TNPSC Group 1 Exam 2026: Official Notification Out, Prelims on 6 September
The official TNPSC Group 1 Notification 2026 is now live at tnpsc.gov.in, announcing 26 prestigious vacancies. Eligible candidates can submit their applications starting from 30 June 2026, with a final deadline of 29 July 2026. Review all critical details regarding eligibility, vacancy breakdown, and exam dates below.
The TNPSC Group 1 Notification 2026 for the Combined Civil Services Examination-I has been officially released on the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission portal at www.tnpsc.gov.in. Aspirants who have been tracking this recruitment can now access vital information, including eligibility criteria, the selection process, vacancy details, and key application timelines in this comprehensive guide.
TNPSC Group 1 Notification 2026 PDF Out
The Combined Civil Services Examination – I (Group 1 Services) notification PDF is officially available on the portal at tnpsc.gov.in. It provides complete, actionable insights into the TNPSC Group 1 Recruitment 2026, covering salary structures, exam patterns, required educational qualifications, age limits, and the multi-stage selection process. Candidates should carefully review these guidelines to ensure their applications are accurate and successfully submitted.
TNPSC Group 1 Recruitment 2026
This recruitment drive offers a significant opportunity for aspirants aiming for elite civil service roles, including Deputy Collector, District Superintendent of Police, and Assistant Commissioner. The online application portal opens on 30 June 2026. The selection for TNPSC Group 1 2026 will be conducted in three rigorous stages: the Preliminary Examination, the Main Written Examination, and an Oral Test (Interview).
| TNPSC Group 1 Notification 2026 Out: Key Highlights | |
| Organization | Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Civil Services Examination – I (Group-I Services) |
| Post Name | Deputy Collector, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Assistant Commissioner & other |
| Vacancies | 26 Posts |
| Notification Release Date | 23 June 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Selection Process | Prelims, Mains, Interview |
| Salary | Rs. 56,100-Rs. 2,05,700 |
| TNPSC Official website | www.tnpsc.gov.in |
TNPSC Group 1 Vacancy 2026(Post-Wise)
The TNPSC Group 1 2026 recruitment aims to fill high-responsibility posts such as Deputy Collector, Assistant Director of Rural Development, and District Employment Officer. While previous cycles featured a higher count of vacancies, this current cycle has been notified for 26 key positions, making competition fierce for these prestigious roles.
| Post code | Name of the Post | Name of the Service | Number of Vacancies | Level of Pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1001 | Deputy Collector | Tamil Nadu Civil Service | 12 | Level 22 |
| 1003 | Assistant Commissioner (Commercial Taxes) | Tamil Nadu Commercial Taxes Service | 2 | Level 22 |
| 1004 | Deputy Registrar of Co-operative Societies | Tamil Nadu Co-operative Service | 3 | Level 22 |
| 1005 | District Registrar | Tamil Nadu Registration Service | 8 | Level 22 |
| 1946 | Assistant Commissioner of Labour | Tamil Nadu Labour Service | 1 | Level 22 |
| Total | 26 |
What are the Online Apply Dates?
The TNPSC Group 1 Recruitment 2026 schedule is now available. To ensure you stay on track, refer to the table below for all essential dates, including the application start and closing deadlines, as well as the tentative examination schedule.
| TNPSC Group 1 Notification 2026 Out: Important Dates | |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 23 June 2026 |
| Online Application Dates | 30 June 2026 |
| Last Date To Apply | 29 July 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | 02 August to 04 August 2026 |
| TNPSC Group 1 Prelims Exam Date | 6 September 2026 |
| TNPSC Group 1 Mains Exam Date | TBA |
Application Form Fee For TNPSC Group 1 Posts
When submitting your online application for the TNPSC Group 1 Vacancy 2026, it is mandatory to complete the application fee payment via the official portal at tnpsc.gov.in. Please refer to the fee structure table below for specific category-wise payment details.
