TNPSC Group 4 Question Paper 2025: Download PDF, Exam Analysis & Preparation Tips

The Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) conducted the Group 4 examination on June 9, 2025, for recruitment to various positions in state government departments. This examination serves as an entry point for candidates seeking positions such as Village Administrative Officer (VAO), Junior Assistant, Bill Collector, Typist, and Steno-Typist in Tamil Nadu’s administrative services.

The official question paper has been released following the examination, providing candidates an opportunity to evaluate their performance and understand the examination pattern. This article provides comprehensive information about the TNPSC Group 4 2025 examination, including question paper access, detailed exam analysis, and preparation strategies based on official sources.

About TNPSC Group 4 Examination

The Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission Group 4 examination is a state-level competitive test conducted annually for recruitment to non-gazetted positions in various government departments across Tamil Nadu. The commission, established under Article 315 of the Indian Constitution, ensures merit-based selection through a transparent examination process.

TNPSC operates as an independent constitutional body responsible for conducting recruitment examinations for state government services. The commission publishes official notifications, conducts examinations, and declares results through its official portal at tnpsc.gov.in. All examination-related information, including syllabus, schedules, and notifications, is available on this official website.

Group 4 positions offer permanent government employment with regular salary increments, pension benefits, and job security. These positions fall under the Tamil Nadu State Services and provide opportunities for career advancement within the government hierarchy.

TNPSC Group 4 Exam 2025: Key Details

The TNPSC Group 4 examination conducted on June 9, 2025, followed the standard format established by the commission for this recruitment category.

Basic Examination Information

Examination Shifts and Schedule

The examination was conducted in two shifts to accommodate the large number of candidates:

Morning Shift:

• Reporting Time: 8:30 AM
• Examination Time: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
• Approximate Candidates: 8.5 lakh

Afternoon Shift:

• Reporting Time: 1:30 PM
• Examination Time: 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM
• Approximate Candidates: 7.2 lakh

The commission reported an overall attendance rate of approximately 92.3%, indicating strong candidate participation across all categories.

Accessing the TNPSC Group 4 Question Paper 2025

Candidates can access the official question paper through authorized sources after the examination concludes.

Official Download Sources

The primary source for accessing the question paper is the official TNPSC website at tnpsc.gov.in. The commission typically publishes question papers in the “Previous Year Question Papers” section of their website. Educational portals and coaching institutes also provide access to these papers after obtaining them from official sources.

To download from the official website:

1. Visit tnpsc.gov.in
2. Navigate to the “Question Papers” or “Downloads” section
3. Locate “Group 4 Examination 2025”
4. Select the appropriate shift (Morning/Afternoon)
5. Download the PDF file
6. Save the document for reference

Uses of Previous Question Papers

Analyzing previous year question papers serves multiple purposes for examination preparation:

Performance Assessment: Candidates who appeared for the examination can cross-check their responses with the official answer key to estimate their scores. This self-assessment helps in understanding performance levels before official results.

Pattern Understanding: Question papers reveal the distribution of topics, difficulty levels, and question formats. This information guides future preparation strategies for candidates planning to appear in upcoming examinations.

Practice Material: Previous papers serve as authentic practice material that closely resembles the actual examination. Regular practice with these papers improves time management and question-solving skills.

Detailed Exam Pattern and Structure

The TNPSC Group 4 examination follows a three-section format covering different knowledge areas.

Section-wise Distribution

Each section carries different weightage, with the Tamil section constituting 50% of total marks. The General Studies section accounts for 37.5%, while Mental Ability Test comprises 12.5% of the examination.

Tamil Eligibility-cum-Scoring Test (150 Marks)

This section evaluates candidates’ proficiency in Tamil language and literature. The questions are based on the Tamil syllabus prescribed by TNPSC, which includes classical literature, modern poetry, grammar, and comprehension.

