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Maharashtra SSC Engineering Drawing ITI study materials
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Maharashtra SSC Engineering Drawing ITI practice questions

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Question 1Drawing Instruments, Materials and Standards

In engineering drawing practice, which pencil grade is normally selected for drawing the final visible outlines on a drawing sheet?

  1. 6B
  2. HB
  3. 2H Correct answer.
  4. 2B

Explanation

Visible outlines must be dark, sharp and reproducible, so a harder pencil such as 2H is used for final inking-quality lines. Softer grades smudge and thicken the line, spoiling the neatness of the finished drawing.

Question 2Drawing Instruments, Materials and Standards

A drawing sheet measures 594 mm x 841 mm. Which standard trimmed size is it?

  1. A1 Correct answer.
  2. A3
  3. A2
  4. A0

Explanation

The A-series is based on a root area of one square metre with a 1:2 side ratio, so A0 is 841 x 1189 mm and each subsequent size halves the longer side. Halving A0 gives A1 at 594 x 841 mm.

Question 3Drawing Instruments, Materials and Standards

Which instrument is used to draw a circle of radius 150 mm accurately with a pencil point?

  1. Bow compass
  2. Spring bow divider
  3. Large radius compass with extension bar Correct answer.
  4. French curve

Explanation

A standard bow compass opens only to about 100 mm, so larger circles need a compass fitted with an extension bar to keep the needle and lead perpendicular to the paper. The extension keeps the legs rigid so the arc stays true.

Question 4Drawing Instruments, Materials and Standards

What does the designation 'IS 696' printed on a drawing instrument box indicate?

  1. The Indian Standard specification the instrument conforms to Correct answer.
  2. The year in which the instrument was invented
  3. The catalogue number of the manufacturer
  4. The maximum drawing size the instrument can handle

Explanation

Numbers prefixed with IS refer to Indian Standards published by the Bureau of Indian Standards, and drawing instruments are graded against such specifications. The marking therefore certifies conformity with a published standard rather than any trade or date information.

Question 5Drawing Instruments, Materials and Standards

Which line type is used to represent hidden edges and surfaces in an engineering drawing?

  1. Continuous thick line
  2. Dashed medium line Correct answer.
  3. Continuous thin line
  4. Chain thin line

Explanation

Hidden edges are shown by short dashes of medium thickness so that they are distinguishable from visible outlines yet clearly subordinate to them. The dashes should touch at corners and meet other lines without a gap.

Question 6Drawing Instruments, Materials and Standards

A drawing is prepared at a scale of 1:20. A feature measuring 35 mm on the paper represents what actual length?

  1. 175 mm
  2. 1750 mm
  3. 700 mm Correct answer.
  4. 70 mm

Explanation

A scale of 1:20 means one unit on the drawing equals twenty units on the object. Multiplying the drawn length by the scale factor gives 35 x 20 = 700 mm.

Question 7Drawing Instruments, Materials and Standards

Which statement correctly describes a reduced scale used on a drawing?

  1. The drawing is larger than the actual object
  2. The drawing is smaller than the actual object Correct answer.
  3. The drawing has no fixed relation to the object
  4. The drawing is exactly the same size as the object

Explanation

On a reduced scale the representative fraction is less than one, for example 1:5 or 1:100, so every drawn length is smaller than the corresponding real length. Full size has an RF of 1 and enlarged scales have an RF greater than 1.

Question 8Drawing Instruments, Materials and Standards

A dimension is written as 'R25' beside an arc. What does this convey?

  1. The arc length is 25 mm
  2. The arc is drawn at a scale of 25:1
  3. The arc has a radius of 25 mm Correct answer.
  4. The arc has a diameter of 25 mm

Explanation

The prefix R before a numerical value denotes radius, so R25 means a radius of 25 mm measured from the centre of the arc. Diameters are marked with the diameter symbol instead.

Question 9Drawing Instruments, Materials and Standards

Which drawing instrument is preferred for drawing a smooth curve through a series of plotted points that do not lie on a circular arc?

  1. T-square
  2. French curve Correct answer.
  3. Set square
  4. Protractor

Explanation

A French curve is an irregular template whose changing curvature allows a smooth line to be fitted through successive points, working along the curve in short segments. Straight-edged instruments cannot follow continuously varying curvature.

