Minimum Qualifying Marks
The fixed floor printed in the notification (90 of 300 for Group 4) that makes a paper eligible for evaluation. Selection happens at the much higher cut off.
Related terms
The mark of the last selected candidate in each category and gender. Not announced in advance, it emerges from vacancies, difficulty and competition.
The screening stage of multi-stage exams like Group 1 and 2: objective paper whose marks shortlist candidates for mains but don't count in final merit.
The merit-deciding descriptive stage for Group 1 and Group 2 interview posts. Final selection lists are built from mains marks (plus interview where applicable).
A post whose selection includes an oral test after the written exam, Group 1 posts and Group 2 (CCSE-II) interview posts.
A post filled purely on written marks plus certificate verification, all of Group 2A and Group 4. No oral test stage.
The objection window after TNPSC publishes its tentative answer key, where candidates submit evidence-backed representations against disputed answers.
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This definition follows official TNPSC notifications and Tamil Nadu government orders. Sources: TNPSC official notifications. Figures are indicative and may change with each official notification. Data last reviewed: July 2026.
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