TNPSC Combined Technical Services Exam 2026: 461 Vacancies, Pay up to Rs 2,18,200 — Apply Online
Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) has released Advertisement No. 734, Notification No. 04/2026 for the Combined Technical Services Examination (Non-Interview Posts) 2026, announcing 461 vacancies across 45 technical posts in different state departments. If you are an engineer, science graduate, pharmacist or PG in a specialised subject, this is one of the biggest direct-recruitment opportunities of 2026 for Tamil Nadu government jobs on a permanent state-cadre basis.
The online application window opens on 27 May 2026 and closes on 25 June 2026 (11:59 PM). Selected candidates will join on Pay Matrix Level 1 to Level 20 depending on the post, with starting basic pay ranging from Rs 28,480 to Rs 2,18,200 per month. This article on GovtJobsAlert.in walks you through every section, eligibility, fee, exam pattern and step-by-step application process — read it carefully and bookmark the page.
Key Highlights — TNPSC CTSE Non-Interview Posts 2026
TNPSC is the state-level recruitment body for Tamil Nadu, recruiting candidates across 30+ departments through standardised exams. The CTSE (Non-Interview) cycle is a single-stage written exam covering Engineering, Agriculture, Pharmacy, Archaeology, Law, Commerce and Statistics-based posts together. This year’s notification covers Assistant Engineers, Drug Inspectors, Junior Architects, Horticultural Officers, Assistant Geologists, Block Health Statisticians, Junior Photographers, Translators and many more.
- Organisation: Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC)
- Examination: Combined Technical Services Exam (Non-Interview Posts) 2026
- Total Vacancies: 461 across 45 posts
- Pay: Rs 28,480 – Rs 2,18,200 per month (Pay Matrix Level 1 to Level 20)
- Job Location: Across Tamil Nadu — 38 examination centres
- Application Mode: Online only at tnpscexams.in
- Last Date to Apply: 25 June 2026 (11:59 PM)
Vacancy Breakdown — TNPSC CTSE 2026 Top Posts
The 461 vacancies are spread across 45 distinct post codes. A few of the largest categories are listed below; the complete annexure of all 45 posts with department-wise reservations is available in the official PDF.
| Post Name | Department | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Engineer (Agricultural Engineering) | Agriculture | 64 |
| Block Health Statistician | Family Welfare | 62 |
| Assistant Engineer (RD&PR — Civil) | Rural Development | 50 |
| Assistant Engineer (Highways) | Highways | 38 |
| Assistant Engineer (Civil) — Water Resources | Water Resources | 33 |
| Junior Photographer | Tamil Development | 23 |
| Horticultural Officer | Horticulture | 17 |
| Assistant Engineer (Civil) — PWD | Public Works | 14 |
| Assistant Engineer (Electrical) — PWD | Public Works | 13 |
| Assistant Statistical Investigator | Economics & Statistics | 13 |
| Agriculture Officer (Extension) | Agriculture | 11 |
| Archaeological Officer | Archaeology | 10 |
| Assistant Archaeological Officer | Archaeology | 10 |
| Assistant General Manager / Regional Manager | Handloom Weavers Co-op | 10 |
| Drug Inspector | Drug Control | 9 |
| Other Posts (30 more) | Various Departments | 84 |
Pay levels vary significantly between posts — engineering and PG-degree posts sit on Pay Matrix Level 20, archaeology and management posts on Level 18 / Level 17, and Group C posts like Junior Photographer at Level 09. The official notification lists the exact pay matrix and group for each post.
Eligibility Criteria — TNPSC CTSE 2026
Educational Qualification
Each of the 45 posts carries a different post-specific qualification. The broad categories you can apply under are:
- B.E. / B.Tech: in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Chemical, Industrial, Production, Computer Science, or IT
- M.Sc.: in Geology, Applied Geology, Hydrogeology, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Forensic Science, or Environmental Science
- B.Sc.: in Horticulture, Visual Communication, or Chemistry
- Other Professional Degrees: B.Pharm, LLB, MBA, or PG Diploma in Archaeology
- Tamil Language Mandatory: knowledge of Tamil is compulsory for all posts (Paper I includes a Tamil Eligibility Test). Candidates who have not studied Tamil at any earlier level can pass an equivalent test within 2 years of joining for select posts.
Aspirants with engineering qualifications get the largest share of vacancies (~250 of the 461) through AE, JE and technical officer posts. PG science aspirants should check the dedicated post-graduate government jobs page for similar openings.
Age Limit
- Minimum Age: 21 years (as on 01.07.2026)
- Maximum Age (General): 32 years for most posts (34 / 37 / 42 for specific posts)
- Category Relaxation: SC, SC(A), ST, MBC/DC, BC, BCM, Destitute Widows and PwBD candidates have No Maximum Age Limit for most posts (capped at 60 years of age as on 01.07.2026).
