TNPSC Group 1 Answer Key 2026 has been officially released by the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) on 6 October 2026 at tnpsc.gov.in. This provisional answer key covers the Combined Civil Services Examination–I (CCSE-I) Preliminary Exam held on 27 September 2026 for 26 vacancies across senior Tamil Nadu government posts including Deputy Collector and District Registrar. This guide is for Tamil Nadu state government job aspirants who appeared in the Group 1 Prelims 2026 and want to check their answers, calculate probable scores, and raise objections. Below you will find the direct PDF download steps, marking scheme, objection process, important dates, salary details, and complete FAQ — everything you need before the objection window closes on 13 October 2026.
The TNPSC Group 1 Answer Key 2026 (provisional) was released on 6 October 2026 at tnpsc.gov.in. Candidates can download the PDF, match their responses, and raise objections online until 13 October 2026 (5:45 PM). Each correct answer carries 1.5 marks; there is no negative marking.
- Conducting Body: Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC)
- Exam Name: Combined Civil Services Examination–I (CCSE-I) Prelims
- Prelims Exam Date: 27 September 2026
- Provisional Answer Key Released: 6 October 2026
- Objection Window: 6 October – 13 October 2026 (5:45 PM)
- Total Questions: 200 (175 General Studies + 25 Aptitude & Mental Ability)
- Total Marks: 300 (1.5 marks per correct answer)
- Negative Marking: None
- Total Vacancies: 26 posts (Notification No. 05/2026)
- Official Website: tnpsc.gov.in
📋 Table of Contents
- What Is the TNPSC Group 1 Answer Key 2026?
- Who Should Download and Check This Answer Key?
- Important Dates & Objection Deadline
- How to Download TNPSC Group 1 Answer Key 2026 – Step-by-Step
- Marking Scheme & How to Calculate Your Probable Score
- How to Raise Objections Against TNPSC Group 1 Answer Key 2026
- Provisional vs Final Answer Key – What Is the Difference?
- TNPSC Group 1 2026 Vacancies, Posts & Salary
- Advantages and Disadvantages of Raising an Objection
- Important Terms Related to TNPSC Group 1 Answer Key
- What Happens After the Answer Key – Selection Process
- Important Links
- Conclusion
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the TNPSC Group 1 Answer Key 2026?
The TNPSC Group 1 Answer Key 2026 is the official provisional answer key released by the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) showing the correct answers for all 200 questions asked in the Combined Civil Services Examination–I (CCSE-I) Preliminary Exam 2026. It is published at tnpsc.gov.in in PDF format and allows candidates to cross-check their responses before the official result is declared.
The answer key is released in two stages. First, TNPSC publishes a provisional (tentative) key and invites candidates to raise objections within a specified window. After reviewing those objections through expert committees, TNPSC then releases the final answer key, which is used to prepare the Prelims result and merit list. The provisional key released on 6 October 2026 is the first stage — candidates have until 13 October 2026 to raise any valid challenges.
This cycle covers 26 vacancies under Notification No. 05/2026 (Advertisement No. 736, dated 23 June 2026) — the lowest vacancy count in recent TNPSC Group 1 history, down from 70 vacancies in the previous cycle.
Who Should Download and Check This Answer Key?
This guide is specifically useful for the following candidates:
- 🎓 All candidates who appeared for the TNPSC Group 1 Prelims on 27 September 2026 — to estimate their probable score before the result.
- 📌 Candidates who believe one or more answers in the key are incorrect — to raise a formal objection with supporting evidence by 13 October 2026.
- 📊 Aspirants calculating their cut-off eligibility — to determine if they are likely to qualify for the Mains stage.
- 🏆 First-time TNPSC Group 1 test-takers — to understand the answer key process, marking scheme, and what comes next in the selection pipeline.
- 📋 Coaching institute students and self-study aspirants — to verify answers against unofficial keys they may have already accessed.
- 👨💼 Working professionals targeting state government Group A posts — Deputy Collector, DSP, District Registrar — to track their chances of making it to the Mains.
