Help choosing between Group I, II, or IV based on your qualification?
Absolutely! Choosing between TNPSC Group I, II, and IV depends heavily on your educational qualification, career goals, age, and how much time you can commit to preparation. Here's a detailed comparison to help you decide the right path for your background.
Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing: Group I vs Group II vs Group IV
1. Understand the Educational Qualification Required
|
Group |
Educational Qualification |
|
Group I |
Graduate Degree (Any Stream) + Age & Physical Standards (for certain posts like DSP) |
|
Group II/IIA |
Graduate Degree (Any Stream) |
|
Group IV |
SSLC Pass (Class 10) – Minimum qualification |
🔸 Note: All degrees must be from a recognized university. Some posts may have specific subject requirements (e.g., Law, Commerce).
2. Understand Career Levels & Posts Offered
|
Group |
Nature of Jobs |
Example Posts |
Salary (Approx.) |
|
Group I |
Top administrative positions |
Deputy Collector, DSP, Deputy Registrar, Assistant Commissioner |
₹56,000 – ₹1,77,500 (Level 22) |
|
Group II |
Mid-level administrative posts (with Interview) |
Assistant Section Officer, Probation Officer |
₹37,200 – ₹1,17,600 (Level 18) |
|
Group IIA |
Similar to Group II but non-interview posts |
Assistant, Junior Employment Officer |
₹35,600 – ₹1,12,800 |
|
Group IV |
Clerical & entry-level field jobs |
Junior Assistant, Typist, VAO |
₹19,500 – ₹62,000 (Level 8–10) |
🔹 Group I officers lead departments and districts, while Group IV staff work under them.
3. Compare Exam Difficulty & Competition Level
|
Criteria |
Group I |
Group II/IIA |
Group IV |
|
Exam Level |
Highly competitive |
Moderate |
Easy to moderate |
|
Syllabus Depth |
Extensive |
Moderate |
Basic (10th level) |
|
Time to Prepare |
1–2 years |
6 months – 1 year |
3–6 months |
|
Seats Available |
~100–150/year |
~1,000+/year |
~10,000/year |
|
Includes Interview? |
Yes |
Yes (Group II) |
No |
🔸 Group I demands deep preparation across GS, Tamil Nadu administration, essay writing, and personality development.
4. Age Limits (As per recent TNPSC norms)
|
Category |
Group I |
Group II |
Group IV |
|
General |
21 to 32 years |
18 to 32 years |
18 to 32 years |
|
BC/MBC/SC/ST |
Up to 37 years |
Up to 37 years |
Up to 37 years |
Always check the latest notification for exact cutoffs.
5. Career Growth and Prestige
|
Criteria |
Group I |
Group II/IIA |
Group IV |
|
Promotion Opportunities |
High (can become IAS equivalent) |
Moderate (can reach Group I via promotions) |
Slow (can take years to reach officer level) |
|
Social Status |
High |
Moderate |
Low to moderate |
|
Posting Locations |
Often in district HQs |
Across districts |
Local/village level |
If you're aiming for a long-term high-level career in public administration, Group I is ideal.
Which Group is Right for You?
If you're a recent graduate (or final year student):
- Choose Group II/IIA to start quickly.
- Prepare for Group I in parallel if you're serious about administrative leadership.
- Consider Group IV only as a fallback option.
If you only have an SSLC (10th pass):
- Group IV is your target.
- You can pursue open university degree (like TNOU) and later attempt Group II or I.
If you're already working and want a secure govt job fast:
- Group II/IIA offers faster entry without interview stress (in IIA).
- Group IV suits if you want a low-pressure government job near your hometown.
If you're preparing full-time and want to aim high:
- Start with Group II/IIA as a foundation.
- Gradually build toward Group I—it’s prestigious, competitive, and worth the effort.
My Suggestion Based on Qualification:
|
Your Qualification |
Best Exam to Start |
|
10th Pass (SSLC) |
Group IV |
|
12th Pass + pursuing degree |
Start with Group IV, plan for Group II later |
|
Degree holder (any stream) |
Group II or Group IIA |
|
Graduate + 1+ years prep time |
Group I (if serious), otherwise Group II |
|
Already in Govt Job (promotion route) |
Group II or IIA for faster career growth |
Final Takeaway:
|
If you want… |
Choose… |
|
Prestige & leadership career |
Group I |
|
Faster job with decent pay |
Group II/IIA |
|
Job security with less pressure |
Group IV |
|
Backup option |
Prepare for Group IV alongside Group II |