PrepMaticExam glossary
Exam glossary for TNPSC, banking, NEET and GATE
Government-exam notifications are written in a vocabulary of their own: OTR, PSTM, communal rotation, normalisation, choice locking, shortlist ratio. This glossary explains those terms in plain English, one page per term, for aspirants preparing for TNPSC, bank exams, NEET and GATE.
Every entry starts with a one-sentence definition, then shows how the term is used in the exam or the recruitment process, works through an example with real numbers, and links to the exam guide where the topic is covered in full. Figures are tied to a named notification or cycle, such as the TNPSC Group 4 2026 notification (No. 11/2026), because rules, fees and age limits change from one cycle to the next.
TNPSC
- Age reckoning dateTNPSC counts your age on a fixed date, 1 July of the notification year in Groups 1, 2 and 4. See how to calculate it, with worked examples.
- Application correction windowThe TNPSC application correction window is a 3-day period after the last date to apply. See the Group 4, Group 2 and Group 1 windows and how to use them.
- Backlog vacancyA backlog vacancy is a reserved post left unfilled in an earlier recruitment and carried forward. See how TNPSC shows it, with Typist as an example.
- BC, MBC, SC, ST categoriesWhat BC(OBCM), BCM, MBC/DC, SC, SC(A) and ST mean in TNPSC notifications, with Tamil Nadu's reservation percentages, age limits and fee rules for each.
- CCSECCSE is TNPSC's Combined Civil Services Examination series. See which group each number covers, CCSE-I, II and IV, with notification numbers and posts.
- Certificate verificationCertificate verification is the TNPSC stage where your age, community and fee-concession claims are checked against documents. See when it happens.
- Communal rotationCommunal rotation is the roster that decides which community each TNPSC vacancy goes to. See how it works and why the percentage alone misleads.
- Community certificateA community certificate proves the category you claim in a TNPSC application. See where it matters, the categories involved and how to avoid mismatches.
- Computer-based test (CBT)A computer-based test (CBT) is answered on a screen, not an OMR sheet. See which TNPSC exams use it: Group 2A Main Paper II and CTSE Interview Posts.
- CTSECTSE is TNPSC's Combined Technical Services Exam for engineering, agriculture and other technical posts. See its three streams and the 2026 planner dates.
- Dearness allowance (DA)Dearness allowance (DA) is an add-on to basic pay that adjusts for price rises. See how DA is worked out for TNPSC posts and why no fixed rate appears here.
- Destitute widowWhat destitute widow means in TNPSC notifications: the income ceiling, who is excluded, age relaxation, free exam fee and the share of women's reservation.
- Endurance testThe TNPSC endurance test for Forest Guard and Forest Watcher posts is a timed walk: 25 km for men, 16 km for women, in 4 hours, in Chennai. See the rules.
- EO Grade IVEO Grade IV in HR&CE is now filled through the TNPSC Group 4 exam, not a separate Group 8 exam. See the Level 8 pay, ages 25 to 35 and the Hindu-only rule.
- Ex-servicemanHow TNPSC treats ex-servicemen: age limits of 48 or 53 in Group 4, 50 and 55 in Group 1, two free fee chances, and no reservation in Group 1.
- Fee concessionHow TNPSC fee concession works: full exemption for SC, SC(A), ST, PwBD and destitute widows, free chances for BC, MBC and ex-servicemen, with fees by exam.
- Five-year service ruleTNPSC notifications bar Others candidates with 5 or more years of central or state government service. See who is affected, who is not, and an example.
- General Turn (GT)General Turn (GT) is the unreserved share of TNPSC vacancies. Learn what GT means, how it differs from Others in age tables, and where its 31% comes from.
- Higher-qualification age relaxationReserved-category candidates with a qualification above the minimum have no maximum age limit for most Group 4 posts. See the rule, exceptions and examples.
- Interview and non-interview postsInterview posts add a viva to the written exam; non-interview posts are ranked on written marks alone. See which TNPSC groups are which, and Group 2's change.
- Junior AssistantJunior Assistant is the largest TNPSC Group 4 post: 2,610 non-security vacancies at Level 8 in 2026. See post codes, age limits and shortlist ratios.
