(1) Every person appointed to a post by direct recruitment shall, from the date on which he joins duty, be on probation for a total period of two years on duty within a continuous period of three years.
Explanation.— For the purpose of calculating the period of probation of a probationer, complete calendar months, irrespective of the number of days in each month, shall fi rst be calculated and then the odd number of days calculated subsequently. Period of leave, other than casual leave, if any, taken during the period of probation shall be excluded while calculating the period of probation.
(2) The appointing authority may extend the period of probation of any probationer, up to fi ve years, to enable him to pass the prescribed tests as per Annexure - XII.
18 TAMIL NADU GOVERNMENT GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
(3) If the appointing authority decides that a probationer is suitable for declaration of probation then, he shall issue an order declaring the probationer to have satisfactorily completed the period of probation. If no such order is issued within six months from the date on which he is eligible for such declaration the probationer shall be deemed to have satisfactorily completed his probation on the date of expiry of the prescribed or extended period of probation. A formal order declaring the completion of probation shall, however, be issued by the appointing authority.
(4) Probation cannot be declared if charges are pending and probation shall be declared by the appointing authority within one month after fi nal orders are passed on the charges.
(5) If the appointing authority decides that a probationer is not suitable for such post or if a probationer has not passed the test as prescribed within the period of probation, it shall, unless the period of probation is extended, by an order, discharge him from the service after giving him a reasonable opportunity for showing cause against the action to be taken against him.
(6) The decision of the appointing authority that the probationer is not suitable for service may also be based on his work and conduct till the date of decision inclusive of the period subsequent to the prescribed or extended period of probation.