Central University of Tamil Nadu (CUTN) Senior Technical Assistant (Computer) syllabus released. Check detailed topics for General English, Numerical Ability, GK, and Computer/IT Proficiency, along with the exam pattern, recommended books, and preparation tips for the 2026 exam.
The Central University of Tamil Nadu (CUTN) has released the detailed syllabus for the Senior Technical Assistant (Computer) post for the upcoming 2026 examination. Candidates aspiring for this position must thoroughly understand the exam pattern and topic-wise syllabus to prepare effectively. The selection process involves a Single Stage Written Test, which will be an Objective Type Paper comprising 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
Syllabus Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Central University of Tamil Nadu (CUTN) |
| Post Name | Senior Technical Assistant (Computer) |
| Notification No. | CUTN/NT/01/2026 |
| Date of Notification | 01.01.2026 |
| Exam Type | Single Stage Written Test (Objective Type) |
| Total Questions | 100 MCQs |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Exam Duration | 2 Hours |
| Minimum Qualifying Marks | 50 marks |
Detailed Syllabus
Part I: General English, Numerical Ability and Reasoning & General Knowledge (40 Marks)
General English
- Knowledge of English Language
- Error recognition
- Fill in the blanks (using verbs, preposition, articles etc.)
- One word substitution
- Improvement of Sentences
- Vocabulary
- Spellings
- Grammar
- Sentence Structure
- Synonyms
- Antonyms
- Sentence Completion
- Phrases and Idiomatic use of words
Numerical Aptitude & Reasoning
- Ability of appropriate use of numbers and number sense
- Computation of whole numbers
- Decimals and fractions
- Relationships between numbers
General Knowledge
- General Science
- Current events of national and international importance
- History of India and Indian National Movement
- India and World Geography
- Indian Polity & Economy
Part II: Computer/IT Proficiency (60 Marks)
Computer Fundamentals
- Generations of Computers
- Hardware (H/W)
- Software (S/W)
- Number Systems and their base conversions
- Sign-magnitude representation
- 1’s complement representation
- Floating point representation of numbers
- ASCII, EBCDIC and Unicode
- BCD Codes
Digital Logic
- Boolean algebra
- Simplification of Boolean functions
- Logic gates
- Combinational and sequential circuits
- Memory system
- I/O devices
Database Systems
- Concepts of databases
- DBMS
- Normalization
- MS-SQL
Operating System
- Concepts of Operating Systems
- Different types of Operating Systems
- Functions of Operating Systems
- Windows OS
- MS-Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Software Engineering (SDLC) with thorough knowledge of s/w testing
Computer Network
- Basic concepts of Computer Networks
- Topology types
- Data Communications
- Network Security
- Online Transaction Security
- OSI Model devices and Protocols
- Transmission
Programming
- Problem solving on a computer
- Algorithm
- Flowchart
- Decision tables
- Programming in C Language and C++ Language
- Encoding signals
Web Technology
- Web Server and Web Applications Basics
- HTML
- DHTML
- XML
- Scripting
- Java
- Object-Oriented Programming
- Artificial Intelligence
- Maintenance of e-Resources
Exam Pattern
| Part | Subject | Maximum Marks | Number of MCQs | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part I | General English, Numerical Ability and Reasoning & General Knowledge | 40 | 40 | 2 Hours |
| Part II | Computer/IT Proficiency | 60 | 60 | |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Candidates must secure a minimum of 50 marks in total to qualify for the next stage (if any).
Recommended Books
Based on this comprehensive syllabus for Senior Technical Assistant (Computer), here are highly recommended books to aid your preparation:
| Subject | Recommended Book | Author/Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| General English | Objective General English | S.P. Bakshi / Arihant |
| Numerical Ability (Quantitative Aptitude) | Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | R.S. Aggarwal |
| Reasoning Ability | A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal |
| General Knowledge | Lucent’s General Knowledge | Lucent Publications |
| Computer Fundamentals | Objective Computer Knowledge & Literacy | Kiran Prakashan / R Pillai |
| Computer Science (Comprehensive) | Handbook of Computer Science & IT | Arihant Experts |
| Operating System | Operating System Concepts | Silberschatz, Galvin, Gagne |
| Database Management Systems | Database System Concepts | Silberschatz, Korth, Sudarshan |
| Computer Networks | Data Communications and Networking | Behrouz A. Forouzan |
| Programming in C/C++ | Let Us C / C++ | Yashavant Kanetkar |
Note: Always refer to the latest editions of these books. Supplement with online resources and previous year’s question papers for effective preparation.