Question 10Drawing Instruments, Materials and Standards

Why is a drawing board fitted with a smooth ebony or plastic edge strip along its working edge?

  1. To protect the board from moisture
  2. To provide a true straight guide for the T-square stock Correct answer.
  3. To hold the drawing sheet by clamping
  4. To increase the weight of the board

Explanation

The T-square stock slides along the working edge, so that edge must be perfectly straight and durable to keep horizontal lines truly parallel. A hard edge strip prevents wear and local damage from spoiling alignment.

Question 11Drawing Instruments, Materials and Standards

Which line is drawn as a long dash followed by a short dash, used to indicate the axis of symmetry of a symmetrical part?

  1. Centre line Correct answer.
  2. Break line
  3. Dimension line
  4. Leader line

Explanation

Centre lines use a chain pattern of alternate long and short dashes to mark axes of symmetry, centres of circles and pitch circles. They extend a little beyond the outline and must not touch the object line.

Question 12Drawing Instruments, Materials and Standards

A drawing is to be folded and filed without the title block being damaged, and the sheet is of A2 size. Which practice is correct?

  1. Roll the sheet into a tube and tie it
  2. Fold the sheet with the title block innermost to protect it
  3. Fold the sheet diagonally into a triangle
  4. Fold so that the title block finishes on the outside face at the top of the folded packet Correct answer.

Explanation

Standard filing practice folds a print so that the title block ends up on the outside of the folded packet, allowing identification without unfolding. The finished packet is made to the A4 size with the title block at the top.

Question 13Drawing Instruments, Materials and Standards

Which statement about the representative fraction of a diagonal scale is correct?

  1. It replaces the need for a title block
  2. It allows distances smaller than the least count of the main scale to be read Correct answer.
  3. It is used only for angular measurement
  4. It shows only the total length of the object

Explanation

A diagonal scale divides a small vertical height into ten parts by similar triangles, so a subdivision of the smallest main-scale division can be read directly. This is why it is chosen when a plain or diagonal scale would otherwise be too coarse.

Question 14Drawing Instruments, Materials and Standards

Which grade of pencil lead is most suitable for making the initial construction layout of a drawing before final lining?

  1. H
  2. 3B
  3. 4H Correct answer.
  4. B

Explanation

Construction work is laid out faintly so that it does not show in the finished drawing, and a hard 4H grade gives light, easily erased lines. Final outlines are then darkened with a softer grade such as 2H.

Question 15Drawing Instruments, Materials and Standards

A drawing carries the note 'Scale 1:2.5'. What does this tell the reader?

  1. The drawing is enlarged 2.5 times
  2. The drawing was made on 2.5 sheets of paper
  3. 1 mm on the paper equals 2.5 mm on the object Correct answer.
  4. 2.5 mm on the paper equals 1 mm on the object

Explanation

The left-hand term of a scale ratio always refers to the drawing and the right-hand term to the object. Hence 1 mm measured on the print corresponds to 2.5 mm on the actual part, a reduced scale.

Question 16Drawing Instruments, Materials and Standards

In a drawing office, why are drawings prepared on polyester film rather than on ordinary cartridge paper when long life and repeated reproduction are required?

  1. Polyester film accepts only pencil work
  2. Polyester film is cheaper than paper
  3. Polyester film needs no title block
  4. Polyester film has greater dimensional stability and tear resistance Correct answer.

Explanation

Polyester drafting film resists changes in humidity, so dimensions stay stable over years, and it withstands repeated handling and diazo copying without tearing. Paper expands and contracts with moisture and deteriorates faster under heavy use.

Question 17Lines, Lettering and Dimensioning

In engineering drawing, which line type is drawn as a continuous thin line to indicate the limits of a dimensioned feature when extension lines are used?

  1. Centre line
  2. Hidden line
  3. Extension line Correct answer.
  4. Cutting-plane line

Explanation

Extension lines are thin continuous lines that project outward from the outline of an object to show exactly where a dimension begins and ends. They are drawn perpendicular to the dimension line and stop with a small gap from the object outline.

