How many attempts are allowed for TNPSC Group 4 & VAO?
No limit for SC/ST. MBC/BC get 3 free attempts. Ex-Servicemen get 2.. You can apply every cycle as long as you are within the age window for your category.
Unlike UPSC, TNPSC does not count attempts. The age limit is the only ceiling, and reserved categories get significant relaxations.
Related questions
Minimum 18 years. The general category upper limit is 30 years, with relaxations for BC, MBC, SC, ST and other reserved categories.
TNPSC Group 4 & VAO posts pay between ₹20k and ₹62k in hand per month depending on the post, under the 7th Pay Commission with DA and HRA included.
SSLC (10th) passed or equivalent from a recognized board
Yes. TNPSC Group 4 & VAO selection includes an oral test (interview) stage after the written examination for interview posts.
No. TNPSC does not apply negative marking in Group 1, Group 2/2A or Group 4 exams. An unanswered question scores the same as a wrong one, so attempt all questions.
PSTM means Persons Studied in Tamil Medium. TNPSC reserves 20% of vacancies in each category, on a preferential basis, for candidates who studied the qualifying education in Tamil medium.
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This answer is verified against official TNPSC notifications and scheme documents. Sources: TNPSC official notifications. Figures are indicative and may change with each official notification. Data last reviewed: July 2026.
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