PrepMaticExam glossary · TNPSC
Rank list in TNPSC exams
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A TNPSC rank list orders candidates by the marks that count for their exam, and everything after it, certificate verification and counselling, follows that order. What counts differs by group. In Group 4 all 300 written marks count. In Group 2 only Main Paper II counts. In Group 1 the mains and the interview together make 850.
What counts, group by group
| Group | Marks that decide the rank | Marks that do not |
|---|---|---|
| Group 4 (2026) | Written paper of 300 marks, including Part A | None. Part A is a gate and counts |
| Group 2 (2025) | Main Paper II, 300 marks | Prelims marks, Tamil Eligibility Test marks |
| Group 2A (2025) | Main Paper II (computer based), 300 marks | Prelims marks, Tamil Eligibility Test marks |
| Group 1 (2025) | Mains Papers II to IV (750) plus interview (100) = 850 | Prelims marks, Tamil Eligibility Test marks |
Because a qualifying paper is only pass-or-fail, high marks in it do not lift your rank.
What you must clear first
Ranking happens among candidates who have met the minimum. These are the minimum qualifying marks, for example 90 out of 300 in Group 4 for every community.
From rank to a post
Your rank decides when you are called and what you can choose. The shortlist ratio fixes how many candidates are called. Your community turn under the communal rotation fixes which vacancies are open to you, and counselling allots the post.
Ties
How equal marks are separated is not covered here. Check the selection section of the notification for your exam.
An example
In Group 4, a candidate scoring 210 of 300 is ranked above one scoring 205, whatever their Part A marks. Both are in the list only if they scored at least 60 in Part A and 90 overall. In Group 2, the same two candidates' prelims marks play no part.
Where lists are published
TNPSC publishes results and lists on its website after each stage. See Group 4 result and Group 2 result for how results are announced and checked.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Tamil paper count for rank in Group 4?
Yes. Part A marks are part of the 300 once you clear the 40% gate.
Do prelims marks count in Group 2 or Group 1?
No. Prelims is a screening stage in both.
Is the Group 1 interview part of the rank?
Yes. Its 100 marks are added to the 750 mains marks, so the final rank is on 850. See the General Turn entry for how community turns then apply.
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- Qualifying paperA qualifying paper must be passed but its marks are not added to your rank. See which TNPSC papers are qualifying (Group 1, 2, 2A Tamil) and which count.
- Minimum qualifying marksMinimum qualifying marks are the floor at each TNPSC stage: 90 of 300 in Group 4, 90 or 120 in Group 1 prelims, 40 in Tamil. They are not a cut-off.
- Shortlist ratioA shortlist ratio is how many candidates TNPSC calls per vacancy at each stage. See the ratios for Group 1, Group 2 and Group 4 and how to read 1:3.
- Group 4 resultTNPSC Group 4 result process for the 10 January 2027 exam: how marks, ranks, certificate verification and counselling work, and how to check the result.
More in TNPSC
- TNPSC notificationA TNPSC notification is the official document that opens a recruitment. Learn what the notification number and Advt number mean and what to read first.
- tnpscexams.intnpscexams.in is where you register (OTR) and apply for TNPSC exams; tnpsc.gov.in is the information site. See which to use, plus helpdesk contacts.
- TNPSC cut-off marksTNPSC cut-off marks are the last scores that earned a stage or selection. Learn how they differ from minimum marks and which published numbers to ignore.
- TNPSC counsellingTNPSC counselling is the stage where shortlisted candidates are called by rank to be allotted a post and department. Learn how it differs from NEET counselling.
- TNPSC answer keyA TNPSC answer key lists the correct options for an objective exam. Learn the tentative and final keys, where to find them and how to work out your score.
- TypistThe Typist post in TNPSC Group 4 needs SSLC plus a typewriting certificate in Tamil and English. See the 2026 vacancies, Level 8, code 2200 and computer rule.
- Tamil Eligibility-cum-Scoring TestPart A of TNPSC Group 4 is a Tamil-only test of 100 questions, 150 marks. Score under 40% and Parts B and C go unevaluated; above it, marks count for rank.
- Syllabus codeA TNPSC syllabus code is the number printed on each exam's syllabus: Group 4 is 496, Group 2 prelims 495, Group 1 prelims 497. See the Group 2 mains codes too.