The TNPSC Group 2 Mains Answer Key 2026 has been officially released by the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) on 15 October 2026 at tnpsc.gov.in for the Combined Civil Services Examination-II (CCSE-II), covering Group II and Group IIA Services. If you appeared in the Mains examination held on 8 February 2026, this guide covers everything you need: the direct download link, step-by-step instructions, the objection window, marking scheme, expected final key date, and latest result updates.
The TNPSC Group 2 Mains Answer Key 2026 was released on 15 October 2026 at tnpsc.gov.in. Candidates can download the answer key PDF by logging in with their OTR (One Time Registration) credentials and raise objections online within 7 days of the release date, i.e., by approximately 22 October 2026.
- Conducting Body: Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC)
- Examination Name: Combined Civil Services Examination-II (CCSE-II)
- Posts Covered: Group II (Interview Posts) & Group IIA (Non-Interview Posts)
- Mains Exam Date: 8 February 2026 (Paper I) & 22 February 2026 (Group 2A Paper II)
- Answer Key Release Date: 15 October 2026
- Objection Window: 7 days from release (approx. until 22 October 2026, 5:45 PM)
- Objection Mode: Online only — via candidate portal at tnpsc.gov.in
- Mains Result Declared: 29 June 2026
- Official Website: www.tnpsc.gov.in
- Notification Number: 07/2026 / 08/2024 (as applicable to exam cycle)
- What Is the TNPSC Group 2 Mains Answer Key 2026?
- Who Should Download the TNPSC Group 2 Answer Key 2026?
- Important Dates — TNPSC Group 2 Mains 2026 Timeline
- How to Download TNPSC Group 2 Mains Answer Key 2026 PDF
- How to Raise Objections Against the TNPSC Group 2 Answer Key 2026
- TNPSC Group 2 Mains Marking Scheme & Score Calculation 2026
- Provisional vs Final TNPSC Group 2 Answer Key 2026 — Key Differences
- TNPSC Group 2 Mains Exam Pattern 2026
- TNPSC Group 2 Salary & Pay Scale 2026
- TNPSC Group 2 Mains Result & Expected Cut-Off 2026
- Important Terms Related to TNPSC Group 2 Mains Answer Key
- Important Links — TNPSC Group 2 Mains 2026
- Conclusion
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the TNPSC Group 2 Mains Answer Key 2026?
The TNPSC Group 2 Mains Answer Key 2026 is the official set of correct answers released by the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission after conducting the Mains examination for CCSE-II. It covers all questions from the General Studies (Paper II) paper and helps candidates cross-verify their responses, estimate their probable scores, and — where they disagree with an official answer — raise a formal objection before the final key is published.
For the current CCSE-II cycle, the Mains was held on 8 February 2026 (Group II Paper II — Descriptive General Studies) and 22 February 2026 (Group IIA Paper II — Objective General Studies & Reasoning). The answer key released on 15 October 2026 is the provisional key. Any objections raised by candidates are reviewed by an Expert Committee before the Commission publishes the final answer key, which then forms the basis for result compilation.
TNPSC has historically provided a 7-day objection window from the answer key release date, with submissions accepted only through the online portal and typically closing at 5:45 PM on the last day. Candidates must login via their OTR (One Time Registration) credentials to access the objection facility.
Who Should Download the TNPSC Group 2 Answer Key 2026?
- 🎓 Group II Mains candidates who appeared on 8 February 2026 and want to verify their descriptive paper performance and prepare for the interview round.
- 📋 Group IIA Mains candidates who appeared on 22 February 2026 and want to calculate their objective paper scores before the final result.
- ⚖️ Candidates who believe an answer is wrong and wish to raise a formal objection within the 7-day window ending approximately 22 October 2026.
- 📊 TNPSC aspirants targeting cut-off analysis who want to benchmark expected scores for Group II and Group IIA services.
- 🏛️ Fresh graduates and job-seekers monitoring the CCSE-II selection process before the final merit list is published.
- 👩🏫 Coaching institutes and educators preparing students for TNPSC examinations who need official answer key data for post-exam analysis.
- 📰 Candidates who missed the Mains result date (announced 29 June 2026) and want to cross-check their score against the official answer key.
- 🔍 Tamil Nadu government job aspirants tracking the recruitment status of 821 posts notified under Notification No. 07/2026.
