The Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) has postponed the Group 2 and Group 2A mains examination scheduled for February 8, 2026, across Tamil Nadu. This decision followed technical issues with exam center assignments that caused confusion and protests at several locations.
The Group 2 and Group 2A mains exams have been canceled on the day of the test due to a software issue that disrupted center assignments. This problem affected over 9,000 candidates scheduled to take the descriptive mains exam statewide.
Candidates reported issues including incorrect center allocations, missing registration numbers, and overcrowding at various exam venues. The situation was especially tense in Chennai, where confusion over hall ticket information led to delays and protests.
Confusion and Protests in Chennai
At exam centers in Arumbakkam and Nandanam, many candidates reported missing registration numbers or being assigned to different venues. Some candidates were told their information was available at another center and asked to relocate there at the last minute.
These last-minute changes caused protests, with candidates saying that relocating centers on exam day made it impossible to sit for the test. This caused traffic disruptions and posed challenges for officials near the affected centers.
TNPSC Extends Postponement Across the State
Initially, TNPSC postponed the exams only in Chennai. However, after similar issues were reported in other areas, the commission decided to postpone the statewide exams.
TNPSC officials later confirmed that a software error caused the disruption. In one case, nearly 1,000 candidates showed up at a center meant for only 300, highlighting the seriousness of the issue.
Official Notice and Next Steps
An official notice released on February 8, 2026, stated that candidates who had downloaded their hall tickets and reported to the centers would receive updates on the new exam schedule via SMS and email. TNPSC assured that it would communicate further instructions for the rescheduled mains exam soon.
The Group 2 and Group 2A recruitment drive aims to fill 828 vacancies across different state government departments. The main examination is an important part of the selection process and follows the preliminary exam.
Candidates have asked TNPSC to improve technical checks and coordination before announcing a new exam date, as many traveled long distances and made plans to appear for the test.
