TNPSC Combined Statistical Subordinate Service Syllabus
The TNPSC Combined Statistical Subordinate Service syllabus covers three areas: a degree-level subject paper in Statistics or Mathematics, General Studies with aptitude, and a Tamil eligibility test at SSLC level. Knowing which area carries ranking marks tells you where to spend your first months.
TNPSC lists unit headings in its scheme of examination and does not publish a long topic-by-topic list. The topic notes below expand those headings based on standard undergraduate textbooks and should be used as a working checklist, not as an official list. The unit headings follow the scheme used in the most recent cycle we could verify (2022).
Table of Contents
Syllabus at a glance
Section | Standard | Questions | Marks | Counts for rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Paper I: Statistics or Mathematics | Degree | 200 | 300 | Yes |
Paper II Part B: General Studies and aptitude | Degree (GS), SSLC (aptitude) | 100 | 150 | Yes |
Paper II Part A: Tamil eligibility test | SSLC | 100 | 150 | Qualifying only |
Paper I: Statistics
The Statistics option is set at undergraduate standard and has ten units. Because the paper has 200 questions in three hours, expect many short, formula-based questions rather than long derivations.
Unit | Topics to cover | Start with |
|---|---|---|
Scope, uses and limitations of statistics | Types of data, scales of measurement, collection and presentation, measures of central tendency, dispersion, skewness and kurtosis | Mean, median, mode, standard deviation |
Probability | Sample space, events, addition and multiplication rules, conditional probability, Bayes theorem, random variables, expectation | Conditional probability and Bayes theorem |
Probability distributions | Binomial, Poisson, normal, and standard sampling distributions such as chi-square, t and F | Binomial, Poisson and normal |
Estimation | Point and interval estimation, properties of good estimators, maximum likelihood, confidence intervals | Unbiasedness and confidence intervals |
Tests of hypothesis | Null and alternative hypotheses, type I and type II errors, tests for means, proportions and variances, chi-square tests | Large-sample and small-sample tests |
Simple random sampling | Sampling with and without replacement, estimators of mean and total, variance of estimators | Sample mean and its variance |
Statistical quality control | Control charts for variables and attributes, basic ideas of process control | X-bar, R and p charts |
Time series | Components, trend fitting, moving averages, seasonal indices | Trend and moving averages |
Index numbers | Price and quantity indices, Laspeyres, Paasche and Fisher, tests of adequacy, cost of living index | Laspeyres, Paasche and Fisher |
Statistical computing using Excel | Spreadsheet functions for descriptive statistics, charts, correlation and regression | Built-in statistical functions |
Probability, distributions, estimation and hypothesis testing form the base for everything else, and questions from these units are usually the most numerous. Learn them well before moving to sampling, quality control, time series and index numbers.
Paper I: Mathematics
The Mathematics option is also at degree standard and is meant for graduates whose main subject is Mathematics. It has ten units.
Algebra and trigonometry: theory of equations, matrices, eigenvalues, series, and trigonometric expansions.
Calculus, two-dimensional coordinate geometry and differential geometry: differentiation and integration applications, conics, curvature.
Differential equations and Laplace transforms: first-order and higher-order equations, partial differential equations, inverse transforms.
Vector calculus, Fourier series and Fourier transforms: gradient, divergence, curl, line and surface integrals, series expansions.
Algebraic structures: groups, rings, fields and homomorphisms.
Real analysis and complex analysis: sequences, series, continuity, analytic functions, contour integration.
Dynamics and statics: motion under forces, equilibrium, projectiles.
Operations research and mathematical statistics: linear programming, transportation and assignment, probability and inference.
Choosing between Statistics and Mathematics
Pick the option that matches your degree and your comfort with timed problem solving. Statistics suits candidates from Statistics, Economics or Applied Statistics backgrounds, because the units are applied and direct. Mathematics suits candidates who are comfortable with analysis and abstract algebra, but the range of units is wider. Whichever you choose, solve at least five previous question papers of that option before you commit.
Paper II Part B: General Studies and aptitude
This part has 100 questions: 75 in General Studies at degree standard and 25 in Aptitude and Mental Ability at SSLC standard. It counts toward your rank, so it is worth real effort.
Area | Topics to cover | Start with |
|---|---|---|
General science | Basic physics, chemistry, biology, everyday science | School textbook concepts |
Current events | National, international and Tamil Nadu events, schemes, appointments | Last 6 to 12 months |
Geography of India | Physical features, climate, rivers, resources, agriculture | Physical geography |
History and culture of India | Ancient, medieval and modern India, art and culture | Modern India |
Indian polity | Constitution, rights, institutions, local government | Fundamental rights and duties |
Indian economy | Planning, banking, public finance, development indicators | Basic concepts and recent schemes |
Indian national movement | Major phases, leaders, movements | Timeline of movements |
History, culture, heritage and socio-political movements in Tamil Nadu | Sangam age to modern period, social reform movements, heritage | Social reform movements |
Development administration in Tamil Nadu | Welfare schemes, development programmes, administrative structure | State schemes and policies |
Aptitude and mental ability | Percentages, ratio, simple interest, time and work, number series, logical reasoning | Number series and percentages |
Statistics graduates usually find the aptitude questions easy, so aim for near-full marks there. The Tamil Nadu items tend to be the weakest area for outside candidates, so give them regular time.
Paper II Part A: Tamil eligibility test
The Tamil eligibility test is set at SSLC standard and is qualifying. It covers grammar, vocabulary, word meaning and usage, sentence correction, translation of terms, punctuation and sentence transformation. Its marks do not add to your rank, but you must reach the minimum to have your other papers considered. If Tamil is not your first language, start early and practise a little every day.
How to cover the syllabus
Weeks 1 to 6, Paper I core: probability, distributions, estimation and hypothesis testing, with solved examples.
Weeks 3 to 8, General Studies base: polity, economy, geography and Tamil Nadu history, with short notes.
Weeks 7 to 10, remaining Paper I units: sampling, quality control, time series, index numbers and Excel functions.
From week 4, Tamil: 20 minutes a day on grammar and usage.
Final phase, full-length mocks: attempt both papers in exam timing, analyse the same day and revise from an error log.
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