The Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) manages civil service recruitment across Tamil Nadu through its portals tnpsc.gov.in and apply.tnpscexams.in.
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What is the TNPSC recruitment portal
The TNPSC portal is the official gateway for candidates applying for Tamil Nadu state government posts, including Village Administrative Officers (VAO), Junior Assistants, Typists, and Executive Officers across Groups 1, 2, 3, and 4.
The commission operates two key digital services: the informational portal (tnpsc.gov.in) for notifications, annual planners, syllabus PDFs, and answer keys, and the transactional examination portal (apply.tnpscexams.in) for One Time Registration (OTR), online application submission, hall ticket downloads, and result tracking.
Prerequisites for TNPSC OTR and application
Keep these credentials ready before beginning your application:
| Document / Detail | Specifications | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Aadhaar Card | 12-digit number with linked mobile phone | Mandatory for biometric e-KYC authentication |
| SSLC / Class 10 Certificate | Board name, register number, and certificate number | Primary proof of date of birth and candidate name |
| Passport Size Photograph | 20 KB to 50 KB, white background with name and date | Uploaded during profile creation |
| Scanned Signature | 10 KB to 20 KB, blue or black ink on white paper | Uploaded during profile creation |
| Community Certificate | Issuing authority, certificate number, and community category | Claiming age and fee concessions (BC, MBC, SC, ST) |
| Active Mobile Number & Email | Functional SIM and active email inbox | Receives application alerts and login OTP codes |
How to register for TNPSC One Time Registration (OTR)
All candidates must complete OTR before applying for any individual recruitment drive:
Access the examination portal
Navigate to apply.tnpscexams.in and click on One Time Registration (OTR) in the main menu.
Select new registration
Click New User Registration. Note that OTR registration is valid for 5 years from creation.
Enter personal details and SSLC data
Type your name, date of birth, father's name, mother's name, gender, religion, and community category. Enter your 10th standard board name, SSLC register number, and year of passing.
Complete Aadhaar e-KYC verification
Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and authorized name. Input the one-time password dispatched to your Aadhaar-linked mobile phone to verify identity.
Upload photograph and signature
Upload your compliant scanned passport photograph (20–50 KB) and signature file (10–20 KB).
Pay registration fee and generate Login ID
Pay the one-time registration fee of 150 rupees via net banking, debit card, or UPI. Save your permanent OTR Login ID and Password generated on screen.
Step-by-step guide to TNPSC login and Group 4 apply online
Once OTR registration is complete, submit your application for Group 4 services:
Open the candidate login screen
Visit apply.tnpscexams.in and click on Apply Online or Registered User.
Log in to candidate dashboard
Type your OTR Login ID, Password, and solve the numerical captcha challenge. Click Submit to open your profile.
Select Group 4 recruitment notification
Under the Live Applications tab, find Combined Civil Services Examination IV (Group IV Services) and click Apply Now.
Confirm educational eligibility
Verify your educational qualifications, SSLC/HSC marks, technical certifications (typewriting or shorthand if applying for typist posts), and claim any PSTM (Persons Studied in Tamil Medium) preference.
Select exam district and center
Choose your preferred examination district and center from the available options.
Pay examination fee and download receipt
Review your complete application preview. Pay the standard exam fee of 100 rupees (or claim fee exemption if eligible). Save your PDF application form and application registration number for future reference.
How to download TNPSC hall tickets and check results
Follow these steps to access exam admit cards and final selection ranks:
Access the hall ticket portal
Visit tnpsc.gov.in and select Download Hall Ticket from the right-hand menu.
Enter application details
Type your OTR Login ID or Application Number and your Date of Birth in DD/MM/YYYY format.
Download and print admit card
Download your Hall Ticket PDF. Check your assigned exam venue, reporting time, and roll number.
Check results and rank lists
When marks are released, go to tnpsc.gov.in > Results > Marks & Rank Position. Enter your Register Number to view your written marks and communal rank.
How to recover forgotten TNPSC Login ID or password
If you misplace your credentials, recover them through these official links:
Select credential recovery option
On the login screen of apply.tnpscexams.in, click Forgot Login ID or Forgot Password.
Provide identification details
Select your identification mode: enter your SSLC Registration Number, date of birth, and registered mobile number.
Verify via mobile OTP
Enter the 6-digit OTP code received on your phone.
View Login ID or set new password
Your permanent Login ID is displayed on screen and sent via SMS. If resetting a password, enter your new strong password twice to restore access.
TNPSC fee structure and fee concession rules
| Recruitment level | OTR validity | Exam fee | Concessions / Exemptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| One Time Registration (OTR) | 5 Years | ₹150 | Mandatory for all candidates (no exemption) |
| Group 1 Services | Single exam cycle | ₹200 (Prelims) / ₹200 (Mains) | SC/ST: Full exemption; BC/MBC: 3 free chances |
| Group 2 & 2A Services | Single exam cycle | ₹100 | SC/ST: Full exemption; Differently abled: Full exemption |
| Group 4 & VAO Services | Single exam cycle | ₹100 | SC/ST/Destitute Widows: Full fee exemption |
Guidelines for successful TNPSC applications
- Complete Aadhaar linking well before notification deadlines to prevent last-minute server congestion.
- Ensure your photo displays your name and the date of capture printed at the bottom edge.
- If claiming PSTM preference, keep your school PSTM certificate issued by your headmaster in the prescribed commission format.
- Avoid creating duplicate OTR accounts, as multiple registrations lead to application rejection and profile freezing.
Troubleshooting common TNPSC login issues
| Problem | Likely cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| "Aadhaar number already mapped" | Duplicate OTR account exists | Use the Forgot Login ID tool to recover your primary profile |
| Fee debited but status unpaid | Bank gateway latency | Wait 24 hours for automated reconciliation before re-paying |
| Photo upload error | File size exceeds 50 KB or invalid format | Re-compress image to JPEG format between 20 KB and 50 KB |
| OTR expired | 5-year validity period ended | Log in to your existing OTR profile and complete OTR renewal |
Official TNPSC contact directory and helpdesk
For technical assistance or recruitment inquiries:
- Toll-free grievance helpline: 1800 419 0958
- Landline support desk: 044 25300300 (Office hours: 10:00 AM to 5:45 PM)
- Technical support email:
helpdesk@tnpscexams.in - Commission address: TNPSC Road, Park Town, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600003