Tamil Nadu 12th public exam is an important milestone in the academic life of students in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is a crucial exam that determines a student’s future academic and professional goals. Every year, the Tamil Nadu Directorate of Government Examinations (TNDGE) conducts the 12th public exam for students who have completed their higher secondary education in the state. Upon clearing the exam, you will be awarded the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) which makes you eligible for undergraduate courses in colleges and universities across India.

The pass rate for the 12th public exam in 2022 was 93.76%.

Tamil Nadu 12th public exam is known for its high standards and is considered one of the toughest board exams in the country. The exam aims to assess your knowledge, critical thinking abilities, and problem-solving skills in the subjects of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Botany, Zoology, History, Geography, Economics, Commerce, Accountancy, and Computer Science. Through this blog, you will get detailed insights about the 12th public exam pattern, syllabus, important dates, passing criteria, preparation tips, study materials, and a lot more!

12th Public Exam: Overview

12th Public Exam syllabus

Before heading to the preparation strategy for the 12th public exam, it is important to gain a complete understanding of the exam pattern and syllabus and plan accordingly. Knowing the paper pattern and syllabus will help you comprehend the important concepts and find out topics asked in the 12th public exam every year.

Exam Pattern & Syllabus for the 12th Public Exam

The Tamil Nadu 12th public exam syllabus covers the following subjects:

  1. Language 1: Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, Urdu, Sanskrit, Arabic, French, and German
  2. Language 2: English
  3. Mathematics
  4. Physics
  5. Chemistry
  6. Biology or Computer Science
  7. Commerce/ Economics/ Home Science/ Political Science/ Geography/ Accountancy/ Statistics/ Vocational Theory/ Nursing (Theory)

It is advisable to refer to the official website of the Tamil Nadu State Board to get the detailed syllabus for each subject. Take a look at the table below to get an idea about the subject-wise syllabus for the 12th public exam:

SubjectSyllabus
Language 1: TamilComprehension and translation
Grammar and vocabulary
Prose and poetry
Language 2: EnglishComprehension and translation
Grammar and vocabulary
Prose and poetry
MathematicsAlgebra
Trigonometry
Analytical Geometry
Differential Calculus
Integral Calculus
Probability and Statistics
PhysicsElectrostatics
Current Electricity
Magnetic Effects of Electric Current and Magnetism
Electromagnetic
Induction and Alternating Current
Electromagnetic Waves and Wave Optics
Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter and Atomic Physics
Nuclear Physics and Electronics
ChemistrySolid State
Solutions
Electrochemistry
Chemical Kinetics
Surface Chemistry
Isolation of Elements and Coordination Chemistry
Haloalkanes and Haloarenes
Alcohols, Phenols, and Ethers
Aldehydes, Ketones, and Carboxylic Acids
Organic Compounds containing Nitrogen and Biomolecules
Biology or Computer ScienceBotany and Zoology for Biology
Computer Fundamentals and Office Automation for Computer Science
Commerce/ Economics/ Home Science/ Political Science/ Geography/ Accountancy/ Statistics/ Vocational Theory/ Nursing (Theory)Varies depending upon the subject chosen
  • The exams are usually conducted in the month of March every year.
  • The duration of each 12th public exam is 3 hours.
  • It is a pen and paper-based exam conducted in offline mode.
  • Each student has to appear for exams in 6 subjects out of which language 1 and language 2 are compulsory and the other 4 subjects can be chosen from the general or vocational subjects.
  • The exams have a total of 600 marks, with each subject carrying 100 marks.
  • Out of the 100 marks allotted to each subject, a maximum of 70 marks are for theory, another 20 marks are for practical, and the remaining 10 marks are for internal assessment.
  • The question paper consists of multiple choice questions, short answer questions, and long answer questions.
  • The paper is divided into 4 sections wherein the first section consists of 15 multiple choice questions of 1 mark each, the second section has 6 questions of 2 marks each, the third section has 6 questions of 3 marks each and the fourth section has 5 questions of 5 marks each.

Time Table for 12th Public Exam 2023

12th Public Exam timetable

The timetable comprising important dates for the 12th public exam 2023 was published by the Directorate of Government Examinations, Tamil Nadu on November 7, 2022. Tamil Nadu 12th public exam 2023 is going to be held between March 13, 2023 – April 3, 2023. The expected date for the announcement of results will be around May or June this year. You can check the complete schedule for the exam in the table below or download it from the official Tamil Nadu board website:

