Department: Vocational Higher Secondary Education (VHSE), Kerala
Post: Laboratory Technical Assistant – Maintenance and Operation of Marine Engines
Paper Code: 16/2015
Date of Test: 23.01.2015
Conducted By: Kerala Public Service Commission (KPSC)

Exam Format

• Mode: Offline (OMR-based examination)

• Type of Questions: Objective Type (MCQs)

• Total Marks: 100

• Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes

• Language Medium: English

Syllabus & Key Topics Covered

The examination paper evaluates candidates on marine engineering concepts, technical skills, and general aptitude. Below are the key subject areas covered in Paper Code: 16/2015:

 1. Marine Engine Fundamentals

• Types of marine engines: 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines

• Engine parts and functions: pistons, crankshafts, valves, camshafts

• Working principle of internal combustion engines

• Differences between diesel and petrol engines

  2. Maintenance and Repair Techniques

• Routine maintenance procedures: lubrication, cooling, fuel systems

• Fault detection and troubleshooting

• Preventive vs. corrective maintenance

• Overhauling of engine parts and systems

 3. Operation of Marine Machinery

• Engine starting procedures

• Gearbox and propulsion systems

• Marine auxiliary systems: bilge, ballast, and fire-fighting systems

• Instrumentation and controls in engine rooms

  4. Workshop Tools and Safety

• Hand tools and machine tools used in marine workshops

• Measuring instruments: micrometers, vernier calipers, pressure gauges

• Workshop safety guidelines

• Fire safety and first aid on marine vessels

 5. Basic Mechanical & Electrical Concepts

• Heat engines, thermodynamics basics

• Alternators, batteries, and basic wiring

• Fuel systems and ignition systems

  6. General Knowledge and Current Affairs

• Recent developments in marine and shipping industries

• Kerala’s maritime infrastructure

• National maritime initiatives and institutions

 7. Numerical Ability and Reasoning

• Basic mathematics: fractions, percentages, averages

• Units and conversions (mechanical and marine context)

• Logical reasoning and problem-solving

 8. General English

• Vocabulary, grammar, sentence correction

• Comprehension and usage

• Synonyms and antonyms

Click the below link to download PDF format of Kerala PSC Previous Question Paper of Laboratory Technical Assistant (Maintenance & Operation of Marine Engines)