TNPSC Junior Scientific Officer Syllabus
Paper-1 - Forensic Science (PG Degree Standard)
Unit I : Forensic Science – Definition – Development of Forensic Science in India – Organization and Functions of Forensic Laboratory
Unit II : Physical evidence – their classification and significance – Locard’s Principle of exchange- class and individual characteristics.
Crime Scene examinations – documentation of crime scene- recognition, collection, preservation, and transportation of physical evidence for laboratory examinations.Fundamentals of photography – crime scene photography
Unit III : Foot and tire impressions – Walking pattern – Recording and examination of footprints and tire prints.
Fingerprints – Fundamental principles – Fingerprint patterns – classification of fingerprints – methods of development of latent fingerprints.
Unit IV : Tool marks – identification – restoration of filed off/erased marks – Detection of counterfeit coins and currency.
Firearms, Bullet, and cartridge case identification – pellets and wads – Range of firing.
Unit V : Fire and arson – Natural fires – Arson – Accelerants – Combustible properties of flammable substances.
Explosives – Classification of explosive substances – Combustion, detonation, and explosion – Effects of explosion – Military and industrial explosives – Improvised explosive devices – Explosive residues – Residues examination.
Unit VI : Questioned documents, identification of handwriting, typewriter and forged signatures – Erasures and alterations on documents and their detection
Unit VII : Broken glass – glass fractures – direction of force – backward fragmentation – comparison of glass fragments.
Forensic examination of soil and paints, Theory and practice of polygraph and voice identification
Unit VIII : Toxicology – classification and mode of action of poisons – narcotic drugs – alcoholic beverages – isolation and identification of poisons, drugs and alcohol
Unit IX : Examination of biological fluids – blood, seminal and saliva stains – forensic characterization of the above stains – stain patterns of the blood, Examination of fibres, hair, bones, teeth and skull – Fundamental of DNA typing.
Unit X : Instrumental methods of organic analysis – principles of chromatography, spectrophotometry, and mass spectrometry.
Instrumental methods of inorganic analysis – Principles of emission and atomic absorption spectra – X-ray diffraction – Neutron activation analysis.
Biology : (PG Degree Standard) :
Unit I : General classification and salient features of Invertebrata and vertebrata – Metamorphosis and regeneration in lower forms of animal – Economic importance of oyster, honey bee, Silkworm – Agricultural pests and their control – Larval forms of crustacean and Echinodermata – Classification and identification of poisonous and nonpoisonous snakes and types of snake venom. Evolution: Theories, types and factors influencing evolution Evidences of human evolution – Human genetics: Pedigree analysis, lod score for linkage testing, Karyotyping, Significance of human genome project.
Unit II : Structural organization and importance of animal cells – Muscle cells – Cardiac, Striated and non- striated muscle cells– HepatocytesNeurons, Nephrons, Karatocytes, immune and endocrine cells. Functions of hormones and their receptors – Impact of sex hormones in human behavior. Chronobiology: importance of circadian rhythm and human biological clock – DNA analysis in paternity testing – Cell counting of WBC and RBC.Functions and disorders of Digestive, Respiratory, Cardiovascular Nervous, Muscular, Excretory, Reproductive and Integumentary systems. Developmental biology: production of sperm and egg, Fertilization – Zygote, Cleavage. Blastulation, gastrulation and formation of germ layers in animals and organogenesis – determination of sex by Amniocentosis. Entomology: Insect classification – Beneficial and harmful insects – Role of insects in decomposition of decayed materials – Exploiting insect olfaction in forensic studies – Importance of ants, blowflies and beetles in forensic investigation.
Unit III : Fundamentals of Anthropology
Meaning – Scope and branches of Anthropology – Basic concepts / principles of Physical or Biological Anthropology – Anthropology and its relation with other Social, Biological and Medical Sciences – Analysis of kinship – Health and Ethno medicine – Population dynamics with special reference to Tamil Nadu – Applied and developmental Anthropology – Tribal, Rural and Urban Communities
Research Methodology- Anthropological research – Fieldwork Tradition, Methods and Techniques, Qualitative and Quantitative research Methods, Observation, Case study, Ethnography, Life histories and Personal documents, Visual Anthropology, Genealogical Methods.
