ISRO Technical Assistant Exam 2024: Prelims Syllabus Breakdown
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) conducts the Technical Assistant (TA) exam annually to recruit eligible candidates for various technical roles. The exam is divided into two stages: Prelims and Mains. This article focuses on the Prelims syllabus for the ISRO TA Exam 2024, providing a detailed breakdown of each subject.
General Awareness
This section assesses the candidate’s general knowledge and awareness of current affairs. The syllabus includes:
- Current Events: National and international events, major happenings in science and technology, space exploration, and ISRO’s contributions.
- Indian History: Significant events, personalities, movements, and their impact.
- Indian Polity: Constitution of India, fundamental rights and duties, governance, and political system.
- Indian Economy: Economic policies, major sectors, challenges, and recent developments.
- Geography: Physical features, climate, natural resources, and major geographical events.
- Science and Technology: Basic concepts in physics, chemistry, biology, and recent advancements in technology.
- Environment: Environmental issues, conservation, and sustainable development.
- Sports: Major sporting events, Indian achievements, and prominent personalities.
- Culture and Heritage: Indian art, literature, music, dance, and cultural diversity.
Reasoning and Logical Ability
This section tests the candidate’s analytical and problem-solving skills. The syllabus covers:
- Verbal Reasoning: Analogies, synonyms, antonyms, sentence completion, and comprehension passages.
- Non-Verbal Reasoning: Series, patterns, spatial reasoning, and data interpretation.
- Logical Reasoning: Syllogisms, logical deductions, analytical reasoning, and critical thinking.
- Data Interpretation: Tables, charts, graphs, and data analysis.
Quantitative Aptitude
This section assesses the candidate’s mathematical abilities and problem-solving skills. The syllabus includes:
- Arithmetic: Number systems, percentages, profit and loss, simple and compound interest, time and work, speed, distance, and time.
- Algebra: Linear equations, quadratic equations, inequalities, and basic algebraic operations.
- Geometry: Lines, angles, triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, and mensuration.
- Trigonometry: Basic trigonometric ratios, identities, and applications.
- Statistics: Mean, median, mode, standard deviation, and basic probability.
Engineering Subjects
This section is specific to the branch of engineering for which the candidate is applying. The syllabus varies depending on the specialization, but generally covers:
Mechanical Engineering:
- Strength of Materials: Stress, strain, elasticity, plasticity, bending, torsion, and buckling.
- Fluid Mechanics: Fluid properties, fluid statics, fluid dynamics, Bernoulli’s principle, and flow measurement.
- Thermodynamics: Laws of thermodynamics, heat transfer, power cycles, and refrigeration.
- Machine Design: Machine elements, stress analysis, fatigue, and wear.
- Production Engineering: Manufacturing processes, machining, metal forming, and casting.
Electrical Engineering:
- Circuit Theory: DC and AC circuits, network theorems, and circuit analysis.
- Electrical Machines: DC machines, AC machines, transformers, and power electronics.
- Control Systems: Feedback systems, stability analysis, and control system design.
- Power Systems: Power generation, transmission, distribution, and protection.
- Electronics: Semiconductors, diodes, transistors, amplifiers, and digital electronics.
Civil Engineering:
- Strength of Materials: Stress, strain, elasticity, plasticity, bending, torsion, and buckling.
- Fluid Mechanics: Fluid properties, fluid statics, fluid dynamics, Bernoulli’s principle, and flow measurement.
- Soil Mechanics: Soil properties, soil classification, and foundation design.
- Structural Analysis: Beams, columns, trusses, and frames.
- Construction Materials: Concrete, steel, and timber.
Computer Science Engineering:
- Data Structures and Algorithms: Arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, graphs, and algorithms.
- Programming Languages: C, C++, Java, and Python.
- Operating Systems: Process management, memory management, file systems, and security.
- Database Management Systems: Relational databases, SQL, and database design.
- Computer Networks: Network topologies, protocols, and network security.
Electronics and Communication Engineering:
- Analog Electronics: Diodes, transistors, amplifiers, and oscillators.
