Negative Marking
Deduction of marks for wrong answers. TNPSC currently applies no negative marking in Group 1, 2/2A or 4, attempt every question.
Because there is no deduction, a blank answer and a wrong answer score identically, zero, so leaving questions unattempted only surrenders probability. TNPSC has said it can introduce negative marking in future notifications, so confirm the rule in the notification you are applying under rather than assuming. Practising with a stricter negative-marking setting builds accuracy anyway.
Related terms
Minimum Qualifying Marks
The fixed floor printed in the notification (90 of 300 for Group 4) that makes a paper eligible for evaluation. Selection happens at the much higher cut off.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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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