Question 18Lines, Lettering and Dimensioning

According to IS 9609 lettering practice, the recommended proportion of height to width for the capital letter 'A' in the vertical style is best described as:

  1. Height 7 units with width about 5 units Correct answer.
  2. Height 7 units with width equal to 7 units
  3. Height 7 units with width about 12 units
  4. Height 7 units with width about 2 units

Explanation

IS 9609 specifies single-stroke capital letters with a height-to-width ratio of roughly 7:5 for most characters, giving a slightly narrow but clearly legible shape. Letters are never square or wider than tall in the standard vertical style.

Question 19Lines, Lettering and Dimensioning

A dimension figure of 25 is placed on a drawing. If the arrowheads cannot be accommodated between the extension lines, the accepted practice is to:

  1. Omit the arrowheads entirely for that dimension
  2. Reduce the numeral size so the arrows fit inside
  3. Place the arrowheads outside the extension lines and extend the dimension line Correct answer.
  4. Convert the dimension into a note written beside the view

Explanation

When the space between extension lines is too small for arrowheads, the arrows are drawn outside and the dimension line is extended beyond the extension lines. The numeral stays between the extended lines in its normal size. This keeps the reading unambiguous.

Question 20Lines, Lettering and Dimensioning

Which line is drawn thick and continuous to represent the visible edges and outlines of an object?

  1. Dimension line
  2. Outline line Correct answer.
  3. Hatching line
  4. Leader line

Explanation

Visible outlines and edges are drawn with thick continuous lines so the object's shape stands out clearly against the thinner construction lines. This is the darkest and heaviest line in a normal view.

Question 21Lines, Lettering and Dimensioning

The standard height of the numeral in a dimension on an A3 sheet, when the drawing uses size 3.5 lettering, is:

  1. 1.8 mm
  2. 3.5 mm Correct answer.
  3. 7 mm
  4. 10 mm

Explanation

Dimension numerals use the same height as the lettering size selected for the drawing, so a size 3.5 drawing carries 3.5 mm numerals. The size series in IS 9609 runs 1.8, 2.5, 3.5, 5, 7, 10 and 14 mm.

Question 22Lines, Lettering and Dimensioning

A chain line made of long dashes separated by short dashes, with the long dashes ending in dots, is used in engineering drawing mainly to show:

  1. Break lines on long shafts
  2. Section hatching
  3. Centre lines and pitch circles Correct answer.
  4. Visible outlines

Explanation

The thin chain line with alternating long and short dashes marks axes of symmetry, centre lines of holes and pitch circles of bolt arrangements. It is drawn thin so it does not overpower the object outline.

Question 23Lines, Lettering and Dimensioning

While dimensioning a circle of diameter 40 mm, the leader line carrying the note should be drawn:

  1. From the centre outward without any arrowhead
  2. At an angle through the centre and ending with an arrowhead on the circumference Correct answer.
  3. Parallel to the horizontal centre line only
  4. As a thick continuous line touching the circle tangentially

Explanation

A diameter is dimensioned with a leader drawn radially through the centre, terminating in an arrowhead on the circumference, and the note is prefixed with the diameter symbol. The leader is a thin line.

Question 24Lines, Lettering and Dimensioning

In a drawing, a dimension is written as R 12. This notation indicates:

  1. A pitch of 12 mm
  2. A chamfer of 12 mm
  3. A diameter of 12 mm
  4. A radius of 12 mm Correct answer.

Explanation

The prefix R before a numeral shows that the value is a radius, so R 12 means a radius of 12 mm. Diameters use the diameter symbol instead.

Question 25Lines, Lettering and Dimensioning

The gap normally kept between the object outline and the start of an extension line is about:

  1. 10 mm
  2. 0 mm, since the line must touch the outline
  3. 6 mm
  4. 1.5 mm Correct answer.

Explanation

A small gap of roughly 1.5 mm is left between the object outline and the beginning of the extension line so the outline remains clearly readable. The extension line then runs past the dimension line by about 2 to 3 mm.

Question 26Lines, Lettering and Dimensioning

Which statement about the spacing of dimension lines in a drawing is correct?