| TNPSC Group 1 2026: Application Fee | |
| Details | Fee |
| One-Time Registration Fee | Rs. 150 |
| Preliminary Examination Fee | Rs. 100 |
| Main Written Examination Fee | Rs. 200 |
| SC/ SC (Arunthathiyars)/ ST/ PwBD/ Destitute Window | NA |
| MBC/ Denotified Communities/ BC (Other than Muslim)/ BC (Muslim) | 3 Free Chances |
| Ex-Servicemen | 2 Free Chances |
TNPSC Group 1 Apply Online 2026: Direct Link
The TNPSC online application window opens on 30 June 2026. Applicants should prepare all necessary documentation and certificates in advance. We recommend submitting your application well before the deadline to avoid potential technical issues or server congestion during peak traffic hours. A direct application link will be provided below for your convenience.
How to Apply Online For TNPSC Group 1 Posts?
Follow our step-by-step application guide below to successfully register and submit your TNPSC Group 1 2026 form through the official website. These instructions are designed to simplify the process and ensure an error-free submission.
- Go to the official TNPSC website www.tnpsc.gov.in.
- Complete your One-Time Registration (OTR) if you haven’t done so in the last 5 years.
- Log in using your newly generated OTR ID and Password.
- Click on the link “Apply Online” next to the Group 1 Services Exam 2026.
- Fill out the application form with correct personal, academic, and communication details.
- Upload scanned copies of your passport-size photograph and signature in the specified format.
- Pay the applicable exam fee online (Net Banking/Credit Card/Debit Card).
- Verify all entered data and click on ‘Submit’. Print a copy of the acknowledgement page for future reference.
What are the Eligibility Criteria?
To be eligible for the Combined Civil Services Examination – I (Group 1 Services), every applicant must strictly adhere to the prescribed educational qualifications and age limits. Failure to meet these criteria will result in automatic disqualification by the commission.
Age Limit
Candidates applying for the TNPSC Group 1 Exam 2026 must adhere to the specified age requirements: a minimum of 21 years and a maximum of 34 years. Please refer to the official notification to determine the exact cut-off date for age calculation.
| S. No. | Name of the Post | Maximum Age | Persons with Benchmark Disability | Ex-Servicemen | Destitute Widow |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deputy Collector | 34 Years | 44 Years | 50 Years | 39 Years |
| 2 | Assistant Commissioner (Commercial Taxes) – Candidates possessing any Degree | 34 Years | 44 Years | 50 Years | 39 Years |
| Assistant Commissioner (Commercial Taxes) – Candidates possessing a B.L. Degree | 35 Years | 45 Years | 50 Years | 40 Years | |
| 3 | Deputy Registrar of Co-operative Societies | 34 Years | 44 Years | 50 Years | 39 Years |
| 4 | District Registrar | 34 Years | 44 Years | 50 Years | 39 Years |
| 5 | Assistant Commissioner of Labour | 34 Years | 44 Years | 50 Years | 39 Years |
TNPSC Group 1 Age Limit 2026 (SCs, SC(A)s, STs, MBCs/DCs, BC(OBCM)s & BCMs)
| S. No. | Name of the Post | Maximum Age (Should not have completed) | Persons with Benchmark Disability | Ex-Servicemen | Destitute Widow |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deputy Collector | 39 Years | 49 Years | 55 Years | 39 Years |
| 2 | Assistant Commissioner (Commercial Taxes) – Candidates possessing any Degree | 39 Years | 49 Years | 55 Years | 39 Years |
| Assistant Commissioner (Commercial Taxes) – Candidates possessing a B.L. Degree | 40 Years | 50 Years | 55 Years | 40 Years | |
| 3 | Deputy Registrar of Co-operative Societies | 39 Years | 49 Years | 55 Years | 39 Years |
| 4 | District Registrar | 39 Years | 49 Years | 55 Years | 39 Years |
| 5 | Assistant Commissioner of Labour | 39 Years | 49 Years | 55 Years | 39 Years |
Education Qualification
The fundamental educational qualification for TNPSC Group 1 is a bachelor's degree from a recognized university or a UGC-approved institution. Check the official notification for any specialized post-specific qualifications.
| S. No. | Name of the Post | Educational Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deputy Collector | Candidates must possess a degree from any University incorporated by an Act of the Central or State Legislature in India. |
| 2 | Assistant Commissioner (Commercial Taxes) | Candidates must possess a degree from any University incorporated by an Act of the Central or State Legislature in India.
