TNPSC Combined Civil Services Examination IV (TNPSC Group 4 & VAO) 2026: Official Notification, Pattern, Syllabus & Mock Tests
TNPSC Group 4 & VAO is the single largest exam in Tamil Nadu by candidate volume, offering direct selection based solely on a single written OMR test.
Examination Overview
TNPSC Group 4 & VAO is the single largest exam in Tamil Nadu by candidate volume, offering direct selection based solely on a single written OMR test.
| Exam Name | TNPSC Combined Civil Services Examination IV (TNPSC Group 4 & VAO) |
|---|---|
| Conducting Authority | Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) |
| Exam Level | State |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Mode of Examination | Computer Based Test (CBT) / Written Examination |
| Language of Exam | English, Hindi & State Regional Languages |
| Official Website | https://www.tnpsc.gov.in ↗ |
Important Dates & Events
Timeline confirmed from official notices issued by Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC).
| Event / Milestone | Important Date / Status |
|---|---|
| TNPSC Group 4 & VAO Notification | Published on tnpsc.gov.in |
| Online Application Window | Open for 30 days |
| Single Written Examination (OMR) | Conducted across thousands of centers in Tamil Nadu |
| Results & Rank List Release | Published on tnpsc.gov.in |
| Certificate Verification & Phase-wise Counselling | Conducted at TNPSC Office, Chennai |
Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
{"pattern":"Single Paper: 200 Questions, 300 Marks, 3 Hours Duration (SSLC Standard), No Negative Marking","sections":"Part A: General Tamil (Eligibility & Scoring: 100 Qs, 150 Marks); Part B: General Studies (75 Qs) + Aptitude & Mental Ability (25 Qs) = 100 Qs, 150 Marks"}
| Examination Parameter | Scheme Details | Remarks / Evaluation |
|---|---|---|
| Question Format | Multiple Choice Questions (Objective MCQs) | 4 or 5 options per question |
| Evaluation Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) / Offline OMR Sheet | Centralized Evaluation System |
| Negative Marking Scheme | Standard 1/3rd or 1/4th negative deduction | Penalized for incorrect responses |
| Language Medium | Bilingual (English & Hindi) + Regional State Languages | Language toggle available in CBT |
| Normalization | Equipercentile or Percentile method across shifts | Multi-shift normalization applied |
Selection Process & Stages
Candidate progression through sequential recruitment tiers:
Preliminary / Tier 1 Examination
Comprehensive objective screening test covering core aptitude, reasoning, general knowledge and language skills.
Mains / Tier 2 / Skill Test
Advanced written assessment or post-specific technical/descriptive examination determining the final merit order.
Document Verification & Medical
Scrutiny of original certificates, category credentials, age proofs and required medical fitness examination.
Eligibility Criteria (Age & Educational Qualification)
{"min_education":"SSLC (Class 10) passed from recognized Board; Tamil language passed as subject","min_age":18,"max_age":32,"vao_min_age":21}
| Parameter | Eligibility Condition | Relaxation Norms |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Criteria | {"min_education":"SSLC (Class 10) passed from recognized Board; Tamil language passed as subject","min_age":18,"max_age":32,"vao_min_age":21} | Recognized Board / University required |
| Age Requirement | As specified in official notification (General Category) | SC/ST: +5 Years | OBC: +3 Years | PwD: +10 Years |
| Citizenship | Citizen of India | Subject of Nepal/Bhutan as per Central/State rules |
| Language Proficiency | Regional / English & Hindi working knowledge | Applicable as per State / National jurisdiction |
Detailed Syllabus by Subject
{"part_a":"Tamil Grammar (Poruthuvathal, Sandhi, Piravinai, Peyar Chol), Tamil Literature (Thirukkural, Naladiyar, Silappathikaram, Manimegalai), Tamil Scholars (Bharathiyar, Bharathidasan, Thiru Vi Ka)","part_b":"General Science, Current Events, Geography, History of India & Tamil Nadu, Indian Polity, Indian Economy, Indian National Movement, Aptitude & Mental Ability (HCF, LCM, Ratio, Percentage, Simplification)"}
📖 General Studies & Current Affairs
- Current National & International Events
- Indian History & Freedom Struggle
- Indian & World Geography
- General Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
- Indian Polity, Constitution & Governance
- Basic Economic Concepts & Budget Highlights
🔢 Quantitative & Numerical Aptitude
- Simplification, Number System, HCF & LCM
- Percentage, Ratio & Proportion, Profit & Loss
- Simple & Compound Interest
- Time, Speed & Distance, Time & Work
- Data Interpretation (Tables, Bar & Pie Charts)
🧩 Reasoning & Mental Ability
- Analogies, Classification & Series Completion
- Coding-Decoding & Blood Relations
- Direction Sense Test & Ranking Order
- Syllogisms, Statements & Assumptions
- Non-Verbal Reasoning & Figure Counting
📝 Language Comprehension
- Reading Comprehension Passages
- Vocabulary, Synonyms & Antonyms
- Grammar, Error Spotting & Sentence Correction
- Cloze Test, Idioms & Phrases
- One Word Substitutions & Spelling Check
Preparation Strategy & Cut-Off Trends
Historical scoring benchmarks and safe score targets for TNPSC Combined Civil Services Examination IV (TNPSC Group 4 & VAO) based on competitive trends:
| Category | Safe Target Percentage | Preparation Focus | Benchmark Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|
| General (UR) | 75% - 82% | Speed + Negative Control in Reasoning & Quant | 90%+ Accuracy |
| OBC / EWS | 70% - 76% | High Scoring in Current Affairs & Language | 88%+ Accuracy |
| SC / ST | 62% - 70% | Syllabus Coverage & Previous Year Papers | 85%+ Accuracy |
| PwD / Ex-SM | 55% - 65% | Sectional Cut-Off clearance + Accuracy | 82%+ Accuracy |
Official Mock Test Series & CBT Practice
Practice full-length CBT tests matching the exact TNPSC Group 4 / VAO pattern with bilingual questions and instant rank analysis.
TNPSC Combined Civil Services Examination IV (TNPSC Group 4 & VAO) Full-Length Mock Test Series 2026
2 Total Tests • 2 Free Tests • English, Hindi
2027 Official Practice Series & Question Bank
2027 CYCLE READYTargeted subject-wise and topic-wise practice series for TNPSC Combined Civil Services Examination IV (TNPSC Group 4 & VAO). Featuring expected question predictions, pattern mastery, and instant step-by-step CBT solutions.
2027 Practice Series for this examination are being scheduled. Check back shortly.
Official Previous Year Solved Question Papers
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Official previous year papers are being processed in interactive CBT format.
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CBT Exam Simulator
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