What is PSTM in TNPSC?
Quick answer
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.
You claim PSTM at application time and prove it during certificate verification with a Tamil-medium study certificate for every year of the qualifying course. It applies horizontally within your communal category.
Related questions
Can candidates from other states apply for TNPSC?
Yes. Candidates from other states can apply, but they are treated as general category (OC) regardless of their community certificate, and Tamil language requirements still apply.
Can a 10th pass candidate apply for TNPSC?
Yes. TNPSC Group 4 (including VAO, Junior Assistant and Typist posts) requires only SSLC (10th pass). Most other groups require a bachelor's degree.
What is the age relaxation for SC/ST in TNPSC?
For Group 4, there is no upper age limit for SC, SCA, ST, MBC/DNC, BC and BCM candidates who have the SSLC qualification. For degree-level exams (Group 1 and 2), SC, SCA and ST candidates can apply up to 37 years against the general limit of 32.
Is there negative marking in TNPSC exams?
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.
What is TNPSC One Time Registration (OTR)?
OTR is TNPSC's mandatory candidate profile on tnpscexams.net. You register once for ₹150, it stays valid for 5 years, and every TNPSC application you submit starts from this profile.
Is Tamil compulsory for TNPSC exams?
Yes. Since 2022, TNPSC combined exams include a Tamil Eligibility-cum-Scoring Test of 100 questions for 150 marks. You must score at least 40% (60 marks) for your paper to be evaluated further.
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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