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State services · Group IV & VAO (SSLC standard) · Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC)

TNPSC Group 4 Mock Tests, Syllabus & Complete Exam Guide

TNPSC Combined Civil Services Examination-IV (Group IV & VAO Services). Practise 32 full-length mock tests on the official pattern, drill every topic, and get the eligibility, syllabus, cut-off, rank and college details you need — all in one place.

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TNPSC Group 4 at a glance

Questions
200
Total marks
300
Duration
3 hours
Marking
+1.5 · no negative · no interview
ModeOffline (OMR) · single written exam · Tamil and English
FrequencyOnce every one to two years (as notified)
LanguagesTamil & English (bilingual)
By the ExamguruX Editorial TeamReviewed for pattern accuracy against Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC)Last updated 28 July 2026

TNPSC Group 4 full-length mock tests

Attempt 32 full-length TNPSC Group 4 mock tests built on the official 200-question, 300-mark pattern. The first few are free — every test comes with instant results and a step-by-step solution for each question.

TNPSC Group 4 & VAO Mock 01

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200 Qs · 300 marks180 min13.1K attemptsModerate
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TNPSC Group 4 & VAO Mock 02

Free
200 Qs · 300 marks180 min17.3K attemptsHard
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TNPSC Group 4 & VAO Mock 03

Free
200 Qs · 300 marks180 min21.4K attemptsEasy
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TNPSC Group 4 & VAO Mock 04

200 Qs · 300 marks180 min25.5K attemptsHard
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TNPSC Group 4 & VAO Mock 05

200 Qs · 300 marks180 min29.6K attemptsEasy
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TNPSC Group 4 & VAO Mock 06

200 Qs · 300 marks180 min33.8K attemptsModerate
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TNPSC Group 4 & VAO Mock 07

200 Qs · 300 marks180 min37.9K attemptsHard
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TNPSC Group 4 & VAO Mock 08

200 Qs · 300 marks180 min42.0K attemptsModerate
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TNPSC Group 4 & VAO Mock 09

200 Qs · 300 marks180 min46.1K attemptsHard
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Unlock all TNPSC Group 4 tests

The first tests in each section are free to try. Get the complete TNPSC Group 4 mock library, every topic test and all available languages for 3 months — a one-time ₹199 / 3 months.

TNPSC Group 4 — full access

₹199/ 3 months
  • Every full-length mock test
  • All topic-wise tests, every subject
  • All available languages
  • Step-by-step solution for every question
  • Indicative marks-to-rank & cut-offs

Secure payment by Razorpay · one-time ₹199 for 3 months

TNPSC Group 4 topic-wise tests & syllabus

195 topic tests across 10 subjects — a focused set of 15 tests for every topic in the TNPSC Group 4 syllabus, tagged with approximate exam weightage so you practise where the marks are.

195 topic-wise tests · 15 per topic across 10 subjects. Pick a subject, expand a topic, and start drilling.

Grammar & Poetry (Ilakkanam) — Test 01

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15 Qs · 23 marks15 min108K attemptsModerate
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Grammar & Poetry (Ilakkanam) — Test 02

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15 Qs · 23 marks15 min137K attemptsEasy
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Grammar & Poetry (Ilakkanam) — Test 03

25 Qs · 38 marks25 min166K attemptsHard
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Grammar & Poetry (Ilakkanam) — Test 04

15 Qs · 23 marks15 min195K attemptsModerate
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Grammar & Poetry (Ilakkanam) — Test 05

15 Qs · 23 marks15 min224K attemptsEasy
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Grammar & Poetry (Ilakkanam) — Test 06

25 Qs · 38 marks25 min12.5K attemptsHard
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Grammar & Poetry (Ilakkanam) — Test 07

15 Qs · 23 marks15 min41.4K attemptsModerate
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Grammar & Poetry (Ilakkanam) — Test 08

15 Qs · 23 marks15 min70.3K attemptsEasy
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Grammar & Poetry (Ilakkanam) — Test 09

25 Qs · 38 marks25 min99.2K attemptsHard
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Grammar & Poetry (Ilakkanam) — Test 10

