How to Become a SI in Tamil Nadu: A Complete Guide

If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career in the police force, then becoming a Sub-Inspector (SI) in Tamil Nadu might be the right choice for you. A Sub-Inspector is a key officer in the police department who is responsible for maintaining law and order, investigating crimes, leading police teams, and ensuring public safety. A Sub-Inspector can also get promoted to higher ranks such as Inspector, Deputy Superintendent of Police, and so on.

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To become a Sub-Inspector in Tamil Nadu, you need to clear the recruitment exam conducted by the Tamil Nadu Uniformed Services Recruitment Board (TNUSRB). The TNUSRB is the authority that recruits candidates for various posts in the police, fire, and prison departments of Tamil Nadu. The TNUSRB conducts the SI exam once every year or as per the vacancy requirements. The exam is conducted online and consists of multiple stages such as written test, physical test, viva-voce, and document verification.

In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to prepare for the TNUSRB SI exam. We will cover the following topics:

• Understanding the Recruitment Process
• Preparing for the Exam
• Physical and Viva-Voce Preparation
• Additional Resources

Understanding the Recruitment Process

Before you start your preparation, it is important to understand the recruitment process of the TNUSRB SI exam. This will help you to know what to expect at each stage and how to plan your strategy accordingly.

Overview of the TNUSRB SI Recruitment

Here are some basic details about the TNUSRB SI recruitment that you should know:

• Conducting body: Tamil Nadu Uniformed Services Recruitment Board (TNUSRB)
• Exam level and frequency: State-level exam conducted once every year or as per vacancy requirements
• Application mode and fees: Online mode only; Rs. 500 for general candidates and Rs. 250 for departmental candidates
• Official website and important dates: [www.tnusrbonline.org]; tentative dates for 2023 are as follows:

Eligibility Criteria

Before applying for the TNUSRB SI exam, you need to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria set by the board. The eligibility criteria include the following aspects:

• Nationality and residency requirements: You must be an Indian citizen and a native of Tamil Nadu. You must also have adequate knowledge of Tamil language.
• Educational qualifications: You must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized university or institution. You must also have studied Tamil as a subject in class 10th or 12th or have passed the Tamil Part-II Test conducted by TNPSC within two years of joining the service.
• Age limit and relaxations: You must be between 20 to 28 years of age as on July 1, 2023. However, there are certain relaxations for different categories as follows:

Selection Process

The selection process of the TNUSRB SI exam consists of four stages:

• Written test: This is the first stage of the selection process and consists of two papers: Paper I (Tamil Language Eligibility Test) and Paper II (Main Written Exam). The written test is conducted online and has objective type questions. The paper structure and marking scheme are different for open quota and departmental quota candidates. The written test is qualifying in nature and does not carry any weightage in the final merit list.
• Physical Measurement Test (PMT): This is the second stage of the selection process and is applicable only for open quota candidates. Departmental quota candidates are exempted from this stage. In this stage, the candidates’ height and chest measurements are taken to check if they meet the physical standards prescribed by the board. The PMT is also qualifying in nature and does not carry any marks.
• Physical Efficiency Test (PET): This is the third stage of the selection process and is applicable for both open quota and departmental quota candidates. In this stage, the candidates’ physical fitness and endurance are tested through various events such as running, long jump, high jump, etc. The PET is conducted for 15 marks and the candidates need to score at least 6 marks to qualify.
• Viva-Voce: This is the final stage of the selection process and is applicable for both open quota and departmental quota candidates. In this stage, the candidates’ personality, communication skills, general awareness, and suitability for the job are assessed through a personal interview. The viva-voce is conducted for 10 marks and the candidates need to score at least 4 marks to qualify.

After clearing all the stages of the selection process, the candidates are required to undergo a medical examination and a document verification process. Based on the performance in the PET and viva-voce, a final merit list is prepared and the candidates are allotted to various posts as per their preferences and vacancies.

