Course Update

New Courses | 2025
Upgrade Your Learning Experience - Click to join now >> JDO Test Series | JDO ENotes | JDO Chapterwise PYQs EBooklet | Join our WhatsApp Channel & Telegram Channel

TNPSC Civil Engineering, Traditional Architecture & Sculpture (Code 510) Syllabus

TNPSC Civil Engineering, Traditional Architecture & Sculpture (Code 510) Syllabus

"For aspirants preparing for the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) examinations, particularly for Civil Engineering, Traditional Architecture and Sculpture (Degree Standard, Subject Code 510), a comprehensive understanding of the official syllabus is paramount. This subject offers a unique blend of engineering principles, historical architectural evolution, and cultural insights into temple art. This guide meticulously details each unit, outlining critical areas for effective preparation for the Combined Technical Services Examination (Non-Interview Posts), Notification No. 09/2025."

"Examination Details: Combined Technical Services Examination (Non-Interview Posts)"

  • "Notification No.: 09/2025"
  • "Issue Date: May 21, 2025"
  • "Online Application Submission Period: May 27, 2025, to June 25, 2025, at 11:59 PM"
  • "Application Correction Window: July 16, 2025, at 12:01 AM to July 18, 2025, at 11:59 PM"
  • "Examination Dates:
    • "Paper I (Tamil Eligibility Test, General Studies, Aptitude and Mental Ability, Subject Code 503): August 4, 2025, to August 10, 2025 (Specific date/time for Paper II will be announced later on Commission's website)."
    • "Paper II (Subject Paper 510: Civil Engineering, Traditional Architecture and Sculpture)."
    "
  • "Mandatory Appearance: Candidates must appear for both Paper I and Paper II for selection consideration."
  • "Minimum Qualifying Marks: Candidates must secure a minimum of 40% (60 marks) in Part A of Paper I for evaluation of Paper II and Parts B and C of Paper I."

"Official Syllabus Breakdown: TNPSC Civil Engineering, Traditional Architecture and Sculpture (Code 510)"

"The curriculum for Civil Engineering, Traditional Architecture and Sculpture (Code: 510) is structured into ten units, with indicative question weightage provided where available. Aspirants should systematically cover these units for comprehensive preparation."

"Unit I: Iconography and Temple Architecture with Technical Terms (20 Questions)"

  • "Iconography Principles: Exploration of iconography principles, concept of divine forms, and its crucial role in temple construction."
  • "Iconography of Hindu Deities: Detailed study of iconography for:
    • "Ganesha."
    • "Murugan."
    • "Shiva (Nataraja, Chandrasekara, etc.)."
    • "Lakshmi, Saraswati, Durga."
    • "Different forms of Vishnu (standing, seated, reclining)."
    "
  • "Metal Idols: Significance of metal idols, their casting methods (e.g., lost-wax technique), and preservation."

"Unit II: Construction Engineering (20 Questions)"

  • "Construction Materials: Quality and strength properties of common construction materials (e.g., concrete, steel, timber, masonry)."
  • "Mechanics of Structures: Simple stress and strain, geometrical properties of sections (e.g., centroid, moment of inertia)."
  • "Structural Elements:
    • "Beams and bending (bending moment, shear force diagrams, flexural formula)."
    • "Columns and arches (buckling, short and long columns)."
    "
  • "Structural Design Drawing: Principles and practices."
  • "Reinforced Concrete Cement (RCC) Elements (as per relevant IS codes):
    • "Simply supported and doubly reinforced beams (design principles)."
    • "One-way and two-way slabs."
    • "T-beams."
    • "Column footings."
    "
  • "Theory of Structures: Analysis of indeterminate structures (e.g., slope-deflection, moment distribution)."
  • "Advanced RCC: Concepts like combined bending and direct stress."
  • "Prestressed Concrete: Principles and applications."
  • "Deformed Bars: Properties and usage in RCC."
  • "Quantity Surveying, Estimation, and Costing: Methods and principles for civil engineering projects."

"Unit III: Indian Religions and Philosophy (10 Questions)"

  • "Indian Religions: Origin, development, and core principles of:
    • "Saivism, Vaishnavism, Saktham."
    • "Kaumaram, Ganapathyam, Sauram."
    • "Jainism, and Buddhism."
    "
  • "Indian Philosophy:
    • "Vedic and Agamic principles."
    • "Core concepts of the Upanishads (Brahman, Atman, Universe)."
    • "Different philosophical systems (e.g., Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Sankhya, Yoga, Mimamsa, Vedanta)."
    "

"Unit IV: History of Indian Temple Architecture and Sculpture (15 Questions)"

  • "Ancient Indian Sculpture and Buildings: Evolution from Indus Valley Civilization constructions and sculptures (including seals and pictorial scripts)."
  • "Vedic and Mauryan Period: Buddhist architecture and arts (e.g., stupas, pillars)."
  • "Sunga and Satavahana Periods: Artistic contributions."
  • "Gupta Period: Temple constructions and sculptures (e.g., structural temples, rock-cut caves)."
  • "Deccan Architecture: Chalukyan cave and structural temples, Rashtrakuta period temples (e.g., Kailasa Temple, Ellora)."
  • "Kalinga Architecture: (e.g., Konark Sun Temple, Lingaraja Temple)."
  • "Hoysala Artistic Contributions: Temple architecture and sculpture (e.g., Belur, Halebid)."

