TNPSC Group 2 / 2A 2026 – Exam Date, Vacancies, Exam Pattern, Syllabus
Updated: 19-10-2026 · Shanmugam IAS Academy
TNPSC Group 2 / 2A (Combined Civil Services Examination–II) 2026 preliminary examination is on 1 November 2026 (Sunday), 9.30 AM – 12.30 PM. Under Notification No. 07/2026 (11-08-2026) and Addendum 7A/2026 (03-09-2026) there are 846 vacancies in all (Group II – 43, Group IIA – 803).
This page is compiled from the official TNPSC notification and is updated with every new announcement. For final decisions see tnpsc.gov.in.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification (07/2026) | 11-08-2026 |
| Last date to apply | 09-09-2026 (11.59 PM) |
| Correction window | 13-09-2026 – 15-09-2026 |
| Addendum 7A/2026 (additional vacancies) | 03-09-2026 |
| Hall ticket | Download from tnpscexams.in (not sent by post) |
| Preliminary examination | 01-11-2026, 9.30 AM – 12.30 PM |
| Tentative answer key | On tnpsc.gov.in within 6 working days of the exam |
| Main examination | To be announced with the preliminary results |
Vacancies
| Service | 07/2026 | Addendum 7A | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group II | 41 | +2 | 43 |
| Group IIA | 780 | +23 | 803 |
| Total | 821 | +25 | 846 |
Posts added in 7A: Probation Officer (Group II), Supervisor of Industrial Co-operatives and Assistant (Group IIA).
Exam Pattern
Only two stages: a common preliminary exam (screening only – marks are not counted for the final selection) and separate main exams for Group II and Group IIA. There is no interview. Final ranking is based on Main Paper II marks.
Preliminary – one paper, OMR, 3 hours, 300 marks, minimum 90 (all communities)
| Part | Standard | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| A. General Studies | Degree | 75 |
| B. Aptitude & Mental Ability | SSLC | 25 |
| C. General Tamil or General English | SSLC | 100 |
| Total | 200 |
Main examination
| Group II | Group IIA | |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Tamil Eligibility Test – descriptive, 100 marks, 3 hours, minimum 40 (qualifying only) | Same |
| Paper II | General Studies – descriptive, degree standard, 300 marks, 3 hours, minimum 90 | Computer Based Test (CBT), 3 hours, 300 marks, minimum 90: General Studies 150 Qs + General Intelligence & Reasoning 50 Qs |
Candidates are admitted to the main exam in the ratio of 1:10 to the vacancies in each reservation category. Paper II is evaluated only if the minimum in Paper I is secured. General Studies questions are set in both Tamil and English.
Preliminary Syllabus – Unit-wise
Revised syllabus (12-12-2024). Question counts are indicative, as stated by TNPSC, and may vary slightly.
| Unit | Topic | Approx. questions |
|---|---|---|
| I | General Science | 5 |
| II | Geography | 5 |
| III | History, Culture of India and Indian National Movement | 10 |
| IV | Indian Polity | 15 |
| V | Indian Economy and Development Administration in Tamil Nadu | 20 |
| VI | History, Culture, Heritage and Socio-Political Movements of Tamil Nadu | 20 |
| – | Aptitude (15) + Reasoning (10) | 25 |
| General Tamil – part | Approx. questions |
|---|---|
| Grammar (இலக்கணம்) | 25 |
| Vocabulary (சொல்லகராதி) | 15 |
| Writing skills (எழுதும் திறன்) | 15 |
| Technical terms (கலைச் சொற்கள்) | 10 |
| Reading comprehension | 15 |
| Simple translation | 5 |
| Literature, Tamil scholars and their service | 15 |
Fees and Eligibility
- Preliminary exam fee ₹100; main exam fee ₹150 (₹300 if shortlisted for both Group II and Group IIA). Eligible special categories are exempted.
- Age is reckoned as on 01-07-2026 and differs from post to post (some posts have no maximum age limit – which means the candidate must not have completed 60 years). Check the limit for your post in the notification.
- Most posts need a degree from a recognised university; some need a specific degree (e.g. Probation Officer).
- Persons Studied in Tamil Medium (PSTM) preference applies under the 2010 Act as amended by Act No. 12 of 2026.
Answer Key
On the exam day (01-11-2026) evening, the answer key prepared by our teachers will be published on the answer key page. TNPSC's official tentative key comes within 6 working days; objections can be raised online only, within 7 days.