  1. Dimension lines may cross extension lines freely to save space
  2. Parallel dimension lines are spaced about 8 to 10 mm apart, with the smallest dimension nearest the view Correct answer.
  3. Dimension lines are drawn thicker than the object outline
  4. All dimension lines are placed at equal distance from the outline regardless of size

Explanation

Dimension lines run parallel to the feature they measure and are spaced roughly 8 to 10 mm apart, with shorter dimensions placed closer to the view. This prevents numerals from overlapping and keeps the reading order logical.

Question 27Lines, Lettering and Dimensioning

The freehand line used to show that a long object has been broken off, drawn as a thin continuous zigzag, is called a:

  1. Chain line
  2. Phantom line
  3. Border line
  4. Break line Correct answer.

Explanation

Break lines indicate that part of an object has been omitted to save drawing space, and they are drawn thin, either freehand with a zigzag or with a ruled line and double short dashes. They are never used for hidden edges.

Question 28Lines, Lettering and Dimensioning

A candidate must letter the title 'SECTION A-A' in a drawing. Which practice best follows the standard single-stroke lettering rules?

  1. Use freehand cursive script with connected letters
  2. Use capital letters of uniform height with even spacing and single-stroke strokes Correct answer.
  3. Use letters of decreasing height from left to right
  4. Use lowercase letters with varied heights for a modern look

Explanation

Standard engineering lettering uses single-stroke capital letters of uniform height, with even spacing between letters and words, so the text stays legible when the drawing is reduced. Lowercase and cursive forms are not used for titles.

Question 29Lines, Lettering and Dimensioning

A drawing shows a shaft end with a 2 x 45 degree note. What does this note specify?

  1. A thread of 2 mm pitch cut at 45 degrees
  2. A taper of 2 mm per 45 mm length
  3. A fillet of 2 mm radius at 45 degrees
  4. A chamfer of 2 mm at 45 degrees Correct answer.

Explanation

The note 2 x 45 degrees is the standard shorthand for a chamfer with a 2 mm leg measured along the axis and an angle of 45 degrees. Chamfers are noted rather than dimensioned with extension lines.

Question 30Lines, Lettering and Dimensioning

When a series of equal spacing exists, such as six holes at 20 mm pitch, the preferred dimensioning method is to:

  1. Dimension only the overall length and omit the pitch
  2. Dimension every individual space separately
  3. Give the pitch once with a note stating the number of spaces and the overall length Correct answer.
  4. Use a separate detail view for each hole

Explanation

Repeated equal spacing is dimensioned by giving one pitch value, the number of spaces, and the overall length, which avoids clutter and cumulative errors. The overall length also acts as a check on the pitch.

Question 31Lines, Lettering and Dimensioning

The arrowhead used at the end of a dimension line should have a length-to-width ratio of approximately:

  1. 3:1 Correct answer.
  2. 1:1
  3. 1:3
  4. 6:1

Explanation

Standard arrowheads are about 3 mm long and 1 mm wide for a 3.5 mm drawing, giving a slender 3:1 proportion. This shape reads clearly at normal reproduction sizes.

Question 32Lines, Lettering and Dimensioning

A circular hole of diameter 20 mm is dimensioned with a leader carrying the diameter symbol. If the same hole appears in a sectional view, the recommended practice is to:

  1. Repeat the diameter note on the sectioned view so it can be read independently Correct answer.
  2. Omit the note because the hole was already dimensioned in the front view
  3. Replace the note with a radius value
  4. Show only the centre line without any value

Explanation

Each view that shows a feature should carry the information needed to read it, so a hole shown in section is normally re-dimensioned with the diameter symbol. This keeps the sectional view self-explanatory.

Question 33Lines, Lettering and Dimensioning

Which combination correctly pairs a line with its thickness in a standard drawing?

  1. Centre line - thick; visible outline - thin
  2. Visible outline - thin; hidden line - thick
  3. Visible outline - thin; dimension line - thick
  4. Visible outline - thick; dimension line - thin Correct answer.

Explanation

The visible outline is the heaviest line on the sheet, while dimension, extension, leader, hatching and centre lines are all drawn thin. This contrast makes the object shape dominant.

