# Blog > The blog has plain-language articles about the TNPSC exams: the pattern, the syllabus, how to apply and how to study. The newest come first, grouped by the day they were published. Every number and date comes from tnpsc.gov.in or the notification, with the page number. Each article's facts and Tamil are checked before publishing. Browse by category or by exam. Last updated: 2026-10-30 · By TNPSC Guide editorial team URL: https://www.tnpscguide.com/guides ## Basics - [Is there a TNPSC Group 3 exam? What tnpsc.gov.in lists in 2026](https://www.tnpscguide.com/guides/tnpsc-group-3-exam-does-it-exist): tnpsc.gov.in lists no Group 3 exam today. See the TNPSC groups that exist, the 2026 notifications and which exam fits an SSLC or degree holder. - [VAO and TNPSC Group 4: is it the same exam, and what is different?](https://www.tnpscguide.com/guides/vao-vs-group-4): VAO posts are filled through the Group 4 written exam. Vacancies, age, qualification and the exam, with Notification 11/2026 page numbers. - [10 common TNPSC Group 4 mistakes, from the application to the exam hall](https://www.tnpscguide.com/guides/group-4-common-mistakes): Unofficial sites, the fee Yes/No choice, the correction window, the Tamil 60 rule, blank OMR answers: ten Group 4 mistakes to avoid, with page numbers. - [How to start TNPSC Group 4 preparation from zero: 7 steps for beginners](https://www.tnpscguide.com/guides/group-4-preparation-from-zero): New to Group 4? Seven simple steps: the official syllabus, Samacheer textbooks, TNPSC's past papers and a daily habit, in that order. - [TNPSC Group 4 eligibility: age limit, qualification, Tamil knowledge and PSTM](https://www.tnpscguide.com/guides/group-4-eligibility-age-limit): Where Notification 11/2026 sets Group 4 eligibility: age as on 01.07.2026, qualification, Tamil knowledge and the PSTM certificate. - [How to apply for TNPSC Group 4: One Time Registration to fee payment, step by step](https://www.tnpscguide.com/guides/group-4-how-to-apply): How to apply for TNPSC Group 4 on apply.tnpscexams.in: One Time Registration, the form, uploads and the fee, step by step from Notification 11/2026. ## Exam pattern - [TNPSC Group 4 exam pattern: 200 questions, 300 marks and the Tamil 60/150 rule](https://www.tnpscguide.com/guides/group-4-exam-pattern): Group 4 exam pattern: three parts, 3 hours, at least 60 in Tamil, a 90-mark minimum and the OMR blank-answer rule, from Notification 11/2026 p20. ## Syllabus - [TNPSC Group 4 syllabus explained unit by unit, in simple words](https://www.tnpscguide.com/guides/group-4-syllabus-explained): The 15 units of the TNPSC Group 4 syllabus: what each covers, where it sits in the official PDF, and the link. ## How to study - [TNPSC Group 4 study schedule to the 10.01.2027 exam: 10 weeks, for working people too](https://www.tnpscguide.com/guides/group-4-30-day-study-plan-working-people): Ten weeks to the TNPSC Group 4 exam on 10.01.2027: 60-90 minutes on weekdays, all 15 units, a second pass, then official past papers. ## Part A · Tamil - [TNPSC Group 4 Tamil grammar: the 6 topics, with Samacheer textbook pages](https://www.tnpscguide.com/guides/group-4-tamil-grammar-guide): Group 4 Part A grammar in six topics: letters, words, sandhi, class and gender, error correction, prosody and figures. Key rules with textbook pages. - [TNPSC Group 4 Part A Tamil: the 7 units, the 60-mark threshold and how to study them](https://www.tnpscguide.com/guides/group-4-tamil-part-a-guide): Part A Tamil in Group 4: 100 questions, 150 marks, at least 60 needed. A plain guide to the seven units, from grammar to literature. ## General Studies - [TNPSC Group 4 Part B General Studies: 75 questions, 6 units and how to study them](https://www.tnpscguide.com/guides/group-4-general-studies-part-b-guide): Part B of Group 4, General Studies: 75 questions in Tamil and English. The six units, where current affairs fit, and a simple way to study each unit. ## Aptitude - [TNPSC Group 4 Part C Aptitude: 25 questions, 2 units and how to practise them](https://www.tnpscguide.com/guides/group-4-aptitude-part-c-guide): Part C of Group 4, Aptitude and Mental Ability: 25 questions in two units, aptitude and reasoning. The syllabus topics and a simple way to practise. ## Previous papers - [TNPSC Group 4 previous year question papers and answer keys: official links by year](https://www.tnpscguide.com/guides/group-4-previous-year-papers-answer-keys): TNPSC Group 4 question papers with tentative and final answer keys, linked by year to tnpsc.gov.in only, plus how to spot fake PDFs. ## Updates - [TNPSC Group 4 Notification 11/2026: how to read it and the parts that matter](https://www.tnpscguide.com/guides/group-4-notification-guide): Notification 11/2026 page by page: where it gives the Group 4 dates, vacancies, age, qualification and exam scheme, in plain words.