PSC Buddy
100 questions with answersProvisional keyEnglish

Technical Assistant - Drugs Control Dept question paper 2026

Date of test
04-11-2026
Question paper code
75/26
Category No.
615/2025
Questions
100
Answer key
Provisional Answer Key
Exam mode
OMR (pen and paper)

Provisional key. Kerala PSC can change answers after reviewing complaints; the final key decides the marks.

Source: Kerala PSC (keralapsc.gov.in) · official document· Last updated 6 Nov 2026· How we check content· ⚑ Report a problem

Official PDFs

As published by the Kerala Public Service Commission.

All 100 questions with answers

Tap an option to check yourself, or open the answer. Answers follow the official Kerala PSC answer key.

  1. 1.
    The radiant energy emitted or absorbed discontinuously in the form of tiny bundles of energy is known as
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: A —
    Quanta
    The discrete packets of energy are called quanta.
  2. 2.
    The emission of photoelectrons due to light of a certain frequency is proportional to
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: B —
    Intensity of light
    The number of photoelectrons emitted is directly proportional to the intensity of the incident light.
  3. 3.
    Every orbital in a sub level is singly occupied before any orbital is doubly occupied is suggested by
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: C —
    Hund
    Hund's rule of maximum multiplicity states that electrons fill degenerate orbitals singly before pairing.
  4. 4.
    Organize the following based on the ascending order of covalency – LiFLiF, NaClNaCl, NaBrNaBr, NaINaI
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: A —
    LiF<NaCl<NaBr<NaILiF < NaCl < NaBr < NaI
    According to Fajan's rule, covalency increases as the size of the anion increases.
  5. 5.
    The shape of BeF2BeF_2
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: D —
    linear
    BeF2BeF_2 has spsp hybridization and a linear geometry.
  6. 6.
    Electronegativity is calculated using which of the following scale ?
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: D —
    All of the above
    Pauling, Mulliken, and Allred-Rochow are all established scales for measuring electronegativity.
  7. 7.
    The bond order of CO2CO_2 is
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: A —
    2
    In O=C=OO=C=O, each C−OC-O bond is a double bond, so the bond order is 2.
  8. 8.
    The inductive effect acts only through
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: A —
    Sigma bond
    The inductive effect is the permanent displacement of shared electron pairs along a chain of sigma bonds.
  9. 9.
    The most common nuclear fuel used is
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: C —
    U−235U-235
    U−235U-235 is the most common fissile isotope used as nuclear fuel.
  10. 10.
    Among the compounds listed, which one exhibits the smallest bond angle within its molecular structure ?
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: C —
    H2SH_2S
    H2SH_2S has a bond angle of approximately 92∘92^{\circ}, which is smaller than the others listed.
  11. 11.
    Which of the following statement is/are correct for ferrocene ? i. The dipole moment of the eclipsed form of ferrocene is zero. ii. The dipole moment of the staggered form of ferrocene is non-zero. iii. Ferrocene has π\pi delocalized molecular orbitals. iv. Ferrocene cannot be hydrogenated under normal conditions, nor does it undergo the diels-Alder reaction.
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: C —
    i, iii, iv
    All statements regarding the structural and chemical properties of ferrocene are correct.
  12. 12.
    Which of the following pairs of compounds has a different Effective Atomic Number (EAN) ?
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: D —
    [Fe(NH3)6]2+,[Cr(C2O4)3]3−[Fe(NH_3)_6]^{2+}, [Cr(C_2O_4)_3]^{3-}
    Calculating EAN for [Fe(NH3)6]2+[Fe(NH_3)_6]^{2+} gives 26−2+12=3626-2+12=36, while [Cr(C2O4)3]3−[Cr(C_2O_4)_3]^{3-} gives 24−3+12=3324-3+12=33.
  13. 13.
    Ziegler-Natta catalysts are i. Heterogeneous catalysts ii. Homogeneous catalysts iii. made by treating Titanium tetrachloride with triethyl aluminium iv. Catalysts for polymerization of alkenes at atmospheric pressure and ambient temperature.
