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Who gets fee exemption in TNPSC exams?
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In TNPSC exams, SC, SC(A) and ST candidates, persons with benchmark disabilities and destitute widows are fully exempt from the exam fee. BC(OBCM), BCM and MBC/DC candidates get three free chances, and ex-servicemen get two. Everyone else pays the fee in the notification.
The concession table
| Category | Concession | Counted? |
|---|---|---|
| SC, SC(A), ST | Full exemption | No limit |
| Persons with benchmark disabilities | Full exemption | No limit |
| Destitute widows | Full exemption | No limit |
| BC(OBCM), BCM, MBC/DC | 3 free chances | Yes |
| Ex-servicemen | 2 free chances | Yes |
These are the rules in Annexure II of Notification No. 11/2026 (Group 4). The OTR fee of Rs.150 is separate. See how much the TNPSC exam fee is.
How a free chance is counted
Each application in which you claim the concession uses up one free chance, whatever the post is. If you apply three times with a BC concession, the fourth application is charged the normal fee. The count runs across posts, not post by post.
For the full exemption categories, there is no count: you can claim the exemption every time you are eligible.
Claim it correctly
- Claim the concession for which you are entitled, as shown by your certificate.
- A false claim leads to rejection of the application and a one-year debarment.
- Keep the community, disability or widow certificate ready for verification.
A free chance is not an attempt limit
The free-chance count does not limit how many times you may sit TNPSC exams. After your free chances are used, you pay the fee as usual. Read the attempts answer.
Where it applies
The same categories appear in the Group 2/2A and Group 1 notifications we read. For definitions, see who is a destitute widow and the community reservation answer.
Source
Confirm the concession rules in the notification you apply under.
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- 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.
- 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 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.
More in TNPSC
- 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 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 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 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 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.