Unit IV : Physical / Biological Anthropology
Position of human being in the animal kingdom – Human Evolution – Theories of human evaluation, Human growth and development – Factors affecting for growth, Demographic growth variation, Sex and Gender – Bio-cultural dimensions, Race and Ethnicity – Major racial groups of India, Ethnicity and contemporary relevance – Applied physical anthropology – Anthropometry and its uses, DNA Technology, genetic diseases, Forensic Anthropology and criminal investigations.
Unit V : Chemistry of Biomolecules
Carbohydrates – Structure and functions [Mono,Di &Polysaccharides] – Disorders of Carbohydrate Metabolism and its laboratory diagnosis.
Proteins and Amino acids – Types, structure and function.
Lipids – Types structure and functions. Sterols –Cholesterol.Disorders of lipid metabolism and its laboratory diagnosis.
Nucleic acid – DNA – Types, structure and functions RNA – Types, structure and functions
Enzymes – Classification and properties of enzymes, Coenzymes, Marker enzymes
Hormones- Classes and functions of hormones
Unit VI : Biochemical and Molecular Techniques
Blood and its composition – WBC, RBC and Platelets. Blood clotting, Blood grouping, Cross matching and compatibility tests, Blood smear analysis, HLA typing.
Antigens and Immunoglobins – Classes and functions. Collection and Preservation of Biological fluids [Blood, Urine, CSF, Amniotic fluid, Semen, Sputum and Saliva].Normal and Abnormal constituents of Biological fluids.
Isolation of DNA from blood sample, Agarose gel Electrophoresis, PCR,DNA Sequencing, RAPD, RFLP, DNA Finger printing -STR Typing.
Isolation of Proteins from blood sample, SDS PAGE, RIA, ELISA, FISH. Ames test, Comet Assay.
Unit VII : Origin of Microbiology, Contribution of Louis Pasteur, Alexander Flemming, Waksman, Robert Koch. Microscopy; Brightfield, Phase contrast, Fluorescent, Electron Microscopy and Confocal Microscopy. Staining techniques.
Cultivation of Microorganisms, Preparation of culture media, Sterilization techniques, Preservation techniques, Identification of Microorganisms; Conventional and Molecular techniques.
Host parasite interaction, Microbial diseases, Nosocomial infection, Zoonotic diseases, Food borne diseases, Microbial diseases of medical negligence. Bioterrorism and Biohazards.
Unit VIII : DNA profiling, Genetic code, Mutation and DNA polymorphism, Microbial nanotechnology, Infectomics.
Biodeteriotion of fibres and leather, Bioremediation, Bioconversion – Biogas technology, Environmental microbiology – Microbiology of air, water and soil. Role of microbes in production of fermentation products.
Production of antibiotics, Enzymes, Pigments, Insulin, Interferon, Monoclonal antibodies and Growth Hormones. Recombinants DNA technology.
Microbial biofertilizers, Microbial biopesticides and Microbial degradation of synthetic pesticides.
Unit IX : Plant Diversity, Cell Biology – Taxonomy and Paleo botany, Plant PhysiologyPlant biochemistry, Plant pathology
Plant Diversity – Algae, Fungi, Bryophyte, pteridophytes, Gymnosperms, lichen.
Cell Biology – Cell structure and functions
Taxonomy– Principals of Taxonomy and phylogeny of angiosperms, Nomenclature of plants, Monocotyledons and dicotyledons
Paleo botany – Fossil plants
Plant Physiology and Plant biochemistry – Ezymes, Protein, Aminoacid and photo synthesis, respiration
Plant pathology – Bacterial, Fungal and Viral Diseases of Plants.
Unit X : Plant Anatomy, Embryology, Genetics, Economic Botany, Ethnobotany, Environmental Botany Plant Anatomy – Cell cycle, Cell division, Tissue system and secondary growth, Fruit wall and seed coat.
Embryology – Embryogenesis, Polyembryony, Double fertilization, Somatic Embryogenesis and Pollen grains.
Genetics – Mendelism, Linkage, crossing-over, chromosome mapping, RAPD and RFLP Techniques.
