The TNPSC Group 4 Recruitment 2026 notification is out, with 6,574 vacancies across Tamil Nadu government departments and state corporations. The Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission released Notification No. 11/2026 (Advertisement No. 747) on 6 October 2026 for the Combined Civil Services Examination – IV (Group IV Services).
Online applications are open now on the official portal, and the last date to apply is 5 November 2026. The written exam is scheduled for 10 January 2027.
This guide covers everything in the official TNPSC Group 4 Notification 2026: posts and vacancies, age limit, educational qualification, exam pattern, syllabus, selection process, application fee and the step-by-step process to apply online. Every detail below is taken directly from the official 85-page notification, so you can rely on it while preparing your application.
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TNPSC Group 4 Bharti 2026 at a Glance
- Recruiting body: Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC)
- Exam name: Combined Civil Services Examination – IV (Group IV Services)
- Notification number: 11/2026, Advertisement No. 747
- Total vacancies: 6,574 (tentative)
- Key posts: Village Administrative Officer (VAO), Junior Assistant, Typist, Steno Typist, Bill Collector, Forest Watcher, Forest Guard and more
- Mode of application: Online only
- Selection process: Single written exam (OMR based), followed by certificate verification and counselling
- Exam level: SSLC (10th) standard
- Official websites: www.tnpsc.gov.in and www.tnpscexams.in
TNPSC Group 4 Exam Date 2026 and Important Dates
The TNPSC Group 4 exam date is 10 January 2027, from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Here are all the key dates from the official notification:
- Notification released: 6 October 2026
- Online application starts: 6 October 2026
- Last date to apply online: 5 November 2026, till 11:59 PM
- Application correction window: 9 November 2026 (12:01 AM) to 11 November 2026 (11:59 PM)
- Written examination: 10 January 2027, 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM
- Hall ticket: To be released on www.tnpscexams.in before the exam (it will not be sent by post)
During the three-day correction window, candidates can edit details in their submitted application. After 11 November 2026, no changes will be allowed. TNPSC also advises applying well before the last date, since heavy website traffic near the deadline can cause login or payment failures.
TNPSC Group 4 Vacancy 2026: Post-Wise Details
The TNPSC Group 4 vacancy 2026 count stands at 6,574 posts spread over 46 post codes. Junior Assistant posts form the largest share, with 2,610 vacancies under post code 2600 alone. The numbers below are post-wise, with the post code in brackets.
Village Administrative Officer (VAO)
- Village Administrative Officer, Tamil Nadu Ministerial Service (2025): 291
Junior Assistant and Similar Clerical Posts
- Junior Assistant (Non Security), Tamil Nadu Ministerial Service (2600): 2,610
- Junior Assistant (Accounts), Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation (3848): 422
- Junior Assistant (Non Security), Tamil Nadu Judicial Ministerial Service (4600): 252
- Junior Assistant, Greater Chennai Corporation (3851): 134
- Junior Assistant, Tamil Nadu Municipal Council Service (3842): 119
- Junior Assistant, Tamil Nadu Municipal Corporation Service (3840): 70
- Junior Assistant, Tamil Nadu Adi Dravidar Housing and Development Corporation (3512): 43
- Junior Administrative Assistant, Tamil Nadu State Legal Services Authority (3835): 42
- Junior Assistant (Security), Tamil Nadu Ministerial Service (2400): 28
- Junior Assistant, Tamil Nadu Small Industries Development Corporation (3521): 25
- Junior Assistant, Tamil Nadu Handloom Weavers Co-operative Societies (3788): 20
- Junior Administrative Assistant (Computer Operator), Tamil Nadu State Legal Services Authority (3836): 13
- Junior Assistant, Tamil Nadu Medicinal Plant Farms & Herbal Medicine Corporation (3321): 6
- Junior Assistant cum Typist, Electronic Corporation of Tamil Nadu (3804): 6
- Junior Assistant, Tamil Nadu Police Housing Corporation (3816): 5
- Junior Assistant, Tamil Nadu Power Finance and Infrastructure Development Corporation (3520): 3
Typist Posts
- Typist, Tamil Nadu Ministerial / Legislative Assembly Secretariat / Secretariat Service (2200): 856
