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How many marks count for TNPSC Group 1 final rank?
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The TNPSC Group 1 final rank is calculated on 850 marks: 750 from the three General Studies mains papers (250 each) and 100 from the interview. The prelims and the Tamil Eligibility Test are qualifying only and add nothing to your rank. This is the scheme in Notification No. 04/2025 (Advt No. 706).
What counts and what does not
| Stage | Marks | Counted in rank? |
|---|---|---|
| Prelims (200 questions) | 300 | No, screening only |
| Mains Paper I, Tamil Eligibility Test | 100 (pass mark 40) | No, qualifying only |
| Mains Paper II, General Studies I | 250 | Yes |
| Mains Paper III, General Studies II | 250 | Yes |
| Mains Paper IV, General Studies III | 250 | Yes |
| Interview | 100 | Yes |
| Total for rank | 850 |
Papers II to IV are evaluated only if you pass Paper I, and each paper is 3 hours. The three General Studies papers are degree standard.
The minimum marks you must clear
- Prelims: 90 of 300 for reserved categories, 120 for Others.
- Tamil Eligibility Test: 40 of 100, for every category. Persons with benchmark disabilities may be exempted.
- Mains Papers II to IV together: 225 of 750 for reserved categories, 300 of 750 for Others.
- Interview: no minimum qualifying mark.
Why the split matters
The mains is 750 of the 850 marks, about 88 percent of your rank. The interview is 100 marks with no minimum, so a strong interview can lift your rank, but only the mains can build most of it. That is why the Group 1 preparation strategy puts answer writing at the centre.
Read the Group 1 interview guide for the format and how many candidates reach the interview.
Source
Check the scheme in the current notification before you plan.
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- Group 1 mains shortlist ratioTNPSC Group 1 shortlists 20 candidates per vacancy for the mains in each reservation group, then 2 or 3 per vacancy for the interview. Worked example.
- Group 1 prelims minimum markTNPSC Group 1 prelims need at least 90 of 300 for reserved categories and 120 of 300 for Others. Prelims marks only screen; the 1:20 shortlist decides.
- Group 1 interviewThe TNPSC Group 1 interview: 100 marks, who is called, what the board assesses, topics to prepare, how to answer and a mock-interview routine.
More in TNPSC
- Group 1 age limitTNPSC Group 1 age limit as on 1 July 2025: minimum 21, maximum 34 for Others and 39 for reserved categories, with limits for PwBD, ex-servicemen and widows.
- Group 1 vacancies (2025)TNPSC Group 1 Notification 04/2025 listed 70 vacancies across six posts, including Deputy Collector (28) and DSP (7), all at pay Level 22. Post-wise table.
- Government employees and Group 4Under the Group 4 2026 notification, Others with five or more years of central or state government service are not eligible. What it means for employees.
- Group 2 age limitTNPSC Group 2 and 2A age limit as on 1 July 2025: 18 to 32 for Others, no maximum for most reserved candidates. Post-specific limits for Forester and more.
- Group 2 and 2A vacancies (2025)TNPSC Group 2 and 2A Notification 11/2025 listed 645 vacancies: 50 in Group II and 595 in Group IIA. Posts, pay levels and the later addendum.
- Group 2 interview?In the 2025 notification TNPSC Group 2 has no interview. Ranking is based only on marks in Main Paper II. Where interviews still exist in TNPSC exams.
- Group 4 2026 vacanciesTNPSC Group 4 Notification 11/2026 lists 6,574 vacancies across 46 post codes. Post-wise numbers for VAO, Junior Assistant, Typist and more.
- Group 4 age limitGroup 4 age limit as on 1 July 2026: 30 for Others, 32 for BC/MBC, 35 for SC/ST on most posts, and no maximum for higher-qualified reserved candidates.