Interview Post
A post whose selection includes an oral test after the written exam, Group 1 posts and Group 2 (CCSE-II) interview posts.
In Group 1 the oral test carries 120 marks against 500 for mains, roughly thirty minutes of personality and aptitude assessment, and the two scores are combined for final ranking. The interview's limited weight means it rarely rescues a weak written score, but between close ranks it decides who gets the preferred post at counselling.
Related terms
Non-Interview Post
A post filled purely on written marks plus certificate verification, all of Group 2A and Group 4. No oral test stage.
Mains (Main Written Examination)
The merit-deciding descriptive stage for Group 1 and Group 2 interview posts. Final selection lists are built from mains marks (plus interview where applicable).
Prelims (Preliminary Examination)
The screening stage of multi-stage exams like Group 1 and 2: objective paper whose marks shortlist candidates for mains but don't count in final merit.
Answer Key Challenge
The objection window after TNPSC publishes its tentative answer key, where candidates submit evidence-backed representations against disputed answers.
Revised (Final) Answer Key
The answer key published after reviewing objections. Marks are awarded against this key, and it is binding.
Cut Off Marks
The mark of the last selected candidate in each category and gender. Not announced in advance, it emerges from vacancies, difficulty and competition.
This definition follows official TNPSC notifications and Tamil Nadu government orders. Sources: TNPSC official notifications. Figures are indicative and may change with each official notification. Data last reviewed: July 2026.
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