TNPSC GROUP II GENERAL KNOWLEDGE AND GENERAL ENGLISH

SYLLABUS AND BOOK LIST

Dear Friends and Aspirants TNPSC going to publish notification for Group2a and other
examination in this year as per the annual planner. In this document am updated syllabus
and what the books to be followed for the examination.

Important Suggestion

 Try to Score 90 Plus questions in general English. 70 plus questions in general

studies. But your ultimate aim should be get 180 plus question correctly (Recent
Group IV Trend. But the scoring of 180 plus is depend upon the standard of
question).
 Complete school Text book first. After completing school books you may refer for
additional reference but don’t depend coaching material. You can use coaching
WWW.IYACHAMY.COM

material for revision only.

 Some people may advise you should study 10 hours a day but you don’t bother
about it. The study time varies person to person some person study only 4 -5 hour
per day , another may study 7- 8 hour per day but the time of study is not
important effective study only decides our success.
 Approach your preparation based on the prescribed syllabus and previous year
question paper. If possible paste the syllabus in front of your study place
 Many people collect various institute materials but they never use. So collect
selective notes.
 Give more importance to the subject in the following order, 1. General Tamil/
English/ 2. Aptitude 3. Current Affairs 4. Polity 5. Basic Gk. 6 Modern India. All
Subjects are important but above mentioned subjects covers more than 150
questions.
 Other than School book you should read Arihant or Lucent General Knowledge
book to score 15 question. Because many people just read school book they are not
sound in Fundamental knowledge. This portion decide your top rank.
 How we studied? what we studied it doesn’t ensure success. In Last 3 hour
Examination time only decide our success. To avoid silly mistake take mock test in
your place using shakthi or Sura Question Bank

1
 General Science:

Physics

Universe‐General Scientific laws‐Scientific instruments‐Inventions and discoveries‐ National

scientific laboratories‐Science glossary‐Mechanics and properties of matter‐Physical
quantities, standards and units‐Force, motion and energy‐electricity and Magnetism ‐Heat,
light and sound‐Atomic and nuclear physics.

Suggested Readings

 6 to 10 School books
 Physics portion in Arihant or Lucent GK Book
 12th Std Physics Unit no 6 and 8 refer Basic topics only

Chemistry
WWW.IYACHAMY.COM

Elements and Compounds‐Acids, bases and salts‐Oxidation and reduction‐Chemistry of

ores and metals‐Carbon, nitrogen and their compounds‐Fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides

Suggested Readings

 6 to 10 School books
 Chemistry portion in Arihant or Lucent GK Book
 11th Std Chemistry 8 ( Study Nitrogen Related only) and 17 and 18 units
 12th Std Chemistry 21 and 22 units alone
Botany

Main Concepts of life science‐The cell‐basic unit of life‐Classification of living organism‐‐ ‐

Nutrition and dietetics‐Respiration

Suggested Readings

 6 to 10 School books

 11th Botany unit no , 2,4,7 only

 12th Botany unit no 3,4,6 alone

Zoology

2
 Blood and blood circulation‐Endocrine system‐Reproductive system‐Genetics the science of
heredity‐Environment, ecology, health and hygiene, Bio‐ diversity and its conservation‐
Human diseases, prevention and remedies‐Communicable diseases and non‐
communicable diseases

Suggested Readings

 6 to 10 School books

 Zoology portion in Arihant or Lucent GK Book

 11th Std 3rd unit only

 12th std 1,4,5,6 units only.

Current Events

History
WWW.IYACHAMY.COM

Latest diary of events – National‐National symbols‐Profile of States ‐Eminent persons &

places in news‐Sports & games‐Books & authors ‐Awards & honours‐Latest historical
events‐‐ India and its neighbours ‐ Appointments‐who is who?

Political Science

Problems in conduct of public elections‐ Political parties and political system in India‐
Public awareness & General administration ‐ Role of Voluntary organizations & Govt.,‐
Welfare oriented govt. schemes, their utility

Geography

Geographical landmarks‐Policy on environment and ecology

Economics

Current socio‐economic problems New economic policy & govt. sector

Science

Latest inventions on science & technology Latest discoveries in Health Science Mass media
& communication.