What is the Salary for TNPSC CTSE 2026 Posts?
Salary depends on the post group and Pay Matrix Level. Selected candidates draw the basic pay for their level plus Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, Travelling Allowance, Medical, and other Tamil Nadu state-government allowances.
- Pay Matrix Level 20 (most engineering posts): basic Rs 56,100 – Rs 1,77,500 + allowances
- Pay Matrix Level 18: basic Rs 47,600 – Rs 1,51,100
- Pay Matrix Level 10 / 11: basic Rs 35,400 – Rs 1,12,400
- Pay Matrix Level 8 / 9: basic Rs 29,200 – Rs 92,300
Approximate in-hand for a fresh Assistant Engineer (Level 20): Rs 65,000 – Rs 85,000 per month depending on city of posting, after DA + HRA.
Perks include Tamil Nadu government pension benefits (NPS), Group Insurance, leave encashment, LTC, and regular pay-commission revisions. Career progression follows the Tamil Nadu State Service rules with promotions to senior cadres after the prescribed service period.
What is the Selection Process for TNPSC CTSE 2026?
TNPSC has standardised CTSE into a single-stage written examination followed by certificate verification.
- Paper I — Tamil Language Eligibility + General Studies + Aptitude — 200 questions, OMR mode, 3 hours, 300 marks. Tamil Eligibility Test (Part A) requires 40% (60 marks) to qualify for Paper II evaluation.
- Paper II — Subject Paper — 200 questions, CBT mode, 3 hours, 300 marks at Degree / PG standard for your chosen post group. Translator post has a descriptive Paper II (2.5 hours, 100 marks).
- Final merit is based on Part B + Part C of Paper I (150 marks) plus Paper II (300 marks) = 450 marks total.
- Minimum qualifying marks: 135 (SC/ST/MBC/DC/BC) or 180 (others).
- Document Verification & Counselling in a 1:3 ratio for General and 1:2 for reserved candidates.
If you are preparing seriously, refer to our exam syllabus and preparation guides page for previous TNPSC CTSE pattern, study material and topic-wise weightage.
How to Apply Online for TNPSC CTSE 2026?
- Visit the official application portal — link in Essential Links below.
- Complete One Time Registration (OTR) at tnpscexams.in (Rs 150 fee, valid for 5 years). Skip this step if you have already done OTR.
- Log in with your User ID and Password, then click on CTSE 2026 notification.
- Fill the online application — personal details, qualifications, choose your Subject Paper(s) based on your education stream.
- Select two examination centres from the 38 available across Tamil Nadu.
- Upload your photograph (taken on/after the notification date 20.05.2026) and signature.
- Upload required certificates — educational, community, age, disability if applicable.
- Pay the examination fee of Rs 100 per subject paper through Net Banking / Credit Card / Debit Card / UPI.
- Submit the application before 25 June 2026, 11:59 PM and download the confirmation PDF.
- Use the correction window from 29 June to 01 July 2026 if you need to fix any detail.
Important Dates — TNPSC CTSE 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 20/05/2026 |
| Online Application Starts | 27/05/2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 25/06/2026 (11:59 PM) |
| Correction Window | 29/06/2026 to 01/07/2026 |
| Age Reckoning Date | 01/07/2026 |
| Examination Date | To be announced later |
Application Fees — TNPSC CTSE 2026
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| OTR Registration (one-time, 5-year validity) | Rs 150 |
| Examination Fee (per subject paper) | Rs 100 |
| SC / SC(A) / ST / MBC / DC / BC / BCM / Destitute Widow / PwBD | Exempted* |
| BC / BCM / MBC / DC | Three free chances* |
| Ex-Servicemen | Two free chances* |
*Subject to the free chances eligibility rule in the TNPSC general instructions. Payment is online only through Net Banking, Credit Card, Debit Card, or UPI.
Essential Links — TNPSC CTSE 2026
- Download Official Notification PDF
- Apply Online for TNPSC CTSE 2026
- Visit TNPSC Official Website
- Join WhatsApp Channel for Government Jobs
- Join Telegram Channel for Government Jobs
- Tamil Nadu Govt Jobs Telegram Channel
TNPSC CTSE is one of the biggest gateways into a permanent Tamil Nadu state-cadre technical job — 461 posts is a substantial intake and the single-stage written-only format means no interview pressure. Fill the form well before the 25 June 2026 deadline, double-check your Tamil eligibility, and start working on Paper II’s subject-specific syllabus from day one. For more such openings, keep checking the Tamil Nadu government jobs section on GovtJobsAlert.in.