Does TNPSC have "No Maximum Age Limit" for degree holders?

Yes! Under Section 20(8) of the Tamil Nadu Government Servants (Conditions of Service) Act, 2016, candidates belonging to BC, BCM, MBC/DNC, SC, SCA, ST, and Destitute Widows who possess a higher educational qualification (HSC, Diploma, Bachelor’s Degree, or PG) than the minimum general qualification have NO UPPER AGE LIMIT for Group 2, Group 2A, Group 3, and Group 4. They can apply up to the retirement age of 60 years.

What is the maximum age limit for TNPSC Group 1 in 2026?

For TNPSC Group 1 Services (Deputy Collector, DSP, Assistant Commissioner), the maximum age limit is 34 years for Open Category (OC / General) candidates, and 39 years for BC, BCM, MBC/DNC, SC, SCA, ST, and Destitute Widows. PwBD candidates receive an additional 10-year relaxation.

What is the age limit for TNPSC Group 4 and VAO?

For Village Administrative Officer (VAO), the minimum age is 21 years; for Junior Assistant / Typist, the minimum age is 18 years. The maximum age for OC is 32 years. However, for BC/BCM/MBC/SC/ST candidates who have passed 12th (HSC) or a Degree, there is NO MAXIMUM AGE LIMIT under Section 20(8).

How does the 20% PSTM (Tamil Medium) reservation work?

Under the Tamil Nadu PSTM Act 35 of 2020, 20% horizontal reservation is granted only to candidates who have completed their entire education from 1st standard to the prescribed qualifying educational level in Tamil medium (e.g. 1st to 10th for Group 4; 1st to Degree for Group 1 and Group 2).

What are the physical qualification requirements for DSP in TNPSC Group 1?

For Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP Category-I), male candidates must have a minimum height of 165 cm and a chest measurement of not less than 86 cm with at least 5 cm expansion. Female candidates must have a minimum height of 155 cm.

How many attempts are allowed for TNPSC examinations?

Unlike the UPSC Civil Services Examination which imposes strict attempt caps (6 for General, 9 for OBC), there is NO ATTEMPT LIMIT in TNPSC examinations. Candidates can appear as many times as they wish, provided they satisfy the prescribed age and educational eligibility.

🇮🇳 UPSC CSE (IAS / IPS / IFS) 🏛️ TNPSC (Group 1, 2, 4 & VAO)

Official TNPSC Regulations 2026 • Cutoff Date: 1st July 2026

TNPSC Eligibility & Age Calculator 2026

Check exact age in Years, Months, and Days as of 1st July cutoff date. Calculates official relaxations for BC, BCM, MBC/DNC, SC, ST, Section 20(8) No-Age-Limit concessions, PSTM 20% quota, and physical standards across Group 1, Group 2/2A, Group 4 & VAO.

📋 Aspirant Profile & Exam Parameters

Select your exact community and educational background for official TNPSC matching.

Cutoff Date:

Date of Birth *

As recorded in 10th (SSLC) mark sheet.

Community / Category *

Official TN Community Certificate.

Highest Educational Qualification *

Required for Section 20(8) No Age Limit.

Gender

For DSP & Fire Officer physical standards.

⚡ Special Quotas, Technical Certifications & Concessions

Official TNPSC Age on 1st July 2026

28 Years1 Months16 Days

Born on 15 May 1998 • Today's real age: 28 years, 5 months.

Eligible Exams6 of 7

Section 20(8) ActiveNo Max Age Limit for Grp 2 & 4!

Status:

🎁

★ TNPSC ASPIRANT SCHOLARSHIP PASS

Claim Up to ₹15,000 TNPSC Coaching Fee Concession!

Eligible for Group 1, Group 2/2A, and Group 4 & VAO batches across verified academies in Tamil Nadu.

TNPSC Group 1

TNPSC Group 1 Services

Deputy Collector, DSP (Cat I), Commercial Tax Officer (AC), Deputy Registrar

✓ ELIGIBLE

Min / Max Age Rule21 to 39 Years

Your Age StatusPass (28 yrs within 21-39)

Education CriteriaPass (Bachelor Degree)

Attempts AllowedUnlimited (Within Age Limit)

Note: G.O. Ms. No. 91 granted permanent age relaxation to 34 yrs (OC) and 39 yrs (BC/MBC/SC/ST).

Pay: Level 22 (₹56,100 - ₹2,05,700)

View Syllabus →

TNPSC Group 2

TNPSC Group 2 (Interview Posts)

Sub-Registrar Grade-II, Municipal Commissioner, Revenue Inspector, Probation Officer

✓ ELIGIBLE No Max Age Limit

Min / Max Age Rule18 to No Age Limit (60 Yrs)

Your Age StatusPass (No Age Limit under Section 20)

Education CriteriaPass (Degree Holder)

Attempts AllowedUnlimited (Within Age)

Note: Section 20(8) Exemption Active: You are eligible until retirement age of 60.

Pay: Level 14-18 (₹36,900 - ₹1,35,100)

View Syllabus →

TNPSC Group 2A

TNPSC Group 2A (Non-Interview)

Assistant Section Officer (Secretariat), Senior Inspector, Assistant in Revenue/Treasury

✓ ELIGIBLE No Max Age Limit

Min / Max Age Rule18 to No Age Limit (60 Yrs)

Your Age StatusPass (No Age Limit for Degree Holders)

Education CriteriaPass (Degree Level)

Attempts AllowedUnlimited

Note: Huge recruitment volume. Single stage prelims + mains pattern.

