TNPSC Group 4 Exam – Complete Guide
1. What is TNPSC Group 4 Exam?
- Conducted by Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC).
- It is the largest recruitment exam in Tamil Nadu, filling thousands of clerical and assistant-level posts in various departments.
- Considered the entry-level gateway into Tamil Nadu State Government services.
- Exam is objective (single stage) → no mains or interview.
2. Posts under TNPSC Group 4 (Job List & Salary)
|
Post |
Department |
Salary (Pay Band) |
|
Junior Assistant (Non-Security) |
Revenue, Commissioner of Land Administration, etc. |
₹19,500 – ₹71,900 (Level 8) |
|
Junior Assistant (Security) |
Secretariat / Other Departments |
₹19,500 – ₹71,900 (Level 8) |
|
Bill Collector, Grade I |
Revenue Dept. |
₹19,500 – ₹71,900 (Level 8) |
|
Typist |
Various Departments |
₹19,500 – ₹71,900 (Level 8) |
|
Steno-Typist (Grade III) |
Various Departments |
₹20,600 – ₹75,900 (Level 10) |
|
Village Administrative Officer (VAO) |
Revenue Dept. |
₹19,500 – ₹71,900 (Level 8) |
|
Field Surveyor & Draftsman |
Survey & Settlement Dept. |
₹19,500 – ₹71,900 (Level 8) |
|
Store Keeper |
Govt. Departments |
₹19,500 – ₹71,900 (Level 8) |
💰 In-hand salary: ₹22,000 – ₹40,000 (depends on allowances, posting, and department).
📈 Promotions: Junior Assistant → Assistant → Superintendent → Section Officer → Gazetted ranks (based on seniority & departmental exams).
3. Eligibility Criteria
(a) Nationality
- Must be an Indian citizen.
(b) Age Limit (as per 2024 rules)
- General (OC): 18 – 32 years
- BC/MBC/SC/ST/Destitute Widows: up to 37 years
- VAO posts: Max 42 years for SC/ST, 37 for BC/MBC.
(c) Educational Qualification
- Minimum: SSLC / 10th Pass (must have passed in one sitting).
- Typist/Steno Posts: Must have passed Government Technical Exam in Typewriting / Shorthand.
(d) Tamil Proficiency
- Must have studied Tamil as a subject in 10th / 12th / Degree OR
- Must pass TNPSC Tamil Language Test within 2 years of appointment.
4. Selection Process
- Single Stage Exam (Objective) → 200 MCQs
- Duration: 3 hours
- Marks: 300
- No interview.
- Final selection based on merit list from written exam + reservation roster.
5. Exam Pattern
- Paper Type: Objective MCQs
- Duration: 3 hours
- Total Marks: 300
|
Section |
No. of Questions |
Marks |
|
General Tamil / General English (SSLC Standard – choose one) |
100 |
100 |
|
General Studies (SSLC Std) |
75 |
150 |
|
Aptitude & Mental Ability |
25 |
50 |
|
Total |
200 |
300 |
📌 Candidates can opt for General Tamil or General English section.
📌 Most prefer General Tamil (higher weightage in merit list).
6. Syllabus Overview
(a) General Studies (SSLC Std)
- History (Tamil Nadu & India)
- Geography
- Indian Polity & Constitution
- Indian Economy
- Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology basics)
- Current Affairs (State & National)
(b) Aptitude & Mental Ability
- Simplification, Percentage, Ratio, Profit & Loss
- Time & Work, Simple Interest, Compound Interest
- Logical Reasoning, Series, Coding-Decoding
- Data Interpretation
(c) General Tamil / English
- Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension
- Tamil Nadu literature & authors (for Tamil)
- Poetry, prose, translation
- For English → Parts of speech, tenses, synonyms-antonyms, comprehension.
7. Application Process
- Visit tnpsc.gov.in.
- Complete One-Time Registration (OTR) (₹150 valid for 5 years).
- Apply for Group 4 Notification online.
- Exam Fee: ₹100 (exemptions available for certain categories).
8. Resources & Book Suggestions
- Tamil Nadu State Board Textbooks (6–10th) → History, Science, Geography, Civics & Magme’s Book.
- Arihant / Sura’s / Magme’s Guides for Group 4 & Magme’s Book.
- Aptitude: R.S. Aggarwal & Magme’s Quantitative Book.
- Tamil / English Grammar: SSLC Grammar Guides, TNPSC previous papers.
- Current Affairs: The Hindu, Dinamani, monthly current affairs booklets & Magme’s 360
9. Summary Table
|
Stage |
Format |
Marks |
Tips |
|
Prelims (Only Exam) |
200 Qs (Objective) |
300 |
Focus on TN Board books & practice MCQs |
|
Final Merit List |
Based on Written Exam |
300 |
No interview |
10. Quick Reference
- What → Tamil Nadu’s largest recruitment exam for clerical/assistant posts.
- Whom → SSLC/10th pass & above, age 18–32 (with relaxations).
- When → Usually held annually; notification around Feb–Mar; exam mid-year.
- Where → Exam centres across TN, apply via tnpsc.gov.in.
- Why → Secure government jobs with salary ₹19,500+ allowances.
- Which → Posts: Junior Assistant, Bill Collector, Typist, Steno, VAO.
- How → Study TN textbooks (6–10th), Aptitude, Tamil/English, Current Affairs.
- How Much → OTR ₹150 + Exam fee ₹100; Self-study feasible (₹2–5k); Coaching optional (₹20k–40k).
11. Preparation Strategy
Step 1 – Basics
- Master Tamil Nadu SCERT 6th–10th books (History, Science, Geography).
- Build strong base in Aptitude & Reasoning.
Step 2 – Language Paper
- If Tamil → Practice SSLC Tamil grammar, literature, and authors.
- If English → Work on grammar, comprehension, synonyms/antonyms.
Step 3 – Practice
- Solve 10 years previous Group 4 question papers.
- Take mock tests regularly to improve speed & accuracy.
Step 4 – Focus Areas
- Tamil Nadu History, Current Affairs, Aptitude (high scoring).
- Language (Tamil/English) – 100 marks, crucial for merit list.
12. Why Choose TNPSC Group 4?
- Largest Recruitment → Thousands of vacancies every year.
- Easy Entry → Requires only SSLC (10th pass).
- Job Security → Permanent govt. job with pension.
- Salary & Benefits → ₹22,000–₹40,000 in-hand, steady increments.
- Career Growth → Chance to climb to higher administrative posts.
✅ In short:
- Jobs → Junior Assistant, VAO, Typist, Bill Collector, Steno, Field Surveyor.
- Salary → ₹19,500 – ₹75,900 (Level 8–10).
- Selection → Single written exam (300 marks).
Prep → Focus on Tamil Nadu textbooks, Aptitude, Tamil/English, Current Affairs
