TNPSC Group 2 & 2A: Syllabus, Exam Pattern & Differences
The Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) allows the students and graduates to get Tamil Nadu State Government Jobs. In the TNPSC, both Group 2 and 2A are counted as a Combined Civil Services Examination. The main difference between TNPSC Group 2 and 2A is that Group 2 has interview as part of the selection process, while Group 2A does not, meaning the result is only based on written exams. Apart from the final selection process, both groups share the same syllabus and exam pattern containing Prelims and Mains. When it comes to the position, Group 2 focuses on executive and administrative positions, while Group 2A is on clerical and administrative positions.
At KingMakers Academy, we are committed to teach, train and prepare the TNPSC aspirants to achieve the intended results. With experienced faculty and an unbelievable amount of mock tests and test series, cracking the TNPSC exam will be easier. We are producing articles and blogs to make the aspirants well-informed about TNPSC. In this article, we are providing the complete information regarding TNPSC Group 2 and 2A along with the syllabus, exam pattern, differences, application process, preparation tips, and more.
TNPSC Group 2 & 2A – A Brief Overview
The TNPSC Group 2 and 2A exams are conducted to select candidates for various administrative and clerical positions in the Tamil Nadu governments. For eligible candidates, this exam brings forth many opportunities in diverse fields like administration, revenue, commercial tax, registration, probation services, and forest departments. Both follow a structured process testing the candidates’ knowledge, aptitude, and suitability for government service. In 2025, a major change was introduced – an addition of General English as an optional subject and Tamil Eligibility Test made compulsory in the Mains examination.
What are the Key Differences Between TNPSC Group 2 & 2A?
Many TNPSC aspirants have lots of confusion and questions between TNPSC Group 2 and 2A. In the table below, we are presenting the key differences between TNPSC Group 2 and 2A to clear it.
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TNPSC Group 2 and 2A – Key Differences
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Aspect
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TNPSC Group 2
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TNPSC Group 2A
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Selection Process
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Prelims → Main → Interview
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Prelims → Main
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Main Examination (Paper II)
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Descriptive Type Questions
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Objective Type Questions
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Final Merit
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Interview marks are included
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Based on Mains Exam
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Job Posts
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Executive and Administrative (For example: Sub-Registrar, Deputy Commercial Tax Officer)
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Clerical and Administrative (For example – Forester, Typist, Junior Co-op officer)
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Eligibility Criteria for TNPSC Group 2 & 2A
Below, we are listed the eligibility criteria must be met by the candidates to write TNPSC Group 2 and 2A exam:
- Age Limit: The eligible age limit for candidates to write TNPSC group 2 and 2A varies by the post. Typically, candidates aged between 18 – 32 are considered eligible and no upper age limit for candidates under SC/ST/BC/MBC category. Additionally, age concession is given to persons with benchmark disability, ex-service men and destitute widows.
- Educational Qualifications: Based on the post, educational and technical qualifications differ. But, generally candidates are expected to have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university and mandatory Tamil knowledge.
- Medical and Physical Standards: Candidates must produce a certificate of fitness to the appointing authority at the time of joining. While, for the foresters, they must possess a minimum physical standards (having specific height and chest sizes).
- Nationality and Domicile: Candidates must be a citizen of India and a resident of Tamilnadu or fulfilling domicile requirements as specified by the State.
Syllabus of TNPSC Group 2 & 2A
As discussed, Prelims and Mains are common to both TNPSC Group 2 and 2A. The only difference is that Group 2 involves interviews, while Group 2A is not. Here is the brief syllabus breakdown for TNPSC Group 2 and Group 2A Syllabus.
Prelims Exam Syllabus
In the following list, we have briefly discussed the subjects and topics for Prelims Exam:
- General Tamil: It comprises grammar, literature, comprehension, vocabulary and translation.
- General Studies: This section covered subjects like history, geography, polity, economics and current affairs
- Aptitude and Mental Ability: The section tests the candidates’ numerical ability, logical reasoning, and mental ability.
Mains Exam Syllabus
Below, we have listed the subjects dealing in the Mains Exam Syllabus for TNPSC Group 2 and 2A:
- General Tamil: This paper tests candidates’ Tamil linguistic ability with essay writing and translation tests. It covers topics like Tamil classics, modern literature and advanced grammar and rules.
- General Studies: This paper covers all the prelims topics with greater depth, recent developments of the state, state specific issues, policies and governance.
- General English: Candidates’ reading comprehension, vocabulary, english language rules, and sentence correction.