Important Dates — TNPSC Group 2 Mains 2026 Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| TNPSC Group 2 Notification Released | 11 August 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 11 August 2026 |
| Online Application Last Date | 9 September 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | 13–15 September 2026 |
| Mains Exam Date (Group II — Paper II Descriptive) | 8 February 2026 |
| Mains Exam Date (Group IIA — Paper II Objective) | 22 February 2026 |
| Mains Result Declared | 29 June 2026 |
| Mains Answer Key (Provisional) Released | 15 October 2026 |
| Last Date to Raise Objections (approx.) | 22 October 2026 (5:45 PM) |
| Final Answer Key (Expected) | After objection review — check tnpsc.gov.in |
| TNPSC Group 2 Prelims 2026 Exam Date (New Cycle) | 1 November 2026 |
Note: The objection window closing date of approximately 22 October 2026 is based on TNPSC’s standard 7-day window practice. Always confirm the exact last date on the official portal at tnpsc.gov.in, as TNPSC may extend or modify deadlines.
How to Download TNPSC Group 2 Mains Answer Key 2026 PDF
Candidates can download the TNPSC Group 2 Mains Answer Key 2026 from the official portal in under 5 minutes by following these steps. The answer key is available only through the OTR login — it is not accessible without valid credentials.
- Open the official TNPSC website — navigate to www.tnpsc.gov.in in any browser.
- Go to the Recruitment / Answer Keys section — look for “Question Papers / Answer Keys” or “Answer Key” in the top navigation or under the Notifications tab.
- Find the CCSE-II (Group II & IIA) Answer Key link — click on the link labelled “Combined Civil Services Examination-II (Group II and IIA Services) — Mains Answer Key 2026.”
- Log in with your OTR credentials — enter your One Time Registration ID and date of birth or password as prompted.
- Download the Answer Key PDF — the provisional answer key for General Studies (Paper II) will open on screen. Download and save it for reference.
- Compare with your response sheet — cross-check your answers against the official key, question by question. Note any discrepancies before the objection window closes.
Save both the answer key PDF and your response sheet in the same folder immediately after downloading. TNPSC sometimes updates or withdraws links without notice. A downloaded copy is your only safeguard if you wish to raise a strong, evidence-backed objection before the window closes on approximately 22 October 2026 at 5:45 PM.
How to Raise Objections Against the TNPSC Group 2 Answer Key 2026
The TNPSC allows candidates to formally challenge any answer in the provisional key that they believe is incorrect. All objections must be submitted online only — no offline, email, or postal submissions are accepted. Every objection submitted with valid supporting evidence is reviewed by an Expert Committee before the Commission finalises the answer key.
- Log in to your candidate portal at tnpsc.gov.in using your OTR Registration ID and password.
- Navigate to the Answer Key Objection / Challenge section — look for “Raise Objection” or “Representation” link near the CCSE-II answer key.
- Select the question(s) you wish to challenge — identify the question number and the answer option you believe is correct vs. what the key states.
- Upload supporting evidence — attach scanned copies of relevant reference books, official publications, or question paper sources that support your objection. Evidence is mandatory for valid consideration.
- Pay the objection fee (if applicable) — TNPSC may levy a nominal fee per question challenged. Check the official portal for the current fee structure before submitting.
- Submit before the deadline — ensure submission well before approximately 22 October 2026 at 5:45 PM. Last-minute portal congestion is common; do not wait until the final hours.
- Note your objection reference number — keep the confirmation/acknowledgment for your records.
Important: Based on TNPSC’s past practice (as seen in Group 2 Prelims 2025 when questions 93 and 101 were reserved for the Expert Committee), the Commission may pre-mark certain questions as already under review. Candidates can still submit grievances on those questions with evidence, but the Commission’s Expert Committee decision is final.
TNPSC Group 2 Mains Marking Scheme & Score Calculation 2026
Understanding the marking scheme is essential to accurately estimate your score from the provisional answer key. The scheme differs between Group II (Interview Posts) and Group IIA (Non-Interview Posts) because of the descriptive vs. objective nature of the Mains papers.
| Parameter | Group II (Interview Posts) | Group IIA (Non-Interview Posts) |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I (Tamil Eligibility Test) | 100 marks — Descriptive — Qualifying only (min. 40 marks); NOT counted in merit | Same — Qualifying only |
| Paper II (General Studies) | 300 marks — Descriptive | 300 marks — Objective (200 MCQs) |
| Interview Marks | 40 marks | No interview |
| Total Merit Score | 300 (Mains Paper II) + 40 (Interview) = 340 | 300 (Mains Paper II) |
| Negative Marking | Not applicable (Descriptive) | None for objective paper |
| Marks per Correct Answer (IIA objective) | — | 1.5 marks per question |
Score Calculation Formula (Group IIA Objective Paper):
Total Score = Number of Correct Answers × 1.5 marks
Since there is no negative marking for the TNPSC Group 2 Mains 2026, unattempted questions carry zero marks and there is no penalty for wrong answers.
