Preparing for the ISRO VSSC Mechanical exam? One of the smartest strategies is to practice previous year questions (PYQs). These questions reveal the exam pattern, highlight high‐weightage topics, and help you fine-tune your time management. In this blog post, we’ll explain why PYQs are indispensable for your study plan, break down the key mechanical engineering topics that appear repeatedly, provide a clear table showcasing topic frequencies, and guide you to download the free PDF containing all compiled questions with solutions. Let’s dive in!
Solving PYQs serves multiple purposes:
Familiarize with Exam Pattern:
Past papers show the typical number of questions from each topic—Thermodynamics, Strength of Materials, Machine Design, etc.
Identify High-Weightage Topics:
If 20–25% of questions repeatedly come from Fluid Mechanics across several years, you know where to focus.
Improve Time Management:
Simulating actual test conditions (90 minutes, 100 MCQs, ⅓ negative marking) builds speed and accuracy.
Boost Confidence & Reduce Anxiety:
Working through real VSSC questions reduces surprises on exam day and builds a sense of readiness.
Spot Question-Formulation Trends:
ISRO often tests core concepts—e.g., Carnot cycle efficiency, bending moment calculations, or gear train design. Recognizing question styles helps in rapid problem solving.
Before jumping into PYQs, let’s recap the ISRO VSSC Mechanical exam pattern and core syllabus areas:
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | 65 | 65 | ⅓ mark per wrong | |
| Mathematics | 15 | 15 | ⅓ mark per wrong | |
| Total | 80 | 80 | 90 minutes |
Thermodynamics & Heat Transfer
Strength of Materials & Machine Design
Fluid Mechanics & Machinery
Manufacturing Processes & Industrial Engineering
Theory of Machines & Dynamics
Refrigeration & Air Conditioning
Engineering Mechanics & Metallurgy
By analyzing ISRO VSSC Mechanical PYQs from the last five years (2018–2023), these topics recur most frequently:
| Topic | Approx. % of Total Questions | Typical Question Types |
|---|---|---|
| Thermodynamics | 12–15% | Carnot efficiency, Rankine cycle, entropy, enthalpy |
| Strength of Materials & Machine Design | 10–12% | Bending moment, torsion, beam design, gears |
| Fluid Mechanics & Machinery | 10–12% | Bernoulli’s equation, Reynolds number, pumps, turbines |
| Heat Transfer | 8–10% | Conduction, convection, fins, critical radius |
| Manufacturing Processes | 8–10% | CNC, welding, casting, forging |
| Theory of Machines & Dynamics | 8–10% | Cam profiles, flywheel, gyroscopes, followers |
| Refrigeration & Air Conditioning | 5–7% | COP, refrigeration cycle (VCR), psychrometry |
| Engineering Mechanics & Metallurgy | 5–7% | Stress–strain curves, phase diagrams, hardening |
Insight: |
Thermo, SOM/Machine Design, and Fluid Mechanics consistently dominate—roughly 30–35 questions out of 65 technical questions.
Sections like Heat Transfer and Theory of Machines collectively add another 20% of technical weightage.
Regularly revisiting these topics can yield high returns in your mock tests and the final exam.
Below is a consolidated, year-wise table showing the approximate number of questions per major topic in the Mechanical Engineering section:
| Year | Thermodynamics | SOM & Machine Design | Fluid Mechanics | Heat Transfer | Manufacturing Processes | Theory of Machines | RAC | Mech. Mechanics & Metallurgy | Total Tech Qs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 50 |
| 2019 | 9 | 10 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 50 |
| 2020 | 11 | 8 | 9 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 50 |
| 2021 | 10 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 50 |
| 2022 | 12 | 10 | 9 | 4 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 50 |
| 2023 | 11 | 9 | 10 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 50 |
“Total Tech Qs” = 50 in some years, but the VSSC exam often included 65 technical questions (depending on updated pattern).
Percentages shift slightly, but Thermodynamics, SOM/Machine Design, and Fluid Mechanics are always top 3.
We’ve compiled all ISRO VSSC Mechanical PYQs (2018–2023)—complete with answer keys and step-by-step solutions—into a single PDF. Follow these simple steps:
Click the Download Link Below
Download ISRO VSSC 2015 PYQs PDF
Download ISRO VSSC 2016 PYQs PDF
Download ISRO IPRC 2016 PYQs PDF
Download ISRO SDSC 2017 PYQs PDF
Download ISRO VSSC 2017 PYQs PDF
Download ISRO SDSC 2018 PYQs PDF
Download ISRO IPRC 2018 PYQs PDF
Download ISRO VSSC 2019 PYQs PDF
Download ISRO LPSC 2020 PYQs PDF
Download ISRO VSSC 2021 PYQs PDF
Download ISRO SDSC 2022 PYQs PDF
Download ISRO IPRC 2022 PYQs PDF
Tips to Use PYQs Effectively
Simulate Exam Conditions:
Allocate 90 minutes and attempt 100 questions (65 technical + 20 reasoning + 15 GK).
Adhere strictly to ⅓ negative marking to avoid guesswork pitfalls.
Focus on Weak Areas:
If you consistently miss questions in Machine Design, allocate extra time for solving relevant PYQs (e.g., gear trains, belt drives).
Track your accuracy per topic in a spreadsheet.
Time Yourself Section-Wise:
Aim for 40 minutes on technical questions, 25 minutes on reasoning, and 20 minutes on GK.
Adjust as needed based on your comfort level.
Revise Formulas Before Practice:
Create a one‐page formula sheet for Thermo (Carnot, Brayton, Rankine cycles), SOM (bending, torsion), and Fluid Mechanics (Bernoulli, continuity equation).
Review it before jumping into PYQs to reinforce retention.
Group Discussion & Doubt-Clearing:
Form a small study group—discuss 5–10 PYQs together each day.
Explain your approach; teaching peers is one of the most effective learning techniques.
Track Progress Over Time:
Maintain a table with dates, topics practiced, number of correct attempts, and time taken.
Identify trends: which topics you’ve mastered and which need more revision.
Q1. How many years of PYQs should I cover?
A1. Ideally, practice at least 5–6 years (2018–2023). Question patterns repeat every 2–3 years in ISRO VSSC exams.
Q2. Are all questions in the PDF exactly as per the original exam?
A2. We’ve reproduced questions verbatim wherever possible, cross-verified through aspirant inputs and credible coaching sources. Minor wording changes may exist, but concepts and data match the original.
Q3. Does the PDF include answer explanations?
A3. Yes. Each question has a concise solution explaining the steps, formula used, and necessary diagrams (where applicable).
Q4. Is there any charge for this PDF?
A4. No, it’s 100% free. Our aim at Make It Easy: Mechanical is to support aspirants by providing high-quality study material without any cost.
Q5. How should I integrate PYQs into my daily study plan?
A5.
Assign 1 hour daily to solve 10–12 PYQs.
Review solutions immediately to correct misconceptions.
Gradually increase the number of questions to simulate full-length mock tests as the exam date approaches.
Solving ISRO VSSC Mechanical previous year questions is non-negotiable if you want to crack the VSSC exam with a top rank. These PYQs illuminate the exam’s structure, help you identify high-yield topics, and build the speed and accuracy needed to outperform competition.
Ready to ace your VSSC Mechanical exam?
Download the free PDF of all PYQs with detailed solutions: Click Here
Create a study schedule that incorporates at least 10 PYQs daily.
Join the Make It Easy: Mechanical community for regular updates, mock tests, and peer support.
Stay consistent, practice smart, and trust the process. Good luck
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