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How long is TNPSC OTR valid?
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A TNPSC One Time Registration (OTR) is valid for five years from the date you register. You pay the Rs.150 registration fee once, and during those five years you can apply to any TNPSC exam with the same profile without registering again.
What the five years cover
Annexure I (paras 2.1 and 2.3) of Notification No. 11/2026 describes the OTR as a one-time registration with a validity of five years. Within that period:
- You keep one permanent profile with your personal, educational and community details.
- You apply to each exam separately using your OTR user ID. The OTR itself is not an application.
- You pay each exam's own fee (Rs.100 for Group 4) unless you have a concession.
What it does not cover
The OTR does not apply you to anything. After registering, you must still open the individual notification and submit the application within its dates, with a fresh photograph taken on or after the notification date. The five-year validity also does not freeze your eligibility: your age and qualification are checked against each notification separately.
Renewal and changes
When the five years end, you renew the OTR. Linking Aadhaar is mandatory for creating, renewing and accessing it. See is Aadhaar mandatory. You can also edit the OTR details later with supporting documents, but only within the correction rules the notification gives.
A simple check
Look at the registration date on your OTR. If an exam notification is due and your five years end before the last date for applying, renew first so you do not lose time in the application window. The window itself is short: for Group 4 2026 it runs from 6 October to 5 November 2026. Use the TNPSC annual planner to see when notifications are scheduled.
Where to register
Registration is online at www.tnpscexams.in. The step-by-step process, documents and fees are in the OTR and how to apply guide.
Source
Confirm validity and fee in the latest notification.
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- Aadhaar for TNPSC OTRYes. Linking Aadhaar is mandatory to create, renew or access your TNPSC One Time Registration and to apply for any exam. What it means and what else you need.
- Editing a TNPSC applicationTNPSC opens a three-day correction window after the last date to apply. Group 4 2026 corrections run 9 to 11 November 2026. What OTR edits need.
- TNPSC exam feeTNPSC fees: Rs.150 for OTR once, then Rs.100 for Group 4, Rs.100 plus Rs.150 for Group 2, and Rs.100 plus Rs.200 for Group 1. Who pays nothing.
More in TNPSC
- TNPSC helpdesk numberTNPSC helpdesk toll-free number 1800 419 0958 works 10 AM to 5.45 PM on working days. Email addresses for OTR queries and grievances, and when to use each.
- TNPSC photo and signature sizeTNPSC photo and signature specs from the 2026 notification: 20-50 KB photo, 10-20 KB signature, 4.5 x 3.5 cm with a name and date strip. No selfies.
- TNPSC fee exemptionSC, SC(A), ST, disabled candidates and destitute widows pay no TNPSC exam fee. BC, MBC and DC get 3 free chances and ex-servicemen 2. How the count works.
- Typist and Steno-Typist qualificationTNPSC Group 4 Typist needs SSLC plus a government typewriting certificate; Steno-Typist Grade III also needs shorthand. Vacancies, pay level and age.
- TNPSC concessions for PwBDTNPSC gives persons with benchmark disabilities 4% reservation, full fee exemption, higher age limits and relaxations in Tamil papers. Group-wise details.
- VAO age limitTNPSC VAO age limit as on 1 July 2026: minimum 21; maximum 30 for Others and 40 for reserved categories. PwBD, ex-servicemen and destitute widow limits.
- TNPSC community reservationTNPSC follows Tamil Nadu's community reservation: SC 15%, SC(A) 3%, ST 1%, BC 26.5%, BC Muslim 3.5% and MBC/DC 20%. Plus women and disability quotas.
- VAO and Group 4: same exam?No. VAO is a post filled through the TNPSC Group 4 exam. One paper, one application, then post choice by rank at counselling. Where VAO rules differ.