Economic Botany – Wood and Wood products, Fatty Oils and Vegetable Oils. Tannins and Dyes.
Ethnobotany – Ethno Medicinal Plants, Narcotic Plants.
Environmental Botany – Plant adaptations, Hydrophytes, Xerophytes, Mesophytes, Epiphytes, Halophytes and Mangrove vegetation. Ecological Indicators, Forest and Forest Management
Chemistry : (PG Degree Standard) :
Unit I : Quantum Chemistry :Quantum mechanical postulates – Eigen value and function – the Schrodinger wave equation – elementary applications of Schrodinger’s equation – the particle in a box (one, two and three dimensional cases) – particle in a ring. The harmonic oscillator –the rigid rotor – the hydrogen atom – the Schrodinger equation for hydrogen atom – angular momentum – term symbols – Approximation methods – perturbation and variation method – application to hydrogen and helium atoms – R.S. coupling and term symbols for atoms in the ground state – Slater orbital and HF – SCF methods Born open – Heimer approximation – valence bond theory for hydrogen molecule – LACO – MO theory for di and polyatomic molecules – concept of hybridization – Huckel theory for conjugated molecules (ethylene butadiene and benzene) – semi empirical methods.
Unit II : Chemical Kinetics and Thermodynamics: Rate laws – rate constant for first, second, third and zero order reaction – Half life period Temperature dependence on rate – Arrenhenius theory – collision theory – Absolute reaction rate theory – ionic reaction – salt effect – catalysis – Laws of photo chemistry, quantum efficiency – photo physical processes of electronic excited molecules.
Partial molar properties – Chemical Potential – Partial molar volume and molar heat content – significance and determination – Thermodynamics of real gases – gas mixture – fugacity definition – determination of fugacity variation of fugacity with temperature and pressure – concept of thermodynamic probability – distribution of distinguishable and non – distinguishable particles. Maxwell – Boltzmann, Fermi-Dirac and Bose Einstein statistics – modes of contribution to energy – partition function – translational, vibrational and rotational partition functions for mono, diatomic and polyatomic ideal gases.
Unit III : Nuclear Chemistry : Nuclear properties –nuclear spin and moments, origin of nuclear forces, salient features of liquid drop and shell models. Types of radioactive decay: Orbital electron capture, nuclear isomerism, internal conversion, detection and determination of activity by cloud chamber, nuclear emulsion, bubble chamber, G.M., Scintillation and Cherenkov counters; Accelearators – Linear and Cyclotron. Nuclear reaction: Types, reaction cross section, Q-value, threshold energy, compound nucleus theory: nuclear fission and fusion reactions as energy sources: photonuclear and thermo nuclear reactions. Components of nuclear reactor – the fast breeder reactor – nuclear reactors in India. Radioactive tracer – principles of tracer technique – application of tracers in the study of reaction mechanism and in analytical chemistry – neutron activation analysis, isotope dilution analysis – radio chemical determination of age of geological specimen. Tracers as applied to industry and agriculture – radioactive tracer in the diagnosis and treatment in the field of medicine.
Unit IV : Electrochemistry : Mean ionic activity and activity coefficient: concept of ionic strength, Debye-Huckel theory of strong electrolytes – activity coefficient of strong electrolytes-determination – Deby Huckel limiting law at appreciable concentration of electrolytes – Debye Huckel Bronsted equation – qualitative and quantitative verification. PH & PKa of acids and bases – determents and buffer actions conductometric and potentiometric tirations Mechanism of electrode reaction – polarization and overpotential. Corrosion and passivation of metals: Pourbaix and Evans diagrams – fuel cells – electrodeposition – principle, applications and anticorrosion techniques.
Unit V : Spectroscopy Electromagnetic radiations and quantization of energy: Rotational spectra of diatomic molecules – isotopic substitution and rotational constants – vibrations spectra of linear symmetric, linear asymmetric and bent tri atomic molecules – electronic spectra – selection rules – nuclear magnetic resonance – chemical shifts – spin – spin coupling – election spin resonance and hyperfine splitting theoretical principles of mass spectroscopy. Application’s of UV, IR, NMR, ESR and mass spectroscopy for structural elucidation of organic compounds, inorganic complexes and free radicals.
