The recruitment for the post of Field Assistant in TANGEDCO (Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation) is now conducted by the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) under the Combined Technical Services Examination (ITI Level). This is a significant shift from the previous departmental recruitment board. For ITI holders in Electrician and Wireman trades, this is a golden opportunity to secure a government job with excellent stability.
However, the selection process is rigorous. It involves not just a written exam but also a physically demanding Pole Climbing Test. The written exam follows a specific “70:30” style weightage where your Trade Theory (ITI subject) determines the majority of your score. Below is the detailed syllabus, exam pattern, and physical test criteria to help you prepare.
TNPSC Field Assistant Recruitment Overview
| Recruiting Body | Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) |
| Department | TANGEDCO (TNEB) |
| Post Name | Field Assistant (Wireman / Electrician) |
| Exam Level | ITI Standard (National Trade Certificate) |
| Selection Mode | Written Exam + Physical Test + Certificate Verification |
| Total Marks for Ranking | 450 Marks |
| Official Website | www.tnpsc.gov.in |
Selection Criteria
The selection consists of two major stages. You must qualify in the written exam to be eligible for the physical test.
Written Examination (OMR/CBT):
Part A (Tamil): Qualifying nature (40% min marks required). Marks are not counted for ranking.
Part B (GS) & Paper II (Trade): Marks from these sections constitute your final score out of 450 Marks.
Physical Test (Field Verification): This is a “Pass/Fail” stage. Even if you top the written exam, failing the pole climbing test will disqualify you immediately.
Certificate Verification: Verification of ITI NTC/NAC certificates and community documents.
TNPSC Field Assistant Exam Pattern
The written exam is divided into two papers. Paper II (Trade Subject) is the most critical as it carries 300 marks alone.
The written exam is divided into two papers. Paper II (Trade Subject) is the most critical as it carries 300 marks alone.
| Paper | Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
| Paper I | Part A: Tamil Eligibility Test (SSLC Std) | 100 | 150* (Qualifying) | 3 Hours (Combined) |
| Part B: General Studies (GS) | 75 | 150 | ||
| Part C: Aptitude & Mental Ability | 25 | |||
| Paper II | Trade Subject (Electrician / Wireman) | 200 | 300 | 3 Hours |
| Total | Ranking Based On: | 300 Qs | 450 Marks |
Note: You must score minimum 60 marks (40%) in Part A (Tamil) for your other papers to be evaluated.
Note: Paper I is conducted in the morning session (9:30 AM to 12:30 PM), while Paper II is held in the afternoon session (2:30 PM to 5:30 PM).
Topic-wise Syllabus
The syllabus for the TNPSC Field Assistant exam is comprehensive, covering a wide array of topics to assess candidates’ proficiency in both general and technical subjects. Paper I focuses on General Studies, Tamil, and Aptitude, designed to evaluate the candidate’s overall knowledge, language skills, and problem-solving abilities. The Tamil section assesses proficiency in the language, while the General Studies section delves into subjects such as history, geography, polity, and current affairs, which are relevant to both India and Tamil Nadu. Additionally, the Aptitude section evaluates logical reasoning, mathematical skills, and mental ability.
Paper I: General Studies, Tamil, and Aptitude
Part A: Tamil
| Topics | Details |
|---|---|
| Grammar | Sentence formation, vocabulary, and comprehension. |
| Literature | History of Tamil literature, famous authors, and their works. |
| Prose & Poetry | Understanding and analysis of prose and poetry. |
Part B: General Studies
| Subjects | Topics |
|---|---|
| General Science | Universe, measurement, motion, force, energy, mechanics, electricity, magnetism, light, sound, heat, life science, genetics, health, diseases, environmental science, inventions, and current affairs. |
| Geography | Earth, physical features, monsoon, rainfall, climate, water resources, rivers, soil, minerals, agriculture, transport, communication, population, disaster management, environment, climate change, landmarks, and current affairs. |
| History & National Movement | Indus Valley, Guptas, Delhi Sultans, Mughals, Marathas, South Indian history, national renaissance, freedom struggle, leaders like Gandhi, Nehru, Ambedkar, Subhash Bose, women leaders, Indian culture, unity in diversity. |
| Indian Polity | Constitution, preamble, fundamental rights & duties, union & state governments, local bodies, federalism, elections, judiciary, RTI, anti-corruption, human rights, political system in India & Tamil Nadu, and current affairs. |
| Indian Economy & Development in Tamil Nadu | Indian economy, five-year plans, NITI Aayog, RBI, GST, employment, agriculture, industrial growth, social problems, welfare schemes, health, education, current socio-economic issues, and current affairs. |
| History, Culture & Movements of Tamil Nadu | Tamil society, archaeological discoveries, Sangam literature, Thirukkural, Tamil Nadu in freedom struggle, role of women, social reformers, reform movements, and socio-political transformation. |
Part C: Aptitude & Mental Ability
| Topics | Details |
|---|---|
| Aptitude | Simplification, percentage, HCF & LCM, ratio & proportion, simple interest, compound interest, area & volume, time & work. |
| Reasoning | Logical reasoning, puzzles, dice, visual reasoning, alpha-numeric reasoning, number series. |
Paper II: Trade Subject (Electrician/Wireman – ITI Level)
| Topics | Details |
|---|---|
| Safety Rules & Handling of Tools and Materials | Safety signs, electrical hazards, prevention, first aid, protective equipment, fire types, extinguishers, tool handling. |
| Fundamentals of Electrical & Electronics | Electricity basics, Ohm’s Law, Kirchhoff’s Law, AC/DC circuits, Star & Delta connections, single/three-phase systems, rectifiers, transistors. |
| Electrical Machines | DC generators, motors, alternators, three-phase motors, single-phase motors, characteristics, applications, starting methods, maintenance & repair. |
| Transformers | EMF equation, types, efficiency, cooling methods, protective devices, testing (OC, SC, oil test), earthing, maintenance. |
| Measuring Instruments, Illumination & Lighting Systems | Ammeter, voltmeter, multimeter, wattmeter, energy meter, megger, lamps, lighting laws, systems. |
| Power Generation | Thermal, nuclear, hydel, solar, wind energy, solar cells & panels, generators, turbines, working principles. |
| Transmission & Distribution | LV, MV, HV lines, poles, conductors, insulators, corona, skin effect, substations, busbars, breakers, relays, protection, earthing, IE rules. |
| Cells & Batteries | Laws of electrolysis, types of cells, lead-acid cell construction, charging, testing, care & maintenance, applications. |
| Control Panels & Wiring Systems | Relays, contactors, MCCB, MCB, ELCB, RCCB, GFCI, domestic/industrial wiring, earthing, voltage drop, wiring estimation. |
| Underground Cables, Conductors & Insulators | Cable construction, insulation, types, joints, faults, RMU, conductor properties, dielectric strength, testing. |