- 🔄 Candidates from previous TNPSC Group 1 attempts — to benchmark performance against this year’s difficulty level and expected cut-off.
Important Dates & Objection Deadline — TNPSC Group 1 Answer Key 2026
All candidates must note the critical dates below. The objection window is time-bound and strictly enforced — TNPSC does not accept late objections under any circumstances.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| TNPSC Group 1 Notification Released | 23 June 2026 |
| Application Window | 30 June – 29 July 2026 |
| TNPSC Group 1 Prelims Exam Date | 27 September 2026 |
| Provisional Answer Key Released | 6 October 2026 |
| Objection Window Opens | 6 October 2026 |
| Last Date to Raise Objections | 13 October 2026 (5:45 PM) |
| Final Answer Key Release | To be announced by TNPSC |
| TNPSC Group 1 Prelims Result | To be announced by TNPSC |
How to Download TNPSC Group 1 Answer Key 2026 – Step-by-Step
Downloading the official TNPSC Group 1 Answer Key 2026 from tnpsc.gov.in takes less than 2 minutes. Follow these exact steps:
- Visit the official TNPSC website — Open your browser and go to https://www.tnpsc.gov.in/.
- Click on “Answer Keys” section — On the homepage, look for the “Answer Keys” tab in the navigation menu or the “What’s New” / Latest Announcements section.
- Find the Group 1 Answer Key link — Click the link titled “Answer Key – TNPSC Group 1 (குரூப் 1) – Combined Civil Services Preliminary Examination–I”.
- Check your Question Paper Series/Booklet Code — Identify the series code (A, B, C, or D) on your admit card or question paper before comparing answers.
- Download the PDF — The answer key PDF will open on screen. Download and save it on your device for offline reference.
- Compare your marked responses — Go question by question and mark each as Correct, Incorrect, or Skipped using the official key.
- Calculate your probable score — Multiply total correct answers by 1.5 marks (see marking scheme below).
Always check the answer key PDF against your specific question paper booklet series (A/B/C/D). TNPSC releases a combined PDF — matching the wrong series will give incorrect score estimates. Your booklet series is printed at the top-right corner of your question paper.
Marking Scheme & How to Calculate Your Probable Score
The TNPSC Group 1 Prelims 2026 carries 200 questions for 300 marks. Every correct answer earns 1.5 marks. There is no negative marking, meaning unanswered or incorrect questions do not reduce your score.
| Section | Questions | Marks Per Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies | 175 | 1.5 | 262.5 |
| Aptitude & Mental Ability | 25 | 1.5 | 37.5 |
| Total | 200 | 1.5 | 300 |
Score Calculation Formula: Expected Score = (Number of Correct Answers) × 1.5
| Correct Answers | Expected Score (out of 300) |
|---|---|
| 120 | 180 |
| 130 | 195 |
| 140 | 210 |
| 150 | 225 |
| 160 | 240 |
| 170 | 255 |
| 180 | 270 |
Since there is no negative marking, candidates are advised to attempt all 200 questions. Even unattempted questions in the exam leave marks on the table — guessing strategically can add 1–3 marks to a borderline score.
How to Raise Objections Against TNPSC Group 1 Answer Key 2026
If you believe any answer in the TNPSC Group 1 provisional key is incorrect, you can formally challenge it through the official objection portal on tnpsc.gov.in. The objection window is open from 6 October to 13 October 2026 (5:45 PM). Follow these steps:
- Visit tnpsc.gov.in — Navigate to the Answer Keys section on the official portal.
- Click the “Raise Objection” or “Answer Key Challenge” link — This link is activated alongside the provisional key release.
- Log in with your credentials — Use your One Time Registration (OTR) ID and registered credentials to access the objection portal.
- Select the disputed question — Identify the question number and the answer you believe is incorrect.
- Submit your objection with supporting evidence — Attach a reference from a standard textbook, official document, or government source that supports your claim. Unsupported objections are typically rejected.