Preparing for the Exam

Now that you have understood the recruitment process of the TNUSRB SI exam, you need to start your preparation for the exam. The preparation involves the following steps:

• Understanding the exam pattern
• Syllabus analysis
• Preparation strategy
• Practice and revision

Understanding the Exam Pattern

The first step in your preparation is to understand the exam pattern of the TNUSRB SI exam. The exam pattern will help you to know the structure of the exam, the type and number of questions, the marking scheme, and the time duration. The exam pattern is different for open quota and departmental quota candidates, so you need to be aware of both.

Exam Pattern for Open Quota Candidates

The written test for open quota candidates consists of two papers: Paper I (Tamil Language Eligibility Test) and Paper II (Main Written Exam). The paper structure and marking scheme are as follows:

Some important points to note about the exam pattern are:

• The written test is conducted online and has objective type questions with multiple choices.
• The questions are bilingual, i.e., in both English and Tamil languages.
• There is no negative marking for wrong answers.
• The minimum qualifying marks for Paper I is 25 out of 100.
• The minimum qualifying marks for Paper II is 25 out of 70.
• The marks obtained in Paper I are not considered for preparing the merit list.
• The marks obtained in Paper II are considered only for qualifying for the next stage.

Exam Pattern for Departmental Quota Candidates

The written test for departmental quota candidates consists of only one paper: Paper II (Main Written Exam). The paper structure and marking scheme are as follows:

Some important points to note about the exam pattern are:

• The written test is conducted online and has objective type questions with multiple choices.
• The questions are bilingual, i.e., in both English and Tamil languages.
• There is no negative marking for wrong answers.
• The minimum qualifying marks for Paper II is 30 out of 85.
• The marks obtained in Paper II are considered only for qualifying for the next stage.

Syllabus Analysis

The next step in your preparation is to analyze the syllabus of the TNUSRB SI exam. The syllabus will help you to know the topics and subjects that you need to cover for each paper. The syllabus is divided into two parts: Part A (General Knowledge) and Part B (Psychology Test) for open quota candidates; and Part A (General Knowledge) and Part B (Communication skills, Numerical skills, Logical Analysis, Information handling ability, Indian Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Code, Indian Evidence Act, Police Standing Orders and Police Administration) for departmental quota candidates.

Syllabus for Part A: General Knowledge

The syllabus for Part A covers various topics related to general awareness, current affairs, history, geography, polity, economy, science, environment, culture, sports, etc. Some of the important topics are:

• General Science: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Astronomy, Space Science, etc.
• History and Culture of India: Ancient, Medieval, and Modern History of India; Indian Freedom Struggle; Indian Constitution and Polity; Indian Culture and Heritage; Art and Architecture; Literature and Languages; Festivals and Customs; etc.
• Geography of India: Physical Features; Climate; Soil and Vegetation; Natural Resources; Agriculture and Irrigation; Industries and Trade; Transport and Communication; etc.
• Economics and Commerce: Basic Concepts of Economics; Indian Economy; National Income and Expenditure; Planning and Development; Banking and Finance; Budget and Taxes; Foreign Trade and Exchange; etc.
• Current Events: National and International Affairs; Awards and Honours; Sports and Games; Books and Authors; Science and Technology; Defence and Security; Environment and Ecology; etc.

Syllabus for Part B: Psychology Test

The syllabus for Part B covers various topics related to mental ability, reasoning, logic, analysis, information handling, etc. Some of the important topics are:

• Mental Ability: Number Series; Alphabet Series; Coding and Decoding; Analogy; Classification; Blood Relations; Direction Sense Test; Ranking Test; Missing Numbers; Puzzles; etc.
• Logical Analysis: Statement and Arguments; Statement and Assumptions; Statement and Conclusions; Statement and Courses of Action; Syllogism; Cause and Effect; etc.
• Numerical Analysis: Simplification; Arithmetic Operations; HCF and LCM; Fractions and Decimals; Ratio and Proportion; Percentage; Average; Profit and Loss; Simple and Compound Interest; Time and Work; Time and Distance; Problems on Ages; Mensuration; Data Interpretation; etc.
• Communication Skills: Vocabulary; Synonyms and Antonyms; One Word Substitution; Idioms and Phrases; Spelling Errors; Sentence Correction; Sentence Completion; Sentence Rearrangement; Comprehension; etc.
• Information Handling Ability: Tables; Charts; Graphs; Diagrams; Maps; etc.

