TNPSC Group 4 Exam 2026 (Includes VAO)
The common exam for Tamil Nadu government entry-level posts. Post types, eligibility, syllabus, previous papers, preparation strategy — all free, in English.
Key Dates 2026
Source: TNPSC Official Annual Planner 2026. For final confirmation, check tnpsc.gov.in.
What is Group 4? Full details
TNPSC Group 4 — officially the Combined Civil Services Examination-IV (Group IV Services) — is the common exam for a range of entry-level posts across Tamil Nadu government departments. One exam, one syllabus, but it opens the door to several different posts — that's what makes Group 4 unique. Since a pass in 10th standard is the only educational requirement, it draws the highest number of applicants of any TNPSC exam.
The main posts filled through the Group 4 exam:
Junior Assistant
File maintenance, correspondence, and office administration support in government department offices.
Bill Collector
Tax/fee collection and bill maintenance work in local bodies.
Typist / Steno-Typist
Typing duties, shorthand assistance — may require an additional Skill Test.
Field Surveyor
Land measurement and survey-related field work.
Village Administrative Officer (VAO)
Direct revenue administration work at the village level — see dedicated page.
Which post you get depends on your exam score and the post preference order you choose at application time. To understand where these posts fit in the administrative structure:
Quick Links
Eligibility — full details
To apply for the Group 4 exam, there are three basic requirements: educational qualification, age limit, and residency.
Educational qualification: A pass in 10th standard (SSLC) from a government-recognized school. Posts like Typist/Steno-Typist may require additional typing/shorthand qualifications — check the official notification for post-wise requirements.
Age limit: Generally 18 to 32 years (varies by post). Age relaxation applies for BC/MBC/SC/ST candidates — always confirm the exact limit in that year's official notification.
Residency: The applicant must be a resident of Tamil Nadu.
For complete, post-wise eligibility details, see the eligibility page.
Exam pattern — in detail
The Group 4 exam is primarily a written exam — there's no interview for most posts. You'll answer 200 multiple-choice questions for a total of 300 marks, in 3 hours. The section below shows the marks breakdown:
How does negative marking work? Each wrong answer deducts 1/3 mark (no marks for correct answers are affected, only wrong answers are penalized — unattempted questions carry no deduction). So rather than guessing on questions you're unsure of, focusing on questions you're confident about helps avoid losing marks. For exact mark calculation, refer to the official Scheme of Examination on tnpsc.gov.in.
✅ Exam marks breakdown verified against tnpsc.gov.in — Scheme of Examination on 21.07.2026.
TNPSC Group 4 Syllabus
The full syllabus is available on tnpsc.gov.in. The syllabus is identical to VAO.
- Grammar (letters, words, sentence structure)
- Literature (Sangam literature to modern literature)
- Translation, error correction
- General Tamil knowledge, proverbs
- Tamil Nadu & Indian History
- Geography (special focus on Tamil Nadu)
- Indian Constitution & Administration
- General Science
- Current Affairs
- Aptitude and Mental Ability
Exam process — step by step
From the day the notification is released to final appointment, the Group 4 selection process generally follows these steps:
- Notification release: TNPSC publishes the Group 4 notification on its official website, with post-wise vacancies announced.
- OTR (One Time Registration) application: Apply via your OTR number on the TNPSC website. First-time applicants must complete OTR registration.
- Admit card (Hall Ticket): Released on the website a few weeks before the exam.
- Written exam: Held on the same day across exam centers throughout Tamil Nadu.
- Provisional answer key & objections: A provisional answer key is released after the exam, with an option to raise objections.
- Final answer key & result: Following the objection window, the final answer key and result are published.
- Certificate verification & Skill Test: Selected candidates' certificates are verified; Typist/Steno-Typist posts require an additional Skill Test.
- Appointment: If everything checks out, the final appointment order is issued based on post preference.
Exam details — summary
Eligibility
- 10th standard pass
- Age: 18-32 (varies by post)
- Resident of Tamil Nadu
Exam pattern
- Written exam only
- 200 MCQs (300 total marks)
- 3 hours
- Wrong answer: -1/3 mark
Salary
- ₹19,500+ per month
- Government quarters allowance
- Travel allowances
For the official notification, check tnpsc.gov.in.
Group 4 vs VAO — what's the difference?
A common source of confusion — is VAO a separate exam, or part of Group 4? Answer: the VAO exam and Group 4 exam are the same common exam. The syllabus and question paper are entirely identical. The difference lies only in the post/work location.
| Group 4 (other posts) | VAO | |
|---|---|---|
| Work location | Taluk / district office work | Direct field-level work at village level |
| Syllabus & question paper | Same as VAO | Same as Group 4 |
| Nature of work | Junior Assistant, Bill Collector, Typist, Field Surveyor etc. | Land measurement, revenue records, scheme implementation |
| Additional test | Skill Test possible for Typist/Steno posts | None |
| Selection | Via post preference at application time | Via post preference at application time |
When you apply, based on your exam score and post preference, you'll be assigned to either VAO or another Group 4 post. See the full comparison on the VAO page.
Preparation strategy — phase by phase
The Group 4 exam needs at least 4-6 months of consistent preparation. Here's a general phase-wise plan:
Foundational textbooks
Read Samacheer Kalvi classes 6-12 Tamil & social science textbooks thoroughly and take notes.
Syllabus + practice
Subject-wise MCQ practice, begin daily current affairs reading.
Previous year papers
Practice the last 10 years of question papers under timed conditions, track your mistakes.
Mock tests + revision
Take full-length mock tests to improve time management, revise only weak areas.
Additionally: reading daily current affairs without fail, practicing previous year papers under timed conditions, and repeatedly reviewing your mistakes — these three form the foundation of any good preparation plan. Those aiming for Typist/Steno-Typist posts should also begin typing speed practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the TNPSC Group 4 exam 2026?
As per TNPSC's official Annual Planner 2026, the Group 4 notification (which includes VAO) will be released on 06.10.2026, and the exam will be held on 20.12.2026. Check tnpsc.gov.in for confirmed updates.
What is the TNPSC Group 4 exam?
The Combined Civil Services Examination-IV — a common exam for various entry-level posts in Tamil Nadu government departments, including Junior Assistant, Bill Collector, Typist, Field Surveyor, and VAO.
What is the eligibility for TNPSC Group 4?
A pass in 10th standard is required. Age limit is generally 18 to 32 years (varies by post). Age relaxation applies for BC/MBC/SC/ST candidates.
What posts are filled under TNPSC Group 4?
Junior Assistant, Bill Collector, Typist, Field Surveyor, Steno-Typist, and VAO are among the entry-level government posts included. Vacancies vary by notification.
What is the TNPSC Group 4 salary?
Starts from around ₹19,500 per month, varying by post and Pay Level. Government quarters and travel allowances are also included.
How do I prepare for the Group 4 exam?
Samacheer Kalvi textbooks (classes 6-12), daily current affairs, and previous year question papers are essential. Those aiming for Typist/Steno should also begin typing speed practice.
What is the TNPSC Group 4 exam pattern?
Written exam only (no interview for most posts). 200 multiple-choice questions, 300 total marks, 3 hours. Typist/Steno-Typist may require an additional Skill Test.
What is the difference between TNPSC Group 4 and VAO?
The VAO exam is conducted together with Group 4 as a single common exam. The syllabus and question paper are identical. VAO involves direct field-level work at the village level, while other Group 4 posts are office-based.