The following order of priority applies to candidate selection:
|
| 3 | Deputy Registrar of Co-operative Societies | Candidates must possess a degree from any University incorporated by an Act of the Central or State Legislature in India |
| 4 | District Registrar | Candidates must possess a degree from any University incorporated by an Act of the Central or State Legislature in India |
| 5 | Assistant Commissioner of Labour |
|
TNPSC Group 1 2026: Requirement For Tamil Language
Candidates applying for TNPSC Group 1 must demonstrate adequate proficiency in the Tamil language as stipulated by the commission's guidelines.
- Candidates must possess adequate knowledge of Tamil on the date of notification.
- A candidate will be considered to have adequate knowledge of Tamil if they have:
-
- Passed the SSLC or an equivalent examination with Tamil as one of the languages.
- Studied the High School Course in Tamil medium.
- Passed the SSLC or an equivalent examination in the Tamil medium.
- Passed the Second Class Language Test (Full Test) in Tamil conducted by the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission.
If an applicant cannot provide proof of Tamil proficiency at the time of application, they must pass the Second Class Language Test (Full Test) in Tamil conducted by the TNPSC within two years of appointment.
Physical Measurement
Applicants for the positions of Deputy Superintendent of Police (Category I) and District Officer (Fire & Rescue Services) must meet specific physical standard requirements. This includes mandatory physical measurement tests regarding height, weight, and chest circumference.
| Tamil Nadu Group 1 Physical Measurement Details | |||||
| Post Name & Gender | Minimum Height | Chest (Normal) | Chest (Expansion) | Min. Weight | Weight (kg) |
| DSP (Men) | 165 cm | 86 cm | 05 cm | N/A | NA |
| DSP (Women) | 155 cm | N/A | N/A | N/A | 50 |
| District Officer – Fire (Men) | 165 cm | 89 cm | 05 cm | 50 kg | |
TNPSC Group 1 Medical and Physical Standards 2026
Selected candidates must submit a medical fitness certificate upon joining. Furthermore, those applying for specific technical posts must meet the vision standards defined in the official notification.
| S. No. | Name of the Post | Post Code | Standard of Vision |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deputy Collector | 1001 | Standard III or Better |
| 2 | Assistant Commissioner (Commercial Taxes) | 1003 | Standard III or Better |
| 3 | Deputy Registrar of Co-operative Societies | 1004 | Standard III or Better |
| 4 | District Registrar | 1005 | Standard III or Better |
| 5 | Assistant Commissioner of Labour | 1946 | Standard III or Better |
What is the Selection Process For TNPSC Group 1 Posts?
The competitive selection process is conducted in three distinct phases:
- Preliminary Examination: Qualifying screening test; marks are not counted in the final merit list.
- Main Examination: Descriptive written exam comprising 4 papers to assess candidates’ analytical and writing skills.
- Interview & Document Verification: Personality test carrying 100 marks, followed by verification of documents.
TNPSC Group 1 Prelims Exam Date 2026 Out
Following the release of the TNPSC Group 1 Notification 2026, aspirants should register online starting 30 June 2026 and initiate their study plans. The Preliminary Examination is officially scheduled for 06 September 2026, to be held at various centres across the state. Admit cards will be available on the official TNPSC portal one week prior to the exam date.
TNPSC Group 1 Exam Pattern
The selection involves a rigorous testing process; therefore, candidates must master the official TNPSC Group 1 Syllabus and exam pattern. The assessment covers both Preliminary and Main stages and is conducted in both English and Tamil.