- Minimum qualifying marksMinimum qualifying marks are the floor at each TNPSC stage: 90 of 300 in Group 4, 90 or 120 in Group 1 prelims, 40 in Tamil. They are not a cut-off.
- No maximum age limit"No maximum age limit" in a TNPSC notification means you must not have completed 60 years. See where it applies in Groups 2 and 4 and what it keeps.
- OMR sheetHow the TNPSC OMR sheet works in Group 4: five bubbles a question, the blank-answer deduction, thumb impression and register number rules, with an example.
- One Time Registration (OTR)OTR is the permanent TNPSC candidate profile on tnpscexams.in. See the ₹150 fee, 5-year validity, the Aadhaar rule and why registering is not applying.
- Option E (answer not known)Option E on the TNPSC OMR sheet means "answer not known". Learn what it scores, why leaving a question blank costs 0.5 mark, and when guessing beats shading E.
- Pay matrix and pay levelTNPSC notifications give the Tamil Nadu pay matrix level, not rupees, for each post. See the levels for Group 1, 2, 2A and 4 posts and how to read them.
- Post codeA post code is the number TNPSC gives each post in a notification. See the 2026 Group 4 codes for VAO, Junior Assistant, Typist, Steno-Typist and EO Grade IV.
- PSTMPSTM means Persons Studied in Tamil Medium, a Tamil Nadu recruitment provision. See how it differs from the Tamil knowledge rule and the Tamil papers.
- PwBD (differently-abled)What PwBD means in TNPSC notifications: the 4% reservation, higher age limits, free exam fee in Group 4 and Tamil paper options for disabled candidates.
- Qualifying paperA qualifying paper must be passed but its marks are not added to your rank. See which TNPSC papers are qualifying (Group 1, 2, 2A Tamil) and which count.
- Second Class Language TestThe Second Class Language Test (Full Test) in Tamil is how TNPSC candidates prove Tamil knowledge without a Tamil school record. See who needs it.
- Shortlist ratioA shortlist ratio is how many candidates TNPSC calls per vacancy at each stage. See the ratios for Group 1, Group 2 and Group 4 and how to read 1:3.
- SSLC and degree standardWhat "SSLC standard" and "degree standard" mean in TNPSC notifications, and which Group 1, 2, 2A and 4 papers use which level, so you know how deep to study.
- Steno-Typist Grade IIISteno-Typist Grade III is a TNPSC Group 4 post at Level 10 needing typewriting and shorthand. See the 2026 vacancies, code 2300 and counselling ratio.
- Syllabus codeA TNPSC syllabus code is the number printed on each exam's syllabus: Group 4 is 496, Group 2 prelims 495, Group 1 prelims 497. See the Group 2 mains codes too.
- Tamil Eligibility-cum-Scoring TestPart A of TNPSC Group 4 is a Tamil-only test of 100 questions, 150 marks. Score under 40% and Parts B and C go unevaluated; above it, marks count for rank.
- TNPSC answer keyA TNPSC answer key lists the correct options for an objective exam. Learn the tentative and final keys, where to find them and how to work out your score.
- TNPSC counsellingTNPSC counselling is the stage where shortlisted candidates are called by rank to be allotted a post and department. Learn how it differs from NEET counselling.
- TNPSC cut-off marksTNPSC cut-off marks are the last scores that earned a stage or selection. Learn how they differ from minimum marks and which published numbers to ignore.
- TNPSC notificationA TNPSC notification is the official document that opens a recruitment. Learn what the notification number and Advt number mean and what to read first.
- TNPSC rank listA TNPSC rank list orders candidates by the marks that count in their exam. See what counts in Group 1, Group 2 and Group 4, and what does not enter your rank.
- tnpscexams.intnpscexams.in is where you register (OTR) and apply for TNPSC exams; tnpsc.gov.in is the information site. See which to use, plus helpdesk contacts.
- TypistThe Typist post in TNPSC Group 4 needs SSLC plus a typewriting certificate in Tamil and English. See the 2026 vacancies, Level 8, code 2200 and computer rule.
- VAO (Village Administrative Officer)VAO stands for Village Administrative Officer, a Level 8 post filled through TNPSC Group 4. See the Tamil name, 2026 vacancies and age limits.