3
 Suggested Readings

 TNPSC Portal ( From March they are daily updating in English)

 www.iyachamy.com ( before 20 days of Exam will be uploaded)
 GK Today
 Newspaper ( the Hindu)
 you can’t follow more than one source so kindly follow any of the above one

Geography

Earth and Universe‐Solar system‐Atmosphere hydrosphere, lithosphere‐Monsoon, rainfall,

weather and climate‐Water resources ‐rivers in India‐Soil, minerals & natural resources‐
Natural vegetation‐Forest & wildlife‐Agricultural pattern, livestock & fisheries‐ Social
geography – population‐density and distribution‐Natural calamities – disaster
management.
WWW.IYACHAMY.COM

Suggested Readings

 6 to 1oth School book

 Geography portion in Arihant or Lucent GK Book

History and culture of India South Indian history

Culture and Heritage of Tamil people‐‐Advent of European invasion‐ Expansion and

consolidation of British rule‐Effect of British rule on socio‐economic factors‐Social reforms
and religious movements‐India since independence‐Characteristics of Indian culture‐ 41
Unity in diversity –race, colour, language, custom‐India‐as secular state‐Organizations for
fine arts, dance, drama, music‐Growth of rationalist, Dravidian movement in TN‐Political
parties and populist schemes‐ Prominent personalities in the various spheres – Arts, Science,
literature and Philosophy – Mother Teresa, Swami Vivekananda, Pandit Ravishankar ,
M.S.Subbulakshmi, Rukmani Arundel and J.Krishnamoorthy etc.

INDIAN NATIONAL MOVEMENT

Early uprising against British rule‐1857 Revolt‐ Indian National Congress‐Emergence of

national leaders‐Gandhi, Nehru, Tagore, Netaji‐Growth of militant movements ‐
Communalism led to partition‐Role of Tamil Nadu in freedom struggle ‐ Rajaji, VOC,

4
 Periyar, Bharathiar& Others‐Birth of political parties /political system in India since
independence.

Suggested Readings

 6 to 10 Social Science ( History Portion , Except 9th History Because World history not
in syllabus)
 11 and 12th History book
 If you want more fact kindly refer to Arihant or Lucent

Constitution of India

Preamble to the constitution‐ Salient features of constitution‐ Union, State and territory ‐
Fundamental rights‐ Fundamental duties‐ Human rights charter‐ Union legislature –
Parliament‐ State executive‐. State Legislature – assembly‐ Status of Jammu & Kashmir‐.
Local government – panchayat raj – Tamil Nadu‐ Judiciary in India – Rule of law/Due
WWW.IYACHAMY.COM

process of law‐ Indian federalism – center – state relations‐ Emergency provisions‐ Elections
‐ Election Commission Union and State‐ Amendments to constitution‐ Schedules to
constitution‐ Administrative reforms & tribunals‐ Corruption in public life‐ Anti‐corruption
measures – Central Vigilance Commission, lok‐adalats, Ombudsman, Comptroller and
Auditor General of India‐ Right to information ‐ Central and State Commission‐
Empowerment of women.

Suggested Readings

 6th to 1o School book civic portion

 12th political Science book
 Arihant or Lucent GK book polity portion
 (Some people may say Lakshmikandh must be studied but they never completed
Lakshmikandh )

INDIAN ECONOMY

Nature of Indian economy‐ Five‐year plan models‐an assessment‐Land reforms &

agriculture‐ Application of science in agriculture‐Industrial growth‐Role of public sector &
disinvestment‐ Development of infrastructure‐ National income Rural welfare oriented
programmes‐ Social sector problems – population, education, health, employment,

5
 poverty‐ HRD – sustainable economic growth‐ Economic trends in Tamil Nadu ‐ Energy
Different sources and development‐ Finance Commission ‐ Planning Commission‐ National
Development Council.

Suggested Readings

 11th Indian Economy 1 to 10 units

 12th Economy last 2 units ( fiscal and monetary policy)
 Arihant or Lucent GK book Economy portion

APTITUDE & MENTAL ABILITY TESTS

Conversion of information to data‐‐Collection, compilation and presentation of data

Tables, graphs, diagrams‐Analytical interpretation of data ‐Simplification‐Percentage‐
Highest Common Factor (HCF)‐Lowest Common Multiple (LCM)‐Ratio and Proportion‐
Simple interest‐Compound interest‐Area‐Volume‐Time and Work Decision making and
WWW.IYACHAMY.COM

problem solving‐Logical Reasoning‐ Puzzles‐Dice‐Visual Reasoning‐Alpha numeric

Reasoning‐Number Series‐ Logical Number/Alphabetical/Diagrammatic Sequences.

