"For aspirants preparing for the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) examinations in Agricultural, Mechanical, Automobile and Civil Engineering (Degree Standard, Subject Code 562), a comprehensive understanding of the official syllabus is paramount. This subject covers a diverse range of engineering principles and their applications across multiple disciplines. This guide meticulously details each unit, outlining critical areas for effective preparation for the Combined Technical Services Examination (Non-Interview Posts), as per Notification No. 09/2025, with the examination offered in English."
"Examination Details: Combined Technical Services Examination (Non-Interview Posts)"
- "Notification No.: 09/2025"
- "Issue Date: May 21, 2025"
- "Examination Mode: Online (Direct Recruitment)"
- "Online Application Period: May 27, 2025, to June 25, 2025, at 11:59 PM"
- "Application Correction Window: June 29, 2025, at 12:01 AM to July 1, 2025, at 11:59 PM (No modifications allowed after this period)."
- "Examination Dates:
- "Paper I (Tamil Eligibility Test, General Studies, Aptitude and Mental Ability, Subject Code 503): August 4, 2025, to August 10, 2025."
- "Paper II (Subject Paper, Code 562: Agricultural, Mechanical, Automobile and Civil Engineering): Specific date and time to be announced on the Commission's website."
- "Subject Paper Selection: Candidates must choose the subject paper(s) for which they possess the educational qualification or an equivalent qualification."
- "Mandatory Appearance: Candidates must appear for both Paper I and Paper II for selection consideration; otherwise, they will not be considered regardless of marks obtained."
- "Minimum Qualifying Marks: For Paper II and Parts B and C of Paper I to be evaluated, candidates must secure a minimum of 40% (60 marks) in Part A of Paper I."
"Official Syllabus Breakdown: TNPSC Agricultural, Mechanical, Automobile and Civil Engineering (Code 562)"
"The curriculum for Agricultural, Mechanical, Automobile and Civil Engineering (Code: 562) is structured into ten units, with indicative question weightage provided. Aspirants should systematically cover these units for comprehensive preparation."
"Unit I: General Engineering (20 Questions)"
- "Engineering Mechanics:
- "Statics of particles, equilibrium of rigid bodies."
- "Properties of surfaces and solids (area moment of inertia, product of inertia), centroid, center of gravity."
- "Dynamics of particles."
- "Friction in machine elements."
- "Strength of Materials:
- "Stress, strain, and deformation of solids (elastic constants, Poisson's ratio)."
- "Theories of failures (e.g., maximum principal stress, maximum shear stress)."
- "Design of shafts and couplings."
- "Fluid Mechanics:
- "Fluid statics (pressure distribution, buoyancy)."
- "Equations of continuity and momentum (Euler's, Bernoulli’s equation)."
- "Flow through pipes, head losses in pipes (major and minor losses)."
- "Types of pumps (centrifugal, reciprocating) and valves (gate, globe, check)."
- "Material Science:
- "Iron-Carbon Phase Diagram, ferrous and non-ferrous alloys."
- "Heat treatment processes (annealing, normalising, hardening, tempering)."
- "Engineering and commodity polymers, composites, nano-materials."
- "Manufacturing Processes:
- "Foundry technology (sand casting, die casting)."
- "Metal forming processes (forging, rolling, extrusion, drawing)."
- "Metal joining processes (welding, brazing, soldering)."
- "Manufacturing of thermoplastic products."
- "Industrial Management:
- "Inventory control (Economic Order Quantity - EOQ, ABC Analysis)."
- "Operations research (Linear Programming, Transportation, Assignment Models)."
- "CPM (Critical Path Method) and PERT (Programme Evaluation and Review Technique)."
- "Queuing models."
- "Industrial safety and accident prevention."
"Unit II: Surveying and Hydrology (20 Questions)"
- "Surveying:
- "Surveying instruments (chain, tape, compass, theodolite, levelling instrument) and methods."
- "Linear measurements and computation of area (e.g., by trapezoidal rule, Simpson's rule)."
- "Hydrology:
- "Hydrologic cycle: Components and processes."
- "Rainfall characteristics and measurements (rain gauges, rainfall analysis)."
- "Runoff: Factors affecting runoff, measurement techniques."
- "Hydrographs: Unit hydrograph theory and applications."
- "Stream gauging and flow measurement in rivers and canals."
- "Catchment area characteristics."
- "Groundwater: Aquifers (confined, unconfined), wells (dug well, tube well), and groundwater exploration methods."
