TNPSC Departmental Examinations 2026: Exam Dates, Pattern, Admit Card

The Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) has released a crucial notification (No: 3/2026, Advertisement No: 732) for the Departmental Examinations, MAY – 2026. This examination is a significant opportunity for eligible Government Servants to advance their careers. Candidates are invited to apply online for these examinations, which will include both Objective Type (Computer Based Test) and Descriptive Type (Manual Written) papers.

Quick Overview

Important Dates

Application Fee

Note: Fees must be paid through online payment only. Other modes of payment are not allowed/accepted, and the amount will not be refunded if paid via unauthorized methods or if the number of tests is reduced after payment.

Exam Pattern & Scheme

The Departmental Examinations, MAY – 2026 will comprise both Objective Type (Computer Based Test) and Descriptive Type (Manual Written) examinations. Candidates are required to obtain minimum pass marks in both types of tests separately for combination type examinations.

• Objective Type (CBT): Tests will be 100% or partial (40% / 60% / 80%) objective type, conducted in Computer Based Test mode over 5 days (9 sessions).
• Descriptive Type: Tests will be 100% or partial (20% / 40% / 60%) descriptive type, conducted as manual written examinations over 4 days (8 sessions).
• With Books / Without Books: Examinations will be conducted in ‘With Books’ or ‘Without Books’ format as detailed in the Scheme & Syllabus (Annexure-II).
• Combination Type Tests: For tests combining objective and descriptive types, they will be conducted separately, and candidates must appear on two different days for a single test.

Candidates are at liberty to apply for as many tests as the time table allows. If two or more applied tests are scheduled at the same time, only one can be written, even if all appear on the Memorandum of Admission.

Examination Timing

Note: Session timings are variable according to particular examinations.

Admit Card

The Memorandum of Admission / Hall Ticket for the Departmental Examinations, MAY – 2026, will be available for download from the Commission’s website starting from 15.05.2026. Candidates must use their unique online application number and date of birth to download their admit card.

How to Download Admit Card

1. Visit the official TNPSC website: www.tnpsc.gov.in or www.tnpscexams.in.
2. Look for the ‘Admit Card’ or ‘Hall Ticket Download’ link for Departmental Examinations, MAY – 2026.
3. Click on the relevant link.
4. Enter your unique online application number and Date of Birth.
5. Submit the details to view your admit card.
6. Download and print a copy of the admit card for examination and future reference.

Important: The admit card must be retained for future reference. Requests for re-issue will not be entertained.

Exam Centers

The Departmental Examinations will be held at the following centers (subject to changes):

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted ‘ONLINE’ only. Candidates should follow these steps:

1. One Time Registration (OTR): Candidates are required to furnish their particulars in Departmental Examination One Time Registration. Aadhaar Number details must be linked mandatorily.
2. Update OTR Details: If there are any changes in details like name, initial, father’s name, date of birth, working district, etc., ensure these are updated in the OTR before applying for the Departmental Examinations, MAY – 2026.
3. Visit Official Website: Go to www.tnpsc.gov.in or www.tnpscexams.in.
4. Fill Application Form: Complete the online application form with utmost care. Government Servants must furnish their Employee Number.
5. Upload Documents: Upload a recent (not more than 3 months old) passport size photograph with blue/white background (165 x 125 pixels, 30-40 kb) and signature (80 x 125 pixels, 20-30 kb). Selfie photos/Polaroid photos are not acceptable.
6. Pay Application Fee: Pay the registration fee (Rs.30/-) and examination fee (Rs.200/- per test) through online payment mode (Net banking / Debit Card / Credit Card) only.
7. Submit & Download: After successful payment, wait for the server intimation. Do not press ‘back’ or ‘refresh’. Download and retain the online application for future reference.
8. Edit Application: Candidates are allowed to edit their application till the closure of the application window. No changes will be entertained after the window closes (e.g., test code/centre, name, father’s name, age, date of birth).