Bank exams
- Atal Pension YojanaAPY gives a guaranteed monthly pension of Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 from age 60 to unorganised-sector workers. Eligibility, contributions, rules, exam facts.
- BancassuranceBancassurance is the sale of insurance products through bank branches. Meaning, the three models, how banks earn, IRDAI and RBI rules, and exam questions.
- Bank rateBank rate is the RBI's standard rate for rediscounting bills and the penalty benchmark for CRR and SLR shortfalls. Meaning, uses and how it differs from repo.
- Basel IIIBasel III is the global banking regulation framework created after the 2008 crisis. Its capital buffers, leverage ratio, LCR and NSFR, and how India applies it.
- Call money marketThe call money market is where banks lend and borrow overnight funds without collateral. Call, notice and term money, participants, WACR and exam facts.
- Capital adequacy ratioThe capital adequacy ratio compares a bank's capital with its risk-weighted assets to show how well it absorbs losses. Formula, tiers, worked example.
- CASA ratioCASA ratio is the share of current and savings account deposits in a bank's total deposits. Meaning, formula, example and why a higher CASA lowers funding cost.
- Cash reserve ratioCRR is the share of deposits that banks must keep with the RBI in cash. Meaning, legal basis, worked example, how it controls money supply and exam questions.
- Cheque truncation systemCTS clears cheques using electronic images and data instead of moving paper. Meaning, how it works, MICR code, benefits, Positive Pay and exam facts.
- CIBIL scoreA CIBIL score is a three-digit number from 300 to 900 that shows your credit history. Meaning, bureaus, what affects it and what it means for bank jobs.
- CPI inflationCPI inflation tracks the price of a fixed basket of goods and services bought by households. Meaning, formula, who publishes it, food weight and exam facts.
- DICGCDICGC is the RBI subsidiary that insures bank deposits. Full form, the per-depositor cover, which deposits count, what is excluded and the 90-day payout rule.
- EBLREBLR links loan rates to an external benchmark such as the repo rate. Meaning, benchmark options, spread, reset rules and difference from MCLR with example.
- EXIM BankEXIM Bank is India's apex financial institution for foreign trade. Full form, 1982 formation, export credit, lines of credit and how banking exams ask about it.
- Financial inclusionFinancial inclusion means affordable banking, credit, insurance and pensions for low-income and rural people. Tools, schemes and how exams ask it.
- Fiscal deficitFiscal deficit is the government's total spending minus its receipts excluding borrowing. Formula, worked example, revenue and primary deficit and exam notes.
- GDPGDP is the total value of final goods and services produced in a country in a period. Formula, nominal vs real, GVA link, who publishes it and exam facts.
- Government securitiesGovernment securities are tradable bonds and bills issued by the Centre and states to borrow money. Dated G-secs, SDLs, price-yield link and exam questions.
- IMPSIMPS lets you transfer money between bank accounts instantly, 24x7, including bank holidays, using a mobile number and MMID or account number and IFSC.
- Inflation targetingIndia follows flexible inflation targeting: the RBI aims for a CPI target with a tolerance band. How the framework works, what counts as failure and exam facts.
- Insolvency and Bankruptcy CodeThe IBC is India's single law to resolve insolvency of companies and individuals on a fixed timeline. NCLT, IBBI, CIRP, CoC and exam facts.
- IRDAIIRDAI is the regulator of India's insurance sector. Full form, IRDA Act 1999, headquarters, board, functions and how banking exams ask about it.
- Kisan Credit CardThe Kisan Credit Card gives farmers timely, low-cost credit for crops and allied work. Launch, purpose, interest subvention, collateral rules and exam facts.
- KYCKYC (Know Your Customer) is the identity and address check banks must do before opening an account. Meaning, officially valid documents, e-KYC, V-CIP and CKYC.
- Lead Bank SchemeUnder the Lead Bank Scheme each district is assigned to one bank that coordinates credit. Origin in 1969, SLBC, DCC, annual credit plan and exam facts.
- Liquidity adjustment facilityThe liquidity adjustment facility is the RBI's daily window for injecting or absorbing cash. Meaning, repo, SDF and MSF corridor, history and exam questions.