Prelims Exam Pattern
- The TNPSC Group 1 Prelims Exam is qualifying in nature (Its marks will not be added to the final merit list)
- The questions shall be of an objective type, and there is no negative marking.
- Qualifying Marks: SCs, SC(A)s, STs, MBCs/DCs, BC(OBCM)s, and BCMs: 90 Marks and Others: 120 Marks
| Preliminary Examination (Objective): Exam Pattern | ||||||
| Subject | Standard | No. of Questions |
Max. Marks | Duration | Min. Qualifying Marks (SCs, SC(A)s & More) | Minimum Qualifying Marks (Others) |
| General Studies | Degree | 175 | 300 | 3 Hours | 90 | 120 |
| Aptitude and Mental Ability | SSLC | 25 | Included in 300 | 3 Hours | 90 | 120 |
| Total | – | 200 | 300 | 3 Hours | 90 | 120 |
Mains Exam Pattern
The TNPSC Group 1 Main Examination is descriptive and consists of four papers. Eligibility to appear for the Mains depends on clearing the Preliminary stage. Notably, the answer scripts for Papers II, III, and IV will only be evaluated if a candidate secures the minimum qualifying marks in the Paper I language test.
| Mains Examination (Descriptive Paper): Exam Pattern | ||||||
| Paper | Subject | Standard | Max.Marks | Duration | Min. Qualifying Marks (SCs, SC(A)s & more | Minimum 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 | Personality Test | – | 100 | – | – | – |
| Total (Papers II, III & IV + Interview) | – | – | 850 | – | – | – |
The final merit list is determined by the total marks obtained in the Main Written Examination (Papers II, III, and IV) combined with the marks from the Oral Test (Interview).
Interview
- Marks:100
- No minimum qualifying marks.
- Total Marks for Ranking: 250 (Paper II) + 250 (Paper III) + 250 (Paper IV) + 100 (Interview) =850 Marks.
TNPSC Group 1 Prelims Exam Centres 2026
Candidates applying for the TNPSC Group 1 Recruitment 2026 can select two preferred exam centres during the application process. The Preliminary Examination will be hosted in multiple districts across Tamil Nadu; check the table below for the complete list and centre codes.
| Exam Centre | Centre Code |
| Ariyalur | 3001 |
| Chengalpattu | 3301 |
| Chennai | 101 |
| Coimbatore | 201 |
| Pollachi | 210 |
| Chidamabaram | 303 |
| Dharmapuri | 401 |
| Dindigul | 501 |
| Erode | 601 |
| Kallakurichi | 3401 |
| Kancheepuram | 701 |
| Nagercoil | 801 |
| Karur | 901 |
| Krishnagiri | 3101 |
| Madurai | 1001 |
| Thirumangalam | 1009 |
| Mayiladuthurai | 3801 |
| Nagapattinam | 1101 |
| Namakkal | 1201 |
| Perambalur | 1401 |
| Pudukottai | 1501 |
| Ramanathapuram | 1601 |
| Ranipet | 3501 |
| Salem | 1701 |
| Attur | 1702 |
| Karaikudi | 1805 |
| Tenkasi | 3601 |
| Thanjavur | 1901 |
| The Nilgiris | 1301 |
| Theni | 2001 |
| Thiruvallur | 2101 |
| Thiruvannamalai | 2201 |
| Thiruvarur | 2301 |
| Thoothukudi | 2401 |
| Tiruchirapalli | 2501 |
| Thuraiyur | 2509 |
| Tirunelveli | 2601 |
| Cheranmahadevi | 2603 |
| Tirupathur | 3701 |
| Tiruppur | 3201 |
| Vellore | 2701 |
| Villupuram | 2801 |
| Tindivanam | 2807 |
| Virudhunagar | 2901 |
TNPSC Group 1 Mains Exam Centre 2026
Per the official notification, the TNPSC Group 1 Main Examination 2026 will be conducted exclusively at the Chennai centre (Centre Code: 0101). Qualified candidates from the Prelims stage will be required to appear for the Mains in Chennai.