Syllabus for Part B: Communication skills, Numerical skills, Logical Analysis, Information handling ability, Indian Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Code, Indian Evidence Act, Police Standing Orders and Police Administration.

The syllabus for Part B covers various topics related to the above-mentioned subjects. Some of the important topics are:

• Communication skills: Same as above
• Numerical skills: Same as above
• Logical Analysis: Same as above
• Information handling ability: Same as above
• Indian Penal Code: General Principles of Criminal Law; Offences against the State; Offences against Public Tranquility; Offences affecting the Human Body; Offences against Property; Offences relating to Documents; Offences relating to Marriage; etc.
• Criminal Procedure Code: Constitution of Criminal Courts and Officers; Powers of Courts; Arrest of Persons; Bail and Bonds; Searches; Processes to Compel Appearance of Accused Persons; Processes to Compel Production of Things; Trial before a Court of Session; Trial of Warrant Cases by Magistrates; Trial of Summons Cases by Magistrates; Summary Trials; Appeals; Revision; etc.
• Indian Evidence Act: Relevancy of Facts; Admissions and Confessions; Dying Declarations; Opinion of Third Persons when Relevant; Facts which need not be Proved; Oral Evidence; Documentary Evidence; Burden of Proof; Presumptions as to Documents; Estoppel; Witnesses; Examination of Witnesses etc.
• Police Standing Orders: Rules and Regulations governing the Duties, Functions, Powers, Discipline, Conduct, Dress, etc. of Police Officers in Tamil Nadu
• Police Administration: Organization Structure of Tamil Nadu Police Department at State, District, Sub-Divisional, Circle, Station Levels Roles and Responsibilities of Various Ranks of Police Officers Functions of Various Wings/Branches/Units/Specialized Agencies of Tamil Nadu Police Department such as Crime Branch CID, CB-CID Economic Offences Wing, Special Task Force, Anti-Terrorist Squad, Intelligence Wing, Special Branch CID, Railway Police, Traffic Police, Coastal Security Group, etc.

Also read: How to become SI in Rajasthan Police

Preparation Strategy

The next step in your preparation is to devise a strategy that will help you to cover the syllabus effectively and efficiently. The preparation strategy will depend on your current level of knowledge, your strengths and weaknesses, your time availability, and your resources. However, some general tips that can help you to prepare well are:

• Subject-wise preparation: You should divide the syllabus into different subjects and topics and study them one by one. You should focus more on the subjects and topics that are important for the exam and that you are weak in. You should also revise the subjects and topics that you are strong in to avoid forgetting them.
• Recommended books and study materials: You should use reliable and updated books and study materials for your preparation. Some of the recommended books and study materials are:

• Utilizing online resources and platforms: You should also make use of online resources and platforms such as websites, blogs, videos, podcasts, etc. that provide useful information and guidance for the exam preparation. Some of the online resources and platforms are:

• Practice and Revision: The last and most important step in your preparation is to practice and revise what you have learned. You should practice with previous year papers and mock tests to assess your level of preparation, identify your mistakes, improve your speed and accuracy, and boost your confidence. You should also revise the important concepts, formulas, facts, etc. regularly to retain them in your memory.

Practice and Revision

The final step in your preparation is to practice and revise what you have learned. Practice and revision are essential to consolidate your learning, improve your performance, and enhance your chances of success in the exam. Some of the tips for effective practice and revision are:

• Importance of practicing with previous year papers and mock tests: Practicing with previous year papers and mock tests is one of the best ways to prepare for the exam as it helps you to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern, difficulty level, question types, etc. It also helps you to check your progress, identify your strengths and weaknesses, rectify your errors, improve your speed and accuracy, and boost your confidence. You should try to solve as many previous year papers and mock tests as possible and analyze your performance after each test. You should also compare your scores with the cut-off marks and the toppers’ scores to know where you stand and how much you need to improve.
• Tips for effective revision: Revision is the key to retaining what you have learned and recalling it during the exam. You should revise the important concepts, formulas, facts, etc. regularly and frequently to avoid forgetting them. You should also use various techniques such as mnemonics, flashcards, notes, charts, diagrams, etc. to make your revision easier and more effective. You should also revise the topics that you are weak in more often and focus on the areas that are more likely to be asked in the exam.
• Creating a study plan and schedule: A study plan and schedule will help you to organize your preparation and manage your time efficiently. You should create a realistic and flexible study plan that covers all the subjects and topics of the syllabus and allocates sufficient time for each of them. You should also create a daily or weekly schedule that divides your time into different slots for study, practice, revision, breaks, etc. You should follow your study plan and schedule strictly and monitor your progress regularly. You should also make necessary adjustments in your plan and schedule as per your needs and feedback.

