Free Assistant Engineer - Soil Conservation Practice

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During compass surveying, a surveyor notices that the magnetic needle does not point exactly to the magnetic north but is deflected by a certain angle. What is this phenomenon called?

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Free Assistant Engineer - Soil Conservation Practice Questions

Assistant Engineer - Soil ConservationThe Assistant Engineer - Soil Conservation exam (Code: 696/2025) is conducted by Kerala Public Service Commission for recruitment to a government post in Soil Survey and Soil Conservation department. Candidates with a degree in Agricultural or Civil Engineering are eligible. The exam offers a pay scale of ₹55,200-1,15,300 with one vacancy available. Age limits apply with relaxations for reserved categories. The selection process involves direct recruitment with probation and mandatory training. Applications must be submitted online through the One Time Registration portal of Kerala PSC before the deadline.Exam Code: 696/2025One vacancyDegree in Agricultural/Civil Engineering requiredAge limit 20-36 yearsKerala PSCDirect RecruitmentNo application feeApply online before 04.02.2026 midnight via www.keralapsc.gov.in

Try 15 free syllabus-aligned practice questions for the Assistant Engineer - Soil Conservation exam. Each question includes instant feedback so you can learn as you go. No sign-up required.

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Q1. During compass surveying, a surveyor notices that the magnetic needle does not point exactly to the magnetic north but is deflected by a certain angle. What is this phenomenon called?

  1. Magnetic declination
  2. Local attraction
  3. Magnetic dip
  4. Variation

Q2. If a surveyor measures the horizontal distance between two points as 150 meters and the vertical difference in elevation as 10 meters, what is the slope between these points? (Slope = vertical difference / horizontal distance)

  1. 0.067
  2. 15
  3. 140
  4. 1.5

Q3. In compass surveying, what is the difference between fore bearing and back bearing of a survey line?

  1. Fore bearing is the angle measured clockwise from magnetic north to the line; back bearing is the angle measured counterclockwise
  2. Fore bearing is the bearing of a line in the forward direction; back bearing is the bearing of the same line in the opposite direction
  3. Fore bearing is always less than 90°, back bearing is always greater than 90°
  4. Fore bearing is the true north bearing; back bearing is the magnetic north bearing

Q4. Compare chain surveying with compass surveying in terms of their suitability for rough terrain.

  1. Chain surveying is more suitable because it requires less equipment
  2. Compass surveying is more suitable because it can measure directions without clear linear paths
  3. Both are equally suitable for rough terrain
  4. Neither is suitable for rough terrain

Q5. Conceptually, how does a topographic survey differ from a cadastral survey in terms of data collected and purpose?

  1. Topographic surveys focus on elevation and natural features; cadastral surveys focus on legal boundaries.
  2. Topographic surveys measure soil composition; cadastral surveys measure water depth.
  3. Topographic surveys are used only in urban areas; cadastral surveys are used only in rural areas.
  4. Topographic surveys are less accurate than cadastral surveys in all cases.

Q6. A surveyor measures a baseline of 150 m using a chain. If the chain length is 20 m but the chain is found to be 0.2 m too long, what is the corrected length of the baseline?

  1. 149.25 m
  2. 150.75 m
  3. 149.50 m
  4. 150.00 m

Q7. A surveyor uses a leveling instrument to measure the height difference between two points. If the instrument reading at point A is 1.250 m and at point B is 2.675 m, what is the elevation difference (B relative to A)?

  1. 1.425 m, B is higher than A
  2. 1.425 m, B is lower than A
  3. 3.925 m, B is higher than A
  4. 3.925 m, B is lower than A

Q8. Which surveying instrument is primarily used to measure horizontal and vertical angles accurately in the field?

  1. Theodolite
  2. Leveling Instrument
  3. Chain
  4. Plumb Bob

Q9. A topographic survey of a rectangular plot measures the following elevations at four corners (in meters): A=120, B=125, C=123, D=118. Calculate the average elevation of the plot.

  1. 121.5 m
  2. 121.0 m
  3. 121.5 m
  4. 121.0 m

Q10. {{IMAGE_PLACEHOLDER}}In the given compass survey traverse, the fore bearing of line AB is 45°, and the back bearing of line BC is 225°. If the magnetic declination is 5° east, what is the true bearing of line AB?

  1. 40°
  2. 50°
  3. 230°
  4. 220°

Q11. Which of the following is a fundamental principle of chain surveying?

  1. Measurement of horizontal angles using a theodolite
  2. Measurement of linear distances along the ground using a chain or tape
  3. Use of contour lines to represent elevation
  4. Triangulation using a total station

Q12. A survey line has a fore bearing of 70°. What is the back bearing of this line?

  1. 250°
  2. 110°
  3. 70°
  4. 290°

Q13. In a chain survey, offsets are taken to locate details away from the main survey lines. Which method is commonly used to measure perpendicular offsets?

  1. Using a tape held at an angle to the chain line
  2. Using a cross-staff or optical square to ensure perpendicularity
  3. Measuring diagonal distances and calculating perpendicular offsets
  4. Estimating offsets visually without instruments

Q14. What is the primary purpose of using a compass in surveying?

  1. To measure horizontal distances between points
  2. To determine the magnetic bearings of survey lines
  3. To measure vertical angles for levelling
  4. To calculate the area of a survey plot

Q15. In a scenario where you need to establish a horizontal plane for construction, which surveying instrument would you select and why?

  1. Theodolite, because it measures angles precisely
  2. Leveling Instrument, because it helps determine elevation differences
  3. Tachometer, because it measures distances quickly
  4. Compass, because it shows direction
Free Assistant Engineer - Soil Conservation Practice Questions | Kerala PSC Prep