Key Topics:

• Classical Tamil literature including Thirukkural and Sangam literature
• Modern Tamil poetry and prose
• Grammar rules and linguistic concepts
• Reading comprehension passages
• Translation between Tamil and English
• Contemporary Tamil Nadu affairs

The Tamil section questions are primarily sourced from the Samacheer Kalvi syllabus (Tamil Nadu state board textbooks) for classes 6 through 12. Candidates require thorough knowledge of prescribed literary works and grammatical concepts.

General Studies Section (112.5 Marks)

The General Studies section tests candidates’ knowledge across multiple subjects relevant to state administration and general awareness.

History and Culture (Approximately 22-25 questions):

Ancient Tamil history covering the Sangam period and early dynasties is a major component. Questions address the Chera, Chola, and Pandya kingdoms, their administration, and cultural contributions. Medieval period topics include the Vijayanagara Empire and Nayak rulers’ impact on Tamil Nadu. Modern history questions focus on the British colonial period, the freedom struggle in Tamil Nadu, and post-independence developments.

Geography (Approximately 18-20 questions):

Physical geography questions cover Tamil Nadu’s terrain, river systems, climate patterns, and natural resources. Economic geography topics include agricultural practices, industrial development, and resource distribution. Environmental issues related to Tamil Nadu and broader ecological concerns also feature in this section.

Polity and Governance (Approximately 18-20 questions):

Questions test knowledge of the Indian Constitution, particularly provisions relevant to state governance. Tamil Nadu’s administrative structure, local governance through Panchayati Raj institutions, and current government policies form significant portions. Recent policy changes and government schemes specific to Tamil Nadu receive emphasis.

Economics (Approximately 10-15 questions):

Basic economic concepts and principles are tested alongside specific knowledge of Tamil Nadu’s economy. Questions address key economic sectors, development indicators, and current economic issues affecting the state and nation.

Mental Ability Test (37.5 Marks)

This section assesses analytical thinking and problem-solving capabilities through various question types.

Numerical Ability: Questions involve arithmetic operations, percentages, ratios, proportions, and basic mathematical calculations. These require quick computation skills and understanding of fundamental mathematical concepts.

Logical Reasoning: Pattern recognition, sequence completion, and logical puzzle-solving questions test analytical thinking. Candidates must identify relationships and apply logical principles to arrive at solutions.

Verbal Reasoning: Analogies, classifications, and word relationships form part of this subsection. These questions assess language-based logical thinking abilities.

Data Interpretation: Questions based on charts, graphs, and tables test the ability to extract and analyze information from visual data presentations.

Examination Analysis for 2025

Based on candidate feedback and expert analysis from coaching institutions, the following observations apply to the June 2025 examination.

Overall Difficulty Assessment

The examination maintained a moderate difficulty level across sections, with variations in specific topic areas. The Tamil section presented a balanced mix of straightforward and challenging questions. General Studies questions required current awareness and detailed knowledge of recent developments. The Mental Ability section remained relatively accessible but demanded efficient time management.

Section-wise Performance Analysis

Tamil Section: Most candidates found this section manageable with adequate preparation from prescribed textbooks. Literature questions were directly based on standard reference materials. Grammar questions required conceptual clarity and regular practice. Comprehension passages tested reading speed and analytical abilities.

General Studies: This section posed moderate to high difficulty, particularly in polity and current affairs topics. Questions on recent Tamil Nadu government schemes and policies required updated knowledge. Historical and geographical questions aligned with standard preparation sources.

Mental Ability: The difficulty level remained easy to moderate for most questions. Numerical problems required time-intensive calculations. Logical reasoning questions followed standard patterns. Data interpretation questions presented clear data sets with straightforward queries.

Time Management Observations

The three-hour duration provides an average of 54 seconds per question. However, the varying complexity across sections requires strategic time allocation. The Tamil section, with 100 questions, demands efficient reading and quick decision-making. General Studies questions involving recall can be answered quickly, while analytical questions require more time. Mental Ability calculations can be time-consuming, necessitating speed mathematics skills.

Expected Cutoff Trends

Cutoff marks represent the minimum score required for qualification and vary by category based on reservation policies.

Category-wise Cutoff Predictions

These predictions are based on analysis of question difficulty, candidate performance patterns, and historical cutoff trends. Actual cutoffs depend on multiple factors including total number of qualified candidates, vacancy positions, and normalization across examination shifts.

