PrepMaticExam glossary · TNPSC
One Time Registration (OTR) in TNPSC
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One Time Registration (OTR) is the permanent candidate profile that every TNPSC aspirant creates once on the Commission's exam portal, tnpscexams.in, and then reuses for each application. It costs ₹150, stays valid for 5 years from registration, and needs your Aadhaar to be linked. OTR is not an application: you still apply separately for every recruitment.
What the profile holds
You enter your personal details, your SSLC details, a photograph and a signature once. The Group 4 2026 notification (No. 11/2026) asks for the SSLC register number, certificate number, month and year of passing, medium of instruction and board. When an exam is notified, you log in with your OTR user ID and add only the exam-specific details. That application also needs a fresh photograph taken in a studio on or after the notification date, with its own size and layout rules, so the OTR photo does not replace it.
OTR rules at a glance
| Item | Rule in the Group 4 2026 notification |
|---|---|
| Portal | www.tnpscexams.in |
| Registration fee | ₹150 |
| Validity | 5 years from registration |
| Aadhaar | Linking is mandatory to create, renew or access OTR, and to apply |
| Is it an application? | No. Each exam needs its own application with the OTR user ID |
| OTR photograph | JPG, 20 to 50 KB, 200 DPI |
| OTR signature | JPG, 10 to 20 KB, 200 DPI |
| Editing details | Allowed with supporting documents |
An example
A candidate who registers now holds an OTR that stays valid for five years from that date. In that period she can apply for whichever of Group 4, Group 2/2A or Group 1 are notified using the same profile, paying only the exam fee for each unless a fee concession applies.
Where to get help
TNPSC's helpdesk number is 1800 419 0958 (toll free, 10.00 AM to 5.45 PM on working days), and OTR queries go to helpdesk@tnpscexams.in. The step-by-step process, documents and common mistakes are in the guide to OTR and how to apply for TNPSC exams.
Frequently asked questions
Is OTR compulsory for TNPSC exams?
Yes. The Group 4 2026 notification accepts applications only online at tnpscexams.in, and only after One Time Registration.
Is Aadhaar mandatory for OTR?
Yes. Aadhaar linking is mandatory to create, renew or access your OTR and to apply for an exam.
Does registering for OTR mean I have applied?
No. OTR only creates your profile. You must apply separately for each recruitment before its last date.
Source: TNPSC Group 4 notification No. 11/2026, Annexure I. Fees and file sizes can change, so confirm them in the latest notification.
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- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- TNPSC OTR and how to applyHow to complete TNPSC One Time Registration and apply: Rs.150 OTR fee, Aadhaar linking, photo and signature specs, exam fees, free chances, corrections.
More in TNPSC
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.