Blog
Group 4 Age Limit Explained: Eligibility Rules & Relaxations for TNPSC Aspirants
- August 26, 2025
 - Posted by: aca-usrisadym
 - Category: Blog
 
						If you are going to take the TNPSC Group 4 exam, then one of the main questions most aspirants want to know is the Group 4 age limit. Understanding the eligibility rules, qualifications, and relaxations is important before you begin your preparation.
This blog will break it down in simple terms, so you will know for sure whether you qualify and how many attempts you have to take the exam.
Why Age Limit Matters in TNPSC Exams
The TNPSC age limit determines eligibility for Group 4 posts, including Village Administrative Officer (VAO), Junior Assistant, Bill Collector, Typist, and Steno-Typist. Since thousands of candidates apply every year, the age rules make sure the opportunities are fairly distributed across fresh graduates, working professionals, and those waiting for government job chances.
Knowing the Group 4 exam age limit early helps you plan your career path. For example, if you’re a student planning to attempt after graduation, or a working professional trying for a stable government job, you must be aware of the maximum attempts available for your category.
TNPSC Group 4 Eligibility: Age Limit, Qualification, and Rules
TNPSC Group 4 Age Limit – General Category
For candidates in the General (OC) category, the age limit for Group 4 is:
- Minimum age: 18 years
 - Maximum age: 32 years
 
This means even if you’re just finishing school, you’re eligible to write the exam after turning 18. On the other hand, if you’re above 32, you won’t be eligible under the General category.
TNPSC Group 4 Age Limit for Reserved Categories
Good news for candidates from reserved categories. TNPSC provides extended age relaxations. Here’s the breakdown:
- BC / MBC / DNC / OBC: Minimum age is 18 years, and the maximum age is 34 years.
 - SC / ST / Destitute Widows: Minimum age is 18 years and the maximum age is 37 years.
 - Ex-servicemen: Up to 48 years, subject to educational qualifications and reservation.
 
So, if you fall under any of these categories, you have extra chances compared to the General category. This relaxation is a major advantage for those who need more attempts to balance preparation with work or family responsibilities.
For example, the Group 4 age limit for SC allows candidates up to 37 years, giving them five extra years compared to General category aspirants. Similarly, the Group 4 age limit for MBC is capped at 34 years.
VAO Exam Age Limit
Since the Village Administrative Officer (VAO) post is one of the most popular under Group 4, many aspirants ask about its specific rules. The VAO exam age limit is:
- General Category: 21 to 32 years
 - BC / MBC / DNC / OBC: 21 to 34 years
 - SC / ST / Widows: 21 to 37 years
 
Note that the minimum age for VAO is 21 years, slightly higher than other Group 4 posts.
Also Read:- https://kpriasacademy.in/achievements/
TNPSC Group 4 Qualification and Age Limit
You need to fulfil the education qualification and age requirements to apply. Qualification and age limit of TNPSC Group IV ultimately define eligibility.
- Qualification: You must have at least SSLC (10th standard) pass.
 - Additional Skills: For Typist and Steno-Typists, Tamil typing or shorthand certificate is mandatory.
 - Degree Holders: There is no additional upper age relaxation for degree holders, but higher education is not a disqualifying factor. So, the TNPSC Group 4 age limit for the degree holders is same as their community category.
 - Must produce certificates for vision and physical fitness prescribed as per the posts of Group 4 Recruitment.
 
Why Students Should Plan Early
If you’re a college student aiming for a government job, starting early is a smart move. Being aware of the TNPSC Group 4 eligible age ensures you don’t miss your window of opportunity. For example, a 19-year-old undergraduate can already apply and gain exam experience. This early exposure often gives students a big advantage by the time they’re in their mid-20s.
For working professionals, the age relaxations for OBC, BC, and SC/ST statuses mean you can do a job and prepare with little concern over your attempts running short.
Understanding the eligibility is only step one, consistent preparation is what will help you succeed. Many aspirants join a TNPSC coaching centre in Coimbatore to get structured guidance, access to model question papers, and strategies for time management. Coaching also helps aspirants stay updated with syllabus changes and exam patterns.
Influence of Age Relaxations on Career Aspirants
The age relaxations in TNPSC exams aren’t just numbers; they have a real impact on people’s lives. For example:
- Fresh graduates can apply right after finishing school.
 - Mid-career professionals from reserved categories get extra years to attempt without quitting their jobs immediately.
 - Widows and women candidates benefit from special relaxations to re-enter the workforce.
 - Ex-servicemen can continue their careers in public service after retiring from defense.
 
This balance ensures inclusivity and gives opportunities to aspirants from all walks of life.
Also Read:- https://kpriasacademy.in/upsc-syllabus-3/
Conclusion
The TNPSC Group 4 age limit is probably the most significant factor to check prior to submitting an application. Once you understand the limits for General, BC, MBC, SC, ST, and other categories, you can easily assess your eligibility and bring clarity to your planning. Whether you are a young student or a working professional, TNPSC helps ensure that everyone gets a fair opportunity.
By understanding the Group 4 exam age limit, the qualifications, and the relaxations available, you will be in a better position to determine how best to utilize your attempts and have them count. Combine this with intense preparation, and your aspiration to work as a government servant will certainly become a reality.
FAQ
1. Group exam age limit
The general age limit for TNPSC Group exams varies from 18 to 32 years, with relaxations for reserved categories.
2. TNPSC Group 4 minimum age limit
The minimum age limit for TNPSC Group 4 is 18 years.
3. VAO qualification and age limit
For VAO, candidates need an SSLC pass and must be 21–32 years old, with age relaxations for certain categories.
4. VAO age limit
The VAO exam age limit is 21–32 years, with relaxations for SC, ST, BC, and other reserved groups.
5. TNPSC exam age limit
TNPSC exams generally have an age limit of 18–32 years, though it may vary depending on the post.
6. TNPSC registration
Candidates must complete One-Time Registration (OTR) on the TNPSC official website before applying for exams.
7. Group 4 eligibility age
The eligibility age for TNPSC Group 4 is 18 years minimum and up to 32 years maximum, with relaxations for reserved categories.