The Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) has released the Combined Technical Services Examination (Non-Interview Posts) 2026 notification, including recruitment for the post of Architectural Assistant / Planning Assistant in the Town and Country Planning Department.

This guide provides a complete overview of the vacancy, eligibility criteria, syllabus, exam pattern, and important dates for TNPSC Architectural Assistant / Planning Assistant 2026.

TNPSC Architectural Assistant / Planning Assistant 2026 Overview

Important Dates

Candidates should regularly check the TNPSC website for updates regarding the examination schedule.

Vacancy Details

This recruitment is one of the few direct opportunities available for candidates from Architecture, Planning, Urban Planning, and related backgrounds to enter the Tamil Nadu Town and Country Planning Department.

Eligibility Criteria

Age Limit (As on 01 July 2026)

Educational Qualification

For the Architectural Assistant / Planning Assistant post code 2108, the official TNPSC notification mentions any one of the following qualification routes:

• Degree of Master of Town Planning or its equivalent.
• Associate Membership of the Institute of Town Planners of India or Institute of Architects of India.
• Degree in Civil Engineering.
• Degree in Architecture.
• A.M.I.E. (Civil), Associate Member of the Institution of Engineers (India).

The relevant technical subject paper is Subject Code 560 – Town Planning, Civil Engineering and Architecture.

Selection Process

The recruitment process consists of:

Selection is purely based on performance in the written examination and subsequent certificate verification.

TNPSC Architectural Assistant / Planning Assistant Exam Pattern

Paper I

Paper II

Paper II is the most important paper for Architectural Assistant / Planning Assistant aspirants as it evaluates technical knowledge related to planning, architecture, and civil engineering.

TNPSC Architectural Assistant / Planning Assistant Syllabus

The technical syllabus broadly covers the following areas:

Based on the official TNPSC advertisement and supplemental course materials, the syllabus for the Architectural Assistant / Planning Assistant post (Subject Code 560) is divided into two main papers. The technical portion (Paper II) follows a degree-standard curriculum covering Town Planning, Civil Engineering, and Architecture.

Paper II: Town Planning, Civil Engineering and Architecture (Technical)

This paper consists of 200 questions across ten units, with an indicative distribution of 20 questions per unit:

• Unit I: Introduction to Planning - Theory and Techniques: Covers the planning system in India (Regional, Master, and Smart City plans), techniques of regional analysis, multi-level planning, and simulation models like the Lowry model and Threshold analysis.
• Unit II: Urban Sociology, Economics, Geography and Environment: Focuses on ecological processes in Indian cities, agglomeration economics, urbanization trends in Tamil Nadu, and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) practices.
• Unit III: Remote Sensing, G.I.S. and Current Trends: Includes applications of GIS in physical planning, land use suitability analysis, and emerging concepts like AMRUT, Land Pooling, and Transfer of Development Rights (TDR).
• Unit IV: Physical Infrastructure and Legislation: Detailed study of the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts, the Tamil Nadu Town and Country Planning Act of 1971, and URDPFI/RADPFI guidelines.
• Unit V: Design of Structures: Covers design concepts for reinforced concrete, pre-stressed concrete, and steel structures, including the design of slabs and concrete members.
• Unit VI: Environmental Engineering and Pollution Control: Focuses on water demand, functional design of treatment plants, sewerage systems, solid waste management, and E-waste management.
• Unit VII: Urban and Transportation Engineering: Includes the geometric design of highways, pavement materials, railway components (signaling/interlocking), airport planning, and harbor layout.
• Unit VIII: Introduction to Architecture: Definition and elements of architecture; form, space, light and colour; principles such as proportion, scale, balance, rhythm, symmetry, hierarchy, pattern and axis; user circulation, spatial requirements, universal design, barrier-free environment, modern and post-modern architecture, colonial and post-independence architecture in India, contemporary trends, building rules, regulations and the National Building Code (NBC).
• Unit IX: Site Planning, Climatic Design and Energy Efficiency: Covers site analysis, micro-climate studies, landscape design for urban open spaces, and passive heating/cooling techniques.
• Unit X: Human Settlements Planning and Urban Studies: Origin of settlements, Indian urbanism theories, urban design components, and conservation practices in India.

Paper I: Mandatory Subjects

Paper I is common to most technical posts and is divided into three parts:

• Part A: Tamil Eligibility Test: SSLC standard (100 questions).
• Part B: General Studies: Degree standard (75 questions) covering General Science, Geography of India, Indian Polity, and the history and economy of India and Tamil Nadu.
• Part C: Aptitude and Mental Ability: SSLC standard (25 questions) including simplification, ratio, and logical reasoning.

Examination Scheme

• Total Marks: 450 (150 from Paper I Part B & C + 300 from Paper II).
• Duration: 3 hours for each paper.
• Qualification: Paper II will only be evaluated if a candidate secures a minimum of 40% (60 marks) in the Tamil Eligibility Test (Paper I, Part A).

Key Topics Covered in EduFest Academy's TNPSC Course

The EduFest Academy's TNPSC Architectural Assistant / Planning Assistant course includes:

• Town Planning

• Regional Planning

• Urban Planning

• Transportation Planning

• Water Supply

• Wastewater Engineering

• Environment

• Solid Waste Management

• URDPFI Guidelines

• Smart Cities

• Planning Acts & Policies

• Architecture Fundamentals

Complete Recorded Course

https://edufestacademy.in/courses/tnpsc-architectural-assistant-planning-assistant-online-course-town-planning-exam-preparation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many vacancies are available for TNPSC Architectural Assistant / Planning Assistant 2026?

Answer: There are 3 vacancies in the Town and Country Planning Department.

2. Is there an interview for TNPSC Architectural Assistant / Planning Assistant?

Answer: No. The recruitment is conducted under the Combined Technical Services Examination (Non-Interview Posts).

3. What is the subject code for Architectural Assistant / Planning Assistant?

Answer: The technical paper is Subject Code 560 – Town Planning, Civil Engineering and Architecture.

4. Which department recruits Architectural Assistant / Planning Assistant?

Answer: The recruitment is conducted for the Town and Country Planning Department.

5. Who should apply?

Answer: Candidates from Architecture, Planning, Urban Planning, Civil Engineering, and related disciplines who meet the eligibility criteria prescribed by TNPSC.

Final Words

The TNPSC Architectural Assistant / Planning Assistant 2026 recruitment presents an excellent opportunity for candidates seeking a government career in planning and urban development. Candidates should carefully review the eligibility criteria, vacancy details, syllabus, and important dates before applying and begin their preparation well in advance. Check official notification here: https://tnpsc.gov.in/document/english/CTS(Non%20Interview)%20English%20Final_.pdf