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What is the age limit for VAO?
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For the Village Administrative Officer post in the Group 4 notification of 2026, the minimum age is 21 and the maximum is 30 for Others and 40 for reserved categories, counted as on 1 July 2026. The limits for persons with disabilities, ex-servicemen and destitute widows are higher.
VAO age limits (as on 1 July 2026)
| Category | Minimum age | Maximum age |
|---|---|---|
| Others | 21 | 30 |
| BC(OBCM), BCM, MBC/DC, SC, SC(A), ST | 21 | 40 |
| Persons with benchmark disabilities, Others | 21 | 40 |
| Persons with benchmark disabilities, reserved | 21 | 50 |
| Ex-servicemen, Others | 21 | 48 |
| Ex-servicemen, reserved | 21 | 53 |
| Destitute widows | 21 | 40 |
These limits are from Notification No. 11/2026 (para 4.1). The "Others" category means candidates who do not belong to a reserved category.
How VAO differs from other Group 4 posts
For most other Group 4 posts the minimum age is 18, and the maximum for reserved categories is 32 or 35. VAO is stricter at the bottom (21) and more generous at the top for reserved categories (40). One more difference: the relief that removes the maximum age for reserved candidates holding a higher qualification does not apply to VAO. So a BC candidate with a degree has no upper age limit (below 60) for most other Group 4 posts, but for VAO the limit remains 40.
Date of counting
Age is reckoned on 1 July 2026, not on the exam date or the date you apply. You must have completed 21 years by that date. For the Others limit of 30, the notification says you should not have completed 30 years on 1 July 2026, so a candidate who turns 30 on 2 July 2026 is still inside and one who turned 30 on or before 1 July is outside. Check this against your date of birth.
If you are older
Other Group 4 posts may still be open to you. Reserved candidates with HSC or a degree have no maximum age for most posts. The Group 4 age limit answer lists the posts and rules. See the qualification for VAO too.
Source
Check the VAO row 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 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.
- Group 4 age limitGroup 4 age limit as on 1 July 2026: 30 for Others, 32 for BC/MBC, 35 for SC/ST on most posts, and no maximum for higher-qualified reserved candidates.
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