- "Floods and their control measures (reservoirs, embankments)."
"Unit III: Farm Machinery (20 Questions)"
- "Farm Power Sources: Human, animal, mechanical (IC engines, tractors), electrical, and renewable energy sources."
- "Internal Combustion (IC) Engines:
- "Spark Ignition (SI) engines and Compression Ignition (CI) engines: Working principles and components."
- "Engine systems: Fuel, lubrication, cooling, ignition, governing."
- "IC engine fuels: Properties and types (petrol, diesel)."
- "Farm Machinery Operations:
- "Tillage machinery: Ploughs (mouldboard, disc), harrows, cultivators."
- "Seeding and planting machinery (seed drills, planters)."
- "Fertilisation equipment."
- "Intercultural operations (weeders, hoes)."
- "Plant protection equipment (sprayers, dusters)."
- "Harvesting and threshing machinery (reapers, combines, threshers)."
- "Energy in Agriculture: Utilisation of solar, wind, biomass, and biogas energy in agricultural processes."
- "Agricultural Implements and Machinery: Classification, selection, and operation."
"Unit IV: Soil and Water Conservation Engineering (20 Questions)"
- "Land Capability Classification: Principles and criteria."
- "Erosion: Types of erosion (water, wind), causes, and effects on soil fertility."
- "Soil Erosion Control Methods:
- "Agronomic practices: Contouring, terracing, strip cropping."
- "Mechanical measures: Bunding (contour, graded), gully control structures (check dams, drop structures), spillways."
- "Water Harvesting: Techniques for collecting and storing rainwater (e.g., farm ponds, percolation tanks)."
- "Ponds and Reservoirs: Design and construction."
- "Soil and Water Conservation Practices: Integrated approaches."
- "Afforestation and Holistic Planning: Role in watershed management and rural development."
- "Remote Sensing and GIS: Use of aerial photography and remote sensing in watershed management."
"Unit V: Farm Irrigation, Structures and Drainage (30 Questions)"
- "Irrigation Sources: Canals, wells, tanks, and other sources."
- "Soil-Water-Plant Relationships: Understanding available soil moisture, permanent wilting point, field capacity."
- "Water Requirements of Crops: Consumptive use, irrigation requirement, and estimation methods."
- "Measurement of Irrigation Water: Using weirs, flumes (e.g., Parshall flume), and other devices."
- "Irrigation Methods:
- "Surface irrigation (e.g., furrow, border, basin)."
- "Sprinkler irrigation, rain gun irrigation."
- "Drip irrigation."
- "Design aspects of micro-irrigation systems and their components (emitters, laterals, sub-mains)."
- "Structures for Plant Environment:
- "Greenhouses, poly houses, and shade nets: Construction and utilisation for protected cultivation."
- "Soilless culture (Hydroponics, Aeroponics)."
- "Drainage Engineering:
- "Causes of waterlogging and salt problems in agricultural lands."
- "Methods of drainage: Surface drainage, sub-surface drainage (tile drains), and vertical drainage systems."
- "Water Quality and Soil Reclamation: Improvement and utilisation of poor quality irrigation water, reclamation of saline and alkali soils."
"Unit VI: Farm Power (20 Questions)"
- "Sources of Farm Power: Review of human, animal, mechanical, electrical, and renewable power."
- "Internal Combustion (IC) Engines (Detailed): Construction and working principles of spark ignition (SI) and compression ignition (CI) engines."
- "Engine Systems: Fuel system, lubrication system, cooling system, ignition system, governing system."
- "IC Engine Fuels: Properties and types (petrol, diesel, alternative fuels)."
- "Tractor Power Units and Chassis: Components and functions."
- "Tractor Systems:
- "Power transmission systems (clutch, gear box, differential, final drives)."
- "Steering, brakes, and suspension systems."
- "Hydraulic systems in tractors."
- "Hitching systems and three-point linkage."
- "Tractor power outlets (PTO, hydraulic remotes)."
- "Vehicle Dynamics: Resistances to vehicle motion, vehicle performance characteristics."
- "Earth Moving Equipment: Operations using bulldozers and other heavy machinery."
- "Wheels and Tires: Types of wheels and tires for agricultural vehicles."
- "Batteries: Types and characteristics (e.g., lead-acid, Li-ion)."
- "Tractor Ergonomics and Safety: Tractor stability, mechanics of tractor-implement combination, weight transfer, ergonomic considerations for operator comfort, safety devices, and maintenance practices."
