A-Register Extract is one of the most important land documents in Tamil Nadu, especially for people who want to know the complete background of their land. It gives clear information about the land’s classification, its exact location, and the basic ownership details recorded at the village level. Many people don’t know that this record is different from Patta Chitta, and that both documents serve different purposes.
This post explains everything in a simple way: what A-Register contains, when you need it, how to view it online, and common issues people face.
What Is A-Register Extract?
The A-Register is an official land record maintained by the Village Administrative Officer (VAO). It contains the basic details of every land parcel in the village. Before Patta Chitta was digitised, A-register was the primary document used to verify land information in Tamil Nadu.
Even today, banks, buyers, and surveyors refer to the A-register to understand the land’s nature and classification.
What Information Does A-Register Contain?
- Survey number and subdivision number
- Name of the owner as per village records
- Land type (Dry, Wet, Natham, etc.)
- Extent of land (area)
- Tax details
- Usage/Classification of land
- Basic revenue entry details
Unlike Patta Chitta, which focuses more on ownership, A-register focuses on classification and survey details.
Difference Between A-Register and Patta Chitta
| A-Register | Patta Chitta |
|---|---|
| Shows land classification & survey details | Shows ownership & revenue details |
| Maintained by VAO | Issued by Revenue Department |
| Used for land background verification | Used for registration, loans, and ownership proof |
How to View or Download A-Register Extract Online In Tamil Nadu?
The Tamil Nadu government now provides the A-Register online through the e-Services portal. Follow these steps to view or download it.
Step 1: Go to the TN Land Records website
On the home page, select the “View A-Register Extract (Rural or Natham)” option.

Step 2: Select District, Taluk & Village
Choose your district, taluk, and village name from the drop-down lists exactly as they appear in your land documents.
Step 3: Select the Type of Land
Choose whether your land falls under Rural or Natham.
Step 4: Enter Survey Number
Enter your land survey number. Based on this, the subdivision number will appear automatically. Select it from the drop-down.
Note:
- If your survey number is 48/4A, type 48 in the Survey Number field and 4A in the Subdivision Number field.
- If your survey number is just 36, enter 36 as the Survey Number and use “-” for the Subdivision Number.
Step 5: Enter Mobile Number & Verify OTP
Enter your 10-digit mobile number and click Get OTP. After receiving the 6-digit code, enter it and click Confirm OTP.

Step 6: View & Download A-Register Extract
After OTP verification, your A-Register Extract will appear on screen. Use the Print option to download or save the document.
Why Is A-Register Extract Important In Tamil Nadu?
- It Helps confirm the true classification of land
- It is used while buying agricultural or village land
- It is useful for survey corrections and land-related disputes
- It shows the historical entries maintained by Tamil Nadu VAO (TN – VAO)
- It is required during land conversion or legal verification in Tamil Nadu
Common Problems While Viewing A-Register Extract
1) A-Register shows old owner name
A-Register is older than Patta. Even if Patta is updated, A-Register may still show the previous owner’s name.
Solution: This is normal. A-Register is not immediately updated after every transfer. Use Patta for ownership confirmation.
2) Subdivision number not appearing automatically
Sometimes the subdivision list does not auto-load even after entering the survey number.
Possible reasons:
- Minor mismatch in survey number
- Record not digitised
- Portal loading issue
Solution: Refresh the page or re-enter the survey number exactly as per Patta.
3) A-Register displays incomplete data
Some entries may show only land classification but no owner details.
Solution: Old village records may be partially digitised. Visit the VAO office for a complete record.
4) “Your request cannot be processed at this moment”
This usually happens during peak hours or when the server is under maintenance.
Solution: Try again early morning or late evening when server load is less.
5) A-Register shows wrong land type
Sometimes the classification shown online (Dry/Wet/Natham) differs from the physical document.
Solution: Visit VAO/Taluk office for a correction request or cross-verify using FMB/Chitta.
FAQ’s
Is A-Register the same as Patta?
No. Patta shows ownership. A-Register shows classification and survey details.
Is A-Register available for all villages?
Most records are digitised, but some older entries may still be offline.
Is viewing A-Register free?
Yes, it is completely free on the official TN e-Services portal.
Can I use A-Register for bank loans?
Banks usually ask for Patta, but A-register is helpful as supporting proof.
What if my subdivision number does not appear?
Contact the VAO office. The record may not be updated online.
Why does the A-Register show a different land type compared to my sale deed?
Sale deeds are written based on historical information.
A-Register reflects the classification recorded in the official village database.
This can differ sometimes. Always rely on the A-Register + FMB for the correct category.Can I correct the details in the A-Register if something is wrong?
Yes. You can submit a request at your Taluk/VAO office with supporting documents such as Patta, Chitta, and your registered deed.
Online correction for A-Register is not available yet.