About this previous year paper
This question paper is divided into three sections (A, B, C) and covers the full syllabus of Engineering Mechanics. The paper evaluates a student’s understanding of statics, dynamics, strength of materials, friction, centroid & moment of inertia, trusses, shear force & bending moment, and related engineering fundamentals. Students are required to attempt all sections, and may assume missing data wherever necessary.
Section A – Short Answer Questions (10 × 2 = 20 Marks)
This section includes ten conceptual questions, each carrying 2 marks.
Topics include:
Types of forces (collinear vs. concurrent) Impending motion & friction
Perfect vs. imperfect truss Point of contraflexure
Centroid vs. centre of gravity Parallel axis theorem
Relative and resultant velocity Work-energy equation
Strain energy Section modulus
These questions test the student’s fundamental concepts and ability to recall important engineering definitions.
Section B – Descriptive / Numerical Questions (Any 3 × 10 = 30 Marks)
This section requires solving three long numerical or descriptive problems from the given five.
Topics include:
Equilibrium of bodies and tension calculation in connected systems
Drawing shear force and bending moment diagrams for beams
Finding centroid of solids (cone)
Friction and string tension in connected mass system
Simple bending theory & bending equation derivation
These questions evaluate a student’s analytical ability, application of mechanics, and diagram representation skills.
Section C – Long Answer / Application-Based Questions (Any 1 from each pair × 10 = 30 Marks)
This section consists of three pairs of advanced questions, each focusing on high-level understanding:
Part 3 (10 marks)
Principles and laws of equilibrium
OR
Numerical problem based on friction on inclined plane
Part 4 (10 marks)
Truss analysis (force in a specific member)
OR
SFD & BMD for a cantilever beam
Part 5 (10 marks)
Centroid of composite shapes (trapezium minus semicircle)
OR
Moment of inertia of a shaded area
Part 6 (10 marks)
Momentum, impact, and friction problem (bullet & block)
OR
Rolling motion and velocity comparison of two discs
Part 7 (10 marks)
Axial loading & elongation of a vertical rod
OR
Torsion of hollow shaft and allowable twist
These questions focus on advanced calculations, reasoning, mechanical design considerations, and conceptual depth.
Overall Summary
This question paper comprehensively assesses both fundamental concepts and numerical problem-solving skills in Engineering Mechanics. It covers all essential areas including force systems, friction, trusses, beams, centroids, moments of inertia, work-energy principles, impact & collision, axial loading, and torsion.
The structure ensures balanced evaluation of:
Theory (definitions and laws)
Diagrams (SFD, BMD, trusses)
Numerical problem solving
Engineering application understanding