"Unit VII: Automobile Engineering (20 Questions)"
- "Engine and its Components: Internal combustion engine types, construction, and operation."
- "Engine Systems:
- "Lubrication system (types of lubricants, components)."
- "Cooling system (air cooling, water cooling, radiators)."
- "Fuel supply system (carburettor, fuel injection systems)."
- "Ignition system (conventional, electronic)."
- "Electrical system (sensors, actuators, ECU)."
- "Transmission System: Clutch, gear box (manual, automatic), propeller shaft, differential, axles, wheels, and tires."
- "Steering System: Types (manual, power steering) and components."
- "Suspension System: Springs (leaf, coil), shock absorbers, and their functions."
- "Braking System: Types (drum, disc, ABS) and components."
- "Automobile Electrical Systems: Battery (types, testing), starting system, charging system (alternator), lighting system, and vehicle wiring."
"Unit VIII: Food Process Engineering (20 Questions)"
- "Heat Transfer: Modes of heat transfer (conduction, convection, radiation) in food processing."
- "Heat Exchangers: Types and applications in food industries."
- "Refrigeration: Principles of refrigeration cycles and applications in food industries."
- "Cold Storage: Design and operation of cold storage facilities for fruits and vegetables."
- "Psychrometry: Psychrometric charts and their application in drying and humidification."
- "Drying: Principles of drying (equilibrium moisture content, drying rate) and various types of drying equipment (tray dryer, spray dryer, drum dryer)."
- "Unit Operations in Food Processing: Size reduction (grinding, milling), separation (filtration, centrifugation), material handling (conveyors, elevators), cleaning, grading, and storage of food grains."
- "Dairy Engineering: Principles and equipment used in milk processing (e.g., pasteurization, homogenisation, cream separation)."
- "Fruit and Vegetable Processing: Extraction and processing methods for fruits and vegetables."
- "Waste and Byproduct Utilisation: Methods for utilising food industry waste and byproducts."
"Unit IX: Process Engineering of Agricultural and Horticultural Crops (20 Questions)"
- "Engineering Properties of Food Materials: Physical, thermal, and rheological properties."
- "Moisture Content Determination: Methods for determining moisture content in food materials."
- "Psychrometry: Application in understanding air-moisture relationships in processing."
- "Heat Processing:
- "Pasteurization, Sterilization."
- "Evaporation, Distillation, Filtration."
- "Membrane Separation (e.g., ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis)."
- "Cold Processing Methods: Refrigeration, freezing, and chilling."
- "Storage: Modified atmosphere storage, controlled atmosphere storage, and design of storage structures."
- "Horticultural Crop Processing: Equipment for processing horticultural crops, preservation of fresh fruits and vegetables."
- "Drying and Dehydration: Specific techniques for agricultural and horticultural products."
- "Processing of Specific Crops: Coffee, tea, rubber, cashew nut, coconut, oil palm, aromatic plants, flowers, and spices – covering their respective processing methods."
"Unit X: Renewable and Bioenergy (20 Questions)"
- "Solar Energy:
- "Solar collectors (flat plate, concentrating), air heaters, dryers, water heaters."
- "Photovoltaic (PV) systems: Principle of operation, types of PV cells, applications like PV pumps and fencing."
- "Wind Energy:
- "Suitable sites for wind farms."
- "Types of wind turbines (horizontal axis, vertical axis)."
- "Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) for wind energy systems."
- "Types of generators used in wind turbines."
- "Biomass Energy:
- "Biomass resources (agricultural residues, animal waste)."
- "Biogas production (anaerobic digestion) and utilisation."
- "Gasification and pyrolysis of biomass."
- "Other Renewable Energy Sources: Geothermal energy and Hydrogen energy (basic concepts)."
- "Energy Storage Systems: Batteries, supercapacitors, pumped hydro storage."
- "Energy Conservation and Management: Principles and practices."
- "Cogeneration: Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems."
- "Energy Plantation: Concept and significance."
- "Environmental Impact: Global warming, Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), and afforestation initiatives related to energy."
- "Biofuels:
- "Biodiesel: Feedstock, production processes, and byproduct utilisation."
- "Ethanol: Production, utilisation, emission standards, and control related to biofuels."
"Success in the TNPSC Agricultural, Mechanical, Automobile and Civil Engineering (Code 562) examination requires a disciplined and strategic approach. By gaining a strong command of general engineering principles, agricultural technologies, automobile systems, and fundamental civil engineering concepts, aspirants can significantly enhance their performance and achieve their career objectives in this multifaceted field."