- Save and submit before the deadline — Ensure submission well before 5:45 PM on 13 October 2026. Late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.
- Note your objection reference number — Save the acknowledgement for tracking purposes.
All objections are reviewed by TNPSC’s subject expert committee. If an objection is found valid, the question may be revised, deleted, or awarded full marks to all candidates. The final decision rests solely with TNPSC.
Provisional vs Final TNPSC Group 1 Answer Key 2026 — Key Differences
| Feature | Provisional Answer Key | Final Answer Key |
|---|---|---|
| Release Stage | Immediately after exam | After objection review |
| Subject to Change | Yes — candidates can challenge | No — binding and final |
| Used for Result | No | Yes — official result basis |
| Objections Accepted | Yes (within 7 days) | No |
| Expert Review | Pending | Completed |
| Disputed Questions | May be present | Deleted or corrected |
| Score Accuracy | Estimated | Official |
| Download Source | tnpsc.gov.in | tnpsc.gov.in |
Always use the final answer key for your definitive score calculation. The provisional key gives a strong estimate but may change if any objections are upheld. In previous TNPSC Group 1 cycles, 1–3 questions have been revised or deleted after the objection review — which can shift the cut-off by 1.5–4.5 marks. Candidates near the expected cut-off should wait for the final key before making post-exam decisions.
TNPSC Group 1 2026 Vacancies, Posts & Salary Structure
TNPSC Group 1 2026 (Notification No. 05/2026) announced 26 vacancies across 5 senior-level posts under the Tamil Nadu state government. All posts are categorised under Pay Level 22 of the Tamil Nadu Pay Matrix, with an entry basic pay of Rs. 56,100 per month.
| Post Name | Vacancies | Pay Level |
|---|---|---|
| Deputy Collector | 12 | Level 22 |
| District Registrar | 8 | Level 22 |
| Deputy Registrar of Co-operative Societies | 3 | Level 22 |
| Assistant Commissioner (Commercial Taxes) | 2 | Level 22 |
| Assistant Commissioner of Labour | 1 | Level 22 |
| Total | 26 | Level 22 |
TNPSC Group 1 Salary 2026: The basic pay ranges from Rs. 56,100 to Rs. 2,05,700. With Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and other government allowances factored in, the approximate in-hand salary at entry level is Rs. 91,000 – Rs. 97,000 per month (as per 60% DA applicable in January 2026). Senior TNPSC Group 1 officers at the top of the pay matrix earn Rs. 2,05,700 basic pay, making this among the highest-paying state PSC positions in India.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Raising an Objection
Before deciding whether to file an objection, candidates should weigh these key points:
Advantages (Pros)
- ✅ Corrects genuine errors — if a question was ambiguous or had two defensible answers, a valid objection can result in full marks for all candidates.
- ✅ Can directly impact the cut-off — even 1 deleted question shifts the cut-off by 1.5 marks, which can be decisive for borderline candidates.
- ✅ Improves the fairness and quality of the final answer key for all 2.5–4 lakh+ candidates who appeared.
- ✅ TNPSC expert committee reviews each valid objection — well-evidenced challenges are taken seriously.
Disadvantages (Cons)
- ❌ Unsupported objections are always rejected — a challenge without a verifiable reference source carries no weight.
- ❌ The final decision rests entirely with TNPSC — there is no appeal mechanism once the final key is published.
- ❌ Time-consuming — researching a credible source and preparing the objection properly takes effort that may distract from Mains preparation.
Important Terms Related to TNPSC Group 1 Answer Key 2026
Understanding these key terms will help candidates navigate the answer key and objection process effectively:
- Provisional Answer Key: The initial answer key released by TNPSC after the exam. Subject to change based on candidate objections. Released on 6 October 2026.
- Final Answer Key: The binding answer key released after the objection review. Used as the basis for the official Prelims result.
- CCSE-I: Combined Civil Services Examination–I — the official name for the TNPSC Group 1 examination.
- OTR ID: One Time Registration ID — the login credential used to access the TNPSC candidate portal, required for downloading the answer key and filing objections.