- Marginal standing facilityThe marginal standing facility is the RBI window where banks borrow overnight in an emergency by dipping into their SLR holdings. Meaning, rate and exam facts.
- MCLRMCLR is the internal benchmark that sets the minimum lending rate of a bank, introduced in April 2016. Components, reset, spread and difference from EBLR.
- Monetary Policy CommitteeThe Monetary Policy Committee is the six-member body that sets India's repo rate. Composition, appointment, voting, meetings, minutes and exam questions.
- MUDRA loanThe MUDRA loan under PMMY funds small non-farm businesses up to ten lakh rupees without collateral. Shishu, Kishore, Tarun, lenders and exam facts.
- NABARDNABARD is India's apex development bank for agriculture and rural development. Full form, 1982 formation, refinance, supervision, RIDF and exam facts.
- NBFCAn NBFC is a company that lends and invests like a bank but cannot take demand deposits. Meaning, types, scale-based regulation and bank differences.
- NEFTNEFT is the RBI-run system for transferring funds between bank accounts in half-hourly batches, available 24x7. Full form, how it works, vs RTGS and IMPS.
- Non-performing assetsAn NPA is a loan overdue for more than 90 days. Meaning, SMA stages, substandard, doubtful and loss assets, gross vs net NPA and how banks recover.
- Open market operationsOpen market operations are the RBI buying or selling government securities to add or drain cash. Meaning, OMO vs LAF, Operation Twist and exam facts.
- Payments bankA payments bank accepts small deposits and offers payment services but cannot lend or issue credit cards. Features, balance cap, licensing and exam facts.
- PFRDAPFRDA is the regulator of the National Pension System and other pension schemes. Full form, formation, statutory status in 2013, NPS tiers and exam facts.
- PM Jan Dhan YojanaPMJDY gives households a zero-balance bank account with a RuPay card, accident cover and an overdraft. Launch, features, pillars and exam facts.
- PMJJBYPMJJBY is a government-backed term life insurance scheme sold through banks. Cover, age limits, premium, renewal dates and exam facts to remember.
- PMSBYPMSBY is a government-backed accident insurance scheme sold through banks for a very small premium. Cover, age limits, premium, claim rules and exam facts.
- Priority sector lendingPriority sector lending makes banks lend a set share of credit to farming, MSMEs, housing, education and more. Categories, targets and PSLCs.
- Regional Rural BankRegional Rural Banks are scheduled banks set up in 1975 to serve rural India. Ownership split, sponsor banks, regulation, consolidation and IBPS RRB link.
- Repo rateRepo rate is the rate at which the RBI lends short-term money to banks against government securities. How it works, what a change does and how exams ask it.
- Reverse repo rateReverse repo rate is what the RBI pays when it borrows from banks against government securities. Meaning, how it differs from repo and its status after SDF.
- RTGSRTGS is the RBI system for large-value payments settled one by one in real time and final once sent. Full form, minimum amount, timings and exam facts.
- SARFAESI ActThe SARFAESI Act lets banks take over and sell secured assets of defaulting borrowers without going to court. Process, notice period and exam facts.
- Scheduled bankA scheduled bank is listed in the Second Schedule of the RBI Act, 1934. Meaning, Section 42(6) conditions, types and difference from non-scheduled banks.
- SEBISEBI is the regulator of India's securities market. Full form, 1988 and 1992 milestones, board, functions, powers and how banking exams ask about it.
- SIDBISIDBI is the principal financial institution for MSME financing. Full form, 1990 formation, refinance, fund of funds, MUDRA link and how banking exams ask it.
- Small finance bankA small finance bank is a niche bank licensed to serve small borrowers, farmers and micro-enterprises. Licensing, 75% priority sector rule, powers and limits.
- Stand-Up IndiaStand-Up India supports SC, ST and women entrepreneurs with bank loans from ten lakh to one crore rupees for a new business. Features and exam facts.
- Standing deposit facilityThe standing deposit facility lets banks park surplus funds with the RBI without collateral and sets the floor of the rate corridor. Meaning and exam facts.
- Statutory liquidity ratioSLR is the share of deposits that banks must hold in cash, gold or government securities before lending. Meaning, legal basis, example and exam angles.
- Treasury billsTreasury bills are short-term government securities issued at a discount and repaid at face value. Tenors, yield worked out, CMBs and exam facts.