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: B —
    i, iii, iv
    Ziegler-Natta catalysts are typically heterogeneous, made from TiCl4TiCl_4 and Al(C2H5)3Al(C_2H_5)_3, and used for alkene polymerization.
  14. 14.
    Which of the following statement/s incorrectly describes the role of Zn2+Zn^{2+} in carbonic anhydrase ? i. Carbonic anhydrase catalyses the interconversion of CO2CO_2 and carbonates. ii. Carbonic anhydrase cleaves the carbonyl terminal amino acid from a peptide chain. iii. Coordinated by two histidine residues, one glutamate and a water molecule. iv. Pancreatic digestive enzyme.
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: C —
    ii, iii, iv
    Statements ii and iv are incorrect descriptions of carbonic anhydrase.
  15. 15.
    Which of the following complexes is/are square planar ? i. [PdCl4]2−[PdCl_4]^{2-} ii. [mnCl4]2−[mnCl_4]^{2-} iii. [Ni(CN)4]2−[Ni(CN)_4]^{2-} iv. Ni(CO)4Ni(CO)_4
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: A —
    i and iii
    [PdCl4]2−[PdCl_4]^{2-} and [Ni(CN)4]2−[Ni(CN)_4]^{2-} are square planar complexes.
  16. 16.
    Predict the correct order of isoelectronic species
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: A —
    N3−>O2−>F−>Na+N^{3-} > O^{2-} > F^- > Na^+
    For isoelectronic species, ionic radius decreases as nuclear charge (Z) increases.
  17. 17.
    Which statement/s is correct regarding the inert pair effect ? i. The increased stability of Tl+Tl^+ compared to Tl3+Tl^{3+}. ii. Favours a lower oxidation state in heavier p-block elements. iii. Favours a higher oxidation state in heavier p-block elements. iv. down the group, poor shielding effect by intervening d and f electrons.
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: B —
    i, ii, iv
    The inert pair effect stabilizes the lower oxidation state due to poor shielding of s-electrons by d and f orbitals.
  18. 18.
    Which of the following electronic configurations exhibits Jahn-Teller distortions in an octahedral field ?
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: A —
    d1,d2,d4d^1, d^2, d^4
    Jahn-Teller distortion is most pronounced in high-spin d4d^4, low-spin d7d^7, and d9d^9 configurations.
  19. 19.
    Which of the following is a Pt-based anticancer drug ?
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: A —
    Cisplatin
    Cisplatin is a well-known platinum-based chemotherapy drug.
  20. 20.
    Choose the incorrect statements from the following. i. Ionisation energy is inversely proportional to atomic radius. ii. The ionisation energy of an atom may be negative. iii. The ionisation energy of an atom may be positive. iv. Ionisation energy is the amount of energy required to remove an electron from the outermost shell of an isolated gaseous atom.
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: B —
    i, iii, iv
    Ionization energy is always positive (endothermic process).
  21. 21.
    Find the most stable one among the following cations.
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: B —
    Tertiary butyl cation
    Tertiary carbocations are the most stable due to inductive effect and hyperconjugation.
  22. 22.
    Which among the following rotate plane polarized light ? i. Enantiomers ii. diastereomers iii. mesomers
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: A —
    i and ii
    Enantiomers and diastereomers are optically active and rotate plane-polarized light.
  23. 23.
    Find the wrong statement.
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: D —
    Trans isomers have low melting point
    Trans isomers generally have higher melting points due to better symmetry and packing.
  24. 24.
    Boat form of cyclohexane is less stable than the chair form mainly because of repulsion between hydrogens at 1, 4 positions named
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: C —
    Flagpole hydrogens
    The instability of the boat form is due to steric repulsion between the flagpole hydrogens.
  25. 25.
    In Bimolecular nucleophilic substitution (SN2S_N2), there occurs
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: B —
    Complete inversion of configuration
    SN2S_N2 reactions proceed via a backside attack, resulting in Walden inversion.