- Typist, Tamil Nadu Judicial Ministerial Service (4200): 377
- Typist, Tamil Nadu Municipal Council Service (3844): 260
- Typist, Greater Chennai Corporation (3852): 56
- Typist, Tamil Nadu Small Industries Development Corporation (3834): 15
- Typist, Tamil Nadu Waqf Board (3846): 6
- Typist, Tamil Nadu Police Housing Corporation (3817): 2
Steno Typist and Shorthand Posts
- Steno Typist Grade III, Tamil Nadu Ministerial Service (2300): 209
- Steno Typist Grade III, Tamil Nadu Judicial Ministerial Service (4300): 145
- Personal Clerk, Tamil Nadu Municipal Corporation Service (3841): 60
- Shorthand Typist Grade III, Greater Chennai Corporation (3853): 28
- Steno Typist, Tamil Nadu Municipal Council Service (3845): 16
- Steno Typist Grade III, Tamil Nadu Small Industries Development Corporation (3838): 2
- Steno Typist Grade III, Tamil Nadu Waqf Board (3847): 2
- Steno Typist Grade III, Tamil Nadu Adi Dravidar Housing and Development (3837): 1
- Steno Typist Grade III, Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (3672): 1 (backlog vacancy)
Revenue, Tax and Bill Collection Posts
- Tax Collector, Greater Chennai Corporation (3854): 107
- Revenue Assistant, Tamil Nadu Municipal Council Service (3843): 96
- Bill Collector, Tamil Nadu Ministerial Service (2500): 59
- Bill Collector, Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board (3214): 38
Forest, Laboratory and Other Posts
- Executive Officer Grade IV, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (1655): 46
- Forest Watcher, Tamil Nadu Forest Subordinate Service (3319): 40
- Laboratory Assistant, Tamil Nadu Forensic Science Subordinate Service (3103): 23
- Record Clerk Grade III, Tamil Nadu Industrial Investment Corporation (3839): 19
- Sales Assistant, Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation (3806): 10
- Junior Inspector of Co-operative Societies (1095): 8
- Telephone Operator, Tamil Nadu Forensic Science Subordinate Service (3822): 1
- Senior Laboratory Assistant, Arasu Rubber Corporation (3746): 1
- Forest Guard with Driving Licence (3318): 1
Most posts are at Level 8 of the pay matrix, while Steno Typist Grade III posts under the Ministerial and Judicial services sit at Level 10. Corporation posts are marked EPF, meaning they carry Employees’ Provident Fund benefits.
Keep these points in mind:
- The vacancy count is tentative and may change before counselling.
- Department and unit-wise distribution will be announced later.
- Sales Assistant selectees may be posted in New Delhi, Kolkata or anywhere in Tamil Nadu.
- Junior Assistant (3788) selectees may be posted anywhere in India.
- Some Typist and Steno Typist figures include backlog vacancies.
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TNPSC Group 4 Eligibility Criteria 2026
To apply, you must meet the age limit, educational qualification and Tamil language requirement on the dates set by TNPSC. Admission to every stage is provisional, and the Commission can reject a candidature at any stage if a claim turns out to be wrong.
TNPSC Group 4 Age Limit 2026
Age is calculated as on 1 July 2026. The limits differ by post and by community category.
For candidates in the “Others” category (not SC, SC(A), ST, MBC/DC, BC(OBCM) or BCM):
- VAO: Minimum 21 years, maximum 30 years
- Junior Assistant, Typist, Steno Typist, Bill Collector and most other posts: Minimum 18 years, maximum 30 years
- Executive Officer Grade IV: Minimum 25 years, maximum 35 years
- Forest Watcher and Forest Guard with Driving Licence: Minimum 21 years, maximum 30 years
- No maximum age limit: Junior Assistant posts in corporations (3521, 3788, 3816, 3520, 3321), Junior Assistant (Accounts) 3848, Typist 3817, Steno Typist 3672, Senior Laboratory Assistant, Laboratory Assistant and Sales Assistant
For SC, SC(A), ST, MBC/DC, BC(OBCM) and BCM candidates:
- VAO: Minimum 21 years, maximum 40 years
- Most Junior Assistant, Typist and Steno posts: Maximum 32 years for BC(OBCM), BCM and MBC/DC; maximum 35 years for SC, SC(A) and ST
- Executive Officer Grade IV: Maximum 37 years for BC(OBCM) and MBC/DC; 40 years for SC, SC(A) and ST
- Forest posts: Maximum 33 years for BC(OBCM), BCM and MBC/DC; 35 years for SC, SC(A) and ST
For most posts other than VAO and the forest posts, reserved category candidates who hold a qualification higher than SSLC have no maximum age limit. “No maximum age limit” still means you must not have completed 60 years.