15 Qs · 23 marks15 min128K attemptsModerate
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Grammar & Poetry (Ilakkanam) — Test 11

15 Qs · 23 marks15 min157K attemptsEasy
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Grammar & Poetry (Ilakkanam) — Test 12

25 Qs · 38 marks25 min186K attemptsHard
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Grammar & Poetry (Ilakkanam) — Test 13

15 Qs · 23 marks15 min215K attemptsModerate
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Grammar & Poetry (Ilakkanam) — Test 14

15 Qs · 23 marks15 min244K attemptsEasy
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Grammar & Poetry (Ilakkanam) — Test 15

25 Qs · 38 marks25 min32.5K attemptsHard
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TNPSC Group 4 sample questions (Tamil & English)

A few real TNPSC Group 4 questions with answers and step-by-step solutions, shown in Tamil and English — the same bilingual format you get in the test player.

General Tamil (Eligibility-cum-Scoring)Sample 1

How many couplets (kural) are there in the Thirukkural?

  • A.1000
  • B.1330
  • C.1440
  • D.1330 chapters

Solution: The Thirukkural has 1330 couplets, arranged in 133 chapters of 10 couplets each.

தமிழ்

திருக்குறளில் மொத்தம் எத்தனை குறள்கள் உள்ளன?

  • A. 1000
  • B. 1330
  • C. 1440
  • D. 1330 அதிகாரங்கள்

திருக்குறளில் 1330 குறள்கள் உள்ளன; தலா 10 குறள்கள் கொண்ட 133 அதிகாரங்களாக அமைக்கப்பட்டுள்ளன.

General ScienceSample 2

Which cell organelle is known as the 'powerhouse of the cell'?

  • A.Nucleus
  • B.Mitochondria
  • C.Ribosome
  • D.Golgi body

Solution: Mitochondria are called the powerhouse of the cell because they produce energy (ATP).

தமிழ்

எந்த செல் உறுப்பு 'செல்லின் ஆற்றல் மையம்' என அழைக்கப்படுகிறது?

  • A. உட்கரு
  • B. மைட்டோகாண்ட்ரியா
  • C. ரைபோசோம்
  • D. கோல்கை உறுப்பு

மைட்டோகாண்ட்ரியா ஆற்றலை (ATP) உற்பத்தி செய்வதால் 'செல்லின் ஆற்றல் மையம்' என அழைக்கப்படுகிறது.

Indian GeographySample 3

Which is the smallest state of India by area?

  • A.Goa
  • B.Sikkim
  • C.Tripura
  • D.Nagaland

Solution: Goa is the smallest Indian state by area.

தமிழ்

பரப்பளவின் அடிப்படையில் இந்தியாவின் மிகச்சிறிய மாநிலம் எது?

  • A. கோவா
  • B. சிக்கிம்
  • C. திரிபுரா
  • D. நாகாலாந்து

பரப்பளவின் அடிப்படையில் இந்தியாவின் மிகச்சிறிய மாநிலம் கோவா ஆகும்.

History & Culture of IndiaSample 4

The Taj Mahal at Agra was built by the Mughal emperor:

  • A.Akbar
  • B.Shah Jahan
  • C.Aurangzeb
  • D.Humayun

Solution: The Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.

தமிழ்

ஆக்ராவில் உள்ள தாஜ்மஹாலைக் கட்டிய முகலாய பேரரசர் யார்?

  • A. அக்பர்
  • B. ஷாஜகான்
  • C. ஔரங்கசீப்
  • D. ஹுமாயூன்

தன் மனைவி மும்தாஜ் மஹாலின் நினைவாக ஷாஜகான் தாஜ்மஹாலைக் கட்டினார்.

Indian PolitySample 5

The minimum age required to become a member of the Lok Sabha is:

  • A.21 years
  • B.25 years
  • C.30 years
  • D.35 years

Solution: A person must be at least 25 years old to be a member of the Lok Sabha.

தமிழ்

மக்களவை உறுப்பினராவதற்கு தேவையான குறைந்தபட்ச வயது என்ன?

