The Directorate of Town and Country Planning, Assam (TCP Assam) is an important department that looks after the planning and growth of towns and cities in the state. Since 1955, it has been working to make Assam’s urban areas better and more organized. In this article, we will discuss the history, roles, recruitment, salary structure, and potential career growth of the Directorate of Town and Country Planning, Assam.
Role of The Directorate of Town and Country Planning, Assam
Its main work includes preparing Master Plans for towns. It controls how land is used through zoning rules, as well as helps to build important infrastructure projects like roads, parks, and housing.
Apart from improving cities, the DTCP, Assam, also provides government job opportunities in areas like planning, engineering, research, and administration. This makes it a good career option for many young people who want stable and meaningful jobs.
Historical Background of the Directorate of Town and Country Planning, Assam.
The Directorate of Town and Country Planning, Assam, started in 1955, when the Assam Government began planning a township at Palasbari in Kamrup district. It started under the Public Works Department.
- After that, the planning cell also made Master Plans for Guwahati and Tinsukia with help from the central government.
- In 1972, a full Directorate was formed, and its first big task was to prepare the Master Plan for Dispur, the temporary capital of Assam.
- Between 1969 and 1972, it also worked with the Calcutta Metropolitan Planning Organization to make a Master Plan for water supply, drainage, and sewerage for Greater Guwahati.
Today, the Directorate manages urban planning across 88 notified towns (excluding Guwahati city).
Organizational Structure of the directorate of town and country planning.
The Directorate operates under the Urban Development Department (UDD) of Assam.
Key Wings under UDD:
- Directorate of Municipal Administration
- Directorate of Town & Country Planning, Assam
- Assam Urban Water & Sewerage Board
- Assam State Housing Board
Organization Structure
- Administrative Department – The main department is headed by the Principal Secretary of the Urban Development Department, Government of Assam.
- Directorate- The Director of Town & Country Planning, Dispur, is the head of the Directorate.
- Implementation of Schemes – Most schemes are carried out under the Urban Development Department (UDD).
- Local Bodies (Town Committees or Municipal Boards)
- Development Authorities
- TCP’s Drainage Divisions (Guwahati & Tinsukia)
These are supervised and guided by the Directorate through its district offices.
- District Planning Offices
- Out of Assam’s 33 districts, TCP has offices in 22 districts.
- Some districts like Hailakandi, Morigaon, and Tinsukia do not yet have TCP offices.
- There are two Drainage & Sewerage Divisions at Guwahati and Tinsukia, led by Executive Engineers.
- District offices are managed by:
- Deputy Directors in 17 offices
- Assistant Directors in 5 offices
- New districts like Chirang, Udalguri, and Baksa are currently looked after by nearby district offices of Kokrajhar, Darrang, and Nalbari.
- Development Authorities
There are 24 Development Authorities in 24 master plan areas. They are responsible for carrying out Master Plans and other schemes
Hierarchy of the Directorate of the town and country planning :
| Position | Key Role |
| Director | Overall in charge of the Directorate of Town & Country Planning, Assam |
| Joint Director | Assists the Director, supervises major projects |
| Superintending Engineer | Supervises civil engineering schemes |
| Executive Engineer | Conducts surveys, prepares engineering plans |
| Senior Research Officer | Socio-economic surveys, Master Plan reports |
| Assistant Director | Supports in administration & technical matters |
| Town Planning Assistant | Assists in preparing town planning schemes |
| Finance & Accounts Officer | Handles budget, audit, and financial advice |
| Junior Engineer/Research Assistants | Ground surveys, technical and socio-economic studies |
Functions of the Directorate of Town and Country Planning, Assam
The Directorate is entrusted with:
- Preparing Master Plans for urban areas under the Assam Town & Country Planning Act 1959 (as amended).
