PrepMaticExam glossary · TNPSC
VAO: Village Administrative Officer
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VAO stands for Village Administrative Officer (கிராம நிர்வாக அலுவலர்), the revenue administration's officer at village level in Tamil Nadu. The post is filled through the TNPSC Group 4 exam, in the Tamil Nadu Ministerial Service at pay Level 8. In the Group 4 2026 notification it has 291 vacancies under post code 2025.
VAO in the Group 4 2026 notification
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Service | Tamil Nadu Ministerial Service |
| Post code | 2025 |
| Vacancies | 291 (tentative) |
| Pay | Level 8 |
| Minimum age | 21 |
| Maximum age, Others | 30 |
| Maximum age, reserved categories | 40 |
| Maximum age, PwBD | 40 for Others; 50 for reserved categories |
| Maximum age, ex-servicemen | 48 for Others; 53 for reserved categories |
| Maximum age, destitute widow | 40 |
| Minimum qualification | SSLC |
The age is counted as on 01.07.2026.
How VAO differs from other Group 4 posts
- Higher minimum age. Most Group 4 posts start at 18. VAO starts at 21.
- Higher reserved-category limit. The reserved limit of 40 is fixed, and the rule that removes the maximum age for reserved candidates with a higher qualification does not apply to VAO. See higher-qualification age relaxation.
- Same exam. VAO candidates write the same Group 4 paper as Junior Assistant and Typist: 200 questions, 300 marks, 3 hours, with no interview. The Tamil Part A has a 40% gate.
- Shortlisting. VAO is among the posts for on-screen certificate verification at 1:3 for general candidates and 1:2 for reserved candidates, with counselling at 1:3 and 1:1.5. See shortlist ratio.
An example
A 41-year-old SC candidate with a degree can apply for Junior Assistant, since the higher-qualification rule removes the maximum age there. The same candidate cannot apply for VAO, where the reserved limit is 40 and the rule does not apply. A 38-year-old SC candidate is within the VAO limit.
The role, preparation tips and selection details are in the TNPSC VAO guide. For all the Group 4 posts see post code.
Frequently asked questions
What is the full form of VAO?
Village Administrative Officer.
Is VAO a Group 4 post?
Yes. It is filled through the Group 4 exam, and has been for years.
What is the VAO pay level?
Level 8 in the Group 4 2026 notification.
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- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- VAO (Village Administrative Officer)How to become a Village Administrative Officer in Tamil Nadu: 2026 vacancies, age limits, SSLC qualification, selection through the Group 4 exam, and pay level.
More in TNPSC
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 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 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 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.
- 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.