The Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) conducted the Combined Civil Services Examination-I (Group-I Services) Preliminary Examination on 27 September 2026 across Tamil Nadu. Candidates who appeared for the 46 vacancies can check the tentative answer key expected shortly at tnpsc.gov.in to verify their answers, calculate expected marks, and prepare for Mains.
TNPSC Group 1 Answer Key 2026 Quick Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Organization | Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) |
| Examination Name | Combined Civil Services Examination-I (Group-I Services) - Preliminary Examination |
| Total Vacancies | 46 Posts |
| Exam Date | 27 September 2026 (Sunday) |
| Exam Timing | 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM (3 Hours) |
| Exam Mode | Offline (OMR Sheet Written Test) |
| Total Questions | 200 Objective Type Questions |
| Total Marks | 300 Marks |
| Marks Per Correct Answer | 1.5 Marks |
| Negative Marking | No Negative Marking |
| Answer Key Status | Tentative Key Expected Soon |
| Official Website | tnpsc.gov.in |
TNPSC Group 1 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Preliminary Examination Date | 27 September 2026 |
| Tentative Answer Key Release Date | October 2026 (Expected in First Week) |
| Objection Submission Window | To be announced (Starts after tentative key release) |
| Final Answer Key Release Date | To be announced |
| TNPSC Group 1 Prelims Result Declaration | To be announced |
| Group 1 Main Written Examination | To be announced |
Steps to Download TNPSC Group 1 Official Answer Key
Candidates can follow these official steps to check and download the provisional answer key once published:
- Visit the official website of the commission at tnpsc.gov.in.
- Locate the "Recruitment" menu or "Candidate Corner" section on the homepage.
- Click on the "Question Papers / Answer Keys" section.
- Find the link for "Combined Civil Services Examination-I (Group-I Services) Preliminary Examination 2026 Tentative Answer Key".
- Select your subject link (General Studies and Aptitude & Mental Ability Test) to open the answer key PDF.
- Download the PDF and check the answers against your specific question booklet series (A, B, C, or D).
- Save or print a copy of the official key for score calculation and future reference.
How to Challenge or Raise Objections Against Answer Key
TNPSC provides an online facility for candidates to challenge tentative answer keys if they find discrepancies or incorrect answers:
- Online Mode Only: Challenges must be submitted exclusively through the official online portal at tnpsc.gov.in. Representations submitted via postal mail, courier, or email are not accepted.
- Time Window: Candidates must submit objections within the prescribed window, which is typically 7 calendar days from the date of key publication.
- Login Credentials: Log in to the TNPSC Objection Tracker using your Register Number, Application Number, Date of Birth, and Question Booklet Series.
- Supporting Evidence: For each question contested, candidates must upload valid documentary evidence from standard reference textbooks or government publications in the prescribed PDF format.
- Expert Committee Review: All representations received within the deadline are placed before an expert committee for evaluation.
- Final Answer Key: If objections are accepted, a revised final answer key is prepared. The final answer key published by TNPSC is decisive, and no further challenges will be entertained.
TNPSC Group 1 Marking Scheme & Score Calculation
The Preliminary Examination pattern consists of 200 objective questions carrying a total of 300 marks. The paper includes General Studies (175 questions) and Aptitude & Mental Ability Test (25 questions).
- Total Questions: 200 objective multiple-choice questions
- Maximum Marks: 300 marks
- Marks per Correct Answer: 1.5 marks
- Negative Marking: Nil (No marks are deducted for incorrect or unanswered questions)
- Exam Duration: 3 hours (180 minutes)
Score Calculation Formula
$$text{Estimated Score} = text{Total Number of Correct Responses} times 1.5$$
| Number of Correct Answers | Expected Score (Out of 300) |
|---|---|
| 100 | 150 Marks |
| 110 | 165 Marks |
| 120 | 180 Marks |
| 130 | 195 Marks |
| 140 | 210 Marks |
| 150 | 225 Marks |
| 160 | 240 Marks |
| 170 | 255 Marks |
| 180 | 270 Marks |
Next Stages of TNPSC Group 1 Selection Process
The Combined Civil Services Examination-I recruitment consists of three progressive stages:
- Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (Screening Test)
The Prelims paper held on 27 September 2026 serves as a qualifying screening test to shortlist candidates for the Main Written Examination. Marks scored in Prelims are not added to the final merit calculation.
- Stage 2: Main Written Examination
Shortlisted candidates who clear the Prelims cutoff appear for descriptive papers covering Tamil Eligibility, General Studies, and Essay topics. Marks scored in the Main Examination directly count toward final selection.
- Stage 3: Oral Test (Interview) and Document Verification
Candidates qualifying in the Main Examination appear for the Interview / Personality Test. Final merit lists and cadre allocations are prepared based on aggregate marks secured in the Main Written Examination and Interview combined.
TNPSC Group 1 Answer Key 2026 - Important Links
| Document / Portal | Official Link |
|---|---|
| Download Official Answer Key PDF | Available Soon at tnpsc.gov.in |
| TNPSC Objection Tracker Portal | Objection Portal Link (Active Soon) |
| TNPSC Official Website | Visit tnpsc.gov.in |
| TNPSC Question Papers & Answer Keys Section | View Answer Keys Directory |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When will the TNPSC Group 1 Answer Key 2026 be released?
The tentative answer key for the TNPSC Group 1 Preliminary Examination held on 27 September 2026 is expected to be released in the first week of October 2026 on tnpsc.gov.in.
Q2. How can I download the TNPSC Group 1 Prelims Answer Key PDF?
Visit the official website tnpsc.gov.in, open the "Recruitment" or "Candidate Corner" tab, select "Question Papers / Answer Keys", and click on the Combined Civil Services Examination-I Preliminary Examination link to download the PDF.
Q3. Is there negative marking in TNPSC Group 1 Preliminary Examination 2026?
No, there is no negative marking in the TNPSC Group 1 Preliminary Examination. Each correct response carries 1.5 marks, and no marks are deducted for incorrect or unattempted questions.
Q4. What is the procedure to challenge the TNPSC Group 1 tentative key?
Candidates can raise objections online through the official objection window on tnpsc.gov.in within the specified timeframe (typically 7 days) by providing their registration details and uploading valid documentary proof from standard reference sources.
Q5. Are Prelims marks added to the final merit list for TNPSC Group 1?
No, the Preliminary Examination is purely a screening test to shortlist candidates for the Main Written Examination. Final selection and ranking are determined solely by the marks obtained in the Main Examination and the Interview.