Post: Tradesman - Turning - Technical Education

Paper Code: 163/2016

Date of Test: 2nd December 2016

Year Category: 2016

Exam Overview:

The Kerala Public Service Commission (Kerala PSC) conducted the examination for the post of Tradesman - Turning under the Department of Technical Education. This exam aimed to assess the candidates' technical knowledge and practical skills related to the turning trade, which is a part of the mechanical engineering and machining processes. The test covered various aspects of turning operations, machine tools, and general knowledge related to the technical education field.

Exam Pattern:

The exam was conducted in a Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) format, focusing on practical skills, theoretical knowledge in mechanical engineering, and general knowledge.

• Total Questions: 100
• Time Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes (75 minutes)
• Maximum Marks: 100
• Type of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Syllabus Coverage:

The syllabus for this exam was designed to test candidates' understanding of turning operations, machine tools, mechanical engineering concepts, and general knowledge related to technical education. Below are the key subject areas covered in the syllabus:

1. Turning and Machining:

• Turning Operations: Basic turning processes, types of turning (e.g., facing, taper turning, threading).
• Lathe Machine: Functions and parts of a lathe, lathe operations, and tooling used in turning processes.
• Cutting Tools: Types of cutting tools used in turning, tool materials, and tool geometry.
• Machining Techniques: Drilling, boring, and reaming on the lathe machine, along with related operations.
• Surface Finish and Measurement: Surface finish, measurement of workpieces, and quality control in machining.
• Precision and Tolerance: Importance of precision in turning and maintaining tolerances during machining operations.

1. Mechanical Engineering:

• Mechanics of Materials: Basic concepts of stress, strain, and material properties.
• Basic Thermodynamics: Fundamental concepts of heat, temperature, and thermodynamic cycles.
• Fluid Mechanics: Basic understanding of fluid flow, Bernoulli’s principle, and fluid machinery.
• Engineering Materials: Types of materials, including metals, polymers, and composites.
• Manufacturing Processes: General knowledge of other manufacturing processes such as welding, casting, and forging.

1. General Knowledge:

• Awareness of the latest technological trends in the field of mechanical engineering and manufacturing.
• General knowledge related to Kerala’s industrial development and technical education policies.
• Current affairs related to the technical education sector, innovations in machining, and modern tools used in turning and manufacturing.

1. General English and Arithmetic:

• Basic English grammar and sentence formation.
• Simple arithmetic questions involving percentages, ratios, and time-based problems.

Key Skills Assessed:

• Technical Knowledge: Understanding of turning processes, machinery, tools, and mechanical principles.
• Practical Knowledge: Familiarity with the operation and maintenance of lathe machines and cutting tools.
• Problem-Solving Abilities: Ability to apply mechanical concepts in practical turning operations.
• General Awareness: Knowledge of technical education policies and general developments in the mechanical engineering field.

Sample Question Topics:

• Turning and Machining:
• Which of the following is used to reduce friction between the cutting tool and workpiece in turning operations?
• In lathe machine operations, the tailstock is primarily used for:
• What is the main purpose of using carbide tools in turning operations?
• Mechanical Engineering:
• What is the primary function of a bearing in mechanical assemblies?
• The process of converting mechanical energy into electrical energy is carried out by:
• What is the unit of pressure in fluid mechanics?
• General Knowledge:
• Who is credited with inventing the lathe machine?
• What is the importance of Industry 4.0 in modern manufacturing?
• General English:
• Choose the correct usage of the word “complement” in a sentence.
• Find the synonym of the word “enhance”.
• Arithmetic:
• If a lathe operator works for 8 hours and completes 16 jobs, how many jobs will he complete in 10 hours at the same rate?
• A part is sold for Rs. 500 after a discount of 10%. What is the original price?

Preparation Tips for Candidates:

• Focus on Practical Turning Skills: Understand the basic operations performed on a lathe, tool setup, and how to manage cutting tools for different jobs.
• Study Mechanical Engineering Concepts: Review fundamental principles related to materials, mechanics, and manufacturing processes.
• Practice Arithmetic and English: Improve basic arithmetic skills and ensure familiarity with simple grammar and sentence formation.
• Stay Updated with Technological Advances: Keep an eye on the latest developments in the field of manufacturing and mechanical engineering, particularly in machining processes like turning.

Download the Question Paper:

You can download the Kerala PSC Tradesman - Turning - Technical Education (Paper Code: 163/2016) question paper from the following link: