The Tamil Nadu Government issued G.O.Ms.No.303, Finance (Pay Cell), dated 11 October 2017, implementing the recommendations of the Official Committee 2017 for revising pay, allowances, pension and related benefits for all State Government employees, teachers, aided institutions, and local body staff. This order is widely considered the reference backbone for Pay Commission implementation across all TN departments.
Even today in 2026, employees and administrative offices regularly refer to this order for pay fixation, increment eligibility, selection grade, special grade, DA changes, and anomaly clarifications.
📌 What G.O. 303 Establishes
The G.O. formally notifies the Tamil Nadu Revised Pay Rules, 2017, replacing the old Pay Band + Grade Pay structure with the new Level-based Pay Matrix system—similar to the Central Government’s 7th CPC structure.
Click To View “Tamil Nadu Pay Matrix Table” in Detail
📌 Key Highlights of G.O. 303
Replacement of PB + GP System with Level-Based Pay Matrix
• 32 levels introduced (Level 1 to 32). • Each level has vertical progression with 3% increments. • Minimum pay begins at ₹15,700 (Level 1) and maximum at ₹2,25,000 (Level 32).
Uniform Fitment Factor of 2.57
All employees’ existing Basic Pay (Pay Band + Grade Pay) as of 01.01.2016 are multiplied by 2.57 to fix the initial pay in the new matrix.
Employee Option to Choose Migration Date
Employees may choose: • Migration from 1.1.2016, or • Continue in old pay till next increment, or • Switch on the date of promotion (if between 1.1.2016 and notification date).
Selection Grade & Special Grade
For Levels 1–23, two increments are granted at: • 10 years (Selection Grade) • 20 years (Special Grade).
Stagnation & Bonus Increment
• One stagnation increment for every 10 years in Level 24 and above. • One bonus increment on completing 30 years of service in the same post.
Revised Personal Pay for Certain Categories
| Post Category | Old Personal Pay | Revised Personal Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Secondary Grade Teachers / Ordinary Grade HM | ₹750 | ₹2,000 |
| Deputy Tahsildar | ₹500 | ₹1,300 |
| Deputy BDO | ₹500 | ₹1,300 |
Dearness Allowance (DA) as per Central Government
DA will be revised whenever the Central Government revises DA for its employees. Initial DA slabs:
- 01.01.2016 → 0%
- 01.07.2016 → 2%
- 01.01.2017 → 4%
- 01.07.2017 → 5%
Applicability to Aided Institutions & Local Bodies
The revised pay structure extends to: • Government-aided schools • Municipalities • Corporations • Panchayats • Town Panchayats
Consolidated Pay / Fixed Pay / Honorarium Employees
Revised pay = • Existing remuneration + • Adhoc additions + • 30% increase + • Rounded to next ₹100.
Pay Fixation Procedure and Responsibility
• Fixation to be recorded in the employee’s Service Book. • Pay of Levels 26+ must be fixed by Treasury / PAO. • Others fixed by Head of Office but subject to post-audit.
Employees with Court-Ordered Higher Pay
Separate instructions will be issued for employees drawing higher pay due to court orders.
Applicability, Exclusions & Special Rules
The rules apply to all full-time civil posts under TN Govt, except: • All India Services • Judicial Officers • Daily wage / Contract / Outsourced category
Detailed Pay Matrix (Schedule I–IV)
The G.O. includes: • Schedule I – Pay Levels (1–32) • Schedule II – Special Time Scale Levels • Schedule III – Full Pay Matrix (PB1 to PB4) • Schedule IV – Special Pay Matrix. These tables are the most referenced part of G.O. 303.
Increment Dates
TN Govt employees can receive annual increments on: January, April, July, October. Based on appointment/promotion.
Stepping-Up & Anomaly Removal
If a junior gets higher pay due to fixation rules, the senior’s pay is stepped up to match.
Notional Date & Monetary Benefit
• Revised pay takes notional effect from 01.01.2016. • Monetary benefits apply from 01.10.2017.
📌 Why G.O. 303 is Considered the “Master Order”
- Defines pay levels for all posts
- Explains how to fix pay on promotion, increment, selection grade
- Clarifies stagnation and bonus increments
- Specifies DA rules linked to Central Government
- Applicable across all departments, aided institutions & local bodies
- Used repeatedly by DDOs, HR sections, headmasters, treasuries
Because it covers every foundational aspect of revised pay rules, G.O. 303 remains the single most authoritative reference for TN Govt employees even in 2026.
G.O.Ms.No.303 Finance (Pay Cell), dated 11-10-2017 is one of the most essential and frequently consulted government orders for Tamil Nadu employees. It establishes the complete framework of pay revision, increment rules, levels, allowances, and procedural guidelines that continue to guide service matters today.
For TN government staff, understanding this G.O. is crucial for: • Pay Fixation • Promotion Pay • Increment Eligibility • Selection/Special Grade Benefits • DA Rules • Anomaly Clarification
Check Other TN G.O. About 7th Pay Commission:
Read Also: 7th Pay Commission G.O. 305 PDF Download
Read Also: 7th Pay Commission G.O. 306 PDF Download
Read Also: 7th Pay Commission G.O. 307 PDF Download
Read Also: 7th Pay Commission G.O. 304 PDF Download