bstc pump operator syllabus

BTSC Pump Operator Syllabus 2026, Know New Exam Pattern

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The Bihar Technical Service Commission (BTSC) conducts the Pump Operator Recruitment Exam to appoint skilled candidates for operating and maintaining water supply systems across Bihar. Candidates preparing for the BTSC Pump Operator Exam 2026 must have a thorough understanding of the latest syllabus and important topics to plan an effective preparation strategy.

This article provides a complete subject-wise syllabus, highlights important topics, and explains the exam pattern, helping aspirants focus on high-scoring areas.

BTSC Pump Operator Syllabus

The BTSC Pump Operator Syllabus mainly focuses on technical and basic knowledge required for operating water supply systems. The syllabus includes General Knowledge, General Science, Basic Mathematics, and Hindi Language. The technical section covers pump operation, types of pumps, electric motors, water supply systems, pipeline fitting, valves, maintenance and safety measures, and basic electrical knowledge. Candidates should also study simple mechanical concepts, tools used in pump operation, and workplace safety rules. Questions are generally of objective type, testing practical understanding and problem-solving ability related to pump operation and maintenance.

BTSC Pump Operator Exam 2026: Overview

The BTSC Pump Operator exam is designed to assess both technical knowledge related to pump operation and basic general aptitude required for government service. The selection process generally includes:

  • Written Examination (Objective Type)

  • Document Verification

The written exam mainly focuses on technical subjects, general studies, and basic mathematics & reasoning.