Suggested Readings

 School books
 Practice old question paper

SYLLABUS – GENERAL ENGLISH

1. Match the following words and Phrases given in Column A with their meanings in
Column B.
2. Choose the correct ‘Synonyms’ for the underlined word from the options given
3. Choose the correct ‘Antonyms’ for the underlined word from the options given
4. Select the correct word (Prefix, Suffix)
5. Fill in the blanks with suitable Article
6. Fill in the blanks with suitable Preposition
7. Select the correct Question Tag
8. Select the correct Tense
9. Select the correct Voice 1
10. Fill in the blanks (Infinitive, Gerund, Participle)

6
 11. Identify the sentence pattern of the following sentence (Subject, Verb, Object….) Blanks
with correct ‘Homophones’
12. Find out the Error (Articles, Prepositions, Noun, Verb, Adjective, Adverb)
13. Comprehension
14. Select the correct sentence
15. Find out the odd words (Verb, Noun, Adjective, Adverb)
16. Select the correct Plural forms
17. Identify the sentence (Simple, Compound, Complex Sentense)
18. Identify the correct Degree.
19. Form a new word by blending the words
20. Form compound words (Eg: Noun+Verb, Gerund+Noun)

Part-B Literature
WWW.IYACHAMY.COM

1. Figures of speech observed in the following Poems:

Alliteration – Allusion – Simile – Metaphor – Personification – Oxymoron –

Onomatopoeia – Anaphora – Ellipsis - Rhyme Scheme - Rhyming Words – Repetition –
Apostrophe A Psalm of Life - Women’s Rights - The Nation United - English words –
Snake – The Man He Killed - Off to outer space tomorrow morning - Sonnet No.116 -
The Solitary Reaper - Be the Best - O Captain My Captain - Laugh and Be Merry –
Earth - Don’t quit - The Apology - Be Glad your Nose is on your face - A sonnet for my
Incomparable Mother - The Flying Wonder - To a Millionaire - The Piano – Manliness -
Going for water - The cry of the Children - Migrant Bird - Shilpi.

2. Appreciation Questions from Poetry

A Psalm of Life - Women’s Rights - The Nation United - English words – Snake – The
Man He Killed - Off to outer space tomorrow morning – Sonnet No.116 - The Solitary
Reaper - Be the Best - O Captain My Captain - Laugh and Be Merry – Earth - Don’t
quit - The Apology - Be Glad your - Nose is on your face - A sonnet for my
Incomparable Mother - The Flying Wondr - To a Millionaire - The Piano – Manliness -
Going for water - The cry of the Children - Migrant Bird - Shilpi.

7
 3. Important lines from Poems.

Where the mind is without fear - The Solitary Reaper - Going for water - A Psalm of
Life - Be the Best - Sonnet No.116

4. Questions on the Biography of

Mahatma Gandhi - Jawaharlal Nehru - Subash Chandra Bose - Helen Keller Kalpana
Chawala - Dr.Salim Ali - Rani of Jhansi - Nelson Mandela – Abraham Lincoln
5. Questions on Shakespeare’s

Merchant of Venice (Act IV Court Scene) - Julius Ceasar (Act III Scene 2) - Sonnet 116

6. Questions from Oscar Wilde’s-The Model Millionaire - The Selfish Giant

WWW.IYACHAMY.COM

7. R.Karl Paulnack Music-The Hope Raiser

8. Comprehension Questions from the following Motivational Essays:

Gopala Krishna Gokhale’s Speech on 25th July in Mumbai in response to The address
presented to him by students- Dale Carnegie’s ‘The Road to success- Dr.APJ Abdul
Kalam’s ‘Vision for the Nation’(from‘India 2020’) - Ruskin Bond’s ‘Our Local Team’ -
Hope Spencer’s ‘Keep your spirits high’ - Deepa Agarwal’s ‘After the storm’ - Brian
patten’s ‘You can’t be that no you can’t be that’
9. Comprehension Questions from the following description of Places Ahtushi Deshpande’s
‘To the land of snow’ - Manohar Devadoss – Yaanai Malai - Brihadeesvarar Temple

10. British English – American English

Part-C Authors and their Literary Works

1. Match the Poems with the Poets

A psalm of Life - Be the Best - The cry of the children - The Piano – Manliness Going
for water – Earth -The Apology - Be Glad your Nose is on your face - The Flying
Wonder -Is Life But a Dream - Be the Best - O captain My Captain - Snake -

8
 Punishment in Kindergarten -Where the Mind is Without fear - The Man He Killed -
Nine Gold Medals.

2. Which Nationality the story belongs to?

The selfish Giant - The Lottery Ticket - The Last Leaf - How the Camel got its Hump -
Two Friends – Refugee - The Open Window

3. Identify the Author with the short story

The selfish Giant - The Lottery Ticket - The Last Leaf - How the Camel got its Hump -
Two Friends – Refugee - The Open Window - A Man who Had no Eyes - The Tears of
the Desert – Sam The Piano - The face of Judas Iscariot - Swept Away - A close
encounter - Caught Sneezing - The Wooden Bowl - Swami and the sum.