Question 34Lines, Lettering and Dimensioning

A drawing requires the word 'MACHINE' to be lettered with even spacing. The space between two adjacent letters is normally taken as:

  1. Zero, with letters touching
  2. Equal to the full letter height
  3. About one-fifth of the letter height Correct answer.
  4. About twice the letter height

Explanation

In single-stroke lettering the gap between letters is kept small, roughly one-fifth of the letter height, so the word reads as a unit. The space between words is larger, about the height of a letter.

Question 35Lines, Lettering and Dimensioning

A dimension of 0.5 mm is to be shown on a drawing where the smallest lettering is 2.5 mm. The accepted practice is to:

  1. Shrink the numeral to 1 mm so it fits inside the view
  2. Draw a leader outside the view and write the small value with its arrowheads outside Correct answer.
  3. Omit the dimension and rely on the scale
  4. Round the value up to 2.5 mm on the drawing

Explanation

Very small dimensions cannot be read if the numeral and arrows are crowded inside the view, so a leader is drawn outside the outline and the value is written there with the arrowheads pointing inward. The numeral height is never reduced below the standard size.

Question 36Lines, Lettering and Dimensioning

Which line type is used to show the alternate position of a moving part, such as a lever at the end of its travel?

  1. Extension line
  2. Break line
  3. Hidden line
  4. Phantom line Correct answer.

Explanation

A phantom line, drawn as a thin chain line with two short dashes between long dashes, shows the extreme or alternate position of a moving part. It is distinct from the centre line, which has only one short dash between long dashes.

Question 37Geometrical Constructions

In engineering drawing, a line drawn at 45° to the horizontal with alternate long and short dashes is used to indicate which feature?

  1. Centre line of a hole
  2. Hidden edge of the object
  3. Ground line of the object
  4. Cutting plane or section plane Correct answer.

Explanation

A chain line with alternate long and short dashes drawn at 45 degrees marks a cutting plane, showing where an imaginary cut is taken for a sectional view. The thick ends of the chain line show the viewing direction of the section.

Question 38Geometrical Constructions

A circle of 60 mm diameter is to be divided into 12 equal parts using a 30°-60° set square. Which construction gives the correct spacing of the division points?

  1. Step off a chord equal to the radius along the circumference Correct answer.
  2. Bisect two diameters and project the bisectors to the circle
  3. Step off the chord of 30° at the centre along the circumference
  4. Draw tangents at the ends of one diameter and join the intersections

Explanation

Stepping off the radius chord six times around a circle divides it into six equal parts, and bisecting each of those arcs gives twelve equal parts. This works because the chord of a 60-degree arc equals the radius of the circle.

Question 39Geometrical Constructions

While bisecting a straight line AB with a compass, the arcs drawn from A and B must have which radius for a clean, reliable bisector?

  1. Less than half of AB
  2. Exactly half of AB
  3. Exactly equal to AB
  4. More than half of AB Correct answer.

Explanation

The arcs from both ends must overlap, which happens only when each radius exceeds half the length of the line. The intersection of the two arcs then lies on the perpendicular bisector.

Question 40Geometrical Constructions

Which instrument setting is correct for drawing a circle of 25 mm radius with a bow compass?

  1. Set the lead point longer than the needle and adjust the nut to the scale reading
  2. Set the needle and lead points level, then adjust the knurled nut to the scale reading Correct answer.
  3. Set both points to the same length and open the legs by hand without the nut
  4. Set the needle point longer than the lead and adjust the nut to the scale reading

Explanation

Both points should be level so the needle sits at the centre while the lead touches the paper evenly. The radius is then set precisely with the knurled adjusting nut against the scale on the leg.

Question 41Geometrical Constructions

An angle of 75° is to be constructed using only a compass and straightedge. Which combination of basic constructions achieves it?

  1. Construct 90° and bisect it twice
  2. Construct 60° and bisect the 30° remainder of a right angle Correct answer.
  3. Bisect a 60° angle and add it to a 90° angle
  4. Construct 120° and bisect it once

Explanation

A right angle is first constructed, then a 60-degree angle is laid off inside it, leaving 30 degrees. Bisecting that 30-degree remainder gives 15 degrees, which added to 60 degrees produces 75 degrees.

Question 42Geometrical Constructions

To draw a regular hexagon of 40 mm side across corners, which construction is most direct?

