TNPSC Combined Civil Services Examination 2025 : Complete Guide on Eligibility, Exam Pattern and Application Process

Overview of TNPSC Combined Civil Services Examination 2025

The Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) has issued a notification for the Combined Civil Services Examination – I (Group I Services) for direct recruitment into prestigious posts. This recruitment drive is a highly anticipated event that seeks to fill key positions in the Tamil Nadu Civil Service, Tamil Nadu Police Service, Tamil Nadu Commercial Taxes Service, Tamil Nadu Panchayat Development Service, Tamil Nadu General Service, and Tamil Nadu Labour Service. The notification, published on 01.04.2025.  Those Candidates who has the eligibility criteria and interested to apply these Posts, they  can read the notification and apply online.  The Applicants can find the eligibility criteria and age limit,Syllabus, Selection process and  Qualification Details as given below

Important Dates

Notification Date :- 1st April 2025
Application Online Start Date : – 1st April 2025
Application Apply Online Last Date – 30th April 2025
Job Type: Permanent 
Who Can Apply : Both Male and Female
Date and time of preliminary examination – 15.06.2025
Application correction window period – 05.05.2025 12.01 A.M to
07.05.2025 11.59 P.M.

Vacancy Details

Educational Qualification Details

Deputy Collector, Deputy Superintendent of Police, and District Employment Officer

• The candidates should have completed a Graduation Degree from a recognized University.

Assistant Commissioner (Commercial Taxes):

• First preference for candidates holding both B.Com. and B.L. degrees along with a Diploma in Taxation Laws.
• Second preference for candidates with the same degrees without the diploma.
• Subsequent preferences are offered to candidates holding either degree alone.

Assistant Director of Rural Development:

• A candidate must have a degree with additional preferences given to those who have pursued post-graduate studies or diplomas in areas like rural services, extension, or sociology.

Age Limit as on 01.07.2025

General

• Minimum Age Limit – 21 Years
• Maximum Age Limit – 34 Years

BC (OBCM)s, BCMs, MBCs/DCs, SCs, SC(A)s and STs: 5 Years Relaxation
PWD – 10 Years (UR)

• Deputy Superintendent of Police (Category-I)
  • Heights
  • Men – 165 cm Chest – 86 (Expansion – 5 cm)
  • Women – 155 cm

Selection Process

The selection process for the Combined Civil Services Examination – I is rigorous and consists of three main stages:

• Preliminary Examination:
  This serves as a screening test where candidates must secure the minimum qualifying marks to be eligible for the Main Examination.
  
• Main Examination:
  Only those candidates who clear the preliminary stage are called for the Main Examination. This stage involves descriptive-type papers and is designed to test the in-depth knowledge and writing ability of the candidates.
  
• Interview:
• Candidates who perform well in the Main Examination are shortlisted for the interview stage. The interview evaluates the candidate’s personality, general knowledge, technical competence, and suitability for public service. The final ranking is determined by the combined scores of the Main Examination and the interview.

Written Exam Pattern

The examination process is multi-staged, ensuring a robust selection mechanism:

• Preliminary Examination:
  • Mode: Objective type using OMR sheets.
  • Subjects: General Studies, Aptitude, and Mental Ability.
  • Marking Scheme:
    • For reserved category candidates, the paper is based on SSLC-level studies, while others must clear a minimum qualifying mark.
  • Duration & Structure: The preliminary exam consists of 200 questions covering different sections, with a total mark allocation designed to screen candidates for the next stage.
    
• Main Examination:
  • Structure: Consists of four descriptive papers.
  • Paper I (Tamil Eligibility Test): This paper is qualifying in nature.
  • Papers II, III, and IV: These are the core papers on General Studies designed to assess in-depth knowledge.
  • Interview:
    • The interview is designed to evaluate the candidate’s personality, communication skills, and overall suitability for public service.
    • Marks in the interview are combined with those of the main examination (excluding Paper I) for the final ranking.
    • Total Marks: The combined marks of the main examination (Papers II, III, IV) and the interview total 850.

How to Apply for TNPSC Examination 2025

The application process is entirely online and is to be completed via the official TNPSC website. The procedure includes several important steps:

1. One Time Registration (OTR):
2. Online Application Submission:
   • After OTR, candidates must log in to the online application portal at www.tnpscexams.in.
   • Detailed instructions on filling out the application, uploading photographs, and signatures are provided.
   • The system allows candidates to preview and edit their application before final submission.
   • Any errors must be corrected during the Application Correction Window, which is available from 05.05.2025 to 07.05.2025.
3. Examination Fee Payment:
   • Payment can be made via online modes such as Net Banking, Credit Card, or Debit Card.
   • It is important to note that offline payments (e.g., Demand Drafts) are not accepted.

Important Documents

• Date of Birth Proof (SSLC/HSC certificate)
• Community Certificate (if applicable)
• Educational Certificates (Degree, CRRI completion certificate, Mark Sheets)
• Tamil Nadu Dental Council Registration Certificate
• Character Certificate
• No Objection Certificate (for Government employees)
• Differently Abled Certificate (if applicable)
• Ex-Servicemen Discharge Certificate (if applicable)

Important Links

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)