DatesSubjects
March 13, 2023Language
March 15, 2023English
March 17, 2023Communicative English
Ethics And Indian Culture
Computer Science
Computer Applications
Bio-Chemistry
Advanced Language(Tamil)
Home Science
Political Science
Statistics
Nursing Vocational
Basic Electrical Engineering
March 21, 2023Physics
Economics
Computer Technology
March 27, 2023Mathematics
Zoology
Commerce
Micro Biology
Nutrition And Dietetics
Textile & Dress Designing
Food Service Management
Agricultural Science
Nursing (General)
March 31, 2023Biology
Botany
History
Business Mathematics And Statistics
Basic Electronics Engineering
Basic Civil Engineering
Basic Automobile Engineering
Basic Mechanical Engineering
Textile Technology
Office Management And Secretaryship
April 3, 2023Chemistry
Accountancy
Geography
April 25, 2023Practical exams

Eligibility Criteria for the 12th Public Exam

If you are appearing for the 12th public exam, make sure you fulfil all the requirements stated below:

  1. Age Criteria: You must be 16 years of age as on July 31, 2023, to appear for the 12th public exam in 2023.
  2. Educational Qualification: Only those candidates who have completed class 11th are eligible to appear for the Tamil Nadu 12th public exam.
  3. Minimum Attendance Requirement: In order to be eligible for the exam, you must have a minimum of 75% attendance in class 12th\.
  4. Registration: Registering for the Tamil Nadu 12th public exam with the Tamil Nadu State Board of Secondary Education is necessary. The registration process takes place in the month of September or October every year and will be conducted by your respective schools.
  5. Fee Payment: Make sure you have submitted the examination fee for the Tamil Nadu 12th public exam on time to complete your registration.

Grading System for the 12th Public Exam

In order to pass the 12th public exam, it is important to score a minimum of 35% of the total marks in each subject. Simply put, you need a minimum of 35 marks in every subject to clear the exam. The marks scored in the 12th public exam will be converted into a 9-point grading scale which is highlighted in the table below:

MarksGrade
91-100A1
81-90A2
71-80B1
61-70B2
51-60C1
41-50C2
35-40D

Topper’s Strategy for the 12th Public Exam

The strategy followed by the toppers of the Tamil Nadu 12th public exam may differ from person to person, but some common tips that have helped them in achieving success are:

  1. Consistent Study: One of the top strategies of toppers is to have a consistent study schedule throughout the year. They avoid last-minute cramming and give sufficient time to each subject. They also focus on weaker areas and work on improving them.
  2. Thorough Understanding of Concepts: Toppers from recent batches focus on understanding the concepts thoroughly rather than just memorizing them. To top the 12th public exam, try to relate the concepts to real-life situations and examples to have a better understanding.
  3. Regular Practice: Previous toppers have vouched for regular practice by solving previous year’s question papers, sample papers, and mock tests. Therefore, you must keep sufficient time to solve exercises and practice questions from textbooks and reference books.
  4. Time Management: Toppers manage their time effectively by allocating time for each subject and prioritizing their study accordingly while also taking short breaks in between study sessions to avoid burnout.
  5. Revision: Regular revision can help you to retain what you have learned till exam day and ultimately perform confidently in the exam.
  6. Healthy Lifestyle: Toppers maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, and getting sufficient sleep. It is also necessary to avoid distractions like social media, TV, and mobile phones while studying.

Study Resources to Prepare for the 12th Public Exam

Given the difficulty level of the 12th public exam, it is advisable to take help from various study resources during your preparation to develop a clear conceptual understanding. Take note of the various study resources that you can use to prepare for the Tamil Nadu 12th public exam:

  1. Textbooks: The Tamil Nadu State Board of Secondary Education publishes textbooks for all subjects, which cover the entire syllabus. These textbooks must be followed as the primary study resource for the exam and should be studied thoroughly.
  2. Previous Year Question Papers: Solving previous year question papers can help you get a clear picture of the exam pattern and the type of questions asked. It can also help you identify how different questions can be framed from a topic and understand the best way to answer them.
  3. Sample Papers: Various sample papers are available online to help you in practising questions from each subject. These papers are designed as per the exam pattern and syllabus and will definitely boost your preparation.
  4. Reference Books: Additional reference books can help you in understanding the concepts in-depth and provide extra practice questions. However, while referring to these books make sure that it is based on the Tamil Nadu State Board syllabus.
  5. Online Resources: There are many online resources available such as video lectures, online tests, and study materials, which can aid in your preparation. But it is recommended to use only trusted sources and verify the information before using it.

Instructions to be Followed on Exam Day

It is important to be organized ahead of your exams and follow all the instructions on the day of the exam. Here are the instructions to be complied with on the 12th public exam day:

  • The first thing to check before leaving for the 12th public exam centre is the admit card. Don’t forget to carry your admit card as your entry to the examination hall shall be restricted if you fail to present it.
  • It is recommended that you reach the exam centre at least 30 minutes prior to the commencement of the exam.
  • Carry all the necessary stationery for the examination as sharing anything during the exam will not be allowed.
  • During the exam, time yourself such that you have at least 10-15 minutes, in the end, to review the answers before submitting the paper.
  • You will not be allowed entry into the exam hall with any electronic devices such as mobile phones, calculators, smart watches, etc.
  • Stay calm while writing the paper and read every question carefully before answering them.
  • While writing the paper, it is also recommended that you maintain clear handwriting and write neatly.
  • To avoid losing any marks, you can always include diagrams, charts, or graphs wherever applicable.
  • Answer all the questions crisply by only mentioning the necessary information. Wherever possible highlight the key point by underlining it or use bullet points for a better presentation.
  • Start by answering the long answer type questions and then move on to the short answers.

