TNPSC Group exams test Tamil Nadu specifics alongside the national syllabus, and that state portion is what most candidates underprepare. Questions here cover Tamil Nadu history and culture, geography, Indian polity, economy, general science, and current affairs with a state focus. Answers include the context behind each fact, since prelims questions often approach the same topic from a different angle each year.
Which Chola emperor is known as 'Napoleon of India' for his extensive conquests?
Answer: A
Rajendra Chola I (985-1014 CE) expanded the Chola empire extensively and is often compared to Napoleon for his military conquests across South India and beyond.
Q.2Medium
In 2024, Tamil Nadu ranked _____ in India's manufacturing sector by GVAO (Gross Value Added at Output).
Answer: B
As of 2024, Tamil Nadu is the second-largest manufacturing hub in India after Gujarat, contributing significantly to the national economy.
Q.3Easy
Which UNESCO World Heritage Site in Tamil Nadu is known for its rock-cut architectural marvels from the Pallava period?
Answer: B
Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, features stunning rock-cut temples and sculptures from the 7th century Pallava dynasty and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Q.4Medium
If a series progresses as 2, 6, 12, 20, 30... what is the 10th term?
Answer: A
The series follows the pattern n(n+1). For n=10: 10×11=110. The pattern is 1×2, 2×3, 3×4, 4×5, 5×6...
Q.5Easy
Tamil Nadu's first Chief Minister was:
Answer: A
C. Rajagopalachari served as the first Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu (then Madras State) from 1952 to 1954.
Q.6Medium
A man travels from Chennai to Bangalore. He covers half the distance at 40 km/h and the remaining half at 60 km/h. What is his average speed?
Answer: A
Average speed = 2ab/(a+b) = 2×40×60/(40+60) = 1004800 = 48 km/h
Q.7Medium
The Sangam Literature period in Tamil Nadu is divided into how many Sangams?
Answer: B
According to Tamil tradition, there were three Sangams (literary academies) - First, Second, and Third Sangam, spanning several centuries of Tamil literary history.
Q.8Medium
Which of the following is NOT a major port in Tamil Nadu?
Answer: B
Paradip Port is located in Odisha. Chennai, Ennore, and Thoothukudi are the major ports in Tamil Nadu.
Q.9Medium
In a logical sequence: 5, 11, 23, 47, ?, 191. The missing number is:
Answer: B
The pattern is (previous number × 2 + 1): 5→11(×2+1), 11→23(×2+1), 23→47(×2+1), 47→95(×2+1), 95→191(×2+1)
Q.10Easy
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, connecting Ooty and Coonoor, is located in which district of Tamil Nadu?
Answer: B
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Nilgiris district, one of the oldest mountain railways in Asia.
Q.11Medium
Tamil Nadu's contribution to India's IT industry in 2024 is approximately _____ of the national IT exports.
Answer: B
Tamil Nadu contributes approximately 12-15% of India's IT exports, with Chennai being a major IT hub alongside Bangalore and Hyderabad.
Q.12Easy
Which historical dynasty built the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur?
Answer: B
The Brihadeeswarar Temple, also known as the Big Temple, was built by Raja Raja Chola I of the Chola dynasty in 1010 CE.
Q.13Medium
In 2024, Tamil Nadu's literacy rate stands at approximately:
Answer: B
Tamil Nadu has one of the highest literacy rates in India at approximately 80%, above the national average.
Q.14Hard
The ancient Tamil text 'Silappatikaram' belongs to which Sangam Age?
Answer: D
Silappatikaram, authored by Ilango Adigal, is considered a post-Sangam literature work, written in the 5th-6th century CE.
Q.15Medium
A man has three children. The probability that at least one is a boy is:
Answer: C
Probability of all girls = (21)³ = 81. Probability of at least one boy = 1 - 81 = 87
Q.16Easy
Which district in Tamil Nadu is known as the 'Rice Bowl of India'?
Answer: A
Thanjavur district is famous for rice production and is known as the 'Rice Bowl of India' or 'Granary of South India'.
Q.17Hard
In a complex reasoning puzzle, if FRIEND is coded as 3-7-5-2-8-4, how would GARDEN be coded?
Answer: B
In FRIEND coding: Each letter's position in alphabet is reduced by a specific pattern. For GARDEN: G(7→1), A(1→1), R(18→7), D(4→5), E(5→2), N(14→8) following the same encoding rule.
Q.18Easy
Which of the following districts in Tamil Nadu is known for its textile industry and is called the 'Manchester of South India'?
Answer: B
Tiruppur is renowned as the 'Manchester of South India' due to its thriving textile and garment manufacturing industry.
Q.19Easy
In the series: 2, 6, 12, 20, 30, ?, what is the next number?
Answer: B
The differences are 4, 6, 8, 10, and the next difference is 12, so 30 + 12 = 42.
Q.20Easy
Which ancient Tamil literary work is considered the earliest and belongs to the Sangam Age?
Answer: A
Tolkappiyam is the oldest known Tamil grammatical text and literary work from the Sangam period.
