Will TNPSC Ban Question Setters for Sensitive Content?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- TNPSC disqualifies question setters for sensitive content.
- Over 4,000 vacancies expected in Group IV exams.
- New OMR system implemented to reduce errors.
- Record participation with 13.89 lakh candidates.
- Results for Group IV exams anticipated in three months.
Chennai, July 12 (NationPress) The Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) has announced a decision to disqualify question setters who incorporate politically contentious or communal issues in examination papers, as stated by Chairman S.K. Prabakar on Saturday.
During a press briefing at the Egmore Presidency Girls Higher Secondary School, where the TNPSC Group IV examination took place, the chairman remarked that the Commission had already provided explicit guidelines to subject experts and educators to refrain from including such sensitive content.
Despite these directives, some question setters have failed to comply with the rules. The Commission plans to implement strict measures to remove these individuals from the panel, he affirmed.
He also underscored the growing demand for government positions.
“This year, the anticipated number of vacancies arising from the Group IV exam is projected to exceed 4,000, an increase from the earlier estimate of 3,935. From July to December 2025, the expected number of vacancies across various departments is 4,318,” he added.
The TNPSC chairman further revealed that notifications for Group II and Group IIA examinations will be issued next week.
“In the period from January to December 2024, a total of 10,701 candidates were appointed. From January to June 2025, an additional 11,027 candidates were hired,” he stated.
According to the Group IV notification released on April 25, the TNPSC announced 3,935 vacancies across 25 diverse posts. These positions include 215 Village Administrative Officers, 1,678 Junior Assistants, 1,100 Typists, 368 Steno-Typists, 112 Forest Guards, 145 Forest Watchers, and 239 Junior Revenue Inspectors. The minimum educational qualification for Group IV roles is SSLC (Class 10).
A record 13.89 lakh candidates received hall tickets for the examination, including 94,848 in Chennai alone. Among the applicants, women outnumbered men, with 8.63 lakh women and 5.26 lakh men allowed to participate.
Emphasizing the Commission’s commitment to enhancing the examination process, the TNPSC chairman stated that a simplified Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) system has been introduced.
“This has drastically reduced errors in the Group I examination. The evaluation of Group I preliminary answer sheets is scheduled to commence next week, with results expected within a month,” he added.
Regarding the Group IV exam, he reassured that the question papers were secure, following concerns about an alleged issue at a center in Madurai.
“Results for the Group IV exam are expected within three months,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, several candidates arriving late at the Egmore center were denied entry. Many reported relying on public transport, which they claimed caused delays. The TNPSC reiterated the necessity of arriving at exam centers well in advance.