TNPSC Group 1 prelims to mains ratio
How many go through from the prelims, and what it means for how you treat it.
What is the TNPSC Group 1 prelims to mains ratio?
1:20. The number admitted to the Group 1 main examination is 20 times the number of vacancies, counted within each reservation group, and 2 times the vacancies go on to the interview (Notification 05/2026, para 5.4). Group 2 and 2A admit 10 times the vacancies to the mains (Notification 07/2026).
The ratios, from the 2026 notifications
| Exam | Prelims to mains | Mains to interview | Notification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group 1 | 20 times the vacancies (1:20) | 2 times the vacancies; 3 times in a reservation group with 4 or fewer vacancies | 05/2026, §5.4 |
| Group 2 / 2A | 10 times the vacancies (1:10) | no interview in the 2026 notification | 07/2026, §5.4–5.5 |
The ratio is counted within each reservation group, and everyone who scores the same mark as their group’s cut-off is also admitted, so the actual number can be a little above the ratio.
What 1:20 means in practice
Group 1 in 2026 has 46 posts, so about 920 candidates go through to the mains from the whole state. Your prelims score only has to put you inside that number for your community; it is not added to your final rank. That changes how to treat the prelims: it is a gate to clear, and the mains and interview decide the post.
Past cut-offs, community by community: Group 1 cut-off marks and Group 2 cut-off marks.
Share on WhatsAppFrequently asked questions
Are Group 1 prelims marks added to the final rank?
No. The preliminary examination is a screening test; the final rank is drawn from the main examination and the interview.
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