TNPSC Group 4 Exam Pattern: Parts a, B and C
The pattern below is from the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission's notification for the Combined Civil Services Examination IV (Group IV Services), Notification No. 11/2026, Advertisement No. 747.
· Last reviewed
One Paper, Three Parts
| Part | Subject (SSLC standard) | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A | Tamil Eligibility-cum-Scoring Test | 100 | 150 |
| Part B | General Studies | 75 | 150 (B and C together) |
| Part C | Aptitude and Mental Ability | 25 | |
| Total | 200 | 300 |
The paper is objective, answered on an OMR sheet, and lasts 3 hours.
Qualifying Marks and Ranking
- You must score at least 40% (60 marks) in Part A. If you do not, Parts B and C are not evaluated.
- The minimum qualifying mark for the whole paper is 90, the same for all communities.
- Ranking uses the total of Parts A, B and C together.
- Ties are broken by a higher technical qualification (typewriting or shorthand), then a higher educational qualification, then age, then the earlier application number.
Language of the Paper
Part A is set in Tamil only. Parts B and C are set in Tamil and English.
Candidates with a disability who studied only English at school or university can choose General English (SSLC standard) in place of the Tamil test. They must score at least 40% (60 marks) in it, and must upload the disability certificate in the prescribed format with the application.
OMR Rules That Cost Marks
- Half a mark is deducted if the left thumb impression is missing from the OMR sheet.
- Half a mark is deducted if no bubble is darkened for a question, as Annexure IV of the notice explains.
After the Written Exam
Candidates are called for onscreen certificate verification in the ratio 1:3 for the general category and 1:2 for reserved categories for Village Administrative Officer, Junior Assistant, Typist and Steno Typist, and 1:6 for Forest Guard with Driving Licence and Forest Watcher.
Forest Guard and Forest Watcher candidates also take a physical standards test and an endurance test in Chennai: a walk of 25 km for men and 16 km for women and third gender candidates, within four hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there negative marking in TNPSC Group 4?
The notice does not deduct marks for wrong answers. It deducts half a mark for a missing thumb impression and half a mark for a question with no bubble darkened.
What happens if I fail the Tamil test in TNPSC Group 4?
If you score below 60 in Part A, your Parts B and C are not evaluated, so you cannot be ranked.
What is the minimum qualifying mark in TNPSC Group 4?
90 out of 300 for all communities, along with at least 60 in Part A.
Posts, pay levels and eligibility here are those most notices have carried. The current notification is the final word on vacancies, dates, fees and exam details.