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How much is the TNPSC exam fee?
The TNPSC Group 4 exam fee is Rs.100, after a one-time OTR registration of Rs.150. Group 2 and 2A charge Rs.100 for the prelims and Rs.150 for the mains. Group 1 charges Rs.100 for the prelims and Rs.200 for the mains. Several categories pay nothing.
Fees by stage
| Item | Fee | Notification |
|---|---|---|
| One Time Registration (OTR), valid 5 years | Rs.150 (paid once) | Group 4, No. 11/2026 |
| Group 4 examination | Rs.100 | Group 4, No. 11/2026 |
| Group 2 and 2A preliminary exam | Rs.100 | Group 2/2A, No. 11/2025 |
| Group 2 and 2A main exam | Rs.150, or Rs.300 if shortlisted for both Group II and IIA mains | Group 2/2A, No. 11/2025 |
| Group 1 preliminary exam | Rs.100 | Group 1, No. 04/2025 |
| Group 1 main exam | Rs.200 | Group 1, No. 04/2025 |
These are the fees printed in the notifications, unless you claim a concession. The mains fee is paid by candidates who are shortlisted for the mains.
What you pay in total
For Group 4 as a first-time applicant, the money is Rs.150 for the OTR plus Rs.100 for the exam, which is Rs.250. Next time, within the OTR's five years, the OTR is not charged again. For Group 2, a candidate who clears the prelims pays Rs.100 and then Rs.150 for the mains. A candidate shortlisted for both mains pays Rs.100 plus Rs.300. See the OTR validity answer.
Who pays less
| Category | Concession |
|---|---|
| SC, SC(A), ST | Full exemption |
| Persons with benchmark disabilities | Full exemption |
| Destitute widows | Full exemption |
| BC(OBCM), BCM, MBC/DC | 3 free chances |
| Ex-servicemen | 2 free chances |
The rules, including how free chances are counted, are in who gets fee exemption. The OTR fee itself is described on the OTR and how to apply page.
Source
- TNPSC Group 4 Notification No. 11/2026, Annexure I, paras 2.1 and 3.9.1
- TNPSC Group 2/2A Notification No. 11/2025, Annexure I, para 3.9
- TNPSC Group 1 Notification No. 04/2025, Annexure I, para 3.9
Fees change between cycles. Confirm them in the latest notification.
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- 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.
- TNPSC OTR validityA TNPSC One Time Registration is valid for 5 years from registration and costs Rs.150 once. What it does and does not cover, and how renewal works.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 attempt limitTNPSC notifications for Group 1, 2/2A and 4 set no cap on attempts. The real limits are the maximum age and the number of free fee-concession chances.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.