Unit VI : Organometallic compounds, Bio inorganic chemistry and Polymers: Metal carbonyls, Metal nitrosyls, metal alkyl, alkenes and arene compounds – organic metallic compounds in catalysis – Chemistry of prophyrins – chlorophyll hemoglobin, myoglobin, ferrodexin, rubredoxin and cytochromes. Preperation and uses of polyethylene and uses of polyethylene, poly butylenes PVC, Nylon – Ziegler – Natta catalysts – Inorganic Polymers such as silicones, Borazines and phosphonitrilic compounds.
Unit VII : Organic reaction mechanism and Stereochemistry: General methods of reaction mechanisms (Kinetic and non kinetic) SN 1, S N 2 mechanisms – addition substitution, elimination and rearrangements – free radical mechanism – aromatic substitution – formation and stability of reactive intermediates – The arenium ion mechanism. Orientation and reactivity (ortho, meta and para directing groups). Typical reactions to be studied – nitration, halogenations, alkylation, acylation and diazonium coupling. Formylation – Gatterman, Gatterman-Koch, Vilsmeyer-Hack & Reimer-Tieman, Ziegler alkylation, Chichibabin, Aldol condensation – Claisen condensation – Perkin, Cannizaro, Fridel Craft, Favorski, Strok enamine – Michael addition – Baeyer – villager – Chichibabin. Pericyclic reactions – classification and examples woodward and Hoffmann rules – use of OsO4 , diborane, NaBH4, LiAlH4 in organic synthesis. Photo Chemistry of ketones, photo oxygenation, photo reduction, photocycloaddition, Paterno – Buchi reaction, Di-pi-methane rearrangement. Cis-trans isomerisation, Barton reaction and photo-Fries reaction.
Elements of symmetry – optical and geometric isomerism E.Z and R.S notation’s – Conformational analysis simple cyclic and acyclic systems – Effects of conformation on reactivity in acyclic compounds and cyclothexanes. Relative stabilities of cis – trans isomers.
Unit VIII : Natural Products and Drugs : Carbohydrates – Classification – configuration and general reactions of monosaccharide’s – Chemistry of glucose, fructose, sucrose and maltose, important compounds in Chemistry – Dyes – azo triphenylmethane and phthalein groups – indigo – alizarin vitamins, hormones, proteins – structural determination –Terpenoids – classification, isolation, general properties of citral, α –Terpineol, menthol, champhor.
Alkaloids and Flavonoids – Nomenclature and classification general properties – colour reactions, structure for Nicotine, atropine, cocaine, quinine, morphine and Heroin.
Drugs: Pharmacological actions, therapeutic uses and screening tests of the following drugs – opium alkaloids – morphine, heroin, antibiotics – synthetic analgesics – pethidine, methadone – barbiturates – tranquilizers – phenothiazines, meprobamate, diazepam – stimulants – amphetaminies, imipramines – hallucinogens – cannabinoids, LSD – hyhpnosis and sedatives – antipyretics, analgesic, antiseptics and disinfectants – Alcohol – manufacture of ethyl alcohol and liquors – constituents of liquors – estimation of alcohol contents in liquors – denaturation, denaturants, industrial alcohol and power alcohol.
Unit IX : Poisons and Pesticides : Definition of poisons – Mode of action of poisons – Extraction and purification of poisons in toxicological analysis – Volatile poisons – metallicpoisons – non- volatile organic poisons – water soluble compounds – protein precipitation methods. Estimation of the following poisons – Carbon monoxide, cyanide, formaldehyde, methanol, chloral, chloroform, phenols, cresols, phosphorus and amphetemines – Signs and symptoms of H2SO4, HNO3, CO2, H2 S poisoning. Analytical methods for the estimation of ethyl alcohol. Metallic poison –signs, symptoms of arsenic, mercury, lead and copper – Reinch test – Marsch Berzelius and Gutzeit tests –volumetric, colorimetric and instrumental methods of analysis of the above metals. Pesticides & Insecticides – Definition – general propertics poisonous nature – detection & isolation.
Unit X : Analytical Chemistry and Instrumental methods: Significant figures – precession & accuracy – Errors – minimizing methods – estimation of errors – rejection of observation.