- Objection Window: The fixed time period (6–13 October 2026) during which candidates can formally challenge the provisional answer key.
- Expert Committee: TNPSC’s panel of subject specialists who review all candidate objections and decide whether to uphold or reject each challenge.
- Cut-Off Marks: The minimum score required to qualify for the Mains examination. Varies by category (General, OBC, SC/ST, etc.).
- Backlog Vacancy: Reserved category positions that remained unfilled in earlier recruitment cycles and carry forward to the current cycle — relevant as some of the 26 vacancies in 2026 include backlog posts.
- Pay Level 22: The Tamil Nadu Pay Matrix salary grade applicable to all TNPSC Group 1 posts, with an entry basic pay of Rs. 56,100.
- Response Sheet: The digital record of your OMR-marked answers as captured by the exam scanner — separate from the answer key, used to verify which option you actually marked.
What Happens After the Answer Key — TNPSC Group 1 2026 Selection Process
The TNPSC Group 1 selection process has three stages. The answer key is part of the first stage:
- Preliminary Examination (Qualifying + Screening): The Prelims is qualifying in nature. It shortlists candidates for the Mains based on cut-off marks. The Prelims score is not counted in the final merit list.
- Main Examination (Marks Counted): A written exam covering General Studies Papers I, II, III, IV, and a Language Paper (Tamil or other). This is the primary scoring stage.
- Interview / Oral Test: The final stage for candidates who clear the Mains. Carries substantial marks and determines the final merit ranking.
After the objection window closes on 13 October 2026, TNPSC will release the final answer key, prepare the Prelims result, and announce the Mains exam schedule. Candidates are advised to start Mains preparation immediately rather than waiting for the Prelims result.
Important Links — TNPSC Group 1 Answer Key 2026
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| TNPSC Official Website | tnpsc.gov.in |
| TNPSC Answer Keys Section | tnpsc.gov.in/answer-keys |
| TNPSC One Time Registration (OTR) Portal | tnpscexams.net |
| TNPSC Group 1 Notification No. 05/2026 (Official PDF) | tnpsc.gov.in (Notifications) |
| Tamil Nadu Government Official Portal | tn.gov.in |
| India Government Jobs Portal (NCS) | ncs.gov.in |
Conclusion — TNPSC Group 1 Answer Key 2026
The TNPSC Group 1 Answer Key 2026 (provisional) was released on 6 October 2026 for the Prelims held on 27 September 2026, covering 26 vacancies for senior Tamil Nadu government posts. With 200 questions carrying 1.5 marks each and no negative marking, candidates can now calculate their probable scores and determine their Mains eligibility. If you believe any answer in the provisional key is incorrect, file a well-evidenced objection at tnpsc.gov.in before 13 October 2026 at 5:45 PM — this deadline is final and non-negotiable. Regardless of the Prelims outcome, begin your Mains preparation now — the Mains score is what ultimately determines your final rank among the 26 available posts. Bookmark this page for the latest updates on the final answer key and Prelims result date.
- TNPSC Group 1 Provisional Answer Key 2026 released on 6 October 2026 at tnpsc.gov.in.
- Prelims exam carried 200 questions for 300 marks — 1.5 marks per correct answer, zero negative marking.
- Objection window is open from 6 October to 13 October 2026 (5:45 PM) — late submissions not accepted.
- Only 26 vacancies in 2026 — a 63% drop from the previous cycle (70 posts in 2025) — competition is exceptionally high.
- Selected officers earn Rs. 56,100–Rs. 2,05,700 basic pay (approx. Rs. 91,000–97,000 in hand at entry); Prelims is qualifying only — start Mains prep now.
Frequently Asked Questions About TNPSC Group 1 Answer Key 2026
When was the TNPSC Group 1 Answer Key 2026 released?
The TNPSC Group 1 provisional answer key 2026 was released on 6 October 2026 by the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission at its official website tnpsc.gov.in. The exam was held on 27 September 2026, and the key was published within 9 days of the examination date.