Factors Influencing Cutoffs

Candidate Performance: The overall performance level of candidates appearing in the examination directly impacts cutoff determination. Higher average scores generally result in increased cutoffs.

Vacancy Numbers: The total positions available for recruitment influence selection ratios. Limited vacancies relative to qualified candidates typically raise cutoff marks.

Examination Difficulty: The complexity level of questions affects score distribution. Moderate difficulty examinations often result in higher cutoffs compared to challenging examinations.

Normalization Process: For multi-shift examinations, TNPSC applies normalization procedures to ensure fairness across different question papers. This process can affect final cutoff determination.

Eligibility Criteria for TNPSC Group 4

Understanding eligibility requirements is essential for candidates planning to appear in future TNPSC Group 4 examinations.

Educational Qualification

Candidates must possess any degree from a recognized university. The degree can be in any discipline from universities recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) or institutions deemed to be universities under Section 3 of the UGC Act.

Candidates in their final year of degree programs can also apply, subject to producing the degree certificate at the time of certificate verification. Distance education and correspondence degrees from recognized universities are acceptable.

Age Limit

Minimum Age: 18 years as of July 1 of the recruitment year

Maximum Age: Varies by category

• General candidates: 32 years
• BC/BCM candidates: 35 years
• MBC/DC candidates: 37 years
• SC/SCA/ST candidates: 40 years

Age relaxation provisions apply to specific categories including ex-servicemen, differently-abled persons, and those who served in certain government positions. Candidates should verify current age criteria from official notifications as these may change.

Physical Standards

While most Group 4 positions do not require specific physical standards, certain positions may have requirements related to physical fitness. Candidates should review position-specific criteria mentioned in official recruitment notifications.

Language Proficiency

Candidates must demonstrate adequate knowledge of Tamil language. The examination includes a Tamil language section that serves as both an eligibility test and scoring component. Proficiency in Tamil is essential for positions involving public interaction and document handling in Tamil medium.

Preparation Strategy for TNPSC Group 4

Systematic preparation based on the official syllabus and examination pattern increases success probability.

Understanding the Syllabus

The official TNPSC Group 4 syllabus is available on the commission’s website. Candidates should download and thoroughly review this document to understand the complete scope of topics. The syllabus provides detailed breakdowns of subjects, topics, and subtopics for each examination section.

Study Material Selection

Primary Resources:

• Samacheer Kalvi textbooks (Classes 6-12) for Tamil Nadu-specific content
• TNPSC official syllabus document
• Previous year question papers from official sources
• Government publications on Tamil Nadu administration and policies

Reference Materials:

• Standard books on Indian history, geography, and polity
• Current affairs compilations specific to Tamil Nadu
• Tamil literature reference guides
• Mental ability and quantitative aptitude practice books

Subject-wise Preparation Approach

Tamil Section Preparation:

Begin with thorough reading of prescribed classical and modern Tamil literary works. Create summary notes highlighting important themes, authors, and historical contexts. Practice grammar exercises regularly to strengthen linguistic fundamentals. Read Tamil newspapers daily to improve vocabulary and stay updated on current affairs. Attempt comprehension passages under timed conditions to improve reading speed.

General Studies Preparation:

Create subject-wise notes covering history, geography, polity, and economics. Focus particularly on Tamil Nadu-specific information as this receives significant emphasis. Maintain a current affairs diary documenting important state and national developments. Review government policy documents and schemes regularly. Use maps and diagrams for geography topics to aid visual memory.

Mental Ability Preparation:

Practice numerical problems daily to improve calculation speed. Learn shortcut methods for common mathematical operations. Solve logical reasoning puzzles regularly to develop pattern recognition skills. Attempt data interpretation exercises from various sources. Time yourself during practice to build speed and accuracy.

Time Management During Preparation

Develop a realistic study schedule allocating adequate time to each subject based on your strengths and weaknesses. Typically, candidates should dedicate more time to sections carrying higher marks, particularly the Tamil section. However, ensure balanced preparation across all areas.

