What does a TNPSC Field Assistant do?

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.

What are Chitta and Adangal records in Tamil Nadu?

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.

What survey mathematics is tested in TNPSC Field Assistant exam?

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.

What is the salary of a TNPSC Field Assistant?

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.

What Tamil Nadu land laws are covered in the exam?

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.

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TNPSC Field Assistant Preparation Guide

TNPSC (Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission)

Your Complete Preparation Guide for TNPSC Field Assistant 2027 — strategy, study plan, tips & more.

DifficultyModerate

Total Marks100

Duration90 min

Start Practising Now →Free Mock Tests

Exam Overview

Mode

Offline (OMR-based)

Frequency

As per vacancy notification, typically every 3-4 years

Next Exam Date

2026-11-15

EEligibility Criteria

HSC (12th pass) with Science subjects; age 18-30 years; Tamil Nadu domicile; knowledge of Tamil language required

ANumber of Attempts

No restriction on number of attempts within age limit

Study Plan by Subject

General Knowledge

Week 1-4: Foundation

Core concepts & basics

Week 5-8: Deep Practice

Advanced problems & revision

Week 9-12: Mock Tests + Revision

Full-length tests & weak-area focus

Refer to official syllabus for complete topic list

Tamil Language

Week 1-4: Foundation

Core concepts & basics

Week 5-8: Deep Practice

Advanced problems & revision

Week 9-12: Mock Tests + Revision

Full-length tests & weak-area focus

Refer to official syllabus for complete topic list

Mathematics & Land Survey

Week 1-4: Foundation

Core concepts & basics

Week 5-8: Deep Practice

Advanced problems & revision

Week 9-12: Mock Tests + Revision

Full-length tests & weak-area focus

Refer to official syllabus for complete topic list

Land Revenue Laws

Week 1-4: Foundation

Core concepts & basics

Week 5-8: Deep Practice

Advanced problems & revision

Week 9-12: Mock Tests + Revision

Full-length tests & weak-area focus

Refer to official syllabus for complete topic list

Expert Preparation Tips

Practice survey mathematics daily including area calculation by coordinates, traverse closure, and bearing calculations — these practical skills distinguish candidates from purely bookish preparation.

Learn Tamil Nadu-specific land units: cent (1/100 acre), ground (2,400 sq ft), kuzhi, veli, kani — know the conversion factors as these appear in both exam questions and daily survey work.

Study Tamil Nadu land records formats: Chitta, Adangal, Field Measurement Book (FMB) structure, and patta passbook to understand how land information is organized and maintained.

Focus on Tamil language grammar and comprehension as the TNPSC exam includes Tamil language section testing advanced grammar, Thirukkural, classical Tamil literature, and formal correspondence.

Exam Pattern at a Glance

Section	Questions	Marks	Duration (est.)
General Knowledge	25	25	23 min
Tamil Language	25	25	23 min
Mathematics & Land Survey	25	25	23 min
Land Revenue Laws	25	25	23 min
Total	100	100	90 min

Important Dates

Registration Opens

2026-09-20

Next Exam Date

2026-11-15

Conducted By

TNPSC (Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission)

Frequently Asked Questions

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