  1. Draw a circle of 40 mm diameter and step off the side chord six times
  2. Draw a circle of 20 mm radius and step off the side chord six times
  3. Draw a circle of 80 mm radius and step off the side chord six times
  4. Draw a circle of 40 mm radius and step off the side chord six times Correct answer.

Explanation

In a regular hexagon the side equals the radius of the circumscribing circle, so a circle of radius 40 mm is drawn first. Stepping the 40 mm chord around that circle gives the six vertices directly.

Question 43Geometrical Constructions

In the conic construction, a point moves so that its distance from a fixed point always equals its perpendicular distance from a fixed straight line. Which curve is traced?

  1. Involute
  2. Hyperbola
  3. Parabola Correct answer.
  4. Ellipse

Explanation

Equal distance from a focus and from a directrix is the defining property of a parabola, whose eccentricity is exactly one. The fixed point is the focus and the fixed line is the directrix.

Question 44Geometrical Constructions

An ellipse has a major axis of 100 mm and a minor axis of 60 mm. What is the distance between its two foci?

  1. 60 mm
  2. 40 mm
  3. 100 mm
  4. 80 mm Correct answer.

Explanation

The focal distance from the centre is found from c equals the square root of a squared minus b squared, with a equal to 50 mm and b equal to 30 mm. This gives 40 mm from centre to each focus, so the foci are 80 mm apart.

Question 45Geometrical Constructions

Which construction produces a parabola by the rectangle method?

  1. Divide the base and the side of the enclosing rectangle into equal parts and draw lines from the vertex to the side divisions Correct answer.
  2. Unwind a string from the circumference of a circle
  3. Divide the base and the axis into equal parts and join corresponding points by a straight edge
  4. Draw concentric circles and join their intersections

Explanation

In the rectangle method, the base and one vertical side of the enclosing rectangle are divided into the same number of equal parts. Lines drawn from the vertex to the side divisions are cut by verticals from the base divisions to give points on the curve.

Question 46Geometrical Constructions

A line AB of 70 mm is to be divided in the ratio 3:4 using the similar-triangle method. How many equal parts are stepped off on the inclined line from A?

  1. 4
  2. 10
  3. 3
  4. 7 Correct answer.

Explanation

The ratio 3:4 means the whole line is treated as 3 plus 4, that is 7 equal parts. These seven parts are stepped off on an inclined line from A and then joined to B.

Question 47Geometrical Constructions

A tangent is to be drawn to a circle from an external point P. What is the first step?

  1. Draw a diameter perpendicular to OP
  2. Draw a chord through P and bisect it
  3. Draw a tangent at any point on the circle and extend it to P
  4. Draw a line from P to the centre and bisect it Correct answer.

Explanation

The line from the external point to the centre is drawn and bisected, and a semicircle on that line cuts the given circle at the tangent points. Joining P to those points gives the two tangents.

Question 48Geometrical Constructions

Two circles of radii 30 mm and 20 mm have their centres 60 mm apart. Which type of common tangent can be drawn?

  1. Both internal and external common tangents Correct answer.
  2. No common tangent at all
  3. Only external common tangents
  4. Only internal common tangents

Explanation

The circles are separate because the centre distance of 60 mm exceeds the sum of the radii, 50 mm. Separate circles therefore admit two external and two internal common tangents.

Question 49Geometrical Constructions

In a plain scale, the representative fraction is 1:50 and the scale is 120 mm long. What actual length does the full scale represent?

  1. 2.4 m
  2. 6.0 m Correct answer.
  3. 12.0 m
  4. 60.0 m

Explanation

The actual length equals the drawn length divided by the representative fraction, that is 120 mm multiplied by 50. This gives 6000 mm, which equals 6.0 m.

Question 50Geometrical Constructions

A diagonal scale is preferred over a plain scale when which measurement is required?

  1. The area enclosed by an irregular boundary
  2. An angle measured in degrees
  3. A distance in three successive units such as metres, decimetres and centimetres Correct answer.
  4. A very long distance reduced to a small sheet

Explanation

A diagonal scale reads three dimensions at once, for example metres, decimetres and centimetres, by dividing the first unit diagonally. A plain scale reads only two successive units.