How to calculate your score
The paper had 200 questions for 300 marks, so each question carries 1.5 marks. TNPSC does not deduct marks for wrong answers. It does deduct for the OMR rules: 0.5 mark for each question where no option (including [E]) was shaded, and 0.5 mark for a missing thumb impression.
- Count your correct answers against a key and multiply by 1.5.
- Subtract 0.5 for every question you left fully unshaded.
- Treat unofficial keys as a guide. Only TNPSC's final key decides the result.
Objecting to the official key
When TNPSC publishes its tentative key, it opens a short window for objections, which must be made online with supporting references. If you believe a key answer is wrong, gather a standard source (an NCERT or Tamil Nadu textbook, or an official document) before the window opens, so you can file within the deadline.
Why Mains preparation should start now
The Group I Mains is a descriptive exam over separate days, and the gap between the Prelims result and the Mains is usually too short to build answer-writing skill from scratch. If your estimated score is comfortably within recent cut-off ranges, treat yourself as a Mains candidate from today. Even if you are on the border, a month of answer writing is never wasted, because it also strengthens your Prelims base for the next attempt.
- Write one answer a day on a Tamil Nadu-specific topic (history, culture, the Thirukkural, welfare schemes) and time yourself.
- Build short notes on TN development administration and the state economy. They come up across papers.
- Practise structure: introduction, three or four clear points, and a short conclusion, within the word limit.
Key takeaways
- TNPSC Group 1 Prelims (Notification 05/2026) was held on 27 September 2026; the official key is expected on tnpsc.gov.in.
- Score = correct answers × 1.5, minus 0.5 for each fully unshaded question. There is no penalty for wrong answers.
- Start Mains answer writing now. The gap after the Prelims result is short.
Sources
Dates and patterns change — always confirm on the official website before applying.
