TNPSC Group 1 Exam Pattern 2026: Check Prelims & Mains Exam Pattern
TNPSC Group 1 Exam Pattern 2026 consists of three stages: Prelims Exam, Mains Exam, and Interview/Oral Test. Prelims Exam is an objective-type test with 200 questions for 300 marks, covering General Studies and Aptitude & Mental Ability. Qualified candidates appear for Mains Exam, which is descriptive and has three papers of 250 marks each, totaling 750 marks. The final stage is the Interview/Oral Test, carrying 100 marks. This structured pattern ensures thorough evaluation of knowledge, aptitude, and personality for administrative services.
TNPSC Group 1 Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
TNPSC Group 1 Prelims Exam 2026 serves as a screening test, consisting of objective-type questions in General Studies and Aptitude. It carries 300 marks and requires candidates to secure a minimum qualifying mark. The exam pattern for TNPSC Group 1 2026 Prelims is given below:
| Subject | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies (Degree Standard) | 175 | 300 | 3 Hours |
| Aptitude & Mental Ability Test (SSLC Standard) | 25 | ||
| Total | 200 |
TNPSC Group 1 Mains Exam Pattern 2026
TNPSC Group 1 Main Exam 2026 is descriptive in nature, consisting of four papers, including a Tamil Eligibility Test. It evaluates knowledge in various subjects and is crucial for final merit calculation. TNPSC Group 1 Exam Pattern 2026 for Mains Exam is given below:
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Tamil Eligibility Test (Qualifying) | 100 | 3 Hours |
| Paper 2 | General Studies I | 250 | 3 Hours |
| Paper 3 | General Studies II | 250 | 3 Hours |
| Paper 4 | General Studies III | 250 | 3 Hours |
| Total | 850 | — |
TNPSSC Group 1 Qualifying Marks 2026
Category-wise qualifying marks for TNPSC Group 1 Prelims & Mains are given in the table below:
| Exam | Subject/ Paper | Minimum QualifyingMarks | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SCs, SC(A)s, STs, MBCs/DCs, BC(OBCM)s and BCMs | Others | ||
| TNPSC Group 1 Prelims 2026 | General Studies | 90 | 120 |
| Aptitude & Mental Ability Test | |||
| TNPSC Group 1 Mains 2026 | Paper 1 | 40 | 40 |
| Paper 2 | 225 | 300 | |
| Paper 3 | |||
| Paper 4 | |||
TNPSC Group 1 Interview 2026
TNPSC Group 1 Interview carries 100 marks and is conducted to assess a candidate’s overall personality, communication skills, decision-making ability, and suitability for administrative responsibilities. It evaluates general awareness, subject knowledge, and problem-solving approach. Performance in the interview, along with Mains Exam marks, determines the final ranking and selection of candidates for Group 1 services.
TNPSC Group 1 Exam 2026 consists of Prelims, Mains, and Interview. The Prelims Exam is only qualifying, whereas marks from the Mains Exam and Interview are considered for the final ranking. Candidates must clear each stage with minimum qualifying marks to progress.
TNPSC Group 1 Exam Pattern 2026 FAQs
Ques: Is Tamil paper compulsory in TNPSC Group 1 Exam 2026 Mains?
Ans: Yes, Paper I is the Tamil Eligibility Test in TNPSC Group 1 Exam 2026 Mains. Candidates must score at least 40 marks for their other papers to be evaluated.
Ques: What is the minimum qualifying mark in TNPSC Group 1 Exam 2026 Prelims?
Ans: In TNPSC Group 1 Exam 2026 Prelims, SC, ST, MBC, BC, BCM candidates require 90 marks, while others need 120 marks to qualify for the Mains.
Ques: Are Prelims marks counted in TNPSC Group 1 Exam 2026 final selection?
Ans: No, marks scored in TNPSC Group 1 Exam 2026 Prelims are not counted for ranking. They are only used to shortlist candidates for the Mains examination.
Ques: How is the final ranking decided in TNPSC Group 1 Exam 2026?
Ans: Final ranking in TNPSC Group 1 2026 is determined based on marks obtained in Mains Papers II, III, IV, along with Interview marks, subject to reservation rules.
Ques: Can differently-abled candidates skip the Tamil paper in TNPSC Group 1 Exam 2026 Mains?
Ans: Yes, differently-abled candidates can avail an exemption from Paper I Tamil Eligibility Test in TNPSC Group 1 Exam 2026 Mains, provided they submit valid disability certificates.
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