  • A. 21 ஆண்டுகள்
  • B. 25 ஆண்டுகள்
  • C. 30 ஆண்டுகள்
  • D. 35 ஆண்டுகள்

மக்களவை உறுப்பினராக ஆவதற்கு ஒருவர் குறைந்தபட்சம் 25 வயது நிரம்பியிருக்க வேண்டும்.

Indian EconomySample 6

The 'Green Revolution' in India is chiefly associated with increased production of:

  • A.Milk
  • B.Foodgrains (wheat and rice)
  • C.Fish
  • D.Fruits

Solution: The Green Revolution greatly increased the production of foodgrains, especially wheat and rice.

தமிழ்

இந்தியாவில் 'பசுமைப் புரட்சி' முக்கியமாக எதன் உற்பத்தி அதிகரிப்புடன் தொடர்புடையது?

  • A. பால்
  • B. உணவு தானியங்கள் (கோதுமை மற்றும் அரிசி)
  • C. மீன்
  • D. பழங்கள்

பசுமைப் புரட்சி உணவு தானியங்கள், குறிப்பாக கோதுமை மற்றும் அரிசி உற்பத்தியைப் பெருமளவு அதிகரித்தது.

About the TNPSC Group 4 exam

Recruitment to entry-level Tamil Nadu government posts such as Village Administrative Officer (VAO), Junior Assistant, Bill Collector, Typist and Field Surveyor.

What is TNPSC Group 4 & VAO?

TNPSC Group 4 — the Combined Civil Services Examination-IV — is the entry-level gateway into the Tamil Nadu government. It recruits for widely held posts such as Village Administrative Officer (VAO), Junior Assistant, Bill Collector, Typist, Steno-Typist, Field Surveyor and Draftsman across revenue, secretariat and departmental offices. Since the VAO recruitment was merged into this examination, a single paper now fills both Group 4 and VAO vacancies.

The examination is set at SSLC (10th) standard, which makes it the most accessible TNPSC exam and, consequently, the one with the largest number of applicants — often more than any other state recruitment. Selection is by one objective written paper of 200 questions and 300 marks, taken in 3 hours with no negative marking and, crucially, no interview at any stage.

Why the Part A language paper decides everything

What sets Group 4 apart from Group 1, 2 and 3 is the weight of its language paper. Part A — a 100-question General Tamil (or General English) 'Eligibility-cum-Scoring' test worth 150 marks — is fully half the examination. It is not merely qualifying: the marks count towards your total, but you must first score at least 40% (60 marks) in Part A, or your Part B answer sheet is never evaluated.

Because there is no negative marking and the standard is comparatively basic, top candidates cluster near the ceiling and cut-offs are among the highest in any TNPSC exam — a single mark can move you hundreds of ranks. Selection is also district-wise and communal-roster based, so the mark you need varies by district and community. That combination makes accuracy in the Tamil paper, and a clean sweep of Aptitude, the true differentiators. Exam-accurate bilingual practice is how you turn an accessible syllabus into a winning score.

TNPSC Group 4 eligibility & exam pattern

Check whether you meet the TNPSC Group 4 eligibility criteria and understand exactly how the paper is structured and marked before you plan your preparation.

Eligibility criteria

Educational qualification
A pass in SSLC (10th standard) or its equivalent is the basic requirement for most Group 4 posts. VAO requires an SSLC pass with marks that qualify for higher-secondary admission.
Typist / Steno-Typist
Typist and Steno-Typist Grade-III posts additionally require the prescribed Government Technical (typewriting / shorthand) certificates.
Age limit
Generally 18–32 years for most posts (a higher upper limit applies to some), with upper-age relaxations for SC/ST/MBC/BC, ex-servicemen, differently-abled and destitute-widow categories per TNPSC rules.
Knowledge of Tamil
Candidates must have adequate knowledge of Tamil; the question paper is offered in both Tamil and English, and Part A can be taken in either language.
Number of attempts
No fixed cap on attempts, subject to the upper age limit for your category.
Nationality
Indian citizens satisfying the residence and other service conditions are eligible.

