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What is the qualification for TNPSC Typist and Steno-Typist?
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In the Group 4 2026 notification, a Typist needs an SSLC pass plus a government technical examination certificate in typewriting. A Steno-Typist Grade III needs SSLC plus typewriting and shorthand. Both are recruited through the same Group 4 written exam as Junior Assistant and VAO.
What each post asks for
| Item | Typist | Steno-Typist Grade III |
|---|---|---|
| Post code | 2200 | 2300 |
| Vacancies (2026, including backlog) | 856 | 209 |
| Pay level | Level 8 | Level 10 |
| Education | SSLC | SSLC |
| Typewriting | Government Technical Examination in Tamil and English, in the higher or lower grade combinations the notification lists | Typewriting as listed in the notification |
| Shorthand | Not required | Required |
| Computer | Computer on Office Automation (COA), which can be acquired during probation for some posts | See the notification |
The Typist post is filled under several services, including the Tamil Nadu Ministerial Service, the Legislative Assembly Secretariat and the Secretariat Service. The notification lists the exact grade combinations of Tamil and English typewriting that it accepts, so check the row for your service.
Do you need the certificate before applying?
The certificates are a requirement of the post, so check the notification for the date by which you must hold them. A certificate that you do not yet have will not satisfy the condition. For the COA, the notification lets some posts acquire it during the probation period.
How selection works
Everyone sits the same single written paper of 200 questions on 10 January 2027. After the exam, onscreen certificate verification is done at 1:3 (general) or 1:2 (reserved) for both posts. At counselling, Typist is again 1:3 and 1:2, while Steno is 1:3 and 1:1.5. There is no interview, and we found no separate typing test in the paragraphs we reviewed.
Age
Most Group 4 posts follow the standard limits as on 1 July 2026: 18 to 30 for Others, 32 for BC/BCM/MBC/DC and 35 for SC/SC(A)/ST. See the Group 4 age limit. Waqf Board Typist and Steno posts are for Muslim candidates only.
Source
Read the exact certificate rules in the latest notification.
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- Group 4 educational qualificationThe minimum qualification for TNPSC Group 4 is an SSLC pass. Which posts need typewriting, shorthand or a degree, and the order rule for qualifications.
- Group 4 2026 vacanciesTNPSC Group 4 Notification 11/2026 lists 6,574 vacancies across 46 post codes. Post-wise numbers for VAO, Junior Assistant, Typist and more.
- Diploma holders and Group 4Diploma holders can apply for TNPSC Group 4 if they have passed SSLC. What the 2026 notification says on qualification order, age and extra post conditions.
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