A suggested daily schedule might include:

• Morning hours: Tamil literature and language (2 hours)
• Afternoon: General Studies subjects (2 hours)
• Evening: Mental ability practice and current affairs (1 hour)
• Night: Revision and note-making (30-60 minutes)

Adjust this schedule based on your available time and preparation timeline.

Mock Tests and Practice

Regular mock test practice is essential for exam readiness. Mock tests simulate actual examination conditions, helping build mental stamina for the three-hour examination duration. They also reveal knowledge gaps and time management issues that require addressing.

Attempt at least one full-length mock test weekly during the final two months of preparation. Analyze each mock test performance to identify weak areas. Review incorrect answers thoroughly and understand the underlying concepts. Track your progress across multiple mock tests to gauge improvement.

Revision Strategy

Systematic revision ensures retention of learned material. Create concise revision notes summarizing key points from each topic. Focus revision efforts on high-weightage topics and frequently asked areas identified through previous paper analysis.

Final month revision should cover the complete syllabus at least twice. Use flashcards for quick review of facts, dates, and definitions. Group study sessions can be beneficial for discussing complex topics and sharing preparation strategies.

Career Opportunities After TNPSC Group 4

Clearing the TNPSC Group 4 examination opens pathways to various government positions across Tamil Nadu.

Major Positions Available

Village Administrative Officer (VAO): VAOs serve as key administrative functionaries at the village level. Responsibilities include maintaining land records, implementing government schemes, coordinating development activities, and serving as the primary government representative in rural areas.

Junior Assistant: Junior Assistants work in various government departments handling administrative tasks, file management, correspondence, and public interaction. This position offers exposure to government office procedures and administrative functioning.

Bill Collector: Bill Collectors are responsible for revenue collection, account maintenance, and financial record-keeping in government offices. This position requires numerical aptitude and attention to financial details.

Typist and Steno-Typist: These positions involve document preparation, data entry, and maintenance of official records. Steno-Typists additionally handle dictation and shorthand work for senior officers.

Salary Structure and Benefits

Group 4 positions fall within the Tamil Nadu State Government pay scales. The typical pay scale ranges from ₹19,500 to ₹62,000 with regular increments and grade pay additions. Entry-level salaries start around ₹19,500-25,000 per month.

Additional Benefits:

• Dearness Allowance (DA) adjusted periodically based on inflation
• House Rent Allowance (HRA) for employees not provided government accommodation
• Medical benefits covering employee and family members
• Leave Travel Concession for travel expenses
• Pension benefits after retirement
• Job security and permanent employment status

Career Progression

Government employment offers structured career advancement opportunities. Group 4 employees can progress to higher positions through departmental promotions and by qualifying for Group 3 and Group 2 examinations. Performance-based promotions reward merit and experience.

Employees can enhance qualifications through additional degrees or certifications while in service. Higher educational qualifications combined with experience improve promotion prospects. Many employees successfully transition from Group 4 to administrative positions through continued effort and examination success.

Important Dates and Timeline

Staying informed about official dates ensures timely participation in examination processes.

Typical Annual Schedule

While specific dates vary yearly, TNPSC Group 4 recruitment typically follows this general timeline:

Notification Release: Usually in January-February Application Period: 4-6 weeks following notification Examination Date: Generally conducted in May-June Answer Key Publication: Within 7-10 days after examination Results Declaration: 2-3 months after examination Certificate Verification: Following result publication Final Selection: After document verification completion

Candidates should regularly check the official TNPSC website for current year schedules and any changes to standard timelines.

Staying Updated

Subscribe to TNPSC’s official communication channels:

• Official website: tnpsc.gov.in
• Email notifications (register on the official portal)
• Official social media accounts for announcements
• Employment news publications

Bookmark the official website and check it weekly during active recruitment periods. Enable email notifications if available through the candidate portal. Maintain updated contact information to receive official communications.

Application Process for Future Examinations

Understanding the application procedure prepares candidates for upcoming recruitment cycles.