12th Public Exam: Results & More

After appearing for the 12th public exam, you must be curious to know the result date, and how and where to check the results. We have compiled all the necessary information with detailed steps to be followed after the 12th public exam:

  • The exam results will be published in the month of May or June 2023 tentatively.
  • You will be able to check the results online at tnresults.nic.in or via SMS or using the Tamilnadu Board Result 2023, SSLC & HSC Result app in the following manner:
Official websiteTo check your results for the 12th public exam, you can log in through the window by entering your registration number and date of birth. You will be taken to the result page where you must carefully check your personal details and take a printout of the results until you get the mark sheet.
SMSYou will have to enter the details such as your registration number and date of birth as: “TNBOARD12REGNO,DATE OF BIRTH” and send an SMS to +919282232585 or 09282232585
Ofiicial AppTo check your results through the app, you need to click on Tamilnadu 12th Result and enter your registration number and other necessary details.

Note, that after declaring the 12th public exam results, the Tamil Nadu Board will announce the dates for supplementary exams which are usually held in the month of July for students who are unable to clear the exam in one or more subjects.

Read about BTech without JEE after the 12th in 2023.

Kalvium: The 2023 Engineering Program

If you are wondering which program after the 12th public exam is the ideal choice then you must consider Kalvium. The Kalvium Engineering program is a great option for students who wish to pursue a career in engineering and want to gain practical knowledge and skills to succeed in the industry. It is a 4-year liberal engineering program offered in collaboration with other leading institutes such as Lovely Professional University. The best part about this program is that it recognizes a student’s interest in computer science regardless of whether or not they come from a science background. It offers several benefits to students who have completed their 12th standard or equivalent, some of these benefits are listed below:

  • Comprehensive curriculum: The program’s curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of engineering concepts and principles. See how the Kalvium curriculum prepares students as full-stack developers by year 1.
  • Industry-focused: Designed to be industry-focused, the program offers hands-on experience and practical learning opportunities and ensures that students are prepared for the demands of the industry.
  • Career opportunities: The program offers various career opportunities to students such that they graduate with 3 years of industry experience, including paid internships at leading tech companies and startups, and a stipend up to INR 8 LPA. Campus placements are organized regularly where you will get job offers with three times better salaries than regular BE/ BTech students.
  • Trending specializations: You can choose from one of the trending in-demand specializations, including Computer Science, or Software Product Engineering.
  • Skill development: Through this program, you will get the opportunity to develop skills in various areas such as communication, leadership, and teamwork. 

Read more about Traditional Engineering vs Kalvium Engineering.

12th Public Exam student studying

What’s the Verdict?

We hope that this blog has provided you with complete details and insights to help you prepare for this important exam. The importance of the Tamil Nadu 12th public exam is very well understood by students as the results determine future academic and career prospects. Preparing for the Tamil Nadu 12th public exam requires consistent effort, dedication, and hard work. To excel in this exam, you must focus on your studies, practice regularly, focus on time management skills, and develop a strong conceptual understanding of the subjects. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Will the 12th public exam be conducted in Tamilnadu?

Yes, the 12th public exam will be conducted in Tamilnadu between March 13, 2023, and April 3, 2023, as per the announcement of the Directorate of Government Examinations, Tamil Nadu on November 7, 2022. The exam takes place annually in the month of March. The admit card for the exam will be issued by your respective school. Keep an eye on the official website of the Tamil Nadu board to stay updated with the latest announcements regarding the Tamil Nadu 12th public exam.

  • What is the date of the 12th board exam 2023 CBSE?

The 12th board exam 2023 CBSE will commence on February 15, 2023, and end on April 5, 2023, according to the date sheet released on December 29, 2022. The practical exams for 12th students commenced in the last week of January 2023.

  • What is the name of the 12th board in TN?

The 12th board in TN is known as the Tamil Nadu Board of Higher Secondary Education. Established in 1982, it operates under the Tamil Nadu State Board of School Examination.

  • What is the pass mark for 12th in Tamil Nadu?

The minimum passing mark for 12th in Tamil Nadu is 35% marks per subject in theory subjects. Following the latest pattern, the total marks for 12th in Tamil Nadu are 600 marks so you need to secure at least 210 marks overall to clear the exam.