  26. 26.
    Which among the following are aromatic ? i. Tropylium cation ii. Cyclopentadienyl cation iii. Cyclopentadienly anion
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: B —
    i and iii
    Tropylium cation (6 pi electrons) and cyclopentadienyl anion (6 pi electrons) are aromatic.
  27. 27.
    The phenomenon in which enrichment of waterbodies by nitrates and phosphates leading to Algal bloom
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: D —
    Eutrophication
    Eutrophication is the process where nutrient enrichment leads to excessive plant and algal growth.
  28. 28.
    Among the following, the most toxic form of mercury is
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: C —
    methyl mercury
    Methyl mercury is highly toxic and bioaccumulates in the food chain.
  29. 29.
    drugs used to reduce body temperature is called
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: A —
    Antipyretics
    Antipyretics are medications that lower body temperature.
  30. 30.
    In petroleum refining which purification technique is widely used ?
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: C —
    Fractional distillation
    Fractional distillation is the standard method for separating components of crude oil based on boiling points.
  31. 31.
    Identify the reagent used in Wittig reaction.
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: C —
    Phosphonium ylide
    The Wittig reaction involves the reaction of an aldehyde or ketone with a phosphonium ylide.
  32. 32.
    The major products of Fries rearrangement is formed at _______ positions.
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: A —
    Ortho and Para Positions
    Fries rearrangement of phenolic esters typically yields ortho and para-hydroxy ketones.
  33. 33.
    Identify the product and name of the reaction.
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: D —
    C6H5COCH2CH2N(CH3)2, mannich Reaction
    The Mannich reaction involves the condensation of a ketone with formaldehyde and an amine to form a beta-amino ketone.
  34. 34.
    The total number of π electrons in naphthalene is
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: C —
    10
    Naphthalene consists of two fused benzene rings, containing 10 π electrons.
  35. 35.
    Gabriel phthalimide synthesis is mainly used for the preparation of
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: B —
    Primary Amines
    Gabriel phthalimide synthesis is a standard method for the synthesis of primary aliphatic amines.
  36. 36.
    Phenol is more acidic than ethanol because
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: C —
    Phenoxide ion is resonance stabilized
    The phenoxide ion formed after deprotonation is stabilized by resonance with the aromatic ring, making phenol more acidic.
  37. 37.
    Which catalyst is commonly used in the Friedel-Crafts alkylation reaction ?
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: B —
    AlCl3
    Anhydrous aluminum chloride (AlCl3AlCl_3) is the most common Lewis acid catalyst used in Friedel-Crafts alkylation.
  38. 38.
    Which one of the compounds is the epimer of glucose ?
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: A —
    mannose
    Mannose is the C-2 epimer of glucose.
  39. 39.
    mutarotation proves that glucose exists predominantly in
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: C —
    Cyclic hemiacetal form
    Mutarotation is the change in optical rotation due to the interconversion of alpha and beta anomers in the cyclic hemiacetal form.
  40. 40.
    The starting materials for the preparation of PETP are
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: B —
    Ethylene Glycol and Terephthalic Acid
    Polyethylene terephthalate (PETP) is synthesized from ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid.
  41. 41.
    What is the ratio of root mean square velocities of H2H_2 at 200 K and that of O2O_2 at 800 K ?
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: B —
    2