- Providing technical & financial assistance to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
- Acting as the Nodal Agency for infrastructure projects under central/state schemes like:
- UIDSSMT (Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for Small & Medium Towns)
- IHSDP (Integrated Housing & Slum Development Programme)
- NLCPR (Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources)
- NUIS (National Urban Information Systems)
- 10% Pool Fund for Northeast
Vision and Mission of the Directorate
- Vision: Create an efficient, growth-oriented, and sustainable urban environment in Assam.
- Mission: Facilitate urban growth through planned development, ensure slum-free towns, improve sanitation and infrastructure, and build institutional capacity.
Salary and Benefits in TCP Assam
The salary is based on Assam Government pay scales, including allowances and pensions.
Salary Structure (Indicative)
| Post | Pay Band | Salary Range |
| Director / Assistant Director | PB-4 | ₹30,000 – ₹1,10,000 + GP ₹13,300 |
| Superintending Engineer | PB-4 | ₹30,000 – ₹1,10,000 (with allowances) |
| Executive Engineer | PB-3 | ₹14,000 – ₹49,000 + GP ₹7,200 |
| Senior/Assistant Research Officer | PB-3 | ₹14,000 – ₹49,000 + GP ₹6,200 |
| Town Planning Assistant | PB-3 | ₹14,000 – ₹49,000 |
| Junior Engineer (Civil/Architecture) | PB-3 | ₹14,000 – ₹49,000 + GP ₹6,200 |
| Junior Assistant / LDA | PB-2 | ₹14,000 – ₹49,000 + GP ₹6,200 |
| Grade-IV / Peon | PB-1 | ₹12,000 – ₹25,000 |
Allowances & Benefits
- Dearness Allowance (DA) – adjusted periodically
- House Rent Allowance (HRA) – 10–20% depending on posting
- Medical Benefits – coverage for employees & family
- Provident Fund & Pension – long-term security
- Leave Entitlement – CL, EL, SL, Maternity Leave
- Promotion & Career Growth – seniority + merit-based promotions
Recent Recruitment: Assistant Director in the Directorate of Town & Country Planning, Assam
The Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) recently issued a recruitment notification for the post of Assistant Director in the Directorate of Town & Country Planning, Assam. This recruitment falls under the Department of Housing & Urban Affairs and offers one of the most prestigious roles in the urban planning sector of the state.
Vacancy Details
| Category | Number of Posts |
| Unreserved (UR) | 3 |
| OBC/MOBC | 3 |
| SC | 1 |
| ST(P) | 1 |
| Total | 8 |
- Pay Scale: ₹30,000 – ₹1,10,000 per month
- Grade Pay: ₹13,300
- Pay Band: PB-4
- Recruitment Body: APSC (Department of Housing & Urban Affairs, Assam)
Eligibility Criteria
- Citizenship & Domicile
- Must be an Indian citizen and a permanent resident of Assam.
- Valid Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC) or Employment Exchange Registration Certificate required.
- Age Limit (as of January 1, 2024)
- Minimum Age: 21 years
- Maximum Age: 38 years
- Relaxations:
- SC/ST: +5 years
- OBC/MOBC: +3 years
- PwBD: +10 years (irrespective of category)
- Educational Qualification
- A Postgraduate Degree in Planning (from UGC/AICTE/ITPI-recognized institution).
- Specializations accepted:
- Urban Planning
- Regional Planning
- Town Planning
- City Planning
- Town & Country Planning
- Town & Regional Planning
- Transportation Planning
- Housing
- Infrastructure Planning
- Environmental Planning
Important Dates (Recruitment Cycle 2025)
| Event | Date |
| Start of Online Application | January 2, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | February 1, 2025 |
| Fee Payment Last Date | February 3, 2025 |
| Exam & Interview Dates | To be announced by APSC |
Application Process
Candidates must apply online through the APSC recruitment portal.
Steps to Apply:
- Register on the official APSC portal.
- Fill in personal and educational details.
- Upload required documents (passport-size photo, signature, certificates).
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit the form and take a printout for record-keeping.
Selection Process
The Assistant Director recruitment process involves:
- Written Examination – to test subject knowledge (urban planning, regional planning, environment, etc.) and general aptitude.
