TNPSC Group 1 Prelims Answer Key 2026

The Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) has released the tentative answer key for the Combined Civil Services Examination–I (Group 1 Services) Preliminary Examination. Candidates who sat the exam on 27 September 2026 can use the key to review their responses and estimate their marks.

The key became available on 6 October 2026 for General Studies with Aptitude and Mental Ability, Subject Code 497. Candidates may raise objections online until 13 October 2026 at 5:45 PM; the Commission will refer supported representations to an Expert Committee.

Important Dates

How to Apply

No new examination application is described in this notice. Candidates can use the Commission’s website to view and download the tentative key or submit an objection to an answer. The released key is presented as a specimen question booklet, with the proposed correct answer tick-marked for each question.

1. Visit the official TNPSC website and open the Answer Keys section.
2. Find the link titled “Combined Civil Services Examination – I (Group I Services) – Tentative Keys”.
3. Choose “Click here” beside General Studies with Aptitude and Mental Ability (Subject Code 497) to open the specimen booklet, then download and save the PDF.
4. To challenge an answer, open the TNPSC Group 1 answer-key challenge link and enter the requested login details.
5. Select the question number shown in the specimen question booklet, regardless of the booklet code received in the examination hall.
6. Explain the objection, upload supporting evidence and submit the form. Keep a copy for reference.

Objections are accepted online only. Representations sent by post or email will not be considered, and submissions received after 5:45 PM on 13 October 2026 will not be taken up. The Commission will place objections received with evidence before its Expert Committee to finalise the keys.

Marking Scheme

The preliminary paper is at degree standard and consists of 200 questions for a total of 300 marks. The examination lasts three hours, and each correct answer carries 1.5 marks. There is no negative marking; the five answer options are (A), (B), (C), (D) and (E).

To estimate a score, count the correct responses and multiply that number by 1.5. Incorrect answers do not reduce the score. In formula form: expected score = number of correct answers × 1.5.

Selection Process

The answer key relates to the Preliminary Examination of the Combined Civil Services Examination–I (Group 1 Services). TNPSC has not announced the prelims result date; it will declare the result after objections have been reviewed by the Expert Committee. Candidates can check the result on the official website using their registration number once the result link is active. Those who qualify will be called for the Main Examination. The final answer key is due to be published on the website only after the entire selection process is complete.

Candidates who find a possible error should submit a supported objection through the official online facility before the stated deadline. Keep the downloaded specimen booklet and a copy of any submitted representation for reference.