Age relaxation for special categories:
- Persons with Benchmark Disability (Others): Up to 40 years for most posts (45 years for Executive Officer)
- Persons with Benchmark Disability (reserved): Up to 42 years for BC/MBC and 45 years for SC/ST; VAO up to 50 years
- Ex-Servicemen: Up to 48 years (Others) and 53 years (reserved categories)
- Destitute Widows: Up to 35 years for most posts and 40 years for VAO
For the forest posts, an ex-serviceman is eligible if his age, after deducting his defence service period, is below 35 years. Persons with disability cannot apply for the forest posts.
TNPSC Group 4 Educational Qualification
The basic qualification for most posts is a pass in SSLC (10th standard). A pass in the 10th exam of the Board of Open School, Tamil Nadu is also accepted. All qualifications must be held on the date of notification, 6 October 2026.
- VAO, Junior Assistant, Bill Collector, Revenue Assistant, Tax Collector, Record Clerk, Forest Watcher: SSLC pass
- Typist: SSLC plus the Government Technical Examination in Typewriting (Higher/Senior grade in Tamil and English, or Higher in one and Lower in the other, as specified per post). The Computer on Office Automation (COA) certificate is required too, but for most Typist posts it can be acquired during probation.
- Steno Typist / Personal Clerk / Shorthand Typist: SSLC plus the Government Technical Examination in both Typewriting and Shorthand, plus the COA certificate
- Junior Assistant (Accounts) 3848 and Junior Assistant 3520: B.Com degree
- Junior Assistant 3521, 3816 and Sales Assistant 3806: Any degree from a recognised university
- Junior Assistant 3788: Any degree with a Diploma in Co-operative Management, or Co-operation as a subject
- Junior Assistant 3321: A degree plus the COA certificate
- Steno Typist 3672 (CMDA): A degree under the 10+2+3 pattern, with typewriting, shorthand and COA
- Typist 3817: Higher Secondary plus typewriting and COA
- Laboratory Assistant and Senior Laboratory Assistant: Higher Secondary with science subjects
- Executive Officer Grade IV: SSLC or the title of “Tamil Pulavar”
- Telephone Operator: SSLC plus a recognised training certificate in operating a telephone board
- Junior Inspector of Co-operative Societies: SSLC for reserved categories; Intermediate or Pre-University pass for the Others category
- Forest Guard with Driving Licence: Higher Secondary with science, a valid driving licence, at least three years of driving experience after getting the licence, basic knowledge of automobile mechanics, and a first aid certificate
A degree must follow the order of 10th, then HSC or Diploma, then UG degree.
Knowledge of Tamil
You must have adequate knowledge of Tamil on the date of notification. This is satisfied if you passed SSLC, HSC or a degree with Tamil as a language, studied in Tamil medium, or passed TNPSC’s Second Class Language Test (Full Test) in Tamil. If you cannot prove it, you must pass that test within two years of appointment.
Physical Standards for Forest Posts
Forest Watcher and Forest Guard applicants must meet these minimum standards:
- Male: Height 163 cm (152 cm for ST), chest 79 cm with 5 cm expansion
- Female and Third Gender: Height 150 cm (145 cm for ST), chest 74 cm with 5 cm expansion
Forest Guard candidates also need 6/6 distance vision in each eye without glasses. Colour blindness, squint or any past Lasik or laser eye surgery leads to disqualification.
Other Restrictions
- Others category candidates with five or more years of service in any central or state government are not eligible.
- Only Hindu candidates can apply for Executive Officer Grade IV in the HR&CE Department.
- Only Muslim candidates can apply for Typist (3846) and Steno Typist (3847) in the Tamil Nadu Waqf Board.
- Persons with blindness or low vision are not eligible for posts in the Judicial Department and the State Legal Services Authority.
TNPSC Group 4 Exam Pattern 2026
The TNPSC Group 4 exam pattern is a single objective-type paper of 200 questions for 300 marks, answered on an OMR sheet in 3 hours. The paper is set at SSLC standard and has three parts:
- Part A, Tamil Eligibility-cum-Scoring Test: 100 questions for 150 marks, set in Tamil only
- Part B, General Studies: 75 questions
- Part C, Aptitude and Mental Ability: 25 questions
Parts B and C together carry 150 marks and are set in both Tamil and English.
The key rule is that Part B and Part C are evaluated only if you score at least 60 marks (40%) in Part A. The minimum qualifying mark for the whole paper is 90 for all communities. Your total from all three parts decides your rank.