Physical and Viva-Voce Preparation

Apart from preparing for the written exam, you also need to prepare for the physical and viva-voce stages of the selection process. These stages are equally important and require a different set of skills and abilities than the written exam. Some of the tips for physical and viva-voce preparation are:

Physical Preparation

• Importance of physical fitness in the selection process: Physical fitness is an essential requirement for becoming a Sub-Inspector in Tamil Nadu as it reflects your stamina, strength, agility, endurance, etc. Physical fitness is also important for performing your duties effectively and efficiently as a police officer. Therefore, you need to prepare well for the physical tests that are conducted by the TNUSRB to check if you meet the physical standards prescribed by the board.
• Tips for preparing for the physical tests: To prepare for the physical tests, you need to follow a regular and balanced diet that provides you with adequate nutrition and energy. You also need to follow a proper exercise routine that includes various physical activities such as running, jumping, stretching, etc. You should also practice the specific events that are part of the physical tests such as 100 meters dash, 400 meters run, long jump, high jump, etc. You should also take care of your health and avoid any injuries or illnesses that might affect your performance.
• Recommended physical exercises and activities: Some of the recommended physical exercises and activities that can help you to improve your physical fitness are:
  • Running: Running is one of the best exercises for improving your cardiovascular endurance, respiratory efficiency, muscular strength, etc. It also helps you to burn calories and lose weight. You should run at least 3-4 times a week for 30-45 minutes at a moderate pace. You should also vary your speed, distance, terrain, etc. to challenge yourself and avoid boredom.
  • Jumping: Jumping is another exercise that helps you to improve your explosive power, agility, coordination, and balance. It also helps you to strengthen your legs, hips, and core muscles. You should practice different types of jumps such as long jump, high jump, squat jump, box jump, etc. You should also measure your distance and height and try to improve them gradually.
  • Stretching: Stretching is an exercise that helps you to improve your flexibility, mobility, posture, and range of motion. It also helps you to prevent injuries, reduce muscle soreness, and relax your body and mind. You should stretch your major muscle groups such as neck, shoulders, back, chest, arms, legs, etc. before and after your workout. You should also hold each stretch for at least 15-30 seconds and breathe deeply.
  • Strength Training: Strength training is an exercise that helps you to improve your muscular strength, endurance, and tone. It also helps you to increase your metabolism, bone density, and immunity. You should perform various exercises that target your upper body, lower body, and core muscles such as push-ups, pull-ups, squats, lunges, planks, etc. You should also use weights or resistance bands to increase the intensity and challenge of your exercises.
  • Yoga: Yoga is an exercise that helps you to improve your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. It also helps you to enhance your breathing, concentration, relaxation, and meditation skills. You should practice various yoga poses or asanas that suit your level of fitness and comfort such as sun salutation, warrior pose, tree pose, cobra pose, etc. You should also follow the principles of yoga such as ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truthfulness), asteya (non-stealing), etc.

Viva-Voce Preparation

• Understanding the job role and responsibilities: The viva-voce stage is designed to assess your personality, communication skills, general awareness, and suitability for the job role of a Sub-Inspector in Tamil Nadu. Therefore, you need to understand the job role and responsibilities of a Sub-Inspector and how you can contribute to the police department and the society at large. You should also be aware of the challenges and opportunities that come with the job and how you can overcome or utilize them.

• Tips for preparing for the viva-voce stage: To prepare for the viva-voce stage, you need to follow some tips such as:

  • Be confident and positive: You should be confident and positive about yourself and your abilities. You should also be respectful and courteous towards the interview panel and greet them with a smile. You should maintain eye contact and a good posture throughout the interview.