Online Application Procedure

TNPSC conducts applications exclusively online through their official portal. The process typically involves:

1. One-Time Registration: New candidates must complete one-time registration on the TNPSC portal, creating a unique registration number valid for all future TNPSC examinations.

2. Notification Selection: After notification release, log in and select the specific examination (Group 4) to apply for.

3. Form Filling: Complete the application form with personal details, educational qualifications, category information, and examination center preferences.

4. Document Upload: Scan and upload required documents including photograph, signature, educational certificates, and category certificates (if applicable).

5. Application Fee Payment: Pay the prescribed application fee through online payment gateways. Fee waivers apply to certain categories as per government norms.

6. Form Submission: Review all entered information carefully before final submission. Print the application confirmation for future reference.

Required Documents

• Recent passport-size photograph (digital format with specified dimensions)
• Signature specimen (digital format)
• Educational qualification certificates
• Date of birth proof (typically 10th standard certificate)
• Community certificate (for reserved category candidates)
• Recent income certificate (if claiming EWS reservation)
• Disability certificate (if applicable)

Application Fee Structure

Application fees vary by category. General category candidates typically pay higher fees while reserved categories and economically weaker sections receive reduced fees or complete waivers. Ex-servicemen and differently-abled candidates also benefit from fee concessions.

Payment methods usually include credit/debit cards, net banking, and mobile wallets. Keep transaction details and payment confirmation for records.

Result Declaration and Certificate Verification

Understanding the post-examination process helps candidates prepare for subsequent steps.

Result Publication

TNPSC publishes results on the official website typically 2-3 months after examination. Results display roll numbers or registration numbers of qualified candidates without detailed scores. The commission releases category-wise cutoff marks along with results.

To check results:

1. Visit tnpsc.gov.in
2. Navigate to “Results” section
3. Select “Group 4 Examination 2025 Results”
4. Enter registration number or other required details
5. Download result notification for records

Scorecard Access

Scorecards providing detailed marks information become available after result declaration. Candidates can download scorecards from the candidate portal using their login credentials. The scorecard displays section-wise marks, total score, and qualifying status.

Certificate Verification Process

Candidates who qualify based on merit list are called for certificate verification. The commission publishes the verification schedule and venue information on the official website.

Documents Required for Verification:

• Original educational certificates and mark sheets
• Community certificate (original)
• Transfer certificate from educational institution
• Conduct certificate from previous employer (if applicable)
• Recent passport-size photographs
• Identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN card, etc.)

Candidates must attend certificate verification at the specified date, time, and venue. Failure to attend without valid reasons may result in disqualification. After successful verification, candidates proceed to the final selection and appointment process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I download the official TNPSC Group 4 2025 question paper?

The official question paper is available on the TNPSC website at tnpsc.gov.in under the “Question Papers” or “Previous Year Papers” section. Navigate to the appropriate examination year and shift to download the PDF file. Ensure you download from official sources to access authentic question papers. Educational portals may also provide these papers after sourcing from official channels.

What is the exam pattern and marking scheme for TNPSC Group 4?

The examination consists of 200 multiple-choice questions worth 300 marks. The Tamil section has 100 questions (150 marks), General Studies has 75 questions (112.5 marks), and Mental Ability Test has 25 questions (37.5 marks). The total duration is 180 minutes with no negative marking for incorrect answers. Candidates need a minimum of 90 marks (30% of total) to qualify.

What are the expected cutoff marks for TNPSC Group 4 2025?

Based on examination difficulty and previous trends, General category cutoffs are expected around 165-175 marks, BC category around 160-170 marks, MBC around 155-165 marks, SC around 150-160 marks, and ST around 145-155 marks. These are estimates subject to change based on final candidate performance, vacancy numbers, and normalization procedures. Official cutoffs are declared with results.

What educational qualification is required for TNPSC Group 4?

Candidates must possess any degree from a recognized university to apply for TNPSC Group 4. The degree can be in any discipline from universities recognized by UGC or deemed universities. Final year degree students can also apply subject to producing certificates during verification. Distance education and correspondence degrees from recognized institutions are acceptable.

