TNPSC Group 1 Answer Key 2026 Out (Prelims): Raise Objections by 13 October — Latest Update
The Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) released the tentative answer key for the Group I (CCSE-I) Preliminary Examination on 6 October 2026. The keyed answers for the General Studies paper are now available. If you disagree with any answer, you can challenge it only online through the “Answer Key Challenge” window on the TNPSC website (Recruitment → Answer Keys) until 13 October 2026, 5:45 PM. Representations sent by post or e-mail will receive no attention, and the Commission will not publish the final answer key until the entire selection process is complete.
Raise Objection: TNPSC Answer Key Challenge Window
Download TNPSC Group I Prelims Tentative Answer Key 2026 PDF (General Studies)
TNPSC Group I Recruitment 2026 – Notification for 26 Civil Service Posts
The Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) has released Notification No. 05/2026 for the Combined Civil Services Examination – I (Group I Services), with 26 vacancies in the state’s top administrative cadre. These are among the most prestigious jobs in Tamil Nadu, including Deputy Collector, District Registrar and Assistant Commissioner (Commercial Taxes). The online application window has closed and the recruitment has moved to the Preliminary Examination stage. Check more government jobs in Tamil Nadu on GovtJobsAlert.in.
Online applications were accepted from 30 June 2026 to 29 July 2026. The Preliminary Examination has been held and its tentative answer key is out. The posts were open to graduates with adequate knowledge of Tamil. In this article on GovtJobsAlert.in, we explain the service-wise vacancies, eligibility, age limit, pay, the three-stage selection process, fees, and how the online application worked for TNPSC Group I 2026.
What are the Key Highlights of TNPSC Group 1 Recruitment 2026?
The Group I services are filled through TNPSC’s Combined Civil Services Examination – I. All five services carry Pay Level 22 of the Tamil Nadu pay matrix. Here are the quick highlights for graduate aspirants:
- Post Names: Deputy Collector and 4 other Group I services
- Total Vacancies: 26
- Pay Level: Level 22
- Job Location: Tamil Nadu
- Last Date to Apply: 29 July 2026 (closed)
How Many Vacancies are there in TNPSC Group 1 2026?
The 26 vacancies are spread across five Group I services, all in Pay Level 22.
| Service / Post | Pay Level | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Deputy Collector | Level 22 | 12 |
| District Registrar | Level 22 | 8 |
| Deputy Registrar (Co-op Societies) | Level 22 | 3 |
| Asst. Commissioner (Commercial Taxes) | Level 22 | 2 |
| Asst. Commissioner (Labour) | Level 22 | 1 |
| Total | — | 26 |
What is the Eligibility for TNPSC Group 1 2026?
The qualification requirement is broad, so most graduates are eligible:
- A Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university, held on the date of notification.
- For Assistant Commissioner (Commercial Taxes), preference is given to candidates with B.Com / B.L. / Diploma in Taxation Laws.
- Candidates must have adequate knowledge of Tamil.
What is the Age Limit for TNPSC Group 1 2026?
The minimum age is 21 years and is calculated as on 1 July 2026. The maximum age depends on your category:
- Others (not belonging to SC, ST, MBC, BC etc.): up to 34 years (35 for B.L. degree holders in the Commercial Taxes post).
- SC / SC(A) / ST / MBC / DC / BC / BCM: up to 39 years (40 for B.L. holders in the Commercial Taxes post).
Further relaxation applies to Persons with Benchmark Disability, Ex-Servicemen and destitute widows as per TNPSC rules.
What is the Salary for TNPSC Group 1 2026?
All five Group I services carry Pay Level 22 of the Tamil Nadu pay matrix.
- Pay Level: Level 22
- Pay amount: the notification states the pay level only, not the rupee range
Beyond the attractive pay, Group I officers enjoy significant authority, allowances and the prestige of serving in Tamil Nadu’s senior administration.
What is the Selection Process for TNPSC Group 1 2026?
Selection is a three-stage process plus verification.
- Preliminary Examination — a single objective paper of 300 marks (General Studies + Aptitude). This is a screening test only.
- Main Examination (descriptive) — four papers, including a qualifying Tamil Eligibility Test and three General Studies papers of 250 marks each.
- Interview (Oral Test) — 100 marks.
The final merit is based on the Main Examination (Papers II, III and IV, 750 marks combined) plus the interview (100 marks), followed by a medical examination and counselling. The Preliminary Examination marks are used only for screening and are not counted in the final ranking, so your real performance must come in the Mains and interview. You can review the exam syllabus and pattern to plan your preparation well.
The notification lists 38 Preliminary Examination centres across Tamil Nadu, while the Main Examination is conducted only in Chennai. Candidates admitted to the Main Examination are equal to about 20 times the number of vacancies, subject to the reservation rule, so clearing the Prelims cut-off is the first big step.
How to Apply for TNPSC Group 1 2026? (Window Closed)
The application window closed on 29 July 2026. For reference, the application was fully online through the TNPSC portal:
- Complete the One Time Registration (OTR) on the TNPSC portal by paying ₹150.
- Log in and click “Apply” against the Group I (CCSE-I) examination.
- Fill in your details and upload your photograph and signature.
- Pay the Preliminary Examination fee online (unless exempt).
- Submit the application by the last date, 29 July 2026, and save a printout.
What are the Important Dates for TNPSC Group 1 Answer Key 2026?
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Starts | 30 June 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 29 July 2026 |
| Preliminary Examination | Held |
| Tentative Answer Key Released | 6 October 2026 |
| Last Date to Raise Objections | 13 October 2026 (5:45 PM) |
| Main Examination | To be announced with the Prelims result |
What was the Application Fee for TNPSC Group 1 2026?
Fees are paid online. A one-time registration fee applies separately.
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| One Time Registration (OTR) | ₹150 |
| Preliminary Examination Fee | ₹100 |
| Main Examination Fee (if shortlisted) | ₹200 |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Destitute Widow | Exempted (examination fees) |
Essential Links – TNPSC Group I 2026
- Download Official Notification PDF
- Download Answer Key for TNPSC Group 1 Answer Key 2026 Out (Prelims)
- Download TNPSC Group I Prelims Tentative Answer Key 2026 PDF (General Studies)
- Visit TNPSC Group 1 Official Website
- Join WhatsApp Channel for Government Jobs
- Join Telegram Channel for Government Jobs
- Join Telegram for Tamil Nadu Govt Jobs
Becoming a Deputy Collector through TNPSC Group I is a dream for lakhs of Tamil Nadu youth. If you wrote the Preliminary Examination, match your responses with the tentative answer key and raise any objection online before 13 October 2026, 5:45 PM, then turn your focus to the Main Examination, whose dates will be announced with the Prelims result. For more Tamil Nadu government job updates, keep visiting GovtJobsAlert.in. We wish you grand success in your civil services journey!