The TNPSC (Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission) conducts the Planning Assistant, Grade-B Exam for recruitment to the position of Planning Assistant in the Tamil Nadu Town and Country Planning Subordinate Service. Here’s an overview of the exam:
Eligibility Criteria:
- Educational Qualification:
- A Degree in Town and Country Planning or its equivalent from a recognized university or institution.
- Alternatively, a Degree in Civil Engineering (B.E./B.Tech.) or Architecture (B.Arch.) is also acceptable.
- Diploma holders in Town and Country Planning or Civil Engineering may also be eligible, depending on specific recruitment notifications.
- Age Limit:
- Typically, candidates should be between 18 and 30 years of age, with age relaxations available for reserved categories as per government norms.
Selection Process:
The selection process usually involves a written examination followed by an interview (if applicable):
- Written Examination:
- The written exam consists of objective-type questions covering both technical subjects and general studies.
- Interview (if applicable):
- Candidates who qualify in the written examination may be called for an interview, where their technical knowledge and overall suitability for the role are assessed.
Exam Pattern:
Paper I: Technical Subjects
- Duration: 3 Hours
- Total Marks: 300
- Type of Questions: Objective Type (Multiple Choice Questions)
- Subjects Covered: Depending on the candidate’s educational background, this paper may cover topics related to:
- Town Planning and Architecture
- Civil Engineering concepts and practices
- Urban and Regional Planning
- Building Materials and Construction
- Environmental Planning and Sustainability
Paper II: General Studies
- Duration: 2 Hours
- Total Marks: 200
- Type of Questions: Objective Type (Multiple Choice Questions)
- Subjects Covered:
- General Knowledge (current affairs, history, geography, Indian polity, economy, etc.)
- Mental Ability and Aptitude (logical reasoning, quantitative aptitude, etc.)
Interview/Viva-Voce (if applicable):
- Total Marks: Usually around 70 marks
- This stage evaluates the candidate’s technical understanding, problem-solving abilities, and communication skills.
Total Marks:
- Written Examination: 500 Marks (Paper I: 300 Marks + Paper II: 200 Marks)
- Interview: 70 Marks (if applicable)
- Grand Total: 570 Marks
Preparation Tips:
- Technical Subjects:
- Focus on core subjects related to Town Planning, Civil Engineering, or Architecture.
- Refer to standard textbooks and review concepts thoroughly.
- General Studies:
- Keep updated with current events, general knowledge, and topics related to Indian history, polity, and geography.
- Practice aptitude and mental ability questions regularly.
- Previous Years’ Question Papers:
- Solving past papers helps understand the exam pattern, difficulty level, and types of questions asked.
Recommended Books:
- For Technical Subjects:
- “Town Planning” by Rangwala
- “Urban and Regional Planning” by Peter Hall
- Standard textbooks on Civil Engineering or Architecture depending on your background.
- For General Studies:
- TNPSC General Studies Manuals
- Current Affairs Magazines like Manorama Yearbook or Pratiyogita Darpan.
