Maharashtra SSC Automotive Service Technician Pre-Voc/NSQF study plan
Maharashtra SSC Automotive Service Technician Pre-Voc/NSQF · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Automotive Engine Systems and Overhauling
Label and explain the function of every major component of a four-stroke SI engine (cylinder head, valves, camshaft, piston, rings, connecting rod, crankshaft, flywheel) using a cutaway or scrap engine.
Sequence the correct dismantling and reassembly order for an engine top-end overhaul, stating the torque-check and marking steps at each stage.
Measure cylinder bore, piston-to-bore clearance and ring end gap with a bore gauge, micrometer and feeler gauge, and record readings against a tolerance table.
Identify the causes of low compression, oil burning and abnormal engine noise, and match each symptom to the component most likely at fault.
Your checkpoint
A completed engine teardown-and-measurement worksheet for one engine, with at least 10 recorded measurements, each compared with its specified tolerance and marked pass or fail.
Automotive Engine Systems and Overhauling & Automotive Tools, Measuring Instruments and Workshop Practice
Explain the working of the lubrication and cooling systems, tracing oil and coolant flow from pump to return, and state the consequence of a blocked gallery or stuck thermostat.
Demonstrate correct use of vernier caliper, micrometer, dial indicator, feeler gauge, torque wrench and plastigauge on real components, and state the least count of each.
Describe valve timing and ignition timing relationships, and explain how to check camshaft alignment marks and set valve clearance on a cold engine.
Carry out a valve grinding and lapping procedure, then test seat sealing and record the result.
Your checkpoint
A measuring-instrument log showing five different instruments used on live components, with readings, least counts and a one-line note on the correct handling precaution for each.
Transmission, Clutch, Gearbox and Differential
Describe the construction and power flow of a single-plate dry clutch, and explain how pedal free play is measured and adjusted.
Trace power flow through a sliding-mesh and a synchromesh manual gearbox in at least three gear positions, naming each shaft and gear involved.
Explain the function of the differential and final drive, and calculate the overall gear ratio for a given gearbox ratio and final-drive ratio.
Diagnose clutch slip, clutch drag, gear jump-out and differential whine by matching symptoms to worn parts and describing the confirming test for each.
Your checkpoint
A hand-drawn power-flow diagram for a manual gearbox and differential covering first, third and reverse, with the overall reduction ratio calculated and shown for each.
Braking, Steering and Suspension Systems
Identify the parts of a hydraulic braking system (master cylinder, wheel cylinder, caliper, proportioning valve, servo) and explain the function of each in the pressure path.
Perform brake bleeding in the correct wheel sequence and explain why air in the circuit causes a spongy pedal.
Measure steering free play, toe-in and camber with the correct instruments, and state the effect of an incorrect setting on tyre wear.
Inspect shock absorbers, coil springs, leaf springs and ball joints, and decide pass, replace or monitor for each item against a wear limit.
Your checkpoint
A completed vehicle inspection sheet covering brakes, steering and suspension for one vehicle, with at least 12 checkpoints, a measured value or observation for each, and a clear pass, adjust or replace verdict.
Automotive Electrical and Electronic Systems & Occupational Safety, Health and Environment
Explain the layout of a 12 V vehicle charging and starting circuit, and test battery state of charge, alternator output and starter current draw with a multimeter and hydrometer or load tester.
Read a simple wiring diagram and trace a fault in a lighting or horn circuit using continuity and voltage-drop tests.
Demonstrate safe handling of a lead-acid battery, including correct jump-starting sequence and disposal of electrolyte-contaminated material.
Apply workshop safety rules: identify fire classes and the correct extinguisher for fuel, electrical and solid fires, and state the first-aid steps for acid splash on skin and eyes.
Your checkpoint
A written electrical fault-finding report for one simulated lighting or charging fault, listing each test performed, the reading obtained, the conclusion drawn and the repair made, plus a short battery-handling and first-aid checklist.
Fuel, Emission Control and Alternative Fuel Systems & Vehicle Diagnosis, Servicing and Preventive Maintenance
Describe the construction and working of a carburettor and a port fuel injection system, and state how air-fuel ratio affects CO and HC emissions.
Explain the function of catalytic converter, EGR valve, PCV valve and evaporative emission canister, and name one common failure mode for each.
Compare petrol, diesel, CNG and LPG as fuels in terms of storage, safety and servicing precautions, and state the extra precautions for CNG cylinder handling.
Prepare a preventive maintenance schedule for one vehicle at 10,000 km intervals, listing checks, replacements and fluid changes with the reason for each.
Your checkpoint
A one-page preventive maintenance schedule for a chosen vehicle covering 10,000, 20,000 and 40,000 km services, with each item justified in a short phrase and emission-related items clearly flagged.
Vehicle Body, Paint, Trim and Welding Basics & Employability Skills, Entrepreneurship and Customer Service
Identify body panels, trim fasteners and paint layers, and describe the correct preparation steps before applying primer and topcoat.
Demonstrate one welding joint (butt or lap) in the flat position, and state three safety controls for welding: eye protection, ventilation and fire watch.
Write a short customer-facing explanation of a repair, converting technical findings into plain language and stating the cost and time involved.
Draft a simple job card and estimate for a minor service, and list the records a small workshop must keep for tax and warranty purposes.
Your checkpoint
A sample job card and customer estimate for a minor service plus one body repair, together with a photograph or sketch of one completed practice weld and a three-line safety note for that welding process.
Vehicle Diagnosis, Servicing and Preventive Maintenance & Occupational Safety, Health and Environment & Automotive Tools, Measuring Instruments and Workshop Practice
Revise the safety, tools and measuring weak spots flagged in earlier weekly deliverables, and re-test each weak area with 20 practice questions.
Run a full mock test across all ten domains under timed conditions and score it by domain to find the remaining gaps.
Explain the correct sequence for a pre-delivery inspection and a road test, stating what is checked at each stage and why.
Prepare a one-page revision sheet of the 20 facts or procedures most often missed during the eight weeks.
Your checkpoint
A scored full-length mock test with a domain-wise score table, a list of the five weakest areas and a one-page final revision sheet covering them.
Milestones
Week 2: Can strip and reassemble an engine top end in the correct order, and can take and interpret bore, ring gap and clearance readings against a tolerance table without looking up the procedure.
Week 4: Can trace clutch-to-wheel power flow and calculate an overall gear ratio unaided, and can complete a brake, steering and suspension inspection sheet with correct pass, adjust or replace verdicts.
Week 6: Can diagnose a simple charging or lighting fault from a wiring diagram using voltage-drop and continuity tests, and can produce a justified 10,000 km preventive maintenance schedule.
Week 8: Scores at least 70 percent on the full mock test with no single domain below 50 percent, and has a written one-page revision sheet covering the five weakest areas.