4. Whose Auto biography / Biography is this?

5. Which Nationality the Poet belongs to ?
WWW.IYACHAMY.COM

Robert Frost - Archibald Lampman - D.H. Lawrence - Rudyard Kipling Kamala Das -
Elizabeth Barrett Browning - Famida Y. Basheer - Thomas Hardy - Khalil Gibran -
Edgar A. Guest - Ralph Waldo Emerson - Jack Prelutsky - F. Joanna - Stephen Vincent
Benet - William Shakespeare - William Wordsworth - H.W. Long Fellow - Annie Louisa
walker - Walt Whitman - V.K. Gokak.

6. Characters, Quotes, Important Lines from the following works of Indian Authors:

Sahitya Akademi Award winner: Thakazhi Sivasankaran Pillai – ‘Farmer’ Kamala Das
– 1. Punishment in Kindergarten 2. My Grandmother’s House R.K. Narayan - Swami
and the sum - Rabindranath Tagore - Where the mind is without fear - Dhan Gopal
Mukherji - Kari, The Elephant - Deepa Agarwal - After the Storm - Dr. APJ Abdul
Kalam - Vision for the Nation Indra Anantha Krishna- The Neem Tree - Lakshmi
Mukuntan- The Ant Eater and the Dassie - Dr. Neeraja Raghavan - The Sun Beam

7. Drama Famous lines, characters, quotes from Julius Caesar - The Merchant of
Venice
8. Match the Places, Poet, Dramatist, Painter with suitable option
9. Match the following Folk Arts with the Indian State / Country
10. Match the Author with the Relevant Title/Character

9
 11. Match the Characters with Relevant Story Title

The Selfish Giant - How the camel got its hump - The Lottery ticket - The Last Leaf -
Two friends – Refugee - Open window – Reflowering - The Necklace Holiday

12. About the Poets - Rabindranath Tagore - Henry Wordsworth Longfellow - Anne
Louisa Walker -V K Gokak - Walt Whitman - Douglas Malloch
13. About the Dramatists 50 William Shakespeare - Thomas Hardy
14. Mention the Poem in which these lines occur Granny, Granny, please comb My Hair
- With a friend - To cook and Eat - To India – My Native Land - A tiger in the Zoo -
No men are foreign – Laugh and be Merry – The Apology - The Flying Wonder
15. Various works of the following Authors – Rabindranath Tagore – Shakespeare -
William Wordsworth - H.W. Longfellow – Anne Louisa Walker - Oscar Wilde - Pearl
S. Buck
16. What is the theme observed in the Literary works? Snake - The Mark of Vishnu -
Greedy Govind - Our Local Team – Where the mind is without fear - Keep your
WWW.IYACHAMY.COM

spirits high - Be the best – Bat – The Piano – The Model Millionaire - The Cry of the
Children – Migrant bird – Shilpi
17. Famous Quotes – Who said this?
18. To Which period the Poets belong William Shakespeare - Walt Whitman - William
Wordsworth - H.W. Longfellow Annie Louisa Walker - D.H. Lawrence
19. Matching the Poets and Poems Discovery – Biking – Inclusion - Granny, Granny,
please comb My Hair – With a Friend - To cook and Eat – Bat - To India – My
Native Land - A tiger in the Zoo - No men are foreign - Laugh and be Merry –
Earth – The Apology - The Flying Wonder - Off to outer space tomorrow morning -
Be the best - Is life, but a dream - Women’s rights - The Nation united - English
words – Snake – The man he killed
20. Nature centered Literary works and Global issue Environment and Conservation
Flying with moon on their wings - Migrant bird - Will Thirst Become -
Unquenchable? - Going for Water - Swept away - Gaia tells her.

Suggested Readings

 6 to 12th School books

 For Grammer portion refer wren and Martin book

10
  Previous TNPSC General English Question paper.( don’t go any other books ) For
practice shakthi publication book available.

QUESTION DISTRIBUTION (From Old Question paper Analysis)

SUBJECT NUMBER OF QUESTIONS

POLITY 10 – 12

HISTORY & NATIONAL 12-18

MOVEMENT
ECONOMY 5-10

GEOGRPAHY 5-10

CURRENT AFFAIRS 15-20

WWW.IYACHAMY.COM

GENERAL SCIENCE 20- 25

GENERAL KNWOLEDGE 5-10

MENTAL ABILITY & 25

APTITUDE
GENERAL TAMIL / 100
ENGLISH

11