Exam Details

Post: Lecturer in Automobile Engineering

Department: Technical Education (Polytechnic Colleges)

Exam Conducted by: Kerala Public Service Commission (Kerala PSC)

Paper Code: 61/2016

Date of Examination: 05th May 2016

Year: 2016

Overview of the Exam

The Kerala PSC examination for the post of Lecturer in Automobile Engineering in Polytechnic Colleges is conducted to assess candidates' expertise in automobile engineering concepts, vehicle dynamics, powertrains, and mechanical systems, along with teaching methodologies and general awareness.

This exam plays a vital role in selecting highly skilled faculty members who can contribute to technical education and training in Kerala’s polytechnic institutions.

Exam Pattern and Syllabus

The Kerala PSC Lecturer (Automobile Engineering) exam generally consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) covering technical subjects, research methodology, and general awareness. Below is a detailed syllabus breakdown:

1. Core Automobile Engineering Subjects

✔ Automobile Engineering Basics – Vehicle classification, chassis types, frame construction.
✔ Automotive Powertrain – Internal combustion (IC) engines, petrol and diesel engine working, performance analysis.
✔ Fuel Systems and Emission Control – Carburetors, fuel injection, common rail direct injection (CRDI), catalytic converters, and emission norms.
✔ Automobile Transmission Systems – Clutch, gearbox (manual, automatic, CVT), differential, and driveshafts.
✔ Vehicle Dynamics and Control – Suspension systems, steering mechanisms, braking systems, electronic stability control.
✔ Alternative Fuels and Electric Vehicles – Hybrid and electric vehicle technologies, battery management systems, regenerative braking.

2. Mechanical and Thermal Engineering Subjects

✔ Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer – Laws of thermodynamics, heat exchangers, refrigeration, and air-conditioning in automobiles.
✔ Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulics – Fluid properties, pumps, hydraulic braking, and power steering.
✔ Strength of Materials and Machine Design – Stress-strain analysis, fatigue and failure, gear and cam design.

3. Manufacturing and Maintenance Engineering

✔ Automobile Manufacturing Processes – Casting, welding, machining, advanced manufacturing techniques.
✔ Vehicle Maintenance and Troubleshooting – Fault diagnosis, preventive maintenance, and service tools.
✔ Quality Control and Safety Standards – ISO standards, lean manufacturing, safety protocols in the automobile industry.

4. Electrical and Electronics in Automobiles

✔ Automobile Electrical Systems – Battery, starter motor, alternator, lighting systems.
✔ Automotive Electronics – Sensors, actuators, microcontrollers, electronic fuel injection (EFI), ABS, airbag systems.
✔ Embedded Systems in Vehicles – Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), CAN protocol, autonomous vehicle technologies.

5. Teaching and Research Methodology

✔ Teaching Techniques for Polytechnic Education – Curriculum planning, student assessment, lab-based teaching.
✔ Research Methodology – Academic writing, research ethics, publishing technical papers.

6. General Knowledge and Current Affairs

✔ Recent Advancements in Automobile Engineering – AI in automobiles, 5G in connected cars, future vehicle technologies.
✔ General Science and Technology – Latest innovations in engineering and technology.
✔ Kerala’s History, Geography, and Culture – Key historical events, state policies, and industrial development.
✔ Indian Constitution and Governance – Fundamental rights, directive principles, and administrative structure.