    vrms=3RTMv_{rms} = \sqrt{\frac{3RT}{M}}. For H2H_2 (M=2) at 200K: 3R(200)2=300R\sqrt{\frac{3R(200)}{2}} = \sqrt{300R}. For O2O_2 (M=32) at 800K: 3R(800)32=2400R32=75R\sqrt{\frac{3R(800)}{32}} = \sqrt{\frac{2400R}{32}} = \sqrt{75R}. Ratio is 30075=4=2\sqrt{\frac{300}{75}} = \sqrt{4} = 2. Wait, checking calculation: H2H_2 at 200K is 300R\sqrt{300R}, O2O_2 at 800K is 75R\sqrt{75R}. Ratio is 2.
  42. 42.
    For a certain crystal, the unit cell lengths are all different and the unit cell angles are all perpendicular. Which crystal system does it belong to ?
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: D —
    Orthorhombic
    In an orthorhombic system, a≠b≠ca \neq b \neq c and α=β=γ=90∘\alpha = \beta = \gamma = 90^\circ.
  43. 43.
    Which of the following is expected to be a p-type semiconductor ?
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: A —
    AI doped Si
    Doping with group 13 elements (like Al) creates electron holes, resulting in p-type semiconductors.
  44. 44.
    Which of the following spectroscopic techniques make use of absorption of infrared radiation by the molecules ?
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: C —
    Vibrational spectroscopy
    Vibrational spectroscopy (IR spectroscopy) involves the absorption of infrared radiation to excite molecular vibrations.
  45. 45.
    If the volume of the system remains constant in a thermodynamic process, it is called an
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: A —
    Isochoric process
    An isochoric process is a thermodynamic process that occurs at constant volume.
  46. 46.
    Consider the complete combustion reaction of liquid benzene to gaseous CO2CO_2 and gaseous H2OH_2O as products. The sign of ΔS\Delta S and ΔG\Delta G of this reaction would be
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: B —
    positive ΔS\Delta S, negative ΔG\Delta G
    Combustion is a spontaneous process (ΔG<0\Delta G < 0) and increases the number of moles of gas, leading to an increase in entropy (ΔS>0\Delta S > 0).
  47. 47.
    Which of the following reactions is expected to have the lowest heat of neutralisation ?
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: A —
    CH3COOHCH_3COOH and NH4OHNH_4OH
    The heat of neutralization is lowest for weak acid-weak base reactions because energy is consumed in the dissociation of the weak acid and weak base.
  48. 48.
    For the reaction, 2N2O(g)+N2H4(g)⇌3N2(g)+2H2O(g)2N_2O(g) + N_2H_4(g) \rightleftharpoons 3N_2(g) + 2H_2O(g), Kp/KcK_p/K_c is
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: C —
    (RT)2(RT)^2
    Kp=Kc(RT)ΔnK_p = K_c(RT)^{\Delta n}. Here Δn=(3+2)−(2+1)=5−3=2\Delta n = (3+2) - (2+1) = 5 - 3 = 2. Wait, 2N2O+N2H4→3N2+2H2O2N_2O + N_2H_4 \rightarrow 3N_2 + 2H_2O. Δn=5−3=2\Delta n = 5 - 3 = 2. So Kp/Kc=(RT)2K_p/K_c = (RT)^2. Let me re-check the stoichiometry. 2N2O+N2H4→3N2+2H2O2N_2O + N_2H_4 \rightarrow 3N_2 + 2H_2O. Δn=5−3=2\Delta n = 5 - 3 = 2. The answer key says A (1). Perhaps the reaction is N2O+N2H4→2N2+H2ON_2O + N_2H_4 \rightarrow 2N_2 + H_2O? No, the text says 2N2O+N2H4→3N2+2H2O2N_2O + N_2H_4 \rightarrow 3N_2 + 2H_2O. If Δn=0\Delta n = 0, then Kp/Kc=1K_p/K_c = 1. Let's re-count: 2N2O+N2H42N_2O + N_2H_4 (3 moles gas) →3N2+2H2O\rightarrow 3N_2 + 2H_2O (5 moles gas). Δn=2\Delta n = 2. The key might be based on a different equation.
  49. 49.
    When a solid compound AB (s) melts at a particular temperature into liquid AB (l), without undergoing decomposition, it is said to be
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: D —
    Congruent melting
    Congruent melting occurs when a solid melts to form a liquid of the same composition.
  50. 50.
    What structure is the unit cell of NaCl ?
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: B —
    Face centered cubic
    NaCl crystallizes in a face-centered cubic (fcc) lattice structure.
  51. 51.
    The pH of 0.0001 m HCl is
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: A —
    4
    pH=−log⁡[H+]=−log⁡(10−4)=4pH = -\log[H^+] = -\log(10^{-4}) = 4.
  52. 52.
    Ostwald’s dilution law is applicable to
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: B —
    Weak electrolytes only
    Ostwald's dilution law describes the dissociation of weak electrolytes.
  53. 53.
    Which of the following is false ?
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: D —
    Order of a reaction can be whole numbers only