BTSC Pump Operator Syllabus 2026: Subject-wise

Machinist :
1. Drill, Tap, Die-types & application. Determination of tap drill size. Basic terminology related to screw thread. Reamer- material, types (Hand and machine reamer), parts and their uses, determining hole size for reaming, Reaming procedure.
2. Vernier height gauge: construction, graduations, Vernier setting & reading. Care and maintenance of Vernier height Gauge. Vernier caliper-its parts, principle, reading, uses & care. Outside micrometrics parts, principle, reading, uses, Reading of Vernier Micrometer), care & maintenance.
3. Drilling machines-types &their application, construction of Pillar & Radial drilling machine. Countersunk, counter bore and spot facing-tools and nomenclature. Cutting Speed, feed, depth of cut and Drilling time calculations.
4. Interchangeability: Necessity in Egg., field, Limit- Definition, types, terminology of limits and fits basic size, actual size, deviation, high and low limit, zero-line, tolerance zone, allowances. Different standard systems of fits and limits. (British standard system & BIS system)
5. Slotter– Classification, principle, construction, Safety precaution. Introduction and their indexing process on a Slotter by its Rotary table graduations. Driving mechanisms, quick return motion and speed ratio. Safety points to be observed while working on a Slotter. Job holding devices-vice, clamps, V-block, parallel block etc. Slotting tools- types, tool angles. Spline – types and uses.
6. Coolant & lubricant –Introduction, types, properties, application & applying methods.
7. Milling Machine: Introduction, types, parts, construction and specification. Driving and feed mechanism of Milling Machine. Different types of milling cutters & their use. Cutter nomenclature. Different milling operations – plain, face, angular, form, slot, gang and straddle milling etc. Up and down milling. Different types of milling attachments and their uses.
8. Jigs and Fixtures– Introduction, principle, types, use, advantages & disadvantages. Properties of metals general idea of physical, mechanical properties of metals, colour, weight, hardness toughness, malleability, ductility their effect on machinability.
9. Heat Treatment – Introduction, necessity, types, Purposes, different methods of Heat Treatment. Heat Treatment of Plain Carbon Steel. Indexing-introduction & types. Indexing head-types & constructional details, function of indexing plates and the sector arms. Calculation for direct and simple indexing.
10. Grinding – Introduction, grinding wheel- abrasive, types, bond, grade, grid, structure, standard marking system of grinding wheel, selection of the grinding wheel. Dressing, types of dresser. Glazing and Loading of wheels – its causes and remedies. Roughness values and their symbols.
11. Surface Grinder –Types, Parts, construction, use, methods of surface grinding
12. Cylindrical grinder: Introduction, parts, construction, types, specification, safety, different methods of cylindrical grinding. Cutting speed, feed, depth of cut, machining time calculation. Wet grinding and dry grinding, various types of grinding wheels and their application, grinding defects and remedies.
13. Tool & cutter grinder- Introduction, parts, construction, use and specification, different types of tool rest & their application. Various methods of cutter grinding. Various cutter grinding attachments and their uses.
14. Geometrical tolerances, definition, symbol and their application. Depth Micrometer – Parts, reading, uses and safety. Different types of micrometers and their uses. Inside Micrometer – its parts, reading and uses. Bore Dial Gauge – its parts, reading and uses. Telescopic gauge. Gauges – different types and their uses, difference between Gauges and Measuring Instruments. Gear introduction, use and type. Elements of a spur gear. Gear tooth of each forms types, merits and demerits of each.
15. Vertical Milling Machine- its parts. Method of boring in Vertical milling. Difference between Horizontal and Vertical Milling Machine. Reamer – types, elements and uses. Calculations for cutting Reamer. Twist drill-nomenclature, cutter selection. Calculations for cutting twist drill.
16. VMC.CNC technology basics, Comparison between CNC VMC and conventional milling machines. Concepts of positioning accuracy, repeatability. CNC VMC machine elements and their functions -bed, chuck, Auto tool changer (ATC), ball screws, guide ways, LM guides, coolant system, hydraulic system, chip conveyor, rotary table, pallet changer, console, spindle motor and drive, axes motors, encoders, control switches. Feedback, CNC interpolation, open and close loop control systems. Machining operations and the tool paths in them – Face milling, Side milling, Pocket milling, Drilling, Countersinking, Rigid tapping, floating tapping Reaming, Rough boring, Finish boring, Spot facing. Concept of Co-ordinate geometry& polar coordinate points, concept of machine axis, axes convention on CNC lathes, work zero, machine zero.
17. Absolute and incremental programming. Programming – sequence, formats, different codes and words. ISO G and M codes for CNC milling. Canned cycles for drilling, peck drilling, reaming, tapping, finish boring. Subprograms.
18. Writing part programs as per drawing & check using CNC program verification software. Process planning, work holding, tool and cutting parameters selection according to the part geometry and dimensions. Program checking in single block and dry run modes -necessity and method. Tool offsets adjustment on first part for close tolerance dimensions, by oversizing (for outside dimensions) or under sizing (for inside dimensions) the dimension to prevent part rejection.
19. Process planning & sequencing, tool layout & selection and cutting parameters selection. Work offset, tool length offset, tool radius offset. Work holding with temporary holding and fixtures. Truing of part and fixture. Machine operation modes – Jog, MDI, MPG, Edit, Memory. Entering and editing programs on machine console, entering offsets data in offsets page. Use of Emergency stop, Reset, Feed rate override, spindle speed override, edit lock on/off buttons and keys.
20. Collisions due to program errors, effects of collisions. Costs associated with collisions – tool breakage, machine damage, injuries. Program execution in different modes like manual, single block and auto. Collisions due to improper machine setup and operation – causes and effects. Recovering from collisions. State the importance of Helical inter-polar and thread milling, advantage and limitation in CNC machine.
21. Tool wear and necessity for wear offsets change, entering wear offsets in offsets page. Effects of sudden machine stoppage due to power shutdown or use of emergency stop. Restarting machine from sudden stoppage.
22. Means of program transfer through electronic media. Productivity concepts, cycle time, machine down time, causes of down time – breaks, machine breakdown, inspection, part loading and unloading, chip cleaning. Effect of down time on profitability, reducing down time. Machine hour rate, components of machine hour rate – principal repayment, interest, overheads (power, tooling, space, salaries, indirect expenses). Calculation of machining cost, cost of down time.
23. Cutter radius compensation (CRC) and why it is necessary. Cutting tool materials, application of various materials. Cutting tool geometry for face mill, end mill, drill, countersink, tap, finish bore, reamer. Insert holding methods face mill, insert type end mill and insert type drill. Insert cutting edge geometry. Cutting parameters- cutting speed, feed rate, depth of cut. Tool wear, tool life, relative effect of each cutting parameter on tool life. Selection of cutting parameters from a tool manufacturer’s catalogue for various operations.
24. Calculations for cutting helical slab/ cylindrical cutter. Calculations for cutting End Mill cutter. Bevel gear-elements, types, application, calculation for cutting bevel gear. Cam-types, elements & application, Plate cam manufacturing & calculations. Drum cam- its calculation, advantages, types of follower & its purposes. Worm wheel-application, elements & calculation, Worm-calculation. Types of Keys and their uses. Variation – types and causes. Testing of Gear and error.
Fitter
1. Theoretical concepts of fitter
2. Personality and Skill Development
3. Engineering Drawing
4. Measurement
5. Lathe machine
6. Pipe joints
7. Drilling
8. Hydraulics/
9. Workshop Calculation and Science
10. Communication Skills
11. Basics of computer
12. Practical of Fitter
Mathematics :
1. Problems on Numbers
2. Simplification and Approximation
3. Simple Equations
4. Quadratic Equations
5. LCM and HCF
6. Surds and Indices
7. Percentage
8. Speed Time and Distance
9. Time and Work
10. Ratio and Proportion
11. Boats and Stream
12. Interest
12. Averages
13. Partnership
14. Mensuration
15. Problem on Ages
General Knowledge :
1. History
2. Geography
3. Books and Authors
4. Static General Knowledge
5. Polity
6. Sports
7. Science and Technology
8. Current Affairs