There is no negative marking for wrong answers. However, 0.5 mark is deducted for every question left blank, so darken option [E] if you do not know an answer. Another 0.5 mark is deducted if you do not put your left thumb impression on the OMR sheet.
Differently abled candidates who studied only English at board or university level can take a General English paper (SSLC standard) instead of the Tamil test. They must also score at least 60 marks in it and upload a disability certificate while applying.
TNPSC Group 4 Syllabus 2026
The official TNPSC Group 4 syllabus (Code 496) is given in Annexure III of the notification. The unit-wise question split is indicative, and TNPSC may adjust it slightly.
Part A: Tamil Eligibility-cum-Scoring Test (100 Questions)
- Unit I, Grammar (Ilakkanam): 25 questions
- Unit II, Vocabulary (Sollagarathi): 15 questions
- Unit III, Writing Skills: 15 questions
- Unit IV, Technical Terms (Kalaich Sorkal): 10 questions
- Unit V, Reading Comprehension: 15 questions
- Unit VI, Simple Translation: 5 questions
- Unit VII, Literature, Tamil Scholars and Tamil Service: 15 questions, including Thirukkural and works up to SSLC textbooks
Part B: General Studies (75 Questions)
- General Science: 5 questions
- Geography: 5 questions
- History, Culture of India and Indian National Movement: 10 questions
- Indian Polity: 15 questions
- Indian Economy and Development Administration in Tamil Nadu: 20 questions
- History, Culture, Heritage and Socio-Political Movements of Tamil Nadu: 20 questions
Part C: Aptitude and Mental Ability (25 Questions)
- Aptitude: 15 questions covering simplification, percentage, HCF and LCM, ratio and proportion, simple and compound interest, area, volume, and time and work
- Reasoning: 10 questions covering logical reasoning, puzzles, dice, visual reasoning, alphanumeric reasoning and number series
TNPSC Group 4 Selection Process
The TNPSC Group 4 selection process has a single written exam, followed by document checks and counselling. Here is how it works step by step:
- Written examination: A merit list is prepared on total marks.
- Onscreen certificate verification: Candidates are shortlisted in a 1:3 ratio (general) and 1:2 (reserved) for VAO, Junior Assistant, Typist and Steno Typist posts, and 1:6 for forest posts. You get 10 calendar days to upload documents.
- Physical Standards Test and Endurance Test (forest posts only): Shortlisted candidates walk 25 km (men) or 16 km (women and third gender) within four hours. This test is held only in Chennai.
- Physical certificate verification: You must produce all original certificates you uploaded.
- Counselling: You choose your post and department based on your rank. The post chosen cannot be changed later.
If two candidates score the same marks, the one with the higher qualification ranks higher. For Typist and Steno posts, a higher typewriting or shorthand grade counts first. If still tied, the older candidate ranks higher, followed by whoever applied earlier.
TNPSC Group 4 Application Fee 2026
The TNPSC Group 4 application fee is Rs. 100 for the exam, plus a one-time Rs. 150 for One Time Registration (OTR) if you are not already registered. An OTR stays valid for five years.
Fee concessions are available for these categories:
- SC, SC(A) and ST: Full exemption
- Persons with Benchmark Disability: Full exemption
- Destitute Widows: Full exemption
- BC(OBCM), BCM and MBC/DC: Three free chances
- Ex-Servicemen: Two free chances
Every application that claims a fee concession uses up one free chance. Your choice of “Yes” or “No” for the concession cannot be changed after submission. A false claim can lead to rejection and a one-year debarment.
The fee is paid online through net banking, credit card, debit card or UPI, along with service charges. Demand drafts and postal orders are not accepted.
How to Apply Online for TNPSC Group 4 2026
You can apply online for TNPSC Group 4 only through www.tnpscexams.in. Follow these steps:
- Complete One Time Registration (OTR): Register on the portal with a valid email ID and mobile number. Linking your Aadhaar number is now mandatory. Enter your SSLC register number, certificate number and other details exactly as on your mark sheet.
- Log in and click “Apply”: Use your OTR user ID and password and select the Group 4 notification.
- Check your OTR details: Correct any mistakes through “OTR Edit” before you proceed, since these details flow into the application.
- Choose your post option: Select “All the Posts” if you also want Forest Guard and Forest Watcher. Otherwise, select “Posts other than Forest Guard with Driving Licence / Forest Watcher”.
