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 2 / 2A 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 | As per notification |
| Mains (Group 2) | Descriptive | General Studies + Language Papers | 0 | 480 | 3 hours per paper | As per notification |
| Mains (Group 2A) | Objective (OMR) | General Studies + Aptitude | 200 | 300 | 3 hours | As per notification |
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 marksPreliminary Examination (screening)
Main Written Examination
Oral Test / Interview (Group 2 only - not for Group 2A)
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.