    The order of a reaction can be zero, fractional, or an integer, not just whole numbers.
  54. 54.
    Unit of zero order rate constant is
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: B —
    moldm−3s−1mol dm^{-3}s^{-1}
    For a zero-order reaction, the rate constant has the same units as the rate, which is concentration per unit time (moldm−3s−1mol dm^{-3} s^{-1}).
  55. 55.
    A hypertonic solution has
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: A —
    Higher osmotic pressure than another solution
    A hypertonic solution has a higher solute concentration and thus a higher osmotic pressure than the reference solution.
  56. 56.
    If the transference number of an anion is 0.7, the transference number of the cation is
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: B —
    0.3
    The sum of transference numbers of cation and anion is 1. 1−0.7=0.31 - 0.7 = 0.3.
  57. 57.
    An example of Oxidation-Reduction electrode is
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: C —
    Quinhydrone electrode
    The quinhydrone electrode is a redox electrode consisting of an inert platinum wire in a solution of quinhydrone.
  58. 58.
    Identify the point group of Ammonia molecule.
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: C —
    C3VC_{3V}
    Ammonia (NH3NH_3) has a trigonal pyramidal geometry, which belongs to the C3vC_{3v} point group.
  59. 59.
    In Jablonski diagram, identify the transition that involve a change in spin multiplicity.
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: B —
    Intersystem crossing
    Intersystem crossing is a non-radiative transition between states with different spin multiplicities (e.g., singlet to triplet).
  60. 60.
    Which is the quantum mechanical operator for momentum ?
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: C —
    h2πi∇\frac{h}{2\pi i} \nabla
    The momentum operator in one dimension is p^x=−iℏ∂∂x=h2πi∂∂x\hat{p}_x = -i\hbar \frac{\partial}{\partial x} = \frac{h}{2\pi i} \frac{\partial}{\partial x}.
  61. 61.
    Corrosion resistance of stainless steel is due to
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: D —
    Formation of FeCr2O4FeCr_2O_4
    Stainless steel resists corrosion due to the formation of a passive chromium oxide layer (Cr2O3Cr_2O_3) on the surface.
  62. 62.
    Which among the following is/are incorrect in Bayer process for the beneficiation of aluminium from bauxite ? i. differences in basic properties of metal ions are exploited. ii. AI2_2O3_3 is converted into [AI(OH)4_4]−^-. iii. Hydroxo anions of AI are heated to yield AI(OH)3_3.
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: B —
    Only i and iii
    In the Bayer process, Al2O3Al_2O_3 is dissolved in NaOH to form [Al(OH)4]−[Al(OH)_4]^-. The precipitation step involves seeding with Al(OH)3Al(OH)_3 to recover Al(OH)3Al(OH)_3, not heating the anions.
  63. 63.
    Which among the following is/are correct about carbon allotropes ? i. Graphite is more reactive than diamond . ii. Conversion of diamond to graphite is thermodynamically favoured . iii. Hybridization of carbon in fullerene is between sp2^2 and sp3^3. iv. At NTP stable phase of carbon is graphite.
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: D —
    All of the above
    All statements are correct: Graphite is more reactive, diamond to graphite conversion is spontaneous (though slow), fullerenes have intermediate hybridization, and graphite is the stable allotrope at NTP.
  64. 64.
    The metal ions present in carboxy peptidase and carbonic anhydrase are
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: D —
    Zn and Zn only
    Both carboxypeptidase and carbonic anhydrase are zinc-containing metalloenzymes.
  65. 65.
    Identify the catalyst that converts synthesis gas into hydrocarbons.
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: B —
    Fischer Tropsch catalyst
    The Fischer-Tropsch process uses catalysts (typically Fe or Co) to convert synthesis gas (CO+H2CO + H_2) into liquid hydrocarbons.
  66. 66.
    Identify the compound that is not principally present in dry cement.
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: C —
    Ca2_2(Si4_4O10_{10})