For Group II descriptive candidates: The answer key helps verify factual data and reference points, but final scores are evaluated by examiners. The provisional answer key released on 15 October 2026 primarily covers the objective component; descriptive marking is done independently by TNPSC-appointed evaluators.
Provisional vs Final TNPSC Group 2 Answer Key 2026 — Key Differences
| Basis | Provisional Answer Key | Final Answer Key |
|---|---|---|
| Release Timing | Shortly after exam / result — 15 Oct 2026 | After full objection review is complete |
| Can It Change? | Yes — subject to objection review | No — locked for result compilation |
| Objection Window | Open for ~7 days from release | Closed — no further objections |
| Used for Result? | No | Yes — final result is based on this key |
| Expert Committee Review | Pending | Completed — key finalised |
| Score Estimate Accuracy | Indicative only | Definitive |
| When to Access? | Now — at tnpsc.gov.in | After full selection process completion |
Always download both the provisional answer key and your OTR response sheet as soon as they are available. Candidates who raise well-evidenced objections within the 7-day window have historically seen corrections in the final answer key, which directly impacts merit list rankings. A single question correction worth 1.5 marks can shift your rank significantly in a competitive pool of thousands of candidates. Act before 22 October 2026 — do not wait for the final key.
TNPSC Group 2 Mains Exam Pattern 2026
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I (Common) | Tamil Eligibility Test | 100 | 3 Hours | Descriptive — Qualifying Only |
| Paper II (Group II) | General Studies | 300 | 3 Hours | Descriptive — Counted in Merit |
| Paper II (Group IIA) | General Studies + Reasoning | 300 (200 MCQs @ 1.5 marks each) | 3 Hours | Objective — Counted in Merit |
The Mains exam for Group II (Interview Posts) is held at Chennai only, while Group IIA Mains is conducted at 38 centres across Tamil Nadu. The key distinction between the two streams is that Group II posts require an interview worth 40 marks after Mains, while Group IIA selection is based purely on written scores and certificate verification.
TNPSC Group 2 Salary & Pay Scale 2026
TNPSC Group 2 and Group 2A posts offer competitive government salaries under the Tamil Nadu Revised Pay Rules (7th Pay Commission). The pay scale varies by post, with levels ranging from Pay Level 9 to Pay Level 18.
| Post Category | Pay Level | Approximate Basic Pay | Gross Monthly (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group IIA (Non-Interview Posts) | Level 9 – Level 12 | Rs.20,600 – Rs.35,900 | Rs.35,000 – Rs.55,000 |
| Group II (Interview Posts — Junior) | Level 16 | Rs.44,900 | Rs.70,000 – Rs.75,000 |
| Group II (Interview Posts — Senior) | Level 18 | Rs.56,100 | Rs.85,000 – Rs.95,000 |
In addition to basic pay, selected candidates receive Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Medical Allowance, and other state government benefits. Employees also qualify for annual increments and pension benefits under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS). Post-wise pay and allowance details are available in the official TNPSC Group 2 Notification 07/2026 at tnpsc.gov.in.
TNPSC Group 2 Mains Result & Expected Cut-Off 2026
The TNPSC Group 2 Mains Result 2026 was declared on 29 June 2026, announcing candidates shortlisted for the interview round (Group II) and certificate verification (Group IIA). The answer key released on 15 October 2026 is a post-result documentation step, allowing candidates to access official answers for review, transparency, and record purposes.
| Category | Expected Mains Cut-Off Score (Out of 300) |
|---|---|
| General (UR) | 190 – 210 (indicative) |
| OBC / MBC | 175 – 195 (indicative) |
| SC / ST | 155 – 175 (indicative) |
Note: Cut-off figures above are indicative estimates based on historical TNPSC Group 2 trends. Refer to tnpsc.gov.in for official cut-off data once released.
Important Terms Related to TNPSC Group 2 Mains Answer Key 2026
- CCSE-II (Combined Civil Services Examination-II): The official name of the TNPSC Group 2 and Group 2A examination. All 821 posts notified under Notification 07/2026 are filled through CCSE-II.