Pay: Level 10-16 (₹20,600 - ₹1,16,600)

View Syllabus →

TNPSC Group 4

TNPSC Group 4: VAO (Village Administrative Officer)

Village Administrative Officer (Independent Administrative Head of Revenue Village)

✓ ELIGIBLE No Max Age Limit

Min / Max Age Rule21 to No Age Limit (60 Yrs)

Your Age StatusPass (No Age Limit with 12th/Degree)

Education CriteriaPass (SSLC Minimum)

Attempts AllowedUnlimited

Note: Minimum age for VAO is strictly 21 years (unlike Junior Assistant which is 18 years).

Pay: Level 8 (₹19,500 - ₹71,900)

View Syllabus →

TNPSC Group 4

TNPSC Group 4: Junior Assistant / Bill Collector

Junior Assistant (Non-Security & Security), Bill Collector Grade-I, Forest Guard

✓ ELIGIBLE No Max Age Limit

Min / Max Age Rule18 to No Age Limit (60 Yrs)

Your Age StatusPass (No Age Limit for Degree/HSC Holders)

Education CriteriaPass (10th SSLC Qualified)

Attempts AllowedUnlimited

Note: Tamil Eligibility cum Scoring Test (Part A) of 100 marks is mandatory.

Pay: Level 8 (₹19,500 - ₹71,900)

View Syllabus →

TNPSC Group 4

TNPSC Group 4: Typist & Steno-Typist Grade-III

Typist in Ministerial / Judicial Service, Steno-Typist in Secretariat & High Court

✗ NOT ELIGIBLE No Max Age Limit

Min / Max Age Rule18 to No Age Limit (60 Yrs)

Your Age StatusPass (No Age Limit)

Education CriteriaConditional (Requires Govt Typewriting Cert)

Attempts AllowedUnlimited

Note: Cutoff for typists is significantly lower than Junior Assistant if you complete Typewriting Higher.

Pay: Level 8 / Level 10 (Up to ₹75,900)

View Syllabus →

All India Services

UPSC Civil Services (IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS)

Indian Administrative Service, Indian Police Service, Indian Foreign Service

✓ ELIGIBLE

Min / Max Age Rule21 to 35 Years

Your Age StatusPass (Within 21-35 Yrs)

Education CriteriaPass (Any Bachelor Degree)

Attempts Allowed9 Attempts for BC

Note: UPSC age cutoff is 1st August of the exam year. Strict attempt count limits apply.

Pay: Pay Level 10 (₹56,100 - ₹2,50,000)

Full UPSC Calculator →

The "No Maximum Age Limit" Rule: Section 20(8) Explained

Tamil Nadu Government Servants (Conditions of Service) Act, 2016

One of the most frequently misunderstood rules among Tamil Nadu civil services aspirants is the Section 20(8) age exemption. In TNPSC examinations such as Group 2, Group 2A, Group 3, and Group 4, the minimum prescribed general qualification is SSLC (10th) or HSC (12th).

Official Rule Text: "Candidates belonging to SCs, SC(A)s, STs, MBCs/DCs, BCs, BCMs and Destitute Widows who possess a higher educational qualification than the minimum general educational qualification (i.e. having passed HSC, Diploma, Degree or Post Graduate) have NO MAXIMUM AGE LIMIT and can apply until the superannuation / retirement age of 60 years."

This means if you belong to BC, BCM, MBC, SC, or ST and possess a college degree, you can write TNPSC Group 2, Group 2A, and Group 4 even at age 35, 40, or 48! However, for TNPSC Group 1 (where the minimum qualification itself is a Bachelor's Degree), Section 20(8) does not waive the maximum age limit—the upper age limit remains 39 years for reserved categories and 34 for OC.

Official TNPSC Age Limit Matrix 2026 (Category-Wise)

Accurate age limits verified against G.O. Ms. No. 91 Human Resources Management Department.

Examination	Min Age	OC (General)	BC / BCM / MBC / DNC	SC / SCA / ST	Degree Holders (BC/MBC/SC/ST)
TNPSC Group 1 (Dy. Collector, DSP)	21 Years	34 Years	39 Years	39 Years	39 Years (Degree is Min. Requirement)
TNPSC Group 2 & 2A (Sub-Registrar, RI)	18 / 20 Years	32 Years	32 Years (without degree)	32 Years (without degree)	NO AGE LIMIT (Up to 60 Yrs)
TNPSC Group 4 - VAO	21 Years	32 Years	37 Years	42 Years	NO AGE LIMIT (Up to 60 Yrs)
TNPSC Group 4 - Junior Assistant / Typist	18 Years	32 Years	34 Years	37 Years	NO AGE LIMIT (Up to 60 Yrs)
UPSC Civil Services (IAS / IPS)	21 Years	32 Years (6 Att.)	35 Years (9 Att.)	37 Years (Unlimited)	Standard UPSC Age Rules Apply

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Frequently asked questions about TNPSC age limits, cutoff calculations, and community relaxations.

Under TNPSC Service Rules, the crucial date for calculating a candidate’s age is 1st July of the year in which the notification is issued (e.g., 01.07.2026 for the 2026 recruitment cycle). Candidates must satisfy both the minimum age (e.g., 18 or 21) and the maximum age as on this specific date.