Preparation Strategy
Strategic Study Plan
- Understand the Syllabus: Go through each topic meticulously. Identify your strong and weak areas.
- Time Management: Allocate dedicated time slots for each section, giving more attention to Computer/IT Proficiency as it carries 60% weightage.
- Conceptual Clarity: For Computer/IT topics, focus on understanding fundamental concepts before moving to advanced ones. Digital Logic, Database Systems, and Networking require strong conceptual bases.
- Practice Numerical & Reasoning: Regular practice is key for Numerical Aptitude and Reasoning. Solve a variety of problems daily to improve speed and accuracy.
- General Awareness: Stay updated with current affairs by reading newspapers, magazines, and online news portals regularly. Revise static GK frequently.
- English Language: Improve vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension skills. Practice error detection, fill-in-the-blanks, and sentence improvement questions.
- Mock Tests: Take regular mock tests to simulate exam conditions, identify time management issues, and analyze your performance.
- Revision: Create short notes for quick revision, especially for formulas, definitions, and key concepts.
Daily Study Routine
A balanced daily routine covering all sections is crucial. Dedicate 6-8 hours daily, dividing time between theory, practice, and revision. Start with challenging topics when your mind is fresh, and end with lighter revision or current affairs.
Important Topics
While all topics are important, based on the structure and typical examinations for technical assistant roles, candidates should give special focus to:
- Computer Fundamentals: Number systems, generations, H/W & S/W basics.
- Digital Logic: Boolean algebra, logic gates, and memory systems are foundational.
- Operating Systems: Concepts, types, and functions, along with MS-Office knowledge.
- Database Systems: Normalization and MS-SQL are frequently tested.
- Computer Networks: OSI model, topologies, and security concepts.
- Programming: C and C++ basics, algorithms, and flowcharts.
- General English: Vocabulary, grammar rules, and sentence structure.
- Numerical Aptitude: Number system, fractions, and basic arithmetic.
- General Knowledge: Current affairs and Indian Polity & Economy often carry significant weight.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the exam pattern for CUTN Senior Technical Assistant (Computer)?
The exam is a Single Stage Written Test with 100 Objective Type MCQs for 100 marks, to be completed in 2 hours. It is divided into two parts: Part I (General English, Numerical Ability, Reasoning & General Knowledge – 40 marks) and Part II (Computer/IT Proficiency – 60 marks).
Q2: Is there a negative marking in the CUTN Senior Technical Assistant exam?
The notification does not explicitly mention negative marking. Candidates should refer to the detailed instructions on the admit card or official website closer to the exam date.
Q3: What are the minimum qualifying marks for this exam?
Candidates must secure a minimum of 50 marks out of 100 to qualify in the written examination.
Q4: Where can I find the official notification for this syllabus?
The syllabus is part of Notification No.: CUTN/NT/01/2026, dated 01.01.2026, released by the Central University of Tamil Nadu. You can find it on the official website of CUTN (beta.nfsu.ac.in).
Q5: What are the key subjects covered in the Computer/IT Proficiency section?
The Computer/IT Proficiency section covers Computer Fundamentals, Digital Logic, Database Systems, Operating System, Computer Network, Programming (C/C++), and Web Technology.
Q6: How important is General Knowledge for this exam?
General Knowledge is part of Part I, which carries 40 marks along with General English, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning. While Computer/IT Proficiency has a higher weightage, a good score in GK can significantly boost your overall performance.
Q7: Are there any specific programming languages to focus on?
The syllabus specifically mentions programming in C Language and C++ Language, so a strong understanding of these two languages is essential.
Q8: What kind of questions can I expect in Numerical Aptitude & Reasoning?
You can expect questions designed to test your number sense, computation of whole numbers, decimals, fractions, and relationships between numbers, typical of quantitative aptitude and logical reasoning sections in government exams.