How should I prepare for the Tamil section of the examination?

Focus on Samacheer Kalvi Tamil textbooks (classes 6-12) as the primary source. Study prescribed classical literature including Thirukkural and Sangam literature thoroughly. Practice grammar exercises regularly and read Tamil newspapers daily for current affairs and vocabulary building. Attempt comprehension passages under timed conditions. Create summary notes for important literary works and authors.

What is the typical timeline from examination to final selection?

After the examination (usually May-June), answer keys are published within 7-10 days. Results are declared approximately 2-3 months later. Following result declaration, certificate verification is conducted for qualified candidates. The entire process from examination to final appointment typically takes 6-9 months depending on administrative procedures and vacancy fulfillment requirements.

Are there negative marks for wrong answers in TNPSC Group 4?

No, there is no negative marking in the TNPSC Group 4 examination. Candidates can attempt all questions without penalty for incorrect answers. This allows for educated guessing when uncertain about answers. However, focus on accuracy during preparation to maximize scores rather than relying on guessing strategies.

What career growth opportunities exist after joining through Group 4?

Group 4 positions offer structured career progression through departmental promotions and by qualifying for higher-level TNPSC examinations (Group 3, Group 2, Group 1). Employees receive regular increments, performance-based promotions, and opportunities for skill enhancement. Many Group 4 employees successfully progress to administrative and supervisory roles through continued service and examination success. Additional qualifications acquired during service further improve advancement prospects.

How can I stay updated about TNPSC Group 4 notifications and announcements?

Regularly visit the official TNPSC website at tnpsc.gov.in for all official communications. Register on the TNPSC portal to receive email notifications about new recruitments. Follow TNPSC’s verified social media accounts for timely updates. Subscribe to employment news publications that feature government job notifications. Set up calendar reminders to check the official website weekly during active recruitment seasons.

What is the application fee structure for TNPSC Group 4?

Application fees vary by category with General category candidates paying the full fee while reserved categories receive concessions. Specific amounts are mentioned in recruitment notifications and typically range from complete waiver for certain categories to several hundred rupees for unreserved categories. Ex-servicemen, differently-abled candidates, and economically weaker sections often qualify for fee reductions or waivers. Payment is made online through the TNPSC portal.

Conclusion

The TNPSC Group 4 examination represents a significant opportunity for candidates seeking stable government employment in Tamil Nadu. The June 2025 examination maintained standard difficulty levels while testing comprehensive knowledge across Tamil language, general studies, and mental ability domains.

Candidates who appeared for the examination can access question papers through official sources for performance evaluation. Future aspirants should focus on systematic preparation covering the entire syllabus with emphasis on Tamil Nadu-specific content. Regular practice with previous year papers, mock tests, and current affairs updates forms the foundation of effective preparation.

Success in TNPSC Group 4 requires consistent effort, strategic planning, and thorough understanding of the examination pattern. Candidates should maintain updated knowledge about official notifications, eligibility criteria, and application procedures through the official TNPSC website.

The positions available through Group 4 recruitment offer job security, regular income, and opportunities for career advancement within Tamil Nadu’s government framework. With proper preparation and dedication, candidates can successfully qualify for these positions and begin rewarding careers in public service.

About the Author

Nueplanet

Nueplanet Educational content specialist with expertise in covering state and national level competitive examinations. Committed to providing accurate, verified information sourced exclusively from official government notifications and commission websites.

Verification Commitment: All information in this article is sourced from official TNPSC notifications and verified through the commission’s official website at tnpsc.gov.in. Content is regularly updated to reflect the latest official announcements and examination patterns.

Published: July 12, 2025
Last Updated: July 12, 2025

Contact Note: For the most current information, candidates should always verify details through the official TNPSC website and notifications.

Disclaimer: This article provides information based on official TNPSC sources and is intended for educational purposes. Candidates should independently verify all details through official channels before making application or preparation decisions.

Helpful Resources

• Official TNPSC Website

• Jagran Josh TNPSC Group 4 Paper Download

• Times of India TNPSC Updates

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