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Is VAO a separate exam from TNPSC Group 4?
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No. Village Administrative Officer (VAO) is not a separate exam. It is one of the posts filled through the TNPSC Group 4 examination, which is the same paper that fills Junior Assistant, Typist, Bill Collector and other posts. The 2026 notification lists VAO as post code 2025 with 291 vacancies.
One paper for all Group 4 posts
Everyone sits the same single paper: 200 questions for 300 marks in 3 hours, with Part A Tamil, Part B General Studies and Part C Aptitude. There is no separate VAO paper and no VAO interview. Which post you get depends on your rank, your community and the post preferences you give at counselling. The Group 4 exam pattern has the complete layout.
Where VAO rules differ
| Item | VAO | Most other Group 4 posts |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum age | 21 | 18 |
| Maximum age, Others | 30 | 30 |
| Maximum age, reserved categories | 40 | 32 (BC/BCM/MBC/DC) or 35 (SC/SC(A)/ST) |
| Higher qualification means no maximum age | Not applicable | Applies to reserved categories |
| Pay level | Level 8 | Level 8 for Junior Assistant, Bill Collector, Typist; Level 10 for Steno-Typist |
| Shortlist for counselling | 1:3 general, 1:1.5 reserved | Same for Junior Assistant and Steno |
The qualification is the same SSLC pass. Check your age and category against the VAO age limit.
Is it still called "Group 4 and VAO"?
Many guides keep the older phrase "Group 4 and VAO". In the 2026 notification, VAO is simply one of 46 post codes in the Group 4 recruitment. So when you search for VAO syllabus, VAO exam date or VAO notification, the answers are the Group 4 ones. See the Group 4 syllabus and the VAO post guide.
Should you apply for VAO specifically?
Because the exam is shared, you do not need to decide your post before the exam. You apply once, sit once, and your rank decides which posts are open to you. If VAO is your target, make sure you meet its age and Tamil requirements, then aim for as high a rank as possible, since the better ranks choose first. The date and process are on the Group 4 exam date page.
Source
Confirm the post details in the latest notification.
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- 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 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 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.
More in TNPSC
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 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 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.
- Women's reservation in TNPSCTNPSC Group 4 reserves 30 percent of posts for women, with a further 10 percent of that for destitute widows up to Level 10. How the quota works in 2026.
- 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.