Large recruitments are held in tiers or phases. Each has a different purpose, and treating them alike is a common preparation mistake.
The first tier screens
The preliminary or Tier 1 exam reduces a very large number of applicants to a manageable shortlist. In many recruitments its marks do not count for the final merit list, though in some they do. The notification says which.
The second tier ranks
The main or Tier 2 exam is longer and more detailed, and its marks usually decide merit. It may include subject papers that the first tier did not have.
Later stages
A skill test, descriptive paper, interview, physical test or document verification may follow, each either scoring or only qualifying.
How many are shortlisted
The number called for the next stage is a multiple of the vacancies, fixed by the recruiting body for each category.
Planning preparation
Prepare for the second tier from the start. The gap between the first result and the second exam is often only a few weeks.
Fresh admit cards
Each tier has its own admit card and often a different exam city. Nothing carries over automatically except your registration.
Stage-wise notices are listed under government job notifications.