"Unit V: History of Tamil Nadu Temple Architecture and Sculpture (20 Questions)"

  • "Architectural History of Tamil Nadu: From the Sangam era through:
    • "Pallava period (cave temples, monolithic temples, structural temples)."
    • "Early Pandiya period."
    • "Chola period (e.g., Thanjavur Brihadeeswarar Temple)."
    • "Vijayanagara and Nayaka periods (up to the 19th century)."
    "
  • "Prominent Examples: Mahabalipuram Shore Temple, Kanchipuram Kailasanathar Temple, Thanjavur Brihadeeswarar Temple, and Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple (architectural features and significance)."
  • "Architectural Styles Comparison: Nagara, Dravida, and Vesara styles."
  • "Ancient Tamil Worship Practices: Understanding their influence on temple architecture."

"Unit VI: Archaeology – Epigraphy and Conservation Methods (15 Questions)"

  • "Subdivisions of Archaeology: Epigraphy (study of inscriptions), Numismatics (study of coins), Surface exploration, Excavation techniques, and Underwater Archaeology."
  • "Museums: Role in preserving cultural heritage."
  • "Conservation Methods: For monuments and artifacts."
  • "UNESCO Heritage Sites: Recognition and preservation efforts."
  • "Inscriptions: Types of inscriptions (e.g., rock, pillar, copper plate) and ancient scripts (e.g., Brahmi, Grantha, Vatteluttu)."
  • "Copper Plates: Significance and study."

"Unit VII: Computer Applications (15 Questions)"

  • "Office Productivity Software: Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for documentation, data analysis, and presentations."
  • "CAD Software: Use of Computer-Aided Design software for engineering design and analysis (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit basics)."
  • "Project Management Software: Application of software for project planning and scheduling (e.g., MS Project, Primavera basics)."
  • "Surveying and GIS Tools: Use of Total Station, GPS (Global Positioning System), and GIS (Geographic Information System) in relevant civil engineering contexts."

"Unit VIII: Construction Management (20 Questions)"

  • "Construction Planning and Management: Principles and techniques for effective project planning."
  • "Contracts and Tenders: Types of construction contracts, tender preparation, and tender notifications."
  • "Construction Execution: Site management, quality control, and safety during execution."
  • "Financial Management: Bill payments, inventory management, and banking practices related to construction projects."
  • "Resource Management: Labour management and workshop management."

"Unit IX: Temple Maintenance (25 Questions)"

  • "Objectives of Temple Maintenance: Preservation of the original character of ancient structures and necessity for restoration."
  • "Damage Repair: Repair of damages and cracks in stone structures."
  • "Conservation Techniques (Material-Based):
    • "Stone conservation."
    • "Brick conservation."
    • "Wood conservation."
    • "Metal conservation."
    "
  • "Foundation Damages: Methods for treating foundation damages caused by natural disasters (e.g., earthquakes, floods) and moisture."
  • "HR&CE Department Procedures: Conservation procedures established by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department."
  • "Surface Treatment: Techniques for removing salt corrosion and vegetation (e.g., moss, lichen) from historical buildings."

"Unit X: Agamas and References to Temple Architecture in Tamil Literature (25 Questions)"

  • "Saiva Agamas:
    • "The 28 Agamas: Origin and relationship with Vedas and Upanishads."
    • "Significance in temple planning and execution (e.g., Kamika Agama, Vatula Agama)."
    "
  • "Vaishnava Agamas:
    • "Vaikhanasa and Pancharatra Agamas: Origin, subdivisions, and importance."
    • "Iconography of Vishnu's 10 avatars."
    • "Architectural details within specific Vaishnava Agamas."
    "
  • "Temple Architecture in Tamil Literature: References to architecture in various Tamil literary works:
    • "Kambaramanayam, Kalingattuparani."
    • "Nedunalvadai, Maduraikkanchi, Pattinappalai."
    • "Seevaka Chintamani, Thanigaipuranam."
    • "Devaram, Periyapuranam."
    • "Paripadal, and Silappatikaram."
    "
"Important Note for Aspirants: This comprehensive syllabus for Civil Engineering, Traditional Architecture and Sculpture (Code 510) at the Degree Standard provides a robust framework for examination preparation. Aspirants are strongly advised to meticulously cover all topics, focusing on both engineering principles and the historical, cultural, and philosophical aspects of Indian and Tamil Nadu temple architecture. Consistent revision and interdisciplinary understanding are essential for success in this competitive examination."

"Success in the TNPSC Civil Engineering, Traditional Architecture and Sculpture (Code 510) examination requires a disciplined and integrated approach. By mastering civil engineering concepts alongside the rich heritage of traditional architecture, sculpture, and religious philosophy, aspirants can significantly enhance their performance and achieve their career objectives in roles that bridge modern engineering with historical preservation."

Join Our Telegram Channel for More Updates!

```