- UPIUPI is NPCI's instant payment system that lets you send money from your bank account using a virtual payment address and a UPI PIN. How it works and exam facts.
- White label ATMA white label ATM is owned and run by a non-bank company and serves customers of all banks. Meaning, RBI authorisation, how it differs from brown label ATMs.
- WPI inflationWPI inflation tracks wholesale prices of goods. Meaning, three groups and weights, who publishes it, how it differs from CPI and how exams ask about it.
NEET
- 7.5% government school quotaThe 7.5% quota gives government school students preference in Tamil Nadu MBBS and BDS seats. See who qualifies, how Act 34 of 2020 applies and the proof needed.
- All India Quota (AIQ)All India Quota is the 15% of state government medical seats filled by MCC for candidates of any state. See how it works and Tamil Nadu's 2026-27 seat numbers.
- All India Rank (AIR)NEET All India Rank (AIR) is your position in NTA's national merit list. See how it differs from category and state rank, how ties break and where it is used.
- Choice fillingChoice filling is listing the colleges and courses you want, in order, before NEET seat allotment. See how the order drives your seat and how to build the list.
- Choice lockingChoice locking is the step that freezes your college list before seat allotment. Learn what it means, why you cannot edit after it, and mistakes to avoid.
- Deemed universityA deemed university can award its own degrees, and MCC counsels its MBBS seats, not the state. See how it differs from state seats, plus fees and registration.
- Information bulletinThe NEET information bulletin is NTA's official rulebook for each exam cycle. See what it covers, why older bulletins mislead and the 2027 bulletin's status.
- Management quotaManagement quota is a category of private medical seats with higher fees. See the Tamil Nadu 2026-27 share, fees and deposit, and how it differs from NRI quota.
- MCCMCC, the Medical Counselling Committee under DGHS, runs NEET counselling for All India Quota, deemed, central and AIIMS seats. See its steps, rounds and limits.
- MCC security depositThe MCC security deposit is refundable and paid at registration, unlike the fee. See the 2026 reported amounts, Tamil Nadu's deposit rules and when it is lost.
- Mop-up roundThe mop-up round is Round 3 of Tamil Nadu NEET counselling, with stricter joining and deposit rules. See what changes, the 2026 dates and how to prepare.
- Nativity certificateA nativity certificate proves you are a native of Tamil Nadu, which the state quota requires. See why a residence certificate is not accepted and who may apply.
- NEET percentileNEET percentile is the share of candidates who scored at or below you. See the formula, how it differs from marks and rank, and the qualifying percentile rule.
- NEET tie-breakingNEET tie-breaking decides rank when candidates have equal marks. See the order NTA uses (Biology first), what was removed, and a worked example.
- NMCNMC is the National Medical Commission, whose rules set the NEET syllabus and eligibility. See what it controls, what NTA and MCC do, and the 2026 syllabus.
- NRI quotaNRI quota is a separate share of private medical college seats. See Tamil Nadu's 15% share for 2026-27, how it differs from management quota and what to check.
- NTANTA is the National Testing Agency that conducts NEET-UG. See what it handles, what it leaves to MCC and the states, and how to spot genuine NTA notices.
- OMR challengeAn OMR challenge in NEET is an objection to how your OMR sheet was recorded, unlike an answer key challenge. See how the display works and avoid fake sheets.
- Provisional answer keyThe NEET provisional answer key is NTA's draft key, open to challenge before the final key. See how to challenge it, what changes and how to compute your score.
- Seat matrixA seat matrix lists each medical college's seats by course and quota. See how to read it, Tamil Nadu's 2026-27 tentative numbers and why it is not a cut-off.
- State quotaState quota is the share of medical seats a state fills itself. See what it covers, how it differs from All India Quota and how Tamil Nadu splits 2026-27 seats.
- Stray vacancy roundThe stray vacancy round is the last online round of NEET counselling, filling seats left empty after Round 3. See how it works, who can join and what to expect.
GATE
- Answer key challengeThe GATE answer key challenge lets you contest a provisional key on set dates for a fee. See the sequence, how to prepare a challenge and what is not announced.
