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TNPSC Group 4 Exam Guide — How to Apply, Eligibility & Benefits

Complete TNPSC Group 4 exam guide covering eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, fees, and preparation tips for Tamil Nadu jobs.

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TNPSC Group 4 Exam Guide — Eligibility, Pattern & Preparation Tips

The Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) conducts the Group 4 (Combined Civil Services Examination - IV) for recruitment to various clerical and office assistant posts in Tamil Nadu government departments.

TNPSC Group 4 is one of the most popular entry-level government exams in Tamil Nadu, offering positions like Junior Assistant, Typist, Village Administrative Officer (VAO), and Steno-Typist.

Eligibility Criteria

Age Limit

Category Minimum Age Maximum Age
General (Others) 18 years 30 years
BC/MBC 18 years 32 years
SC/ST 18 years 35 years

Educational Qualification

  • Minimum: SSLC (10th pass) for most posts
  • Higher qualifications for specific posts (typing knowledge for Typist posts)
  • Must be able to read and write in Tamil

Exam Pattern

Subject Questions Marks
Tamil (Language) 100 150
General Studies 75 150
Aptitude & Mental Ability 25 —
Total 200 300
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • No negative marking
  • Type: OMR-based (offline)

Syllabus Overview

Tamil (Language)

  • Tamil grammar (Ilakkanam), Literature, Comprehension, Vocabulary, Translation

General Studies

  • Indian History & Culture, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science, Tamil Nadu History & Culture, Current Affairs

Aptitude & Mental Ability

  • Number series, Logical reasoning, Puzzles, Coding-decoding, Blood relations

How to Apply

  1. Visit TNPSC at tnpsc.gov.in
  2. Register with One-Time Registration (OTR) if not done
  3. Apply for Group 4 notification
  4. Fill in details and upload documents
  5. No application fee for most categories
  6. Submit and download hall ticket when available

Application Fee

Category Fee
All Categories Free (No exam fee for TNPSC exams)

TNPSC exams are generally free of cost.

Salary & Benefits

  • Junior Assistant: ₹19,500 – ₹62,000
  • VAO: ₹19,500 – ₹62,000
  • Typist: ₹19,500 – ₹62,000
  • DA, HRA, medical benefits as per TN Government
  • Pension (NPS), group insurance

Preparation Tips

  1. Tamil is key: Strong Tamil knowledge gives a major advantage — 150 marks
  2. TN History & Culture: Focus on Sangam literature, Chola dynasty, freedom movement in TN
  3. 6-10th NCERT/Samacheer: Study Tamil Nadu state board textbooks
  4. Current affairs: TN-specific government schemes and policies
  5. Previous papers: TNPSC repeats patterns — solve at least 10 years' papers

Frequently Asked Questions

Is TNPSC Group 4 exam free?

Yes, TNPSC does not charge any exam fee.

What is the minimum qualification?

10th pass (SSLC) is sufficient for most Group 4 posts.

Is there negative marking?

No, there is no negative marking.

Is Tamil mandatory?

Yes, candidates must be able to read and write Tamil. The Tamil language paper carries 150 marks.

How often is Group 4 conducted?

Generally every 1-2 years based on vacancies.

What posts are available under Group 4?

Junior Assistant, Typist, Village Administrative Officer (VAO), Steno-Typist, and similar posts.