PrepMaticExam glossary · TNPSC
Fee concession in TNPSC exams
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A fee concession is a waiver of the TNPSC exam fee for candidates in eligible categories. Some categories are fully exempt, while others get a limited number of "free chances", which are applications for which the fee is waived. In the Group 4 2026 notification, each application that claims the concession uses up one free chance, whichever post it is for.
Who gets what (Group 4 2026 notification)
| Category | Concession |
|---|---|
| SC, SC(A), ST | Full exemption |
| Persons with benchmark disabilities | Full exemption |
| Destitute widows | Full exemption |
| BC(OBCM), BCM, MBC/DC | Three free chances |
| Ex-servicemen | Two free chances |
| Others | No concession; fee payable |
What the fees are
| Exam | Fee before any concession |
|---|---|
| One Time Registration | ₹150 |
| Group 4 | ₹100 |
| Group 2/2A (2025) | Prelims ₹100, mains ₹150 (₹300 if shortlisted for both Group II and IIA mains) |
| Group 1 (2025) | Prelims ₹100, mains ₹200 |
The OTR fee is a registration fee. The concession rules above relate to the exam fee, so read Annexure I of your notification to see how the OTR fee is treated for your category.
How free chances run out
The Group 4 2026 notification counts a free chance for each application that claims the concession, regardless of the post. Once your free chances are used, later applications pay the full fee, so do not claim the concession on an application you are not serious about.
An example
A BC(OBCM) candidate claims the concession on a Group 4 application and then on a Group 2 prelims application. Two of three free chances are used. The next application that claims the concession uses the last one, and the one after that pays the fee. A candidate in a fully exempt category does not run out.
The penalty for a false claim
TNPSC states that a false claim leads to rejection of the application and a one-year debarment. Claims are checked at certificate verification, so claim only what you can document.
Frequently asked questions
Who is exempt from the TNPSC exam fee?
In the Group 4 2026 notification: SC, SC(A) and ST candidates, persons with benchmark disabilities and destitute widows.
How many free chances do BC candidates get?
Three, along with MBC/DC and BCM candidates. Ex-servicemen get two.
Does the concession cover the OTR fee?
The fee concession rules are for the exam fee. Check Annexure I of the notification for the OTR fee.
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- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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- 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.
- 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.