TNPSC Eligibility Criteria for Group 1, 2, 2A, 4 & Other Posts

TNPSC conducts a wide range of exams to recruit the eligible candidates for various state government posts. Eligibility criteria like age limit and educational qualification differs based on the TNPSC exam posts allocated for Group 1, 2, 2A, 4 and others. The minimum qualification for most of the posts is bachelor’s degree from a recognized university, while for Group 4, it is SSLC. However, the reserved category has age relaxation for the upper limits. Candidates must know about the eligibility criteria for various TNPSC posts before beginning the preparation and application process. In this article, we have provided information about TNPSC eligibility criteria in detail, so candidates can know where they fit in. 

Overview of the TNPSC Exam

As mentioned, Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) conducts competitive exams to recruit qualified candidates for government positions in Tamil Nadu. It is categorized into different groups – Group 1, Group 2, Group 2A, Group 4, and specialized services like Combined Engineering Services, District Educational Officer, Assistant Conservator of Forests, and Administrative Service Officer positions. The commission ensures the candidates meet some eligibility criteria before they appear on the TNPSC exam.  Generally, candidates who plan to apply for the TNPSC exam must be a citizen of India, well-versed in Tamil language, and attained required qualifications from recognized universities. 

TNPSC Group 1 Exam Eligibility Criteria

For TNPSC Group 1 exam posts, candidates’ age limit typically needs to be around 21-32. Reserved categories like SC/ST/OBC have an age relaxation of up to 37 years. When coming to educational qualification, a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university under the UGC act, Central act or state act is mandatory for all Group 1 Posts like deputy collector, deputy superintendent of police and assistant commissioner. The physical requirements for posts like Deputy Superintendent of Police and District Officer needs to be met, where the height and weight measurements vary for man and woman. 

Check out: TNPSC Group 1 Exam Syllabus

TNPSC Group 2 & 2A Exam Eligibility Criteria

As for the age limit, those who apply for TNPSC group 2 and 2A posts must be aged between 18-32 in general. However, age qualifications vary for the specific posts, for instance, candidates who prefer junior employment officers must be in the age of 18-40. Reserved categories have some age relaxation for most posts. A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university is necessary for all the posts, though the specific educational qualification differs. Adequate knowledge of Tamil language is required to be eligible for writing the exam.

Also read: TNPSC Group 2 and 2A Exam Syllabus

TNPSC Group 4 Exam Eligibility Criteria

Candidates who are focusing on the TNPSC group 4 posts, must attain the minimum of age 18. For general candidates, the maximum age limit will be 30 years, while the candidates coming under the Most Backward Classes, Denotified Communities, Backward Classes, and Backward classes will be 32 years. Candidates who belonged to ST, SC, SC (A) communities and Destitute Widows of all castes will be 35 years of age. Aspirants who are applying for TNPSC Group 4 exam must pass the SSLC or equivalent qualification from a recognized board and should be qualified to enroll in higher secondary or college studies. Specializations differ based on the post one opt for in the TNPSC exam.

Find more information: TNPSC Group 4 Exam Syllabus

TNPSC Combined Engineering Services Exam Eligibility Criteria

The age limit for the candidates who are appearing for the TNPSC combined engineering services exam is between 18-30 years of age. For reserved categories, there is no upper age limit, while the lower-bar remains 18. Though the educational qualifications differ based on the posts, candidates must have a B.E or relevant degree from the university recognized under the UGC, Central government, or state government. Specializations can differ based on the posts one opting for. 

TNPSC Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Exam Eligibility Criteria

Candidates who are applying for the TNPSC ACF exam must be aged between 21-32 years. For the reserved categories, the age limit changes as per the TNPSC guidelines. When it comes to educational qualifications, a bachelor’s degree in forestry, environmental science, botany, zoology, or related subjects are required. Some might require specific degrees in Forest engineering or Master’s degree in relevant fields. Candidates must meet the specific physical requirements and be able to work in forest under the challenging conditions. 

TNPSC District Educational Officer (DEO) Exam Eligibility Criteria

Typically, candidates who are appearing for the TNPSC DEO exam, fall between 32-40 years of age. There is no upper age limit for the candidates belonging to the reserved categories like ST, SC, SC (A). And, the applicant of TNPSC DEO posts must have a Master’s degree, a B.T., or a B.Ed. Degree from the recognized university. 

TNPSC ASO Exam Eligibility Criteria

For those candidates appearing for the TNPSC ASO exam, their age must fall between the 18-30 years of age. As like others, applicants from reserved categories have an age relaxation as per Tamilnadu government norms. A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university acts as a minimum requirement for the candidates who are appearing for this exam as well. 

Summary Table of TNPSC Exam Eligibility Criteria

Below, we have given the table summarizing the TNPSC exam eligibility criteria for Group 1, Group 2 and 2A, Group 4, and other posts:

Exam/Post	Age Limit (General)	Age Limit (Reserved Categories)	Educational Qualification	Special Requirements
TNPSC Group 1	21-32 years	SC/ST/OBC: Up to 37 years	Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university (UGC/Central/State)	Physical standards for DSP and District Officer posts (height, weight, chest)
TNPSC Group 2 & 2A	18-32 years	No upper age limit for SC/ST/BC and some posts	Bachelor’s degree from recognized university (varies by post)	Adequate knowledge of Tamil language mandatory
TNPSC Group 4	18-30 years	MBC/DC/BC: Up to 32 yearsSC/ST/SC(A)/Destitute Widows: Up to 35 years	SSLC or equivalent from recognized board	Must be qualified to enroll in higher secondary or college studies
TNPSC Combined Engineering Services	18-30 years	No upper age limit (minimum 18 years)	B.E. or relevant engineering degree from recognized university	Specializations vary by post
TNPSC Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF)	21-32 years	As per TNPSC guidelines	Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Environmental Science, Botany, Zoology or related fields; Master’s or Forest Engineering for some posts	Physical fitness and ability to work in forest conditions
TNPSC District Educational Officer (DEO)	32-40 years	No upper age limit for SC/ST/SC(A)	Master’s degree, B.T., or B.Ed. from recognized university	–
TNPSC Assistant Section Officer (ASO)	18-30 years	Age relaxation as per Tamil Nadu government norms	Bachelor’s degree from recognized university	–

Note: TNPSC eligibility criteria for all groups are subject to change as per the Tamilnadu government guidelines. So, ensure to keep updated with the recent information and updates. 

What’s Next?

If you are planning to apply for the TNPSC exam and find yourself eligible, you must start preparing for the examination. Make sure to understand the syllabus of the chosen TNPSC group before getting into the preparation. Schedule the sections, study consistently and ensure timely revision to strengthen your knowledge and answering skills. To make your TNPSC preparation more easier, connect with KingMakers IAS academy, recognized as the best TNPSC coaching centre in Chennai and let our experienced mentors guide you. You will get adequate mock tests, high-quality preparation materials and personalized mentoring to achieve a high enough score to secure a government job position.

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