Exam pattern & marking

SubjectQuestionsMarks
Part A — General Tamil / General English (Eligibility-cum-Scoring)Choose Tamil or English; must score 40% (60 marks) for Part B to be evaluated100150
Part B — General Studies (SSLC standard)75112.5
Part B — Aptitude & Mental Ability (SSLC standard)2537.5
Total200300

Group 4 is a single objective written examination of 200 questions worth 300 marks (1.5 marks each), completed in 3 hours with NO negative marking. Part A is a 100-question General Tamil OR General English 'Eligibility-cum-Scoring' test worth 150 marks — you must score at least 40% (60 marks) in Part A, otherwise Part B is not evaluated. Part B has 75 General Studies and 25 Aptitude questions worth 150 marks. The total of Part A and Part B decides the rank; there is no interview.

Duration: 3 hours (180 minutes).

How to prepare for TNPSC Group 4

A proven, focused TNPSC Group 4 preparation method — from building strong fundamentals to peaking with full-length mocks.

  1. 1

    Master the Tamil (or English) Part A paper

    Half your marks come from the 100-question language paper, and you must clear 40% in it to be evaluated at all. Drill Tamil grammar (ilakkanam), poetry, authors and their works, and Sangam/classical literature until they are automatic — this is where ranks are won or lost.

  2. 2

    Score full marks in Aptitude

    The 25 Aptitude questions are the most predictable marks in Part B. Practise arithmetic, percentages, ratios, series and simple reasoning until you can clear them quickly and accurately, leaving more time for General Studies.

  3. 3

    Cover General Studies at SSLC standard

    Anchor General Studies in the Tamil Nadu Samacheer Kalvi (6th–10th) textbooks, which mirror the exam's standard closely. Focus on Science, History, Geography, Polity, Economy, the National Movement and Tamil Nadu — factual recall matters more than depth here.

  4. 4

    Play the no-negative, no-interview game

    With no negative marking, never leave a question blank — a considered guess costs nothing. With no interview, your written total is final, so aim to attempt all 200 questions and maximise accuracy rather than holding back.

  5. 5

    Track current affairs and static GK

    Follow about a year of Tamil Nadu and national current events, government schemes, sports and awards. A small but reliable set of static-GK and current-affairs marks can decide your position in such a tightly bunched field.

  6. 6

    Simulate the full 3-hour paper

    Rehearse complete 200-question bilingual mocks in your chosen language under the clock, prioritising the language paper first to secure the 40% gate, then Part B. Review every mock to convert careless losses into the marks that district cut-offs demand.

TNPSC Group 4 marks, cut-offs & selection

Group 4 is decided by a single objective written examination of 300 marks with no interview. Because there is no negative marking and the standard is SSLC (10th), scores run high and cut-offs are among the toughest of any TNPSC exam — often decided by a mark or two. Selection is district-/unit-wise and communal-roster based, so cut-offs vary widely between districts. The bands below are indicative.

TNPSC Group 4 marks vs. rank

Score rangeScore zoneGuidance
195+ / 300Top zoneVery strong — safe in most districts
175–194StrongIn contention across many districts
155–174Safe (General)Around the General cut-off in most districts
135–154BorderlineMay clear for reserved categories / some districts
Below 135Below cut-offStrengthen Part A Tamil and Aptitude accuracy

Cut-off marks by category (indicative, district-wise varies)

General (UR)Cut-off zone

Indicative marks: ≈ 150 – 190

BCCut-off zone

Indicative marks: ≈ 145 – 185

MBC / DNCCut-off zone

Indicative marks: ≈ 140 – 180

SCCut-off zone

Indicative marks: ≈ 120 – 165

STCut-off zone

Indicative marks: ≈ 100 – 150

The single-written-exam pattern, the 200-question/300-mark structure, the +1.5 no-negative marking, the no-interview selection, the Part A 40% eligibility rule and the bilingual format are the official TNPSC Group 4 details. Cut-off marks and score zones are indicative, based on recent-cycle trends, and vary widely by district, unit and community each year. Always verify current specifics on tnpsc.gov.in.

Posts under TNPSC Group IV & VAO

Group 4 is the entry gateway to the Tamil Nadu government, filling clerical, revenue and field posts across departments. Village Administrative Officer (VAO) was merged into this examination, so a single paper now recruits for both. There is no interview — selection is on the written exam alone. The list below shows representative posts with their department and the qualification they need.

