PrepMaticExam questions answered · TNPSC
Is there reservation for women in TNPSC exams?
On this page
Yes. In the Group 4 2026 notification, 30 percent of the posts are reserved for women. Within that women's quota, destitute widows get 10 percent for posts up to Level 10. The reservation is set out in Annexure II of Notification No. 11/2026.
How the 30 percent works
The notification lists the women's quota alongside the community percentages. Annexure II explains how it applies to each post, so read it for the exact order in which seats are filled.
| Quota | Share | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Women | 30% of posts | Group 4, 2026 |
| Destitute widows | 10% of the women's 30% | Posts up to Level 10 |
| Persons with benchmark disabilities | 4% | Group 4, 2026 |
Because 10 percent of 30 is 3, destitute widows get roughly three seats out of every hundred posts, subject to the rules. That figure is arithmetic and not a number printed in the notification.
Which exams and posts
The reservation is part of the Group 4 notification we read. For Group 1, the destitute-widow reservation does not apply, though a destitute-widow age concession is still listed. For Group 2 and 2A and other exams, read Annexure II of the notification.
What else changes for women candidates
- A destitute widow gets full fee exemption and special age relaxation. See who is a destitute widow.
- Forest Guard and Forest Watcher have physical tests with separate standards: the walking endurance test is 25 km for men and 16 km for women and third-gender candidates in 4 hours.
For the community side, see the community reservation. For the exam's minimum marks, see the Group 4 passing mark.
Source
The quota can differ by post, so confirm it for the post you want.
Find your weak TNPSC units before the exam does
Take a free TNPSC assessment on PrepMatic. It shows where you stand across General Tamil, General Studies and Aptitude, then builds a day-by-day study plan and mock tests focused on your weak subjects.
Start free assessment →Free forever plan · No credit card · 2-minute setupRelated
- Destitute widow in TNPSCTNPSC treats a widow with total monthly income of Rs.8,000 or less as a destitute widow. Divorcees are excluded. Fee, age and reservation benefits explained.
- 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 concessions for PwBDTNPSC gives persons with benchmark disabilities 4% reservation, full fee exemption, higher age limits and relaxations in Tamil papers. Group-wise details.
More in TNPSC
- Which TNPSC group is easiest?No TNPSC group is officially easier, but their standards, stages and interview rules differ. A fair comparison to help you pick between Groups 4, 2A, 2 and 1.
- VAO salaryA Village Administrative Officer is paid at Level 8 of the Tamil Nadu pay matrix, as listed in TNPSC Group 4 Notification 11/2026. How to read the pay level.
- VAO qualificationA Village Administrative Officer is recruited through TNPSC Group 4 on an SSLC pass. Qualification, minimum age 21 and eligibility rules from the 2026 notice.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 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 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.