Where can I download the TNPSC Group 1 Answer Key 2026 PDF?
The official TNPSC Group 1 Answer Key 2026 PDF is available for free download at tnpsc.gov.in under the “Answer Keys” section. Visit the site, click on the Combined Civil Services Examination–I (Group-I Services) link, and download the PDF for your question paper series.
What is the last date to raise objections against the TNPSC Group 1 Answer Key 2026?
The last date to raise objections against the TNPSC Group 1 provisional answer key 2026 is 13 October 2026 at 5:45 PM. Objections must be submitted through the official TNPSC portal with supporting documentary evidence. No objections are accepted after this deadline.
Is there negative marking in TNPSC Group 1 Prelims 2026?
No. There is no negative marking in the TNPSC Group 1 Preliminary Examination 2026. Incorrect answers do not deduct any marks, and unattempted questions also carry zero marks. Each correct answer earns 1.5 marks, making it advisable to attempt all 200 questions.
How many vacancies are available through TNPSC Group 1 2026?
TNPSC Group 1 2026 (Notification No. 05/2026) announced 26 vacancies — a significant reduction from 70 posts in 2025. The posts include Deputy Collector (12), District Registrar (8), Deputy Registrar of Co-operative Societies (3), Assistant Commissioner Commercial Taxes (2), and Assistant Commissioner of Labour (1).
What is the marking scheme for TNPSC Group 1 Prelims 2026?
The TNPSC Group 1 Prelims 2026 consists of 200 objective-type questions carrying 300 marks total. Each correct answer is awarded 1.5 marks. There is no negative marking. The paper is divided into General Studies (175 questions) and Aptitude & Mental Ability (25 questions), with a 3-hour duration.
What is the difference between the provisional and final TNPSC Group 1 Answer Key?
The provisional answer key is the initial version released by TNPSC after the exam, open to challenges from candidates. The final answer key is published after the expert committee reviews all objections — it may include revised or deleted questions. Only the final key is used to calculate official Prelims marks and prepare the result.
What is the TNPSC Group 1 salary for 2026?
All TNPSC Group 1 posts are in Pay Level 22 of the Tamil Nadu Pay Matrix, with a basic pay range of Rs. 56,100 – Rs. 2,05,700 per month. At entry level, the approximate in-hand salary (including DA and HRA) is Rs. 91,000 – Rs. 97,000 per month as per January 2026 DA rates. Posts also include government accommodation, travel allowances, and pension benefits.
Is the TNPSC Group 1 Prelims score counted in the final merit list?
No. The TNPSC Group 1 Preliminary Examination is qualifying in nature only and its score is not counted in the final merit list. It serves only as a screening test to shortlist candidates for the Main Examination. The final merit list is based exclusively on the Mains written exam score and the Interview (Oral Test) marks.
What should I do if I cannot find my answer key series on the TNPSC website?
If you cannot find your specific question paper series (A/B/C/D) in the answer key PDF, first refresh the page and re-download. TNPSC typically releases a combined key covering all series in one PDF with separate sections. If the issue persists, contact TNPSC’s helpdesk or check the official announcements section. Do not raise an objection based on the wrong series — always confirm your booklet code from your admit card before comparing answers.
When will the TNPSC Group 1 Prelims Result 2026 be declared?
The TNPSC Group 1 Prelims Result 2026 will be declared after the final answer key is prepared and verified — typically a few weeks after the objection window closes on 13 October 2026. TNPSC has not announced a specific result date yet. Candidates should check tnpsc.gov.in regularly or bookmark this page for updates. The final result will be released along with the Mains examination schedule and cut-off marks.
Last Updated: October 2026 | Source: Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission — tnpsc.gov.in | This article is reviewed and updated whenever official data changes. Bookmark this page for the latest TNPSC Group 1 2026 updates.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. All dates, vacancy counts, and marking scheme details are sourced from official TNPSC notifications and verified sources as of October 2026. Candidates are advised to visit tnpsc.gov.in for the most current and authoritative information before taking any action.