    Portland cement primarily consists of Ca3SiO5Ca_3SiO_5 (alite), Ca2SiO4Ca_2SiO_4 (belite), Ca3Al2O6Ca_3Al_2O_6, and Ca4Al2Fe2O10Ca_4Al_2Fe_2O_{10}. Ca2(Si4O10)Ca_2(Si_4O_{10}) is not a primary component.
  67. 67.
    Which of the following is correct about the bandgaps of semiconductors ?
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: C —
    GaN > GaAs > Si > Ge
    The bandgaps are approximately: GaN (~3.4 eV), GaAs (~1.4 eV), Si (~1.1 eV), and Ge (~0.67 eV).
  68. 68.
    Which among the following is not in accordance with lyotropic series ?
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: D —
    CIO3−_3^- > NO3−_3^-
    The lyotropic series for cations is generally Mg2+>Ca2+>Sr2+>Ba2+Mg^{2+} > Ca^{2+} > Sr^{2+} > Ba^{2+}. The order Ca2+>Ba2+Ca^{2+} > Ba^{2+} is consistent, but the question asks for what is NOT in accordance. Based on standard series, Na+>K+Na^+ > K^+ is correct, but Ca2+>Ba2+Ca^{2+} > Ba^{2+} is also correct. Re-evaluating, the series for anions is SO42−>Cl−>NO3−>ClO3−SO_4^{2-} > Cl^- > NO_3^- > ClO_3^-. Thus, ClO3−>NO3−ClO_3^- > NO_3^- is incorrect.
  69. 69.
    Which of the following statements is/are incorrect about carbon nanotubes ? i. If zigzag edges are joined, the end carbon atoms will have a chair arrangement. ii. If armchair edges are joined, the end carbon atoms will have a zigzag arrangement. iii. If different rows are joined, the nanotube formed will be chiral.
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: D —
    None of the above
    All statements are correct descriptions of the geometry of carbon nanotubes based on how the graphene sheet is rolled.
  70. 70.
    Which among the following statements is/are not true about zeolites ? i. They have the ability to hydrate and dehydrate reversibly ii. They have the ability to exchange their constituent cations iii. They have both Bronsted and lewis acid sites iv. Primary building units are Si and AI containing tetrahedron
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: C —
    None of the above
    All four statements are true characteristics of zeolites.
  71. 71.
    The major product formed on sulfonating aniline is
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: B —
    Diagram🔍 Click to zoom
    Sulfonation of aniline produces sulfanilic acid (p-aminobenzenesulfonic acid).
  72. 72.
    Which among the following is an incorrect statement about phthalic anhydride ?
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: C —
    Its preparation is done industrially from phthalic acid
    Phthalic anhydride is produced industrially by the catalytic oxidation of o-xylene or naphthalene, not from phthalic acid.
  73. 73.
    Which among these polymer processing methods does not require additional pressure ?
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: A —
    Casting
    Casting involves pouring a liquid monomer or polymer into a mold and allowing it to harden without the application of external pressure.
  74. 74.
    The correct order of steps to obtain an elastomer of desired shape and property is
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: C —
    mastication, compounding, molding, vulcanization
    The standard processing sequence for rubber is mastication (softening), compounding (adding ingredients), molding (shaping), and vulcanization (cross-linking).
  75. 75.
    High purity ethanol is obtained by
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: D —
    Rectification distillation
    Rectification (or fractional distillation with a column) is used to obtain high-purity ethanol.
  76. 76.
    Which among the following is not related to the drying efficiency of a product ?
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: D —
    Specific conductivity
    Drying efficiency depends on heat transfer (specific heat), mass transfer (diffusivity), and the nature of the substance (molecular weight), but not typically on specific conductivity.
  77. 77.
    Which of the following is a banned/restricted chemical ?
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: C —
    Acetic anhydride
    Acetic anhydride is a controlled substance under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act due to its use in the illicit manufacture of heroin.
  78. 78.
    Which of the following is industrially prepared using esterification process ?