BTSC Pump Operator Exam Pattern 2026

Duration: 120 Minutes

Negative Marking : 0.25

S.No Subject No.of Question Marks
1 Machinist 30 30
2 Fitter 30 30
3 Mathematics 20 20
4 General Knowledge 20 20
Total 100 100

BTSC Pump Operator Syllabus 2026 Important Topics

1. Technical Subject (Pump Operator / Mechanical Knowledge)

This is the most important section of the BTSC Pump Operator exam and carries maximum weightage. Questions are designed to test the candidate’s understanding of pump operation, maintenance, and basic mechanical concepts.

Important Topics:

  • Types of Pumps

    • Centrifugal Pump

    • Submersible Pump

    • Reciprocating Pump

    • Jet Pump

  • Components of Pumps

    • Impeller

    • Shaft

    • Bearings

    • Seals

  • Working Principle of Pumps

  • Pump Installation Procedures

  • Pump Efficiency and Performance

  • Cavitation and its Effects

  • Maintenance of Pumps

  • Common Pump Faults and Troubleshooting

  • Lubrication and Cooling Systems

  • Valves, Pipes, and Fittings

  • Basic Knowledge of Motors used with Pumps

  • Water Supply Systems

  • Borewell and Tube Well Operations

  • Safety Measures during Pump Operation

Preparation Tip: Focus on practical concepts and real-life applications. Diagrams and working principles are frequently tested.

2. General Knowledge (GK)

The General Knowledge section evaluates awareness of current events and basic knowledge about India and Bihar.

Important Topics:

  • Current Affairs (National & International)

  • Important Government Schemes

  • Indian History

  • Indian Geography

  • Indian Polity

  • Indian Economy (Basic Concepts)

  • Sports & Awards

  • Important Days and Events

  • Bihar State History and Geography

  • Culture, Festivals, and Rivers of Bihar

Preparation Tip: Read daily news and revise Bihar-specific GK regularly, as state-based questions are common.

3. General Science

This section tests fundamental understanding of science concepts relevant to daily life and pump operations.

Important Topics:

  • Physics

    • Force and Motion

    • Work, Energy, and Power

    • Pressure and Fluids

    • Heat and Temperature

    • Electricity and Magnetism

  • Chemistry

    • States of Matter

    • Acids, Bases, and Salts

    • Metals and Non-metals

    • Corrosion and Prevention

  • Biology

    • Human Body Systems

    • Diseases and Nutrition

    • Environment and Ecology

Preparation Tip: Focus more on Physics related to fluids, pressure, and electricity, as they are directly related to pump operation.

4. Mathematics

The Mathematics section is based on basic arithmetic concepts used in everyday calculations.

Important Topics:

  • Number System

  • Simplification

  • Percentage

  • Ratio and Proportion

  • Profit and Loss

  • Simple and Compound Interest

  • Time and Work

  • Time, Speed, and Distance

  • Average

  • Mensuration (Basic)

Preparation Tip: Practice numerical problems daily to improve speed and accuracy. Most questions are of 10th-level standard.

