The Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) scheduled the preliminary exam of the Combined Civil Services Examination-II (Group II and IIA Services) for 1 November 2026, from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, as set out in its notification. Candidates who took the paper are now waiting for the tentative answer key, which they can use to estimate their scores.
As of 3 November 2026, the Group II tentative answer key has not been published. The “Answer Keys” page on tnpsc.gov.in lists keys for the Group I and Combined Technical Services exams held this year, but nothing yet for Group II and IIA. TNPSC has not announced a date for it.
TNPSC Group II and IIA 2026: Key Details
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Notification | No. 07/2026, dated 11 August 2026 |
| Exam | Combined Civil Services Examination-II (Group II and IIA Services) |
| Tentative vacancies | 821 (41 in Group II, 780 in Group IIA) |
| Preliminary exam | 1 November 2026, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm |
| Tentative answer key | Not released as of 3 November 2026 |
| Main exam | To be announced with the preliminary result |
| Official websites | tnpsc.gov.in and tnpscexams.in |
The vacancy figures are tentative. TNPSC’s notification says they may change until the preliminary results are published.
When Will the TNPSC Group 2 Answer Key Be Released?
TNPSC has not given a date. For comparison, the commission posted the tentative key for the Group I preliminary exam of 27 September 2026 on 6 October 2026, about nine days later. That gives a rough idea, but the Group II timing may be different.
When the key is published, it will appear on the “Question Papers / Answer Keys” section of tnpsc.gov.in under objective-type answer keys, in the row for the Combined Civil Services Examination-II.
How to Download the TNPSC Group II Answer Key
- Go to the official website, tnpsc.gov.in.
- Open the Recruitment menu and choose “Question Papers / Answer Keys”, then “Objective Type (With Answer Keys)”.
- Find the row for Combined Civil Services Examination-II (Group II and IIA Services), exam date 01/11/2026.
- Click the link under “Tentative” to open the answer key PDF.
- Download it and compare it with the answers you marked, using your question booklet series.
The tentative key is not final. TNPSC reviews representations from candidates and later publishes a final key, which is the one used for evaluation.
Preliminary Exam Pattern
The Group II and IIA preliminary exam is a single objective-type OMR paper that acts as a screening test. Its marks are used only to shortlist candidates for the main exam and are not counted for the final ranking.
| Section | Questions |
|---|---|
| General Tamil or General English | 100 |
| General Studies (degree standard) | 75 |
| Aptitude and Mental Ability (SSLC standard) | 25 |
| Total | 200 questions, 300 marks, 3 hours |
The minimum qualifying mark for the preliminary exam is 90 out of 300. Clearing it does not by itself guarantee a place in the main exam, because candidates are shortlisted on merit in a ratio to the number of vacancies.
How to Estimate Your Score
Since the paper has 200 questions for 300 marks, each question carries 1.5 marks. To get an approximate score:
- Match your answers against the tentative key, using the key for your booklet series.
- Count the number of correct answers.
- Multiply that number by 1.5. For example, 140 correct answers would give an estimated 210 marks.
Check the instructions on your question booklet for the official marking rules before relying on this estimate, and remember that questions may be revised or dropped in the final key.
Common Mistakes When Checking the Key
- Using the key for the wrong booklet series. Question order differs between series, so always match your series first.
- Relying on coaching-centre keys released on exam day. These are useful as a rough guide but are not TNPSC’s answers and often differ on a few questions.
- Counting doubtful answers as correct. Count only the ones you are sure you marked, as written on your question paper.
- Ignoring the Tamil or English section. It carries 100 of the 200 questions, and small errors there change the estimate a lot.
Once you have a rough score, use it to plan your next step rather than to wait idly. Many candidates start preparing for the main exam immediately, since the gap between the preliminary result and the mains can be short.
Raising Objections to the Tentative Key
TNPSC usually allows candidates to submit representations against the tentative key for a short period, through the online mode specified in the notice that comes with the key. The window, the format and any supporting material needed will be stated there. If you plan to challenge an answer:
- Note the question number and booklet series correctly.
- Back your claim with a standard source, such as a textbook or official publication.
- Submit before the deadline; late representations are not considered.
What Happens Next
After reviewing representations, TNPSC will finalise the key and publish the preliminary result. According to the notification, the dates of the main examination will be announced along with the preliminary result. For Group II, the main exam includes a Tamil Eligibility Test (qualifying) and a descriptive General Studies paper; for Group IIA, the main exam includes the Tamil Eligibility Test and an objective, computer-based paper.
Keep your application number and login details for tnpscexams.in safe, as you will need them for the result and for uploading documents if you are shortlisted.
Looking for other recruitment updates? Read our coverage of RRB NTPC Graduate Recruitment 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the TNPSC Group 2 answer key 2026 out?
No. As of 3 November 2026, TNPSC has not released the tentative answer key for the Group II and IIA preliminary exam.
When was the TNPSC Group II and IIA prelims scheduled?
On 1 November 2026, from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.
How many vacancies are there?
821 tentative vacancies: 41 in Group II and 780 in Group IIA.
Official Links: TNPSC Group II Answer Key 2026
| What it is | Official link |
|---|---|
| TNPSC official website | tnpsc.gov.in |
| TNPSC answer keys page (objective type) | tnpsc.gov.in/English/answerkeys.aspx |
| TNPSC online portal (login, hall ticket, applications) | tnpscexams.in |