Absorption, partition chromatography – Gas Chromatography – HPLC – Solvent extraction and ion exchange methods – atomic absorption spectroscopy – Electron analytical techniques voltammetry, cyclic voltammetry, polarogaphy, amperonmetry, Coulmetry and conductometry, ion-Selective electrodes – TGA, DTA and DSC.
Physics : (PG Degree Standard) :
UNIT-I – Mechanics – Relativity and space Physics
Unit II – Classical Mechanics
Unit III – Thermodynamics
Unit IV – Optics – Atomic and Molecular Spectroscopy
Unit V – Solid and Nuclear Physics
Unit VI – Quantum Mechanics
Unit VII – Electro Magnetic Theory
Unit VIII – Electronic Devices and Applications
Unit IX – Digital Electronics and Microprocessor
Unit X – Communications Electronics
Computer Science : (PG Degree Standard) :
Unit I – Mathematics Foundations
Unit II – Computer Architecture
Unit III – Data Structures in C++
Unit IV – Compilers and Advanced Operating System
Unit V – Database Management System
Unit Vi – Mobile Communications
Unit VII – Software Project Management
Unit VIII – Multimedia and Web Technologiesicture
Unit IX – Object Oriented Analysis and Design
Unit X – Advanced Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, Cyber Security
PAPER -II – Syllabus for Compulsory Tamil Eligibility Test
1. Extraction / Addition.
2. Picking up antonyms.
3. Find a matching term.
4. CORRECTION (i) Removal of junction error (ii) Removal of typos, slips of the tongue/idiomatic words.
5. Knowing the Tamil equivalent of the English word
6. Differentiate between sound and meaning and know the correct meaning.
7. Multiple words that give one meaning.
8. Choosing root word.
9. Forming / noun / by giving the root word. Adverb, adjective, adverb, noun,
10. Arrange words alphabetically.
11. Arrange words and make sentences
12. Knowing the difference in meaning of two verbs
13. Selecting the answer question
14. Identifying the type of sentence – Identifying subject, object, action and active verb sentences.
15. Selecting and writing an appropriate material illustrated by illustration.
16. Vocabulary
17. Answer Types.
18. Finding Tamil equivalents of foreign words (eg) Gold Biscuits – Thangakatti.
19. Write the suffix of town names (eg) Thanjavur – Thanjai
20. Knowing punctuation marks.
21. Dialect, spelling (waran – coming).
22. Creating new words by combining words
23. Set appropriate tenses (past, present, future).
24. Choose the correct question word.
25. Correct conjunction (so, because, therefore, therefore, as).
Part-B – General Studies :-
General Science :
1. Scientific Knowledge and Scientific Temper – Power of Reasoning – Rote Learning vs Conceptual Learning – Science as a tool to understand the past, present and future.
2. Nature of Universe – General Scientific Laws – Mechanics – Properties of Matter, Force, Motion and Energy – Everyday application of the Basic Principles of Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism, Light, Sound, Heat, Nuclear Physics, Laser, Electronics and Communications.
3. Elements and Compounds, Acids, Bases, Salts, Petroleum Products, Fertilisers, Pesticides.
4. Main concepts of Life Science, Classification of Living Organisms, Evolution, Genetics, Physiology, Nutrition, Health and Hygiene, Human Diseases.
5. Environment and Ecology.
Current Events :
1. History – Latest diary of events – National symbols – Profile of States – Eminent personalities and places in news – Sports-Books and authors.
2. Polity – Political parties and political system in India-Public awareness and General administration- Welfare oriented Government schemes and their utility, Problems in Public Delivery Systems.
3. Geography-Geographical landmarks.
4. Economics-Current socio-economic issues.
5. Science-Latest inventions in Science and Technology.
6. Prominent Personalities in various spheres – Arts, Science, Literature and Philosophy.
Geography of India :
1. Location – Physical features – Monsoon, Rainfall, Weather and Climate – Water Resources – Rivers in India – Soil, Minerals and Natural Resources – Forest and Wildlife – Agricultural pattern.