5. Reasoning Ability

The Reasoning section checks logical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Important Topics:

  • Analogy

  • Classification

  • Series (Number & Alphabet)

  • Coding-Decoding

  • Blood Relations

  • Direction Sense

  • Venn Diagrams

  • Syllogism

  • Puzzle (Basic Level)

Preparation Tip: This section is scoring. Regular practice of mock tests can help you secure full marks.

6. Hindi Language (Optional/Basic Level)

Some BTSC exams include basic Hindi language questions to test comprehension and grammar skills.

Important Topics:

  • Hindi Grammar (Vyakaran)

  • Synonyms and Antonyms

  • One-word Substitution

  • Idioms and Phrases

  • Sentence Correction

  • Comprehension Passage

Preparation Tip: Revise basic grammar rules and practice previous year questions.

Important Preparation Tips for BTSC Pump Operator 2026

  • Start with technical subjects, as they carry maximum marks.

  • Make short notes for pump components and working principles.

  • Practice previous year question papers.

  • Take online mock tests regularly.

  • Revise Bihar-specific GK frequently.

  • Focus on accuracy to avoid negative marking.

Conclusion

The BTSC Pump Operator Syllabus 2026 is well-balanced between technical knowledge and general aptitude. Candidates with a clear understanding of pump operation, maintenance, and basic mechanical concepts, along with strong preparation in GK, science, mathematics, and reasoning, can easily score high in the exam.

With proper planning, consistent practice, and syllabus-focused preparation, aspirants can significantly increase their chances of securing a BTSC Pump Operator government job in Bihar.

FAQs Based on BTSC Pump Operator 2026

1. What is the BTSC Pump Operator exam pattern?

The BTSC Pump Operator selection includes a Computer Based Test (CBT) with 100 multiple‑choice questions to be completed in 2 hours. Each correct answer gets 1 mark and 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer (negative marking).

2. What subjects are included in the BTSC Pump Operator syllabus?

The syllabus is broadly divided into technical (ITI trade) and non‑technical (matric level) parts:

  • Technical Questions (60) — from ITI trades: Machinist (30) and Fitter (30).

  • Non‑Technical Questions (40) — Mathematics (10th level) (20) and General Knowledge (20).

3. What topics should I prepare under “Machinist” and “Fitter”?

Though the official PDF isn’t directly accessible, common topics in Machinist/Fitter ITI syllabus usually include: tools and measuring instruments, machining operations, shop practice, limits & fits, basic trade theory and safety procedures — as typically taught in ITI Machinist/Fitter courses. (General trade understanding based on similar BTSC technical trades.)

4. Is there negative marking in the BTSC Pump Operator exam?

Yes. For every incorrect answer, 0.25 marks are deducted from the total score.

5. What language will the exam paper be in?

The exam is bilingual, conducted in Hindi and English.

6. How do they calculate qualifying marks for the BTSC Pump Operator exam?

Qualifying (minimum) marks vary by category. For example:

  • General (UR): ~40%

  • Backward / EBC classes: slightly lower percentages

  • SC/ST / Women / Divyang may have relaxations ~32%
    (Exact figures from unofficial source; always verify with official notification.)

7. Do I need ITI qualification for BTSC Pump Operator?

Yes — 10th pass + ITI in Fitter or Machinist trade is typically required to apply.

8. Are topics like reasoning or current affairs included in the syllabus?

No. The core subjects are technical trade knowledge, 10th level maths, and general awareness. Reasoning sections are not specifically part of the syllabus, unlike some other competitive exams.

9. How should I prepare for the General Knowledge portion?

Focus on basic general awareness, current affairs (national/state), and basic science — questions are simple and meant to test general GK at matriculate level.

10. Where can I download the official BTSC Pump Operator syllabus PDF?

The official BTSC website (btsc.bihar.gov.in) lists syllabi under the Syllabus section, but as of now, a direct syllabus PDF for Pump Operator might not yet be published there. Keep checking the official syllabus listings or the specific Advt. No. 32/2025 notification for updates.

About The Author

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Brajesh

Brajesh (MCA, M.Tech (IT)) is a passionate education and career content creator with a strong academic background in Computer Applications (MCA) and Technology (M.Tech). With years of hands-on experience in exam preparation strategies, syllabus analysis, and government job updates, he helps students and aspirants navigate their academic and professional journeys with clarity and confidence.

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