
Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) conducted the Combined Civil Services Examination-II Preliminary Examination for Group 2 and Group 2A services on November 1, 2026. Candidates who appeared for the examination are now waiting for the provisional answer key to check their responses and estimate their probable scores.
The TNPSC Group 2 Prelims Answer Key 2026 is expected to be released in the first week of November 2026 on the Commission's official website, tnpsc.gov.in. However, the exact release date and time have not been confirmed by the Commission.
Once released, candidates will be able to compare their marked responses with the officially published answers. The answer key will help them evaluate their performance before the declaration of the preliminary examination result. Candidates can also refer to the TNPSC Group 2 and 2A Recruitment 2026 details to review the recruitment process and examination information.
The TNPSC Group 2 recruitment examination is conducted for various posts under Group II and Group IIA services in Tamil Nadu government departments. Candidates can check the important examination and answer key details below.
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Conducting Body | Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) |
| Examination Name | Combined Civil Services Examination-II |
| Services | Group 2 and Group 2A |
| Advertisement Number | 07/2026 |
| Examination Stage | Preliminary Examination |
| Exam Date | November 1, 2026 |
| Answer Key Status | Awaited |
| Expected Answer Key Release | First week of November 2026 |
| Answer Key Mode | Online |
| Marks for Each Correct Answer | 1.5 marks |
| Negative Marking | No |
| Official Website | tnpsc.gov.in |
Candidates looking for the latest vacancy-related updates can also check the TNPSC Group 2 Vacancy 2026 details, including the reported revised vacancy position.
The TNPSC Group 2 and 2A provisional answer key is expected to be published in the first week of November 2026. Candidates will be able to access it through the official TNPSC website.
The Commission has not announced a confirmed release date or time. Therefore, candidates should regularly check the official portal for the answer key notification and download link.
The provisional answer key will allow candidates to assess their performance before the result is declared. They should also verify the examination details and question paper code before comparing their responses.
Candidates who want to understand the answer key process for another TNPSC examination can refer to the TNPSC Group 1 Answer Key 2026 update.
The official TNPSC Group 2 and Group 2A answer key PDF will be available on the Commission's website once released. Candidates should download the document from the official portal and avoid relying entirely on unofficial answer keys.
| Answer Key | Status |
| TNPSC Group 2 Prelims Answer Key 2026 | Awaited |
| TNPSC Group 2A Prelims Answer Key 2026 | Awaited |
| Official Website | https://www.tnpsc.gov.in/ |
Candidates can also visit the PW Latest Education News section for updates on TNPSC answer keys, recruitment notifications, admit cards and examination results.
Candidates can follow the steps below to download the TNPSC Group 2 Prelims Answer Key 2026 after its release:
Visit the official website: Open a browser and visit the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission website at tnpsc.gov.in.
Open the answer key section: Navigate to the Recruitment section and look for the Question Papers/Answer Keys option.
Select the relevant category: Click on the section titled “Objective Type with Answer Keys”.
Find the examination link: Search for “Combined Civil Services Examination-II in Group II/Group IIA Services”.
View the answer key: Click on the relevant link to access the official answer key.
Download the PDF: Save the answer key to your device and take a printout for future reference.
Candidates who appeared for the examination can also revisit the TNPSC Group 2 Hall Ticket 2026 download details to check the examination-related information.
Candidates must understand the marking scheme before calculating their tentative scores. The preliminary examination awards 1.5 marks for every correct answer, and there is no negative marking for incorrect responses.
| Response | Marks |
| Correct Answer | +1.5 marks |
| Incorrect Answer | 0 marks |
| Unattempted Question | 0 marks |
| Negative Marking | No |
Candidates can calculate their estimated marks by multiplying the number of correct answers by 1.5.
Expected Score = Number of Correct Answers × 1.5
For example, if a candidate has answered 150 questions correctly, the estimated score would be 225 marks out of 300. This calculation is only indicative and does not represent the official result.
Candidates preparing for other TNPSC examinations can also check the TNPSC CTS Answer Key 2026 to understand how the Commission publishes answer keys for different examinations.
After releasing the provisional answer key, TNPSC may provide candidates with an opportunity to challenge answers they believe are incorrect, subject to the instructions in the official notification.
Candidates should carefully compare the provisional answers with their question papers and identify any discrepancies. They should also keep relevant supporting documents or references ready before submitting a representation.
The general steps to challenge an answer are:
Visit the official TNPSC website.
Open the Answer Key Challenge section, if activated.
Find the notification for the Group 2 and Group 2A examination.
Select the question or answer that needs to be challenged.
Provide the required explanation and supporting evidence.
Submit the representation through the prescribed process.
Save the submission confirmation for future reference.
Candidates must follow the exact instructions, submission deadline and fee requirements, if any, mentioned in the official notification. The objection facility and its dates should not be assumed until TNPSC publishes the relevant instructions.
After the provisional answer key is released, the Commission will consider the representations submitted by candidates within the permitted period. The challenges will be examined through the prescribed review process.
Following the review, TNPSC will proceed with the evaluation using the finalised answers. Candidates who meet the applicable shortlisting criteria will be considered for the next stage of the selection process.
The selection process differs for Group II and Group IIA services at the main examination stage. Candidates should refer to the official recruitment notification for the applicable examination pattern and requirements.
Candidates can also follow other TNPSC recruitment updates, including the TNPSC Group 1 Admit Card 2026 and TNPSC CTS Hall Ticket 2026, for information about other ongoing examination stages.
The TNPSC Group 2 Prelims Result 2026 will be an important update after the answer key and evaluation process. The result will determine which candidates qualify for consideration for the respective Group II and Group IIA main examinations.
Candidates should remember that a high estimated score based on a provisional answer key does not guarantee selection. The final shortlisting will depend on the Commission's evaluation, applicable qualifying conditions, reservation rules and other provisions in the recruitment notification.
Candidates are advised to regularly visit tnpsc.gov.in for updates on the provisional answer key, answer key challenges, results and the main examination schedule.
Those interested in other ongoing TNPSC recruitment drives can also check the TNPSC Group 4 Notification 2026 and the TNPSC Group 4 application deadline update.