- Digital Electronics: Logic gates, flip-flops, counters, and digital circuits.
- Communication Systems: Analog and digital modulation, transmission, and reception.
- Microwave Engineering: Microwave devices, transmission lines, and antennas.
- Signal Processing: Discrete-time signals, Fourier transform, and digital filters.
Sample Tables
Table 1: ISRO TA Exam 2024: Prelims Syllabus – Subject-wise Weightage
| Subject | Weightage |
|---|---|
| General Awareness | 20% |
| Reasoning and Logical Ability | 20% |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 20% |
| Engineering Subjects | 40% |
Table 2: ISRO TA Exam 2024: Prelims Syllabus – Engineering Subjects (Mechanical Engineering)
| Topic | Sub-Topics |
|---|---|
| Strength of Materials | Stress, strain, elasticity, plasticity, bending, torsion, buckling |
| Fluid Mechanics | Fluid properties, fluid statics, fluid dynamics, Bernoulli’s principle, flow measurement |
| Thermodynamics | Laws of thermodynamics, heat transfer, power cycles, refrigeration |
| Machine Design | Machine elements, stress analysis, fatigue, wear |
| Production Engineering | Manufacturing processes, machining, metal forming, casting |
Note: The syllabus and weightage may vary slightly from year to year. Candidates are advised to refer to the official ISRO notification for the most up-to-date information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – ISRO Technical Assistant Exam 2024 Prelims
General:
- Q: What is the exam pattern for the ISRO TA Prelims?
- A: The exam is an objective-type, computer-based test with multiple-choice questions. It is divided into four sections: General Awareness, Reasoning and Logical Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, and Engineering Subjects.
- Q: What is the duration of the ISRO TA Prelims exam?
- A: The exam duration is typically 2 hours.
- Q: What is the qualifying marks for the ISRO TA Prelims exam?
- A: The qualifying marks are determined by ISRO and vary depending on the category and number of vacancies.
- Q: How many attempts are allowed for the ISRO TA exam?
- A: There is no limit on the number of attempts for the ISRO TA exam.
- Q: Is there any age limit for the ISRO TA exam?
- A: Yes, there is an age limit for the ISRO TA exam. The upper age limit varies depending on the category. Refer to the official notification for details.
Syllabus:
- Q: What are the important topics to focus on for General Awareness?
- A: Current events, Indian history, polity, economy, geography, science and technology, environment, sports, and culture and heritage.
- Q: What are the key areas to prepare for Reasoning and Logical Ability?
- A: Verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, logical reasoning, and data interpretation.
- Q: Which topics are crucial for Quantitative Aptitude?
- A: Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and statistics.
- Q: What are the core subjects covered in the Engineering Subjects section?
- A: The subjects vary depending on the branch of engineering. However, common topics include strength of materials, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, machine design, production engineering, circuit theory, electrical machines, control systems, power systems, electronics, data structures and algorithms, programming languages, operating systems, database management systems, computer networks, analog electronics, digital electronics, communication systems, microwave engineering, and signal processing.
Preparation:
- Q: What are the best resources for preparing for the ISRO TA Prelims exam?
- A: Refer to standard textbooks, online study materials, previous year question papers, and mock tests.
- Q: How can I improve my time management skills for the exam?
- A: Practice mock tests regularly and analyze your performance to identify areas where you need to improve your speed and accuracy.
- Q: What are some tips for staying motivated during exam preparation?
- A: Set realistic goals, maintain a consistent study schedule, take breaks, and reward yourself for achieving milestones.
Other:
- Q: What is the selection process for the ISRO TA exam?
- A: The selection process consists of two stages: Prelims and Mains. Candidates who clear the Prelims exam are eligible to appear for the Mains exam.
- Q: What are the benefits of working as a Technical Assistant at ISRO?
- A: ISRO offers a competitive salary, job security, and the opportunity to contribute to India’s space program.
Note: These are just a few examples of frequently asked questions. The actual questions may vary depending on the candidate’s specific needs and the latest exam pattern. It is always recommended to refer to the official ISRO notification and website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.