TNPSC Surveyor and Draughtsman (Civil) Code 490: Complete Syllabus & Exam Strategy 2026
Are you targeting the highly competitive TNPSC Surveyor and Draughtsman (Civil) positions in 2026? If so, mastering the specific syllabus for Subject Code 490 is the ultimate key to securing your state government job.
At Mahesh IES Academy, Chennai's premier coaching center for Civil Engineers, we have analyzed the TNPSC trends to bring you the most accurate breakdown of the Code 490 syllabus and exam pattern.
TNPSC Code 490 Exam Pattern Overview
The TNPSC Surveyor and Draughtsman exam is divided into two papers. Here is exactly what you need to prepare for:
Paper I: General Studies & Tamil Eligibility (Code 501)
- Part A: Tamil Eligibility Test (SSLC Standard) - 100 Questions / 150 Marks (Qualifying in nature).
- Part B: General Studies (ITI Standard) & Aptitude/Mental Ability (SSLC Standard) - 100 Questions / 150 Marks.
- Duration: 3 Hours (for both Part A and B combined)
Paper II: Subject Paper (Code 490)
- Standard: ITI Standard
- Questions: 200 Objective Type Questions
- Marks: 300 Marks
- Duration: 3 Hours
- Focus: Purely core Civil Engineering, Surveying, and Draughtsman concepts.
Detailed Syllabus Breakdown: Trade Code 490
To score maximum marks in Paper II, aspirants must thoroughly prepare the following 10 core units. (Note: Unit-wise distribution of questions is indicative).
Unit I: Basic Engineering Drawing (25 Questions) Role of Surveyor cum Assistant Draughtsman, Layout of drawing sheets, Title block, Drawing instruments and materials (IS 962), Folding of drawing sheets, Scales, and Methods of Dimensioning.
Unit II: Basic Surveying (25 Questions) Principles of chain survey, Testing of metric chain (20m/30m), Measurement of distance, Ranging, Chaining on sloping ground, Offsetting, Obstacles in chain surveying, Instruments for setting out right angles (cross staff, optical square), Triangulation survey, Calculation of area, and Plane tabling.
Unit III: Levelling (20 Questions) Instruments used for levelling (tilting level, auto level, dumpy level), Classification of levelling staff, and Types of levelling (simple, differential, reducing levels).
Unit IV: Compass Surveying & Theodolite (25 Questions) Parts of instruments in compass survey (Prismatic and Surveyor's compass), Determining bearings and calculating included angles for triangular and pentagonal plots, Theodolite geometry, parts, and adjustments.
Unit V: Road Engineering (10 Questions) Technical terms in road engineering, Principles of road alignment, and Classification of roads.
Unit VI: Total Station (25 Questions) Introduction, parts, types, and features of Total Station, Measurement procedures, and Open/Closed Traverse (EDM, 3D Coordinates).
Unit VII: GPS (Global Positioning System) (20 Questions) GPS coordinate systems, Components of GPS receivers, GPS segments, and Principles of operation and surveying with GPS.
Unit VIII: Construction Material & Practice (20 Questions) R.C.C. (Reinforced Cement Concrete) materials, advantages, grades, reinforcement, and quantities. Types and purposes of Foundations.
Unit IX: Auto-CAD (20 Questions) Introduction to CAD, Draw toolbar, Layers (dimensioning and object snap), Modifying toolbar, and Printing CAD drawings.
Unit X: Building Drawing (10 Questions) Plan, Section and Elevation of buildings, Layout plan, Site plan, Key plan, Topo plan, Master plan, and Area Calculation.
How to Prepare for Code 490 in 2026
- Master the Basics: Since Paper II is ITI standard, the questions will test your fundamental understanding rather than complex derivations. Focus heavily on definitions, instrumental least counts, and direct formulas.
- Practice Previous Year Questions (PYQs): TNPSC repeats a significant percentage of questions. Solving our Chapter-wise PYQs E-Booklet 2026 is mandatory for top ranks.
- Don't Ignore General Studies: Many students fail because they ignore Paper I. Give equal weightage to Mental Ability and Tamil Eligibility.
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