- CCMTCCMT is the centralised counselling for GATE-based M.Tech, M.Arch and M.Plan seats at NITs and IIITs. See how it differs from COAP and what to check.
- COAPCOAP is the portal where GATE candidates accept, retain or reject M.Tech offers from IITs and IISc. See how it works, what it is not, and who can register.
- GATE qualifying marksGATE qualifying marks are the minimum marks for a scorecard: max(25, min(40, mean + SD)) for General. See the OBC and SC/ST/PwD rules and 2026 values.
- GATE scoreThe GATE score runs up to 1000 and is worked out from your marks, the qualifying mark and the top scorers' average. See the formula, an example, validity.
- GATE scorecardThe GATE scorecard goes only to qualified candidates. See the free window, the Rs.500 fee after it, the 31 December 2027 limit and the three-year validity.
- GOAPSGOAPS is the GATE Online Application Processing System. See what it is used for, the GATE 2027 dates and fees, DigiLocker and photo rules, and documents.
- M.Tech stipendGATE qualifiers admitted to M.Tech can get Rs.12,400 a month, generally for 22 months. See the rules, the direct-PhD fellowship and why it is not automatic.
- MSQAn MSQ in GATE has four options with one or more correct answers, no negative marking and no partial credit. See how it is scored and how to attempt it.
- Multi-session paperA multi-session GATE paper is held in more than one session, and you sit only one. See how sessions are assigned, why marks are normalised and the key facts.
- NAT questionA NAT question in GATE has no options. You key in a number on a virtual keypad, with no negative marking. See how it is scored and how to attempt it well.
- Normalised marksNormalised marks adjust raw marks so candidates in different sessions of one GATE paper can be compared fairly. See the formula with a worked example.
- Organising instituteEach year one of IISc or seven IITs acts as the GATE organising institute. See who ran 2024 to 2027, what it handles, and what it does not decide.
- PSU recruitment via GATEPSUs use GATE scores to shortlist engineers for trainee posts. See how the process works, why they set age limits and the POWERGRID 2027 advert details.
- Response sheetThe GATE response sheet shows the answers recorded from your exam. See when it appears, how to compute raw marks with negative marking, and a worked example.
- Two-paper combinationGATE lets you take one paper or two, but the second must be allowed for your first. See the 2027 rules, allowed pairs for CS, EC, EE, ME, CE and DA.
- Virtual calculatorThe GATE virtual calculator is the only calculator allowed in the exam. See what the rules say, what happens if you bring your own and how to practise.
- XE paperThe GATE XE paper (Engineering Sciences) has a compulsory maths section and two of nine optional ones. See the 2027 codes, marks and textile change.
Where to start with TNPSC terms
If you are new to Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission exams, these entries answer the questions most first-time applicants ask:
- One Time Registration (OTR), the profile you create before you can apply.
- Tamil Eligibility-cum-Scoring Test, the Tamil-only Part A of Group 4 with its 40% gate.
- Option E, "answer not known", and the OMR sheet rules that decide whether blank questions cost marks.
- Minimum qualifying marks and how they differ from a cut-off.
- BC, MBC, SC, SC(A) and ST categories, which set your age limit and fee concession.
- Shortlist ratio and counselling, the steps from a rank to a posting.
For the full guides behind these terms, go to the exam hubs: TNPSC, banking, NEET and GATE.
How to use the glossary
- Find the term in the list above, or in the notification you are reading.
- Read the definition and the example, and note the cycle the numbers come from.
- Follow the link to the exam guide if you want the whole topic, such as the pattern, syllabus or preparation plan.
- Confirm the figure in the latest official notification before you act on it.
Frequently asked questions
How is the glossary different from the exam guides?
The guides cover a whole topic, such as the Group 4 exam pattern or the NEET syllabus. The glossary explains one term at a time, so you can understand a line in a notification quickly and then go to the guide for depth.
Are the numbers in the glossary current?
Each entry names the notification, cycle or year its figures come from. Dates, fees, vacancies and age limits change with every cycle, so use the glossary to understand a term and the latest official notification to confirm the numbers.
Why do some entries say "check the notification" instead of giving a figure?
Some details differ by post or cycle, or are not published in a form that can be checked. Rather than guess, the entry tells you where to read the exact rule.
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