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PwBD in TNPSC recruitment
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PwBD stands for persons with benchmark disabilities, the term used for candidates with certified disabilities who are covered by reservation and concessions. TNPSC notifications also call them differently-abled candidates. Tamil Nadu reserves 4% of vacancies for PwBD, and PwBD candidates get a higher age limit, a full fee exemption and some relief in the Tamil paper.
Concessions in recent notifications
| Item | Rule |
|---|---|
| Reservation | 4% of vacancies |
| Exam fee | Full exemption in Group 4 2026 |
| Maximum age, Group 4 2026, most SSLC-level posts | 40 for Others, 42 for BC/MBC, 45 for SC/ST |
| Maximum age, VAO, Group 4 2026 | 40 for Others, 50 for reserved categories |
| Maximum age, Group 2/2A, 2025 (most posts) | 42 for Others |
| Maximum age, Group 1, 2025 | 44 for Others, 49 for reserved categories |
| Exam centre preferences, Group 4 2026 | One, against two for other candidates |
The Group 1 notification states that PwBD candidates are not eligible for the DSP post. Eligibility by disability type is post-specific, so check the notification's post table.
The Tamil paper
- Group 4: Part A is a Tamil-only Tamil Eligibility-cum-Scoring Test. The exception is differently-abled candidates who studied only in English, who may take General English (SSLC standard) instead. The 40% requirement stays the same.
- Group 1 and Group II mains: PwBD candidates may be exempted from Paper I, the Tamil Eligibility Test, which is a qualifying paper.
An example
A PwBD candidate in the Others category aged 38 applies for Junior Assistant in Group 4 2026. The civilian limit for Others is 30, but the PwBD limit is 40, so the candidate is within the age limit. The exam fee is waived. If the candidate studied only in English, Part A can be taken in English instead of Tamil.
Preparing the claim
- Get the disability certificate that the notification asks for, in the format it lists.
- Check each post. The Group 1 DSP post, for example, is not open to PwBD candidates.
- Expect the claim to be checked at certificate verification.
Frequently asked questions
What does PwBD stand for?
Persons with benchmark disabilities. TNPSC's notifications also use the phrase differently-abled.
Do PwBD candidates pay the TNPSC exam fee?
Group 4 2026 gives PwBD candidates a full exemption from the exam fee.
Are PwBD candidates exempted from the Tamil paper?
Not in Group 4, where there is a General English alternative for those who studied only in English. In the Group 1 and Group II mains, they may be exempted from the Tamil Eligibility Test.
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- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- TNPSC age limit & eligibilityTNPSC age limits for Group 1, Group 2/2A and Group 4 by community, PwBD, ex-servicemen and widows, plus qualification, Tamil knowledge and attempt rules.
More in TNPSC
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.