- OTR (One Time Registration): The unique registration ID issued to every TNPSC candidate. Required to log in and access the answer key and objection portal at tnpsc.gov.in.
- Provisional Answer Key: The first answer key released after the exam. Subject to change based on candidate objections reviewed by an Expert Committee.
- Final Answer Key: The locked version of the answer key published after all objections are resolved. Used as the definitive basis for result and merit list preparation.
- Objection Window: The 7-day period from the provisional answer key release during which candidates can challenge answers online. Typically closes at 5:45 PM on the last date.
- Expert Committee: The TNPSC-appointed academic panel that reviews all candidate objections and decides whether answers in the provisional key should be amended.
- Tamil Eligibility Test (Paper I): A qualifying paper in Tamil language for the TNPSC Group 2 Mains. Minimum qualifying marks: 40 out of 100. Marks are NOT included in the final merit calculation.
- OMR Response Sheet: The scanned copy of the candidate’s optical mark recognition sheet from the objective paper, made available to candidates via the OTR portal for self-verification.
- Tamil Nadu 7th Pay Commission: The pay revision framework under which TNPSC Group 2 salaries (Pay Levels 9 to 18) are structured, ranging from approximately Rs.35,000 to Rs.95,000 gross per month.
- CPS (Contributory Pension Scheme): The pension scheme applicable to Tamil Nadu government employees appointed after 2003, under which TNPSC Group 2 recruits receive retirement benefits through employee and government contributions.
Important Links — TNPSC Group 2 Mains 2026
| Link Name | URL |
|---|---|
| TNPSC Official Website | www.tnpsc.gov.in |
| Download Mains Answer Key PDF (Login Required) | tnpsc.gov.in — Recruitments / Answer Keys |
| Raise Objection Against Answer Key (Online) | tnpsc.gov.in — Answer Key Challenge Portal |
| TNPSC Group 2 Notification 07/2026 PDF | tnpsc.gov.in — Notification 07/2026 |
| TNPSC Group 2 Mains Result 2026 | tnpsc.gov.in — Results Section |
| Tamil Nadu Government Official Portal | www.tn.gov.in |
| TNPSC Group 2 Syllabus 2026 — Agrijob.in | Agrijob.in — TNPSC Group 2 Syllabus Guide |
Conclusion — TNPSC Group 2 Mains Answer Key 2026
The TNPSC Group 2 Mains Answer Key 2026, released on 15 October 2026 at tnpsc.gov.in, gives candidates a critical 7-day window to verify their performance and raise valid objections before the final key is locked. Whether you appeared for the Group II Descriptive Mains or the Group IIA Objective Mains, downloading the answer key now and cross-checking your responses is the most important step you can take before the objection window closes around 22 October 2026 at 5:45 PM.
Bookmark this page and visit tnpsc.gov.in regularly for the exact objection deadline, final answer key date, and the next steps in the CCSE-II selection process. If you are simultaneously preparing for the upcoming TNPSC Group 2 Prelims 2026 exam on 1 November 2026, explore the complete Agrijob.in TNPSC preparation guides linked above.
- TNPSC Group 2 Mains Answer Key 2026 was released on 15 October 2026 at tnpsc.gov.in for CCSE-II Group II and Group IIA services.
- The objection window is open for approximately 7 days — candidates must submit valid, evidence-backed challenges by around 22 October 2026 at 5:45 PM.
- All objections are submitted online only via the OTR candidate portal — no offline, email, or postal objections are accepted.
- TNPSC Group II Mains result was already declared on 29 June 2026; this answer key is for post-result transparency and review purposes.
- Group IIA Mains carries 300 marks (200 MCQs × 1.5 marks each) with no negative marking; Group II Mains is descriptive with 300 marks + 40 interview marks in the final merit.
- Bookmark tnpsc.gov.in and check back for the final answer key release date, which is published only after the Expert Committee review process is completed.
Frequently Asked Questions About TNPSC Group 2 Mains Answer Key 2026
When was the TNPSC Group 2 Mains Answer Key 2026 released?
The TNPSC Group 2 Mains Answer Key 2026 was released on 15 October 2026 by the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission on its official website tnpsc.gov.in. The key covers the Mains examination held on 8 February 2026 (Group II Paper II) and 22 February 2026 (Group IIA Paper II) under CCSE-II Notification 07/2026.
How can I download the TNPSC Group 2 Mains Answer Key 2026 PDF?
