TNPSC Group 1 Answer Key 2026 Out – Prelims Key, Objection & Marks

TNPSC Group 1 Answer Key 2026 Out — Download Prelims Key PDF, Calculate Marks, Raise Objection Till 13 October & Mains Next Steps

URGENT — Objection Deadline Is 13 October 2026, 5:45 PM

1. Download the tentative answer key from tnpsc.gov.in.
2. Match it with your own answers (from memory, rough notes, or your response sheet if you have it).
3. If you think a key answer is wrong, collect proof from a reliable book or government source.
4. Send your objection online on the official website before 5:45 PM on 13 October 2026.
5. Keep a screenshot or PDF of your submitted objection.

Remember: Objections sent by post, email or after the deadline will not be considered. Also, no objection is allowed on the final answer key, so use this one chance well.

Quick Highlights

• Key is released for the Group-1 Prelims held on 27 September 2026.
• Prelims is one paper with 200 questions of 1.5 marks each, so the maximum score is 300.
• There is no negative marking. Unattempted questions get zero marks, wrong answers get zero marks too.
• Each question has 5 choices (A to E).
• An Expert Committee will study all valid objections and then publish the final key.
• About 20 times the number of vacancies (around 920 candidates) are expected to be called for Mains, as per one source.
• Result date is not announced yet.

TNPSC Group 1 2026 — Timeline

• Notification Released: 23 June 2026
• Online Application: 30 June to 29 July 2026; Correction window: 2 to 4 August 2026
• Extra 20 vacancies added: 13 August 2026 (total became 46)
• Preliminary Exam: 27 September 2026
• Tentative Answer Key: 6 October 2026
• Objection Last Date: 13 October 2026 (5:45 PM)
• Final Answer Key and Prelims Result: To be announced (news sources expect October or November 2026)
• Mains Exam and Interview: To be announced

How to Download TNPSC Group 1 Answer Key 2026 — Step by Step

1. Go to the official website tnpsc.gov.in.
2. Look for the notice “Answer Key – TNPSC Group 1” (Combined Civil Services Examination-I, Prelims).
3. Open the link. The key is given as a question booklet with the correct answers tick-marked.
4. Download the PDF and find your question booklet series / code (check your own booklet).
5. Match each answer you marked with the tick-marked answer.
6. Save the PDF and take a printout for your records.

Tip: If you did not keep a copy of your answers, write down the questions you remember. Your own memory is not proof, but it helps you plan.

How To Calculate Your Marks — Easy Formula

• Marks = Number of correct answers × 1.5
• There is no negative marking, so wrong answers do not cut any marks.
• Maximum marks = 200 × 1.5 = 300

Quick table:

Qualifying Marks and Who Goes to Mains

• One source reports the minimum qualifying marks in Prelims as 120 marks for General / other categories and 90 marks for SC / ST.
• Candidates up to 20 times the number of vacancies in each category are called for Mains. With 46 posts, this is about 920 candidates.
• Prelims is a screening test. Final ranking is based on Mains and Interview marks as per the TNPSC scheme.
• The official cut-off will come with the result. Do not trust any “confirmed cut-off” before that.

Note: The qualifying marks and the 920 figure come from news reports. Please confirm them in the official notification.

How To Raise an Objection — Step by Step

1. Open tnpsc.gov.in and find the link for Group-1 Prelims answer key objection / representation.
2. Log in using your registration (OTR) details if the website asks for it.
3. Select the question number and your question booklet series.
4. Write which answer you think is correct and why.
5. Upload or mention proof (book name, edition and page number, or a government website).
6. Submit and save the acknowledgement.

Note: The reference page says objections are online only and are checked by an Expert Committee. The exact form and any fee, if any, are shown on the official website. No objection fee was mentioned in the sources checked.

Tips For a Strong Objection

• Object only when you are sure. A weak objection wastes your time.
• Use trusted proof: Tamil Nadu State Board books, NCERT, standard university books, Gazette or government websites.
• Mention the exact page number and line from the book.
• Send one objection for one question, with the right question number and booklet series.
• Write in short and clear sentences.
• Do not send the same objection many times. Do not use post or email.
• Be careful with questions that ask for the “best” answer. These need very strong proof.

TNPSC Group 1 Vacancy 2026 — Post Wise

TNPSC Group 1 Exam Pattern

Eligibility Recap

• Qualification: A degree from any university set up by an Act of the Central or State Legislature in India.
• Age limit (as on 1 July 2026): General up to 34 years; BC / MBC up to 37 years; SC / ST up to 39 years. Minimum age is about 21 years. Ex-servicemen and other groups get extra relaxation as per rules.
• Application fee (as reported): One-time registration ₹150, Prelims fee ₹100, Mains fee ₹200. SC / ST / PwBD candidates are exempt as per the reports.
• Salary: Pay Level 22, ₹56,100 to ₹2,05,700, plus allowances.

These points come from news reports of the notification. Please read the official TNPSC notification for the final rules.

What Happens After the Answer Key?

• The Expert Committee checks all valid objections.
• A final answer key is published. A wrong question may be corrected or removed.
• The Prelims result is declared using the final key.
• Qualified candidates apply or confirm for the Mains Examination. The date will be announced by TNPSC.
• After Mains, candidates are called for the Interview and Document Verification.
• Final selection is by merit and community reservation.

Start Mains Preparation Now — Simple Plan

• Do not wait for the result. Prelims score is only a screening step. Mains is where the rank is made.
• Tamil paper: Practise Tamil language and writing, because you must score at least 40% in it.
• Papers II to IV: Study the full syllabus in a descriptive style. Write 2 to 3 answers every day in your own words.
• Read Tamil Nadu history, culture, economy and government schemes along with India-level topics.
• Read The Hindu and a Tamil newspaper daily for current affairs.
• Join a mock Mains test series if possible and ask for feedback on answer writing.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Missing the deadline of 13 October, 5:45 PM.
• Sending objections by post or email. These are rejected.
• Giving no proof or weak proof such as a coaching note or a random website.
• Matching the answers with the wrong question booklet series.
• Believing fake “official cut-off” posts on social media.
• Leaving Mains preparation until the result comes.

Warning — Avoid Fake Websites and Agents

• Use only tnpsc.gov.in for the answer key and objections.
• No agent can change the key, add marks or give you a post for money.
• Never share your password, OTP or payment details with anyone.

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