TNPSC Group 1 Salary
Selected candidates are entitled to government-standard perks and competitive pay scales. The TNPSC Group 1 Salary is aligned with Pay Level 22, ranging from Rs. 56,100 to Rs. 2,05,700, supplemented by allowances such as HRA and medical benefits.
Featured positions include:
- Deputy Collector
- Deputy Superintendent of Police
- Assistant Commissioner
- Assistant Director of Rural Development
- District Officer, and others
TNPSC Group 1 Previous Year Cut Off
Candidates should analyze the TNPSC Group 1 Previous Year Cut-off to gauge the competitive landscape. Trends in cut-offs provide context on exam difficulty and help set realistic goals for preparation based on factors like seat availability and candidate turnout.
| Category | 2024 cycle |
|---|---|
| General / GT | 142 – 145 |
| BC | 138 – 141 |
| MBC / DC | 136 – 139 |
| BCM | 130 – 134 |
| SC | 128 – 132 |
| SCA | 122 – 125 |
| ST | 115 – 118 |
TNPSC Group 1 Previous Year Paper
Reviewing TNPSC Group 1 Previous Year Papers is essential for success. These resources offer deep insights into question patterns, recurring topics, and overall exam difficulty, enabling a more focused and strategic preparation approach.
TNPSC Group 1 Notification 2026 Preparation Strategy & Tips
To excel, candidates should focus on General Studies, Aptitude, and Current Affairs. Supplementing your studies with regular mock exams and taking TNPSC Group 1 Mock Tests will sharpen your time-management skills and boost overall exam confidence.
- Go through the latest syllabus and exam pattern carefully to understand the marking scheme and identify important topics.
- Refer to Tamil Nadu State Board textbooks (Classes 6–12) for subjects like History, Geography, Polity, Economy, and Science, and stay updated with current affairs regularly.
- Practice previous years’ question papers and take mock tests frequently to improve your speed, accuracy, and time management skills.
TNPSC Group 1 Online Coaching 2026
Result91 offers premium TNPSC Group 1 online coaching featuring live interactive classes, expert faculty, and structured study resources. Our platform provides recorded sessions and doubt-clearing support, ensuring you can learn at your own pace. Enrolling in our TNPSC Group 1 Online Coaching program provides the guidance necessary to achieve your career goals.
FAQ – TNPSC Group 1 Notification 2026
Q: When will the TNPSC Group 1 Notification 2026 be released?
A: The official notification for Group 1 positions was released on 23 June 2026, with the Preliminary examination set for 6 September 2026.
Q: What is the age limit baseline for the 2026 application process?
A: The age limit is calculated as of 1 July 2026. The maximum age is 34 years for General category, 37 years for BC/MBC/DNC, and 39 years for SC/ST candidates.
Q: Does the 2026 Preliminary Exam contain negative marking?
A: No, there is no negative marking applicable for the Preliminary examination.
Q: Can candidates choose between English and Tamil for the Main descriptive papers?
A: Yes, candidates may write the general descriptive papers in English or Tamil. However, clearing the compulsory Paper 1 (Tamil Language Eligibility Test) with a minimum of 40% is mandatory for the evaluation of subsequent papers.
Q: Are there any specific academic degree preferences for high-tier posts?
A: Yes. Certain roles carry preferences, such as Assistant Commissioner of Commercial Taxes (B.Com + B.L. preferred) and Assistant Director of Rural Development (Postgraduate degree/diploma in Rural Services or Sociology preferred).
Q: What are the registration and examination fees?
A: The One-Time Registration (OTR) fee is ₹150 (valid for 5 years), and the Preliminary Examination fee is ₹100, unless the candidate qualifies for a category-based exemption.