2. Transport – Communication.
3. Social Geography – Population density and distribution- Racial, Linguistic Groups and Major Tribes.
4. Natural calamity – Disaster Management – ​​Environmental pollution: Reasons and preventive measures – Climate change – Green energy.
5. History and Culture of India
6. Indus Valley Civilization – Guptas, Delhi Sultans, Mughals and Marathas – Age of Vijayanagaram and Bahmani Kingdoms – South Indian History.
7. Change and Continuity in the Socio-Cultural History of India.
8. Characteristics of Indian Culture, Unity in Diversity – Race, Language, Custom.
9. India as a Secular State, Social Harmony.
Indian Polity :
1. Constitution of India – Preamble to the Constitution – Salient features of the Constitution – Union, State and Union Territory.
2. Citizenship, Fundamental Rights, Fundamental Duties, Directive Principles of State Policy.
3. Union Executive, Union Legislature – State Executive, State Legislature – Local Governments, Panchayat Raj.
4. Spirit of Federalism: Centre-State Relationships.
5. Election – Judiciary in India – Rule of Law.
6. Corruption in Public Life – Anti-corruption measures – Lokpal and Lok Ayukta – Right to Information – Empowerment of Women – Consumer Protection Forums, Human Rights Charter.
Indian Economy :
1. Nature of Indian Economy – Five year plan models – an assessment – ​​Planning Commission and Niti Ayog.
2. Sources of revenue – Reserve Bank of India – Fiscal Policy and Monetary Policy – ​​Finance Commission – Resource sharing between Union and State Governments – Goods and Services Tax.
3. Structure of Indian Economy and Employment Generation, Land Reforms and Agriculture – Application of Science and Technology in Agriculture – Industrial growth – Rural Welfare Oriented Programs – Social Problems – Population, Education, Health, Employment, Poverty.
Indian National Movement :
1. National Renaissance –Early uprising against British rule – Indian National Congress – Emergence of leaders –BRAmbedkar, Bhagat Singh, Bharathiar, VO Chidambaranar Jawaharlal Nehru, Kamarajar, Mahatma Gandhi, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Thanthai Periyar, Rajaji, Subash Chandra Bose, Rabindranath Tagore and others.
2. Different modes of Agitation: Growth of Satyagraha and Militant Movements.
3. Communalism and Partition.
History, Culture, Heritage and Socio-Political Movements in Tamil Nadu :
History of Tamil Society, related Archaeological discoveries, Tamil Literature from Sangam age till contemporary times.
Thirukkural :
(a) Significance as Secular literature.
(b) Relevance to Everyday Life
(c) Impact of Thirukkural on Humanity
(d) Thirukkural and Universal Values ​​– Equality, Humanism, etc
(e) Relevance to Socio-Politico-Economic affairs
(f) Philosophical content in Thirukkural
Role of Tamil Nadu in freedom struggle – Early agitations against British Rule – Role of women in the freedom struggle.
Evolution of 19th and 20th Century Socio – Political Movements in Tamil Nadu – Justice Party, Growth of Rationalism – Self Respect Movement, Dravidian Movement and Principles underlying both these Movements, Contributions of Thanthai Periyar and Perarignar Anna.
Development Administration in Tamil Nadu :
1. Human Development Indicators in Tamil Nadu and a comparative assessment across the Country – Impact of Social Reform Movements in the Socio-Economic Development of Tamil Nadu.
2. Political parties and Welfare schemes for various sections of people – Rationale behind Reservation Policy and access to Social Resources – Economic trends in Tamil Nadu – Role and impact of social welfare schemes in the Socio-Economic Development of Tamil Nadu.
3. Social Justice and Social Harmony as the Cornerstones of Socio-Economic Development.
4. Education and Health Systems in Tamil Nadu.
5. Geography of Tamil Nadu and its impact on economic growth.
6. Achievements of Tamil Nadu in various fields.
7. e-Governance in Tamil Nadu.
Aptitude and Mental Ability :
1. Simplification – Percentage – Highest Common Factor (HCF) – Lowest Common Multiple (LCM).
2. Ratio and Proportion.
3. Simple interest – Compound interest – Area – Volume – Time and Work.
4. Logical Reasoning – Puzzles-Dice – Visual Reasoning – Alpha-numeric Reasoning – Number Series
