About this previous year paper
SECTION A – VERY SHORT ANSWERS (7 Questions × 2 Marks = 14 Marks)
Purpose:
This section is designed to test the student’s fundamental knowledge in a direct and concise manner. Questions here require definitions, basic principles, short explanations, or small diagrams.
Nature of Questions:
Simple one-line or two-line definitions
Naming or explaining a basic law or principle
Drawing a small symbolic diagram
Short conceptual questions
Examples from the paper:
Define dew point temperature and relative humidity
Explain why two-stroke engines are light in weight
Define Poisson’s ratio
Explain Pascal’s law
Draw symbolic diagram of a 2/2 directional control valve
Draw stress-strain diagram of mild steel
Explain principle of optical pyrometer
Level:
Easy, memory-based.
No long explanation required.
SECTION B – DESCRIPTIVE QUESTIONS (Any 3 × 7 Marks = 21 Marks)
Purpose:
To test a student’s ability to explain a topic in detail, use diagrams, describe construction & working, and derive relationships.
Nature of Questions:
Construction and working of machines
Detailed conceptual explanations
Well-labeled diagrams
Derivations and formula relations
Advantages/disadvantages
Real-world applications
Examples from the paper:
Construction and working of Bourdon tube
Construction and working of Pelton wheel
Define bulk modulus & derive relation between E and G
Advantages of electric and hybrid vehicles
Construction and working of window air conditioner
Level:
Moderate—requires explanation in 7–10 points plus neat diagram.
SECTION C – LONG ANSWER / HIGHER-ORDER QUESTIONS (5 Questions, each with internal choice, 7 Marks each = 35 Marks)
Purpose:
This section evaluates:
Problem solving
Numerical ability
High-level conceptual understanding
Comparison between systems
Thermodynamics applications
Measurement devices
Each question has two choices (a or b). You must attempt only one from each.
Q3 – Numerical / Applied Mechanics
Types:
Resultant of forces in polygons
Stress, strain, elongation calculations
Volumetric strain numericals
Q4 – Internal Combustion Engines / Hybrid Systems
Types:
Detailed working of two-stroke SI engine
Diagram of engine ports
Comparison between SI and CI two-stroke
Types of hybrid electric drive trains
Series hybrid configuration diagram
Q5 – Fluid Machinery / Fluid Properties
Types:
Centrifugal pump working principle
Types of centrifugal pumps
Newtonian vs non-Newtonian fluids (with diagram)
Q6 – Refrigeration & Thermodynamics
Types:
Construction and working of refrigerator
Explanation using neat labelled diagram
Validity of an inventor’s claim using COP formula
Q7 – Measurement Devices / Instrumentation
Types:
Working of thermocouple, check valve, ratchet & pawl
Venturimeter, proving ring, NRV
Diagrams required
Overall Sequence Explanation (Long Format)
The question paper follows a progressive difficulty pattern, meaning it starts with simple definitions and gradually moves toward complex numerical and analytical questions.
Section A → Basic Concepts (Low Difficulty)
To check if the student knows basic terms and can recall definitions.
Section B → Detailed Concepts (Medium Difficulty)
To evaluate a student’s ability to explain machinery and principles clearly with diagrams.
Section C → Application & Analysis (High Difficulty)
To test numerical skills, analytical thinking, detailed explanations, and comparison between advanced systems.
Conclusion (Long Summary)
The paper is a balanced combination of:
Theory (laws, definitions, diagrams)
Machine construction & working
Fluid mechanics principles
Thermodynamics & refrigeration
Instrumentation
Numericals
It ensures students understand both fundamentals and applied aspects of mechanical engineering.