Stage-wise questions, marks, duration and qualifying rules, exactly as the official scheme defines them, plus what happens after the written exam.
Every paper in the TNPSC Group 1 scheme with its subjects, questions, marks and duration.
| Stage | Type | Subjects | Questions | Marks | Duration | Qualifying |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prelims | Objective (OMR) | General Studies + Aptitude | 200 | 300 | 3 hours | 120 marks (40%) for OC/BC/MBC; 90 marks (30%) for SC/ST |
| Mains | Descriptive | 3 Papers - GS I, GS II, Tamil/English | 0 | 500 | 3 hours per paper | As per notification |
| Interview | Oral Test | Personality & aptitude assessment | 0 | 120 | ~30 minutes | Combined with Mains |
Each question carries 1.5 marks in combined exams. There is no negative marking, so an attempted wrong answer costs nothing more than a blank, attempt everything.
The Tamil Eligibility-cum-Scoring Test needs 40% for your paper to be evaluated further, and once you cross it, the full Tamil mark counts toward your rank. Qualifying marks make you eligible; the cut off decides selection.
See the actual cut-off marksWhat happens from prelim day to final posting.
Preliminary Examination (screening only - marks not counted for final merit)
Main Written Examination (3 descriptive papers)
Oral Test / Interview
Document Verification & Counselling
Pattern, marks and qualifying rules are transcribed from the official TNPSC scheme of examination. Sources: TNPSC official notifications. Figures are indicative and may change with each official notification. Data last reviewed: July 2026.
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