Selection Process - TNPSC Group 1 2026 Step by Step
The TNPSC Group 1 selection process follows a structured multi-stage approach. Understanding each stage helps candidates plan their preparation and document readiness.
- Preliminary Examination (Screening) → Objective, 200 questions, 300 marks
- Onscreen Certificate Verification → Before admission to Main Examination
- Main Examination → Four descriptive papers + qualifying Tamil test
- Physical Certificate Verification → Original document verification
- Interview → 100 marks, personality and suitability assessment
- Medical Examination → Conducted after Interview by a Medical Board
- Counselling → Post-selection rank-based post allotment (irreversible choice)
Examination Centres - TNPSC Group 1 Prelims 2026
The Preliminary Examination will be conducted at 38 centres across Tamil Nadu. Candidates can choose two preferred centres while applying online.
The centres include all major districts: Ariyalur, Chengalpattu, Chennai, Coimbatore, Chidambaram, Dharmapuri, Dindigul, Erode, Kallakurichi, Kancheepuram, Nagercoil, Karur, Krishnagiri, Madurai, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Namakkal, Perambalur, Pudukkottai, Ramanathapuram, Ranipet, Salem, Karaikudi, Tenkasi, Thanjavur, The Nilgiris, Theni, Thiruvallur, Thiruvannamalai, Thiruvarur, Thoothukudi, Tiruchirappalli, Tirunelveli, Tirupathur, Tiruppur, Vellore, Villupuram, and Virudhunagar.
Important: The Main Examination will be held at Chennai (Code: 0101) only.