The candidate must hold a degree of any recognized university.

Age Limit(as on 1st August):Minimum: 21 years for all candidates Maximum: 32 years

The upper age limit prescribed above will be relaxable: Upto a maximum of Five years if a candidate belongs to SC/ST/SC(A) Upto a maximum of Three years in the case of candidates belonging to to BC/BC(M)/MBC/DNC

Upto a maximum of Ten years in the case of blind, deaf-mute and Orthopaedically handicapped persons.(General Category)

Advertisement: Published in July–September in leading newspapers

Applications: Available at District Backward Classes & Minorities Welfare Offices

Eligibility: Must appear for 2-hour Competitive Entrance Exam (100 objective questions) on History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science, Current Events, Environment

Selection: Based on merit & community reservation: 225 candidates – Residential Coaching, 100 candidates – Part-time Coaching

Documents Required: Degree, Community & Nativity Certificate, Photos, Refundable caution deposit

Who: Tamil Nadu candidates who cleared UPSC Prelims

Application: Available next day after Prelims results at AICSCC, Chennai

Seats: 225 candidates

Stipend: ₹3000/month for 3 months (no income limit)

For: Candidates who cleared UPSC Mains

Timing: Conducted within 1–2 weeks; includes sessions on national/international issues by experts

Support: Accommodation at Tamil Nadu House, New Delhi

Travel Allowance: ₹2000 for attending Personality Test