  • Be honest and clear: You should be honest and clear about your answers and opinions. You should not lie or exaggerate anything that might backfire on you later. You should also avoid giving vague or ambiguous answers that might confuse the interviewers. You should give specific examples or facts to support your statements whenever possible.

  • Be prepared and updated: You should be prepared and updated about the current affairs and general knowledge topics that are relevant for the exam and the job role. You should also be prepared for some common questions such as:

    • Tell us about yourself
    • Why do you want to become a Sub-Inspector in Tamil Nadu?
    • What are your strengths and weaknesses?
    • How do you handle stress and pressure?
    • How do you deal with difficult situations or people?
    • What are the major issues or challenges faced by the police department in Tamil Nadu?
    • How can you improve the police-public relations in Tamil Nadu?
    • What are your hobbies or interests?

  • Be polite and humble: You should be polite and humble in your attitude and behavior. You should not argue or interrupt the interviewers or other candidates. You should also accept your mistakes or shortcomings gracefully and show willingness to learn from them. You should also thank the interviewers for their time and opportunity at the end of the interview.

• Mock interviews and communication skill development: To improve your performance in the viva-voce stage, you should practice mock interviews with your friends, family members, teachers, mentors, etc. who can give you honest feedback and suggestions. You should also work on your communication skills such as speaking, listening, reading, and writing. You should improve your vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, fluency, etc. by reading newspapers, magazines, books, etc. and watching videos, podcasts, etc. You should also participate in debates, discussions, group activities, etc. to enhance your confidence, clarity, and expression.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some of the frequently asked questions and their answers about the TNUSRB SI exam preparation:

Q: How many vacancies are there for the TNUSRB SI exam 2023?

A: The exact number of vacancies for the TNUSRB SI exam 2023 has not been announced yet by the board. However, based on the previous year’s notification, there were 969 vacancies for the SI post in 2019. The vacancies are divided into two categories: open quota and departmental quota. The open quota vacancies are further divided into two sub-categories: general and women/transgender.

Q: How can I apply for the TNUSRB SI exam 2023?

A: You can apply for the TNUSRB SI exam 2023 through the online mode only. You need to visit the official website of the TNUSRB and register yourself with your basic details such as name, date of birth, email id, mobile number, etc. You will receive a user id and password that you can use to login and fill the online application form. You need to upload your scanned photograph, signature, and other documents as per the specifications given by the board. You also need to pay the application fee of Rs. 500 for general candidates and Rs. 250 for departmental candidates through online mode only.

Q: What is the syllabus and exam pattern of the TNUSRB SI exam 2023?

A: The syllabus and exam pattern of the TNUSRB SI exam 2023 are different for open quota and departmental quota candidates. The open quota candidates have to appear for two papers: Paper I (Tamil Language Eligibility Test) and Paper II (Main Written Exam). The departmental quota candidates have to appear for only one paper: Paper II (Main Written Exam). The syllabus covers various topics related to general knowledge, psychology test, communication skills, numerical skills, logical analysis, information handling ability, Indian Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Code, Indian Evidence Act, Police Standing Orders and Police Administration. The exam pattern consists of objective type questions with multiple choices. There is no negative marking for wrong answers.

Q: How can I prepare for the physical and viva-voce stages of the TNUSRB SI exam 2023?

A: To prepare for the physical and viva-voce stages of the TNUSRB SI exam 2023, you need to follow a regular and balanced diet and exercise routine that will improve your physical fitness and endurance. You also need to practice the specific events that are part of the physical tests such as running, jumping, etc. You also need to understand the job role and responsibilities of a Sub-Inspector in Tamil Nadu and how you can contribute to the police department and the society at large. You also need to be updated about the current affairs and general knowledge topics that are relevant for the exam and the job role. You also need to practice mock interviews with your friends, family members, teachers, mentors, etc. who can give you honest feedback and suggestions.

Last Words!

We hope that this article has provided you with all the information you need to prepare for the TNUSRB SI exam 2023. We wish you all the best for your exam preparation and success in your career as a Sub-Inspector in Tamil Nadu.