Exam Day Instructions

• Reporting Time: All candidates must be present at the examination venue one hour before the commencement of the examination, i.e., 8:30 A.M. for the forenoon session and 1:30 P.M. for the afternoon session.
• Entry Closure: Candidates will NOT be allowed inside the venue beyond 9:00 A.M. for the forenoon session and 2:00 P.M. for the afternoon session.
• Admit Card & ID: Candidates must carry their downloaded admit card and a valid photo identity proof to the examination hall.
• Malpractice: Any candidate involved in malpractice will face strict action as determined by the Commission.
• Differently Abled Candidates: Must mention disability in the online application and produce relevant proof at the examination hall. Scribe facility is available for eligible candidates upon production of a medical certificate as per Annexure-I.

Last-Minute Preparation Tips

• Revision Focus: Prioritize revising key concepts and formulas. Avoid starting new topics at the last moment.
• Mock Tests: If possible, take one or two full-length mock tests to simulate exam conditions and manage time effectively.
• Review Exam Pattern: Reconfirm the exam pattern, marking scheme, and any specific instructions for both objective and descriptive sections.
• Document Check: Ensure your admit card is printed, and you have a valid photo ID ready. Keep all necessary documents organized.
• Rest Well: Get adequate sleep before the exam day to stay fresh and focused.
• Stay Calm: Practice relaxation techniques to manage pre-exam anxiety. A calm mind performs better.

What to Expect on Exam Day

• Security Check: Expect thorough security checks at the entry gate. Arrive early to avoid last-minute rush.
• Seating Arrangement: Your seating will be as per your roll number, clearly displayed at the venue.
• Biometric Verification: In CBT exams, biometric verification (fingerprint, photo) might be conducted.
• Instructions from Invigilator: Pay close attention to all instructions given by the invigilators before and during the exam.
• Question Paper Format: For Objective (CBT), questions will appear on the screen. For Descriptive, you’ll write in an answer booklet.
• Time Management: Keep an eye on the clock. Allocate time to each section based on its weightage and your strengths.

Important Links

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Who is eligible to apply for the TNPSC Departmental Examinations?

A: The notification states that applications are invited for admission to the Departmental Examinations. While specific eligibility criteria are detailed in Annexure-I, the requirement to furnish an ‘Employee Number’ suggests these examinations are primarily for Government Servants.

Q2: Can I apply for multiple tests?

A: Yes, candidates are at liberty to apply for as many tests as the time table allows. However, if two or more tests you apply for are held at the same time, you will only be permitted to write one.

Q3: What documents do I need to upload with the online application?

A: You need to upload a recent (not more than 3 months old) passport size photograph with a blue/white background (165 x 125 pixels, 30-40 kb) and your signature (80 x 125 pixels, 20-30 kb). Selfie or Polaroid photos are not acceptable.

Q4: What if I make a mistake in my application? Can I edit it?

A: Yes, candidates are allowed to edit their application until the closure of the application window. However, after the window closes, no changes regarding test code/centre, name, father’s name, age, date of birth, etc., will be entertained.

Q5: Is there any provision for fee refund if I reduce the number of tests?

A: No, if you reduce the number of tests already applied for and paid the fees, you cannot claim any refund.

Q6: When will the admit card be available for download?

A: The Memorandum of Admission / Hall Ticket can be downloaded from the Commission’s website starting from 15.05.2026.

Q7: What should I carry to the examination hall?

A: You must carry your downloaded admit card and a valid photo identity proof. It is advisable to check Annexure-I for any additional specific instructions.

Q8: What are the minimum pass marks for the examination?

A: Candidates are required to obtain minimum pass marks in both Objective and Descriptive types separately for combination type tests to be considered passed in the Departmental Tests.

Q9: Are the examinations ‘With Books’ or ‘Without Books’?

A: The examinations will be conducted in both ‘With Books’ and ‘Without Books’ formats, as detailed in the Scheme & Syllabus (Annexure-II). Candidates should refer to the relevant annexure for specifics regarding their chosen tests.

Q10: What if I am a differently-abled candidate?

A: Differently-abled candidates must mention their disability in the online application and produce relevant proof at the examination hall. Provision for a scribe is available for eligible candidates upon production of a medical certificate as per Annexure-I.