TNPSC cancels Group 2, 2A mains exam; fresh date to be announced with 15-day notice

The Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) on Sunday cancelled the Group 2 and Group 2A main examinations scheduled to be held on February 8 across the state, citing technical issues in the allocation of examination centres. The examinations were to be conducted across Tamil Nadu in both forenoon and afternoon sessions. However, irregularities in hall tickets and confusion over examination centre allotment led to the cancellation of all sessions on the day of the exam. Problems were reported at several centres in Chennai, where candidates faced issues such as incorrect centre allocation, missing registration numbers, and overcrowding. In some cases, candidates were informed that their registration details were mapped to different centres and were asked to travel to alternate locations shortly before the examination. At multiple centres, including two prominent colleges in Chennai, candidates reported that the number of candidates who arrived far exceeded the seating capacity. This led to confusion at entry points and delays in verification. Protests broke out at a few locations, disrupting traffic in surrounding areas. Initially, TNPSC announced that the examinations would be postponed only in Chennai. However, as similar issues emerged at other centres, the commission later decided to cancel the examinations across the entire state. Controller of Examinations, TNPSC, A Shanmugasundaram, told reporters that the disruption was caused by incorrect assignment of examination halls due to a software-related problem. He said the commission acknowledged the lapse and decided to cancel the examinations to prevent further distress to candidates. Shanmugasundaram said the commission viewed the situation as a serious error and expressed regret over the inconvenience caused. He stated that the decision to cancel all sessions statewide was taken to ensure that candidates were not disadvantaged by the confusion and panic at examination centres. In an official statement issued on February 8, TNPSC said that the written examinations for the Combined Civil Services Examination (Group II and IIA Services) Main Examination scheduled for the day could not be conducted at three examination centres in Chennai due to technical issues. The commission said it had therefore decided to cancel both the forenoon and afternoon sessions across Tamil Nadu. The statement added that the cancelled examinations would be conducted on a later date. TNPSC said details regarding the rescheduled examination date, fresh examination centre allotment, and new hall tickets would be communicated to candidates at least 15 days in advance through SMS and email. TNPSC also clarified that the issue stemmed from a software glitch that led to incorrect centre allocation for several candidates. In one instance, a centre that had arrangements for around 300 candidates reportedly saw close to 1,000 candidates arriving to write the examination. The Group 2 and Group 2A mains examinations are being conducted to fill around 1,000 vacancies in various state government departments. The recruitment notification, issued in July 2025, listed 828 vacancies under Group 2 services and additional posts under Group 2A services. The mains examination follows the preliminary test and is a key stage in the selection process. It is conducted in a descriptive format and is considered critical for final selection. Following the cancellation, several candidates expressed concern over the lack of clarity and coordination at examination centres. Many candidates had travelled from other districts and made accommodation and transport arrangements to appear for the examination. TNPSC has assured candidates that a fresh schedule will be announced and that 15-day notice will be given before the re-examination. (With inputs from agencies)