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).
Group 1 mains runs three descriptive papers (GS I, GS II and Tamil/English) worth 500 marks at three hours each. Group 2 mains is descriptive for 480 marks, while Group 2A uses a second objective paper instead. Since prelims marks are discarded, the mains score effectively is your rank for non-interview posts.
Related terms
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.
Interview Post
A post whose selection includes an oral test after the written exam, Group 1 posts and Group 2 (CCSE-II) interview posts.
Non-Interview Post
A post filled purely on written marks plus certificate verification, all of Group 2A and Group 4. No oral test stage.
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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