What is the age relaxation for SC/ST in TNPSC?
Quick answer
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.
Destitute widows and PwBD candidates get further relaxations. The exact windows differ by exam, check the age chart on each exam's eligibility page for your category.
Worth knowing
- Group 4 & VAO: no upper age limit at all for SC, SCA, ST, MBC/DC, BC, BCM and destitute widow candidates; Others are capped at 32
- Group 1: SC, SCA and ST can apply up to 37 years against the general 32 (minimum age 21)
- Group 2/2A: SC, SCA and ST up to 37 years against the general 32 (minimum age 18)
- SC, SCA and ST candidates are also fully exempt from the examination fee
- TNPSC does not count attempts, so the age window is the only ceiling
- Age is counted as on the date fixed in the notification
Relaxations beyond SC/ST
BC, BCM and MBC candidates get 34 years in Group 1 and Group 2/2A, and no upper limit in Group 4. PwBD candidates get up to 42 years, ex-servicemen up to 50, and destitute widows have no upper limit in any of the three exams.
Related questions
What is PSTM in TNPSC?
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.
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.
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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