- Interview / Skill Test – to assess technical understanding and practical suitability.
(Exact syllabus and exam pattern will be provided in the official APSC notification.)
Why Join the Directorate of Town and Country Planning, Assam?
- Job Security and Prestige – It offers stable and respected government jobs.
- Multiple Career Options – Opportunities are available for planners, engineers, GIS experts, and others.
- Work on Big Projects – You get to be part of important urban development projects across Assam.
- Training and Growth – The department provides support for training, research, and skill development.
- Make a Difference – By working here, you contribute to Assam’s sustainable and planned urban growth.
Conclusion
The Directorate of Town and Country Planning, Assam, is more than just a government office—it is the backbone of urban development in Assam. From preparing Master Plans to implementing large-scale infrastructure schemes, it ensures sustainable growth across the state’s towns.
For aspirants, it offers stable careers, attractive pay, and growth opportunities through APSC recruitment and direct hiring. With Assam’s urbanization on the rise, the Directorate’s role will only become more vital in building a modern, sustainable, and inclusive urban future.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Directorate of Town and Country Planning, Assam?
The Directorate of Town and Country Planning, Assam (TCP Assam) is the state government body responsible for preparing Master Plans, regulating zoning, and implementing urban development projects. It ensures Assam’s towns and cities grow in a planned, sustainable, and organized way.
2. When was the Directorate of Town and Country Planning, Assam, established?
The department’s journey began in 1955 when a small planning cell under the Public Works Department prepared a township plan for Palasbari in Kamrup. It later evolved into a full-fledged Directorate in 1972, with the Master Plan of Dispur as its first big assignment.
3. How many towns does TCP Assam currently manage?
TCP Assam looks after the planning and development of 88 notified towns across Assam (excluding Guwahati, which has its own planning authority).
4. What is the vision of the Directorate of Town and Country Planning, Assam?
The Directorate’s vision is to create an efficient, growth-oriented, and sustainable urban environment in Assam. It focuses on improving infrastructure, sanitation, and housing while ensuring balanced growth of all towns.
5. What types of jobs are available in the Directorate?
TCP Assam offers a wide range of government jobs such as:
- Assistant Director (via APSC recruitment)
- Engineers (Civil/Architecture)
- Research Officers
- Town Planning Assistants
- Junior Assistants & Grade-IV staff
- GIS Experts and IT staff (contractual/project-based)
These jobs provide job security, allowances, and long-term growth opportunities.
6. What is the salary structure in TCP Assam?
The salaries follow Assam Government pay bands. For example:
- Assistant Director: ₹30,000 – ₹1,10,000 + GP ₹13,300 (PB-4)
- Executive Engineer: ₹14,000 – ₹49,000 + GP ₹7,200
- Junior Assistant: ₹14,000 – ₹49,000 + GP ₹6,200
- Grade-IV staff: ₹12,000 – ₹25,000
Employees also receive DA, HRA, medical benefits, pension, and leave entitlements.
7. How can I apply for jobs in TCP Assam?
Most officer-level recruitments (like Assistant Director) are done through the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC). Candidates must apply online, pay the application fee, upload documents, and sit for a written exam and interview. Other technical and support staff recruitments are advertised separately by the Directorate.
8. What was the latest recruitment in TCP Assam?
The latest APSC recruitment (2025) announced 8 Assistant Director posts in TCP Assam. The posts are distributed as: UR-3, OBC/MOBC-3, SC-1, ST(P)-1. The pay scale is ₹30,000 – ₹1,10,000 with GP ₹13,300.
9. Why should someone join TCP Assam?
Joining TCP Assam offers:
- Prestigious government job security
- Opportunities to work on state-level urban development projects
- Training and research support for career growth
- A chance to directly contribute to Assam’s sustainable urban future
10. What role does TCP Assam play in the everyday life of citizens?
Even if you don’t notice it, TCP Assam shapes your daily life. From the roads you travel and parks you visit to the housing layouts and drainage systems, the Directorate ensures that towns grow in an organized and livable way.