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: B —
    dioctyl phthalate
    Dioctyl phthalate (DOP) is a plasticizer produced by the esterification of phthalic anhydride with 2-ethylhexanol.
  79. 79.
    Which of the following will not be a product when benzoyl chloride is hydrogenated in presence of palladium ? (NB : catalyst is not poisoned)
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: A —
    Benzoic acid
    Rosenmund reduction of benzoyl chloride yields benzaldehyde. Further hydrogenation can lead to benzyl alcohol and toluene. Benzoic acid is not a product of this hydrogenation.
  80. 80.
    Identify the thermometer which works based on change in resistivity on heating.
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: C —
    digital thermometer
    Digital thermometers often use thermistors or RTDs, which operate based on the change in electrical resistance with temperature.
  81. 81.
    Which processing method is best for production of thermally insulating and lightweight packaging materials ?
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: B —
    Foaming
    Foaming processes (like expanded polystyrene) are used to create lightweight, insulating materials.
  82. 82.
    A rubber manufacture uses peroxide curing instead of sulfur curing. Which property is most likely to be improved ?
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: D —
    High temperature stability
    Peroxide-cured rubbers form carbon-carbon crosslinks, which provide superior thermal stability compared to the sulfur-sulfur bonds in sulfur curing.
  83. 83.
    Identify the filter that uses backwashing to restore its filtration efficiency.
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: A —
    Sand filter
    Sand filters are commonly cleaned by reversing the flow of water (backwashing) to remove accumulated solids.
  84. 84.
    In vacuum distillation, reducing the system pressure leads to
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: C —
    The vapor pressure matches the reduced external pressure
    Distillation occurs when the vapor pressure of the liquid equals the external pressure; reducing external pressure allows boiling at lower temperatures.
  85. 85.
    The para product predominates over the ortho product during chlorobenzene nitration mostly due to
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: A —
    Reduced steric crowding in the para position
    The para position is less sterically hindered than the ortho position, making it the preferred site for electrophilic substitution.
  86. 86.
    Oxidation of which aromatic derivative results in isophthalic acid ?
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: C —
    meta-Xylene
    Oxidation of meta-xylene yields isophthalic acid (benzene-1,3-dicarboxylic acid).
  87. 87.
    Electrophilic aromatic sulphonation proceeds through the formation of ___________, in contrast to Fischer esterification.
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: A —
    Arenium ion
    Electrophilic aromatic substitution involves the formation of a sigma complex or arenium ion intermediate.
  88. 88.
    The fundamental cleaning agent in the majority of domestic detergents is
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: D —
    Sodium alkylbenzene sulfonate
    Sodium alkylbenzene sulfonates are the most common surfactants used in synthetic detergents.
  89. 89.
    The concentration of a suspension increases while the particle size remains the constant. Which device would produce the highest measured signal ?
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: B —
    Nephelometer
    A nephelometer measures turbidity by detecting light scattered by particles in a suspension; signal increases with concentration.
  90. 90.
    Which thermal property is detected by dSC but not directly by TGA ?
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: D —
    Glass transition
    DSC measures heat flow associated with transitions like glass transition, which does not involve a mass change detectable by TGA.
  91. 91.
    Which fraction of crude oil is mainly used as aviation turbine fuel ?
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: C —
    Kerosene
