TNPSC Draftsman Exam Pattern, Eligibility, Important Dates
114 topics across 4 subjects. Every question carries a written explanation.
TNPSC recruits draughting staff for several Tamil Nadu departments. There is no exam simply called "Draftsman" now. The posts come through two routes:
- Draftsman in the Survey and Settlement wing (Tamil Nadu Survey and Land Records Subordinate Service), last advertised with Field Surveyor in Notification 18/2022 of 29 July 2022.
- Draughtsman Grade III, Junior Draughting Officer and Surveyor cum Assistant Draughtsman, now part of the Combined Technical Services Examination (Diploma / ITI Level). The 2026 edition is Notification 06/2026 of 7 July 2026.
| Post | Department | Vacancies | Notification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Draftsman (Survey and Settlement) | Survey and Land Records | 236 | 18/2022 |
| Field Surveyor | Survey and Land Records | 794 plus 4 carried forward | 18/2022 |
| Surveyor cum Assistant Draughtsman | Town and Country Planning | 55 (2022); 32 (2026, Level 8) | 18/2022, 06/2026 |
| Draughtsman Grade III | Town and Country Planning | 1 | 06/2026 |
| Junior Draughting Officer | Water Resources (PWD) 101, Highways 46, Forest 2 | 149 | 06/2026 |
| Overseer / Junior Draughting Officer | Rural Development and Panchayat Raj | 129 | 06/2026 |
The 2022 Survey posts were at Level 8, ₹19,500–71,900.
Last checked against the official notification on .
TNPSC Draftsman Details
Exam Pattern
The 2026 Diploma / ITI exam has two papers. Paper I (OMR, SSLC level) is the Tamil Eligibility Test (100 questions, 60 of 150 to qualify, not counted) plus General Studies (75) and Aptitude (25) for 150 marks. Paper II is a 200-question, 300-mark computer-based subject paper. Rank is on 450 marks; the minimum is 135 for reserved communities and 180 for Others.
| Subject paper (code) | Posts |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineering (443) | Junior Draughting Officer (Highways, Forest), Overseer / JDO |
| Civil Engineering and Architecture (509) | Junior Draughting Officer (Water Resources) |
| Town and Country Planning (508) | Draughtsman Grade III |
| Trade: Surveyor and Draughtsman (Civil) (490) | Surveyor cum Assistant Draughtsman |
Eligibility Criteria
Draftsman, Survey wing (2022)
- Diploma in Civil Engineering from an AICTE-approved institute, or
- National Trade Certificate in Draftsman (Civil) from NCVT, or
- Army Trade Draftsman (Field) certificate from the Madras Engineering Group
2026 posts
- Junior Draughting Officer: Diploma in Civil Engineering (Water Resources also accepts Architectural Assistantship; Forest also accepts a civil engineering degree).
- Draughtsman Grade III: Post Diploma in Town and Country Planning, or a civil or architectural diploma with three years' experience.
- Surveyor cum Assistant Draughtsman: an ITI-level draughtsman (civil) or surveyor trade certificate, or the Army trade equivalent.
Knowledge of Tamil is required, as for all TNPSC posts.
Selection Process
Written exam, then onscreen certificate checks at 1:3 general and 1:2 reserved. Posts that need experience, such as Draughtsman Grade III, call five per vacancy. Counselling follows in rank order. There is no interview.
How to Apply
Apply on the TNPSC portal. The 2026 fee was ₹100, and ₹100 more for each extra subject paper.
Important Dates
| Cycle | Applications | Exam |
|---|---|---|
| 18/2022 (Field Surveyor, Draftsman) | 29 July to 27 August 2022 | 6 November 2022 |
| 06/2026 (CTS Diploma / ITI) | 17 July to 15 August 2026 | To be announced; hall tickets out from 2 October 2026 |
Official Links
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a TNPSC Draftsman exam in 2026?
Not under that name. Draughting posts are in the Combined Technical Services (Diploma / ITI Level) exam, Notification 06/2026.
When was the Survey department Draftsman last recruited?
In 2022, with 236 posts under Notification 18/2022.
Can ITI holders apply?
Yes, for Surveyor cum Assistant Draughtsman. Junior Draughting Officer needs a diploma.
Is there an interview?
No.
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