Visit tnpsc.gov.in and navigate to the “Recruitments / Answer Keys” section. Click on the Combined Civil Services Examination-II (Group II & IIA) Mains Answer Key 2026 link. Log in with your OTR Registration ID and date of birth or password. Once authenticated, the answer key PDF will open on screen — download and save it immediately.
What is the last date to raise objections against the TNPSC Group 2 Mains Answer Key 2026?
Based on TNPSC’s standard 7-day objection window practice, the last date to raise objections is approximately 22 October 2026 at 5:45 PM. However, you must confirm the exact deadline on tnpsc.gov.in, as TNPSC may specify a different closing date for this specific answer key release. Always submit well before the deadline to avoid portal congestion.
How do I raise an objection against the TNPSC Group 2 Answer Key 2026?
Log in to the TNPSC candidate portal at tnpsc.gov.in with your OTR credentials. Navigate to the “Answer Key Challenge” or “Raise Representation” section. Select the specific question(s) you wish to challenge, provide your answer, upload supporting evidence from authoritative sources (textbooks, official publications), pay any applicable fee, and submit before the deadline. Objections submitted without valid evidence are typically not accepted by the Expert Committee.
Is there negative marking in the TNPSC Group 2 Mains 2026?
No, there is no negative marking in the TNPSC Group 2 Mains 2026 examination. For Group IIA (Non-Interview Posts), each correct answer in the 200-question objective paper earns 1.5 marks, totalling 300 marks. Unattempted or wrong answers carry zero marks. For Group II (Interview Posts), Paper II is descriptive and not scored by the answer key.
What is the difference between the provisional and final TNPSC Group 2 Answer Key 2026?
The provisional answer key released on 15 October 2026 is a tentative key subject to correction based on candidate objections reviewed by TNPSC’s Expert Committee. The final answer key is published only after all objections are reviewed and resolved — it is the definitive document used to compile results and merit lists. Do not assume your score is final based on the provisional key alone, especially if you have raised or plan to raise objections.
When was the TNPSC Group 2 Mains Result 2026 declared?
The TNPSC Group 2 Mains Result 2026 was declared on 29 June 2026, shortlisting candidates for the interview stage (Group II posts) and certificate verification (Group IIA posts). The Mains answer key released on 15 October 2026 is a post-result transparency measure, enabling candidates to review official answers after the result announcement.
How many posts are available under TNPSC Group 2 & 2A 2026?
The TNPSC Group 2 & Group 2A Notification 07/2026 announced a total of 821 posts — comprising 41 Group II (Interview Posts) at Pay Levels 16 and 18, and 780 Group IIA (Non-Interview Posts) at Pay Levels 9 to 12. The online application window was open from 11 August to 9 September 2026 on tnpsc.gov.in.
What is the TNPSC Group 2 salary in 2026?
TNPSC Group 2 posts carry salaries ranging from approximately Rs.35,000 to Rs.95,000 per month gross, depending on the post and pay level. Group IIA posts at Levels 9–12 typically offer Rs.35,000–Rs.55,000 gross, while senior Group II Interview Posts at Level 18 offer Rs.85,000–Rs.95,000 gross. All posts include DA, HRA, medical allowances, and Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) benefits as per Tamil Nadu 7th Pay Commission rules.
What should I do if I cannot access the TNPSC answer key portal?
If the TNPSC portal is inaccessible, try during non-peak hours (early morning or late night), clear your browser cache, or use a different browser. If login issues persist, use the “Forgot Password” option on the OTR portal. For persistent technical issues, contact TNPSC helpdesk through the official contact details listed on tnpsc.gov.in. Do not wait until the last day of the objection window to access the portal.
Will there be a new TNPSC Group 2 exam in 2026?
Yes, a new TNPSC Group 2 & Group 2A Preliminary Examination 2026 (new recruitment cycle) is scheduled for 1 November 2026 as per the TNPSC Annual Exam Calendar. The notification for this cycle was released on 11 August 2026 for a fresh set of 821 vacancies. This is a separate recruitment from the CCSE-II cycle whose Mains Answer Key has been released on 15 October 2026.
Last Updated: October 2026 | This page is reviewed and updated regularly for accuracy. Bookmark this page for the latest TNPSC Group 2 answer key updates and result announcements.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. All recruitment-related decisions — including eligibility, selection, and appointment — are subject to the official notifications and orders issued by the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) at tnpsc.gov.in. Candidates are advised to refer to the official website for the latest and authoritative information before taking any action.