- Tamil Eligibility Test (Compulsory): This qualifying paper tests the Tamil language proficiency of the candidates.
TNPSC Group 2 & 2A - Exam Pattern
Let’s understand the exam pattern of TNPSC Group 2 and 2A with the number of questions, maximum marks, type and mode of examination.
Preliminary Examination (Common to Both Group 2 and 2A)
Subject | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks / Duration | Minimum Qualifying Marks | Examination Type | Mode of Examination |
A. General Studies | 75 | 300 / 3 hours | 90 | Objective | Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) |
B. Aptitude and Mental Ability | 25 |
C. Language (General Tamil or General English) | 100 |
Total | 200 |
Mains Examination Pattern for Group 2 Services
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Subject
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Maximum Marks
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Duration
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Minimum Qualifying Marks (For all Communities)
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Type of Examination
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Tamil Eligibility Test
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100
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3 hours
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40
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Descriptive
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General Studies
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300
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3 hours
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90
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Descriptive
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Mains Examination Pattern for Group 2A Services
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Subject
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No. of Questions
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Maximum Marks / Duration
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Minimum Qualifying Marks
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Examination Type
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Mode of Examination
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Tamil Eligibility Test
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–
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100 / 3 hours
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40
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Descriptive
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–
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General Studies
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150
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300 / 3 hours
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90
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Objective
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Computer Based Test (CBT)
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General Intelligence and Reasoning
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50
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How to Apply for TNPSC Group 2 & 2A?
The TNPSC application process is entirely conducted online. In the following, we have given a general steps to apply for TNPSC Group 2 and 2A examinations:
- Step 1: Go to the Official Website – Visit the official Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission website and look for the Group 2 and Group 2A notification and application links.
- Step 2: Complete Registration – Create a new account by entering the personal information like name, email address, mobile number. Verify your mobile number and email address through OTP.
- Step 3: Fill the Application Form – Complete the form by filling the accurate personal, educational, and contact details. Ensure the information matches with your official documents.
- Step 4: Upload Documents – Upload the required documents like educational certifications, photograph and signature in the form of scanned copies.
- Step 5: Pay Application Fee – Pay the mentioned application fee through online payment methods. Fee varies depending on the category, and posts.
- Step 6: Review and Submit – Ensure to check the given information carefully and make corrections if required. After the clear review, submit the application form.
- Step 7: Download Confirmation – Download and save the confirmation receipt for the future reference and validation.
TNPSC Group 2 & 2A - Important Exam Dates
Candidates must stay updated with TNPSC Group 2 and 2A important timeline and important dates. This practice allows them to schedule their preparation and examinations. In the table below, you can find the important dates for TNPSC Group 2 and 2A 2025.
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Event
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Date
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Notification Release
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July 15, 2025
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Application Start Date
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July 15, 2025
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Application End Date
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August 13, 2025
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Application Correction
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August 18–20, 2025
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Preliminary Examination
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September 28, 2025
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Mains Examination
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Yet to be announced
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Interview Process
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Yet to be announced (Group 2 posts only)
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Result Declaration
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Yet to be announced
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Note: This list is specific to 2025. Candidates must regularly check the TNPSC official website to stay updated with recent notifications and changes in the examination.
Applicable Posts under TNPSC Group 2 & 2A
TNPSC Group 2 and 2A offers a variety of career opportunities or posts in diverse fields. Understanding these posts can help the aspirants to make informed decisions about their career. In the below list, we have a brief list of relevant job positions, which gives you some sense:
Group 2 Posts (Interview-based):
- Assistant Section Officer
- Sub-Registrar Grade-II
- Deputy Commercial Tax Officer
- Probation Officer
- Junior Employment Officer
- Assistant Director (Differently Abled)
Group 2A Posts (Non-interview):
- Forester
- Assistant Section Officer
- Typist
- Junior Assistant
- Bill Collector
- Village Administrative Officer
How to Prepare Well for TNPSC Group 2 & 2A ?
Here are the key and simple tips to excel in the TNPSC Group 2 and 2A Preparation:
- Ensure to get complete understanding of the TNPSC Group 2 and 2A syllabus
- Create a weekly plan covering General Studies, Aptitude tests, and Language Paper and stick to it.
- Review the previous-year question papers and test yourself to gain familiarity.
- Keep up with current affairs from reliable sources
- Stay updated with current affairs from trusted sources and perusing the newspapers.
- Practice the TNPSC model question papers under the simulated real time conditions to get a grasp of it.
- Improve your time management skills and accuracy by doing the test series.
- Revise the materials consistently and stay motivated.
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