A TNPSC Field Assistant works in the Survey and Land Records Department of Tamil Nadu and assists in land survey operations, preparation of field measurement books (FMB), and maintenance of Chitta (ownership register) and Adangal (possession and cultivation register) records. They assist in sub-division surveys for partition of land, resurvey operations for boundary demarcation, and Urban Land Tax surveys. Field Assistants use survey instruments like chains, theodolites, and GPS devices in their fieldwork. They also assist the Village Administrative Officer (VAO) in revenue certificate issuance and crop surveys.

Chitta and Adangal are fundamental land records in Tamil Nadu. Chitta (equivalent of Khatauni/7/12) is the ownership register maintained at the firka level showing owner names, land extent, survey numbers, and classification. Adangal (equivalent of Khasra Girdawari) is the possession and cultivation register showing who is actually cultivating the land, what crops are grown, and water source details. Together they provide a complete picture of land rights and usage. These records are now digitally accessible through the Patta Chitta portal (eservices.tn.gov.in) which Field Assistants help maintain.

The exam tests practical land survey mathematics including area calculation using coordinate geometry, triangulation, chain survey plotting, and prismatic compass traversing. Conversion of traditional Tamil land units (cent, ground, kuzhi, veli, kani) to metric units (square metres, hectares) is an important skill tested. Basic trigonometry for slope calculations and theodolite readings is included. Scale drawing interpretation, bearing calculations, and error distribution in traverse surveys are also tested. Field Assistants use these mathematical skills daily in land survey and subdivision operations.

A TNPSC Field Assistant receives a basic pay in the pay scale of Rs. 19,500–62,000 (Pay Band 1), with gross monthly salary of approximately Rs. 22,000–28,000 including DA and HRA. Field duty allowance for survey operations and urban allowance for postings in Chennai, Coimbatore, and other cities add to the package. The in-hand salary is approximately Rs. 19,000–24,000 per month. Career progression leads to Junior Assistant (Survey), Assistant (Survey), and Superintendent (Survey) levels within the Survey and Land Records Department.

The exam covers the Tamil Nadu Land Revenue Act (various provisions on survey, record maintenance, and revenue collection), Tamil Nadu Patta Pass Book Act 1983 (issuance of patta passbooks to landowners), Tamil Nadu Land Reforms (Fixation of Ceiling on Land) Act 1961, Transfer of Property Act 1882, and Registration Act 1908. Questions on the Tamil Nadu Land Acquisition and Requisitioning of Property Act, provisions for tribal land protection in Nilgiris and other scheduled areas, and urban land tax regulations under ULCRA are also included. Basic survey law under the Survey Act is tested.