Land documents in Tamil Nadu can feel confusing, especially when you come across terms like FMB Sketch, TSLR Extract, or Poramboke Land. These aren’t commonly spoken terms, but they are extremely important when you are buying land, checking boundaries, or verifying ownership and land classification.
This post explains all these documents in simple words — what they mean, why they matter, and how to check them online.
What Is an FMB Sketch?
FMB stands for Field Measurement Book. It is a detailed map of your land and contains the exact measurements recorded by the Survey Department.
The FMB Sketch shows:
- Detailed boundaries
- Corner points
- Survey lines
- Subdivision measurements
- Shape and layout of the land
- Connectivity with neighbouring lands
You can think of FMB as a “technical drawing” of your plot. Banks, surveyors, property buyers, and the Registration Department often ask for this document when verifying land.
How to View or Download FMB Sketch Online?
Step 1: Visit the official TN e-Services Land Records portal. On the homepage, click the option “FMB Sketch – (Rural / Natham)”.
Step 2: Select your District → Taluk → Village from the dropdown menus. If your land falls under Natham, tick the checkbox “To View Natham FMB”.
Step 3: Enter your Survey Number. Once you enter it, the portal will automatically show the related Subdivision Number. Select it from the dropdown.
Here are two examples to understand this clearly:
- If your survey number is 36/3, enter 36 as the Survey Number and 3 as the Subdivision Number.
Then click Submit → View FMB. - If your survey number is 36 (without subdivision), enter 36 as the Survey Number and “-” as the Subdivision Number.
Then click Submit → View FMB.
Step 4: Enter your 10-digit mobile number and click Get OTP. Enter the 6-digit OTP received on your phone and click Confirm OTP.
Step 5: That’s it! The FMB Sketch for the entered Survey Number and Subdivision Number will appear on the screen. You can use the Print option to download or save it.
What Is TSLR Extract?
TSLR stands for Town Survey Land Record. It is the urban version of FMB. If your land is in a municipality, corporation, town area, or any urban location, FMB may not be available. Instead, you will get TSLR.
TSLR contains:
- Survey number (Town survey number)
- Block number
- Ward number
- Land type (commercial, residential, government-owned, etc.)
- Boundaries and measurements
- Authorized land classification
TSLR is very important for:
- Urban land verification
- Construction approvals
- Building plans
- Property tax categorization
How to View / Download TSLR Extract Online?
Step 1: Go to the official TN e-Services Land Records website. On the homepage, select the option “TSLR Extract – Urban” or “TSLR Sketch – Urban” (whichever is shown for your area).
Step 2: Choose your District → Taluk → Ward / Village from the dropdown menus. (For urban areas, you may see Ward Number instead of Village Name.)
Step 3: Enter your Town Survey Number (TS Number). If a Subdivision Number is required, enter it manually in the provided box.
Step 4: Enter your 10-digit mobile number and click Get OTP. After receiving the 6-digit OTP, type it into the box and click Confirm OTP.
Step 5: Once the OTP is verified, your TSLR Extract (or TSLR Sketch) will appear on the screen. You can use the Print option to save or download the TSLR document.
How to Verify Land Type: Government or Private (Poramboke Land Check)?
Step 1: Go to the official TN e-Services portal. On the homepage, select the option “Verify Government / Private (Poramboke) Land.”
Step 2: Choose your District → Taluk → Village from the dropdown lists.
Step 3: Enter your Survey Number and Subdivision Number in the given fields.
(Note: Here, the subdivision number must be typed manually — there will be no dropdown for this option.)
Step 4: You will see a small math question on the screen for security verification. Enter the correct answer in the authentication box.
For example, if the screen shows 20 + 11, enter 31, and click Submit.
After submitting, the portal will display whether the land is:
- Private Land, or
- Government Land, or
- Poramboke Land (non-saleable land), or
- Waterbody / Pathway / Reserved Land
FMB vs TSLR vs A-Register – What’s the Difference?
| Document | Used For | Area Type | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| FMB Sketch | Boundary, measurements | Rural/Natham | Shows exact land layout |
| TSLR Extract | Urban survey details | Town/Corporation | Shows land classification & urban boundaries |
| A-Register | Land classification & basic details | Rural/Natham | Shows classification, owner entry & area details |
| Patta Chitta | Ownership proof | All | Used for registration, loans, transfers |
FAQ’s
Is FMB enough for buying land?
No. You should check FMB + Patta + Chitta + Encumbrance Certificate (EC) before buying.
Is TSLR mandatory for building approval?
Yes, for most urban areas, TSLR is required for plan approval in municipalities and corporations.
Is checking poramboke land online accurate?
Yes, the portal fetch data from Survey & Settlement records. However, for very old records, a physical VAO confirmation is recommended.
Can I correct errors in FMB or TSLR?
Corrections are not done online. You need to submit a request at the Taluk office with documents like:
1.Patta
2.Registered deed
3.Old survey sketch (if any)Is FMB Sketch free to download?
Yes. All TN land record viewing services are free of cost.
Why does my land show as “Government Land” online?
This could be due to:
– Old classification
– Survey not updated
– Incorrect survey/subdivision number
Contact VAO for manual verification if needed.