- Pick two exam centres: You will be allotted a venue in one of them. Candidates with benchmark disability can choose only one centre.
- Upload your photo and signature: See the specifications below.
- Preview and submit: Check the preview sent to your email, edit if needed, and click “Submit”.
- Pay the fee: Pay online and note down the Application Number generated after successful payment.
Photo and Signature Specifications
- Photograph: A colour, passport-size studio photo taken on or after 6 October 2026, with a white background
- Name and date: Your name and the photo date must be printed at the bottom of the photo
- Photo size: 4.5 cm high and 3.5 cm wide, 20 KB to 50 KB, saved as “Photograph.jpg”
- Signature: Sign inside a 6 cm by 2 cm box in blue or black ink, scanned at 200 DPI, 10 KB to 20 KB, saved as “Signature.jpg”
Selfies, mobile phone photos, photocopies and photos from functions or tourist spots are not accepted.
Documents to Keep Ready
You will upload these when TNPSC calls for onscreen certificate verification:
- SSLC and HSC mark sheets (all attempts, if you passed in more than one)
- Degree certificate or provisional certificate, if required for your post
- Typewriting, Shorthand and Computer on Office Automation certificates (for Typist and Steno posts)
- Community certificate issued by the competent revenue authority
- Proof of Tamil medium study, if claiming PSTM reservation
- Disability, Ex-Servicemen or Destitute Widow certificates, if applicable
- No Objection Certificate from your employer, if you are in government or PSU service
- Driving experience certificate, first aid certificate and physical standards certificate (for Forest Guard)
If you are already employed in government service, you do not need to apply through your department. You only need to inform your employer in writing and produce a No Objection Certificate later.
TNPSC Group 4 Hall Ticket and Exam Day Rules
The TNPSC Group 4 hall ticket 2026 will be available only for download on www.tnpscexams.in. Keep a copy safe, since no duplicate is issued later.
- Reach the venue one hour before the exam; gates close 30 minutes before it starts.
- Carry your hall ticket, a black ballpoint pen, and a photocopy of your Aadhaar, Passport, Driving Licence, PAN or Voter ID.
- Mobile phones, smart watches, smart glasses, Bluetooth devices, calculators, books, wallets and handbags are banned.
- Use only a black ballpoint pen on the OMR sheet. Pencil or any other pen invalidates the answer sheet.
- Write and darken the Question Booklet Number correctly, or your OMR sheet will be invalidated.
- You cannot leave the hall before the exam ends.
The tentative answer key is published within six working days of the exam on www.tnpsc.gov.in. You can challenge it online within seven days of publication.
Preparation Tips for TNPSC Group 4 2026
With about three months until the exam, a focused plan can make a real difference. These tips follow directly from the exam structure:
- Secure Part A first. Scoring 60 in Tamil is compulsory before the rest of your paper is even checked, and it carries half of the total marks.
- Study Tamil Nadu and Samacheer textbooks. Unit VII of Tamil and much of General Studies are based on school textbooks up to SSLC.
- Focus on high-weight units. Indian Economy with TN Development Administration and TN History, Culture and Heritage carry 20 questions each.
- Practise aptitude daily. The 25 aptitude and reasoning questions are scoring with regular practice.
- Never leave a question blank. Each blank costs 0.5 mark, so mark option [E] when unsure.
- Solve previous year papers on OMR sheets. This improves both speed and accuracy in bubbling.
- Follow current affairs. Science, geography, polity and economy units all include current affairs.
Frequently Asked Questions on TNPSC Group 4 Recruitment 2026
What is the last date to apply for TNPSC Group 4 2026?
The last date is 5 November 2026, until 11:59 PM.
When is the TNPSC Group 4 exam 2026?
The exam is on 10 January 2027, from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM.
How many vacancies are there in TNPSC Group 4 2026?
There are 6,574 tentative vacancies, including 291 VAO posts and 2,610 Junior Assistant posts under post code 2600.
What is the minimum qualification for TNPSC Group 4?
For most posts, a pass in SSLC (10th) is enough. Typist and Steno posts need technical certificates, and some corporation posts need a degree.
Is there negative marking in the TNPSC Group 4 exam?
There is no negative marking for wrong answers. However, 0.5 mark is deducted for every unanswered question.
Is there an interview for TNPSC Group 4?
No. Selection is based on the written exam, certificate verification and counselling. Forest posts also include a physical and endurance test.
Can I correct my application after submitting it?
Yes. You can edit it until the last date, and again during the correction window from 9 to 11 November 2026.