PostDepartment / CadreQualificationQualification
Village Administrative Officer (VAO)Revenue DepartmentSSLC (HSC-eligible marks)Written exam only · no interview
Junior Assistant (Non-Security)Secretariat / departmentsSSLC (10th pass)Written exam only · no interview
Bill CollectorLocal bodies / municipalitiesSSLC (10th pass)Written exam only · no interview
TypistGovernment officesSSLC + Typewriting certificateWritten exam only · no interview
Steno-Typist Grade-IIIGovernment officesSSLC + Shorthand & TypewritingWritten exam only · no interview
Field SurveyorSurvey & Settlement DepartmentSSLC (10th pass)Written exam only · no interview
DraftsmanPublic works / departmentsSSLC (10th pass)Written exam only · no interview
Junior Revenue InspectorRevenue DepartmentSSLC (10th pass)Written exam only · no interview

A representative set of institutes that admit through TNPSC Group 4. Many more posts participate in the counselling process.

TNPSC Group 4 important dates

The typical TNPSC Group 4 timeline, from notification to counselling. Dates are tentative until the official notification is released.

  1. Notification & online application

    As announced by TNPSC on tnpsc.gov.in

  2. Written examination

    Single objective paper, as per the TNPSC calendar

  3. Answer key & objections

    Provisional key published shortly after the exam

  4. Result & mark list

    A few weeks to a few months after the written exam

  5. Certificate verification

    For candidates shortlisted district-/unit-wise

  6. Final selection & posting

    Merit lists for Group 4 and VAO posts by district

TNPSC Group 4 — frequently asked questions

Quick, reliable answers to the questions TNPSC Group 4 aspirants ask most.

Is there an interview in the TNPSC Group 4 exam?

No. Group 4 (and VAO) is decided entirely by a single objective written examination — there is no interview or oral test at any stage. Your total across Part A and Part B is your final score, which is one reason accuracy in the written paper matters so much.

What is the TNPSC Group 4 exam pattern and Part A rule?

The paper has 200 questions worth 300 marks (1.5 marks each), taken in 3 hours with no negative marking. Part A is a 100-question General Tamil OR General English 'Eligibility-cum-Scoring' test (150 marks); Part B has 75 General Studies and 25 Aptitude questions (150 marks). You must score at least 40% (60 marks) in Part A, otherwise Part B is not evaluated — but Part A marks also count towards your total.

What is the difference between Group 4 and VAO?

The Village Administrative Officer (VAO) recruitment was merged into the Group 4 examination, so both are filled through the same written paper. The main difference is eligibility: VAO requires an SSLC pass with marks qualifying for higher-secondary admission, while most other Group 4 posts need a basic SSLC pass. Typist and Steno-Typist posts additionally need typewriting/shorthand certificates.

Which posts are offered under TNPSC Group 4?

Group 4 fills entry-level government posts including Village Administrative Officer (VAO), Junior Assistant, Bill Collector, Typist, Steno-Typist Grade-III, Field Surveyor, Draftsman and Junior Revenue Inspector, across revenue, secretariat, local-body and departmental offices. The post you get depends on your merit, community and preferences.

Why are TNPSC Group 4 cut-offs so high?

Because the standard is SSLC (10th) and there is no negative marking, a large share of candidates score highly and the field bunches near the top — so cut-offs are among the highest of any TNPSC exam and a single mark can shift you by hundreds of ranks. Selection is also district-/unit-wise and communal-roster based, so the exact cut-off varies by district and community.

How should I use mock tests to prepare for Group 4?

Take full-length bilingual mocks in your chosen language and attempt Part A first to secure the 40% eligibility gate, then Part B. Because there is no negative marking, attempt all 200 questions. Use subject and topic tests to master Tamil grammar and literature and to guarantee the Aptitude marks, then review each mock to eliminate careless errors that district cut-offs punish.

Official sources & references

The TNPSC Group 4 pattern, marking, eligibility and dates on this page are verified against Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC). Exam details can change each cycle — always confirm current specifics on the official source before you rely on them.

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