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TNPSC Special Branch Assistant salary: Level 18 pay
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Special Branch Assistant in the Tamil Nadu Ministerial Service is at Level 18 of the pay matrix in the 2025 TNPSC Group 2 and 2A notification (No. 11/2025). Level 18 runs from ₹36,900 to ₹1,16,600 a month in basic pay, and a direct recruit starts at ₹36,900. There are two posts: one in the Greater Chennai Police (code 2279, 3 vacancies) and one in the Criminal Investigation department (code 3116, 5 vacancies). The counts are for 2025 and change each cycle.
Pay level and the two posts
| Item | Greater Chennai Police (2279) | Criminal Investigation (3116) |
|---|---|---|
| Service | Tamil Nadu Ministerial Service | Tamil Nadu Ministerial Service |
| 2025 vacancies | 3 | 5 |
| Pay level | Level 18 (CPS) | Level 18 (CPS) |
| Starting basic pay | ₹36,900 | ₹36,900 |
| Age as on 1 July 2025, Others | 18 to 32 | 18 to 32 |
The notification prints "Level 18" only; the range is from Schedule-I of G.O. Ms. No. 303 (11 October 2017), summarised on the salary hub. The post is at the same level as Sub Registrar Grade II and Probation Officer, and far above a Group 2A Assistant at Level 10 (₹20,600 start).
What is added to basic pay
Dearness allowance is added on basic pay, and house rent allowance and any city compensatory allowance follow the place of posting. The CPS marker means a monthly pension contribution is deducted, together with professional tax and income tax. Annual increments move pay one cell down Level 18 on 1 January, 1 April, 1 July or 1 October, set by your date of joining.
What the post involves
The notification does not describe duties. It is a ministerial post, which means office work rather than police field duty: handling files and correspondence, typing and maintaining records for the Greater Chennai Police or the Criminal Investigation department.
Promotion
Promotion goes up the ministerial ladder of the Police Department under service rules, seniority and departmental tests, and each promotion carries a higher level. Annual increments raise pay in between.
Qualification and the typing condition
- Degree: from a UGC-recognised university.
- Preference: other things being equal, candidates who have passed the Government Technical Examination in Typewriting and Shorthand at least by the Lower Grade.
- Probation condition: a person appointed must pass the Government Technical Examination in Typewriting by the Higher Grade within the probation period, unless already passed.
How to get the post
Through Group 2: a common prelims for screening, then a Mains with a qualifying Tamil Eligibility Test and a descriptive General Studies paper of 300 marks. Rank is on the General Studies paper, with no interview in the 2025 scheme. See the Group 2 exam pattern and the Group 2 syllabus.
Frequently asked questions
What is the starting salary of a Special Branch Assistant?
₹36,900 a month in basic pay at Level 18, before allowances and deductions.
Is Special Branch Assistant a police rank?
No. The notification lists it in the Tamil Nadu Ministerial Service, so it is an office post in the Police and Criminal Investigation departments.
Do I need to know typewriting before applying?
Not as a condition. Typewriting and shorthand at Lower Grade is a preference, and you must pass Typewriting at Higher Grade during probation if you have not already.
Official sources
- TNPSC Group 2 and 2A Notification No. 11/2025: para 3.1 (posts and levels), para 4.1 (age) and para 4.2.1 (qualification).
- G.O. Ms. No. 303, Finance (Pay Cell), 11 October 2017: the pay matrix.
Check the latest notification for the current post list.
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