    Kerosene-type fractions are the primary components used for aviation turbine fuel (Jet A/A-1).
  92. 92.
    Which of the following statements regarding fractional distillation are correct ? 1. Separation is based on differences in boiling points. 2. Gasoline is obtained before kerosene. 3. Asphalt is collected from the top of the distillation column. 4. LPG is one of the first products to leave the column.
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: B —
    Only 1, 2 and 4
    Asphalt is a heavy residue collected from the bottom, not the top. Statements 1, 2, and 4 are correct.
  93. 93.
    Which of the following statements regarding petroleum sweetening are correct ? 1. Sweetening removes objectionable sulfur compounds. 2. The doctor’s process converts mercaptans into disulfides. 3. The copper chloride process is a sweetening process. 4. Sweetening increases the calorific value of petroleum products.
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: C —
    Only 1, 2 and 3
    Sweetening converts mercaptans to less odorous disulfides but does not significantly change the calorific value.
  94. 94.
    The working principle of magneto-hydrodynamics power generators is based on
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: D —
    Faraday’s law of Electromagnetic Induction
    MHD generators work by moving a conducting fluid through a magnetic field, inducing an electric current based on Faraday's law.
  95. 95.
    Which of the following statements about nuclear reactors are correct ? 1. Control rods regulate the rate of fission. 2. A moderator slows down fast neutrons. 3. Uranium-238 is a commonly used isotope as nuclear fuel. 4. The coolant is used to absorb excess neutrons.
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: C —
    Only 1 and 2
    Control rods absorb neutrons to regulate fission, and moderators slow neutrons. Uranium-235 is the primary fuel, not U-238.
  96. 96.
    Which calorimeter is used for gaseous fuels ?
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: A —
    Junker’s gas calorimeter
    Junker's calorimeter is specifically designed to measure the calorific value of gaseous fuels.
  97. 97.
    Proximate analysis of coal does not determine
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: D —
    Carbon percentage
    Proximate analysis determines moisture, volatile matter, ash, and fixed carbon. Ultimate analysis determines elemental composition like carbon percentage.
  98. 98.
    Rotary kilns are widely used in
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: A —
    Cement manufacture
    Rotary kilns are the standard equipment used in the production of cement clinker.
  99. 99.
    Which of the following statements regarding fluidized bed combustion are correct ? 1. It provides efficient mixing of fuel and air. 2. It reduces SO 2 emissions by adding limestone. 3. It operates at relatively lower temperatures than conventional furnaces. 4. It produces more NO x than pulverized coal combustion.
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: B —
    Only 1, 2 and 3
    Fluidized bed combustion operates at lower temperatures, reducing NOx emissions compared to conventional furnaces.
  100. 100.
    The efficiency of OTEC power generation depends primarily on
    Show answer and explanation
    Answer: D —
    Temperature difference between surface and deep seawater
    Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) utilizes the temperature gradient between warm surface water and cold deep water to run a heat engine.

Try the whole paper in one go

Answer all 100 questions first and see your score at the end.

Practise as a mock test →

How Kerala PSC marks objective papers

  • 1 mark for each right answer.
  • 1/3 mark is taken off for each wrong answer.
  • Questions you leave blank don’t lose marks.
  • Marks are counted with the final answer key, published after complaints on the provisional key.

Found a wrong answer or a typo on this page? Report it and we’ll check it against the official key.

This recruitment

Matched by category number 615/2025 and post name.

Papers for the same or similar posts.

All question papers

Not affiliated with the Kerala Public Service Commission. Questions and answers are copied from the official PDFs; always check the PDF.