Control Systems Engineering proves to be the most scoring and the least time consuming subject in the list. This can be prepared in one week from scratch and 3-4 days with some previous knowledge. I used B. S . Manke (Linear Control Systems) for this topic. Nagrath Gopal is also an alternative.
Here is my strategy to go through this topic.
Mathematical modeling of physical systems. Block diagrams and signal flow graphs and their reduction.
Read from Manke chapter 3 & 4. Go through all solved examples. no need to do unsolved questions.
Time domain and frequency domain analysis of linear dynamical system. Errors for different type of inputs and stability criteria for feedback systems.
Chapter 6 in Manke. write down derivations and formulas for all parameters like peak time, rise time, max overshoot, settling time etc. Properly go through error coefficients and error series.
Stability analysis using Routh-Hurwitz array, Nyquist plot and Bode plot. Root locus and Nicols chart and the estimation of gain and phase margin.
chapter 7 in Manke. Leave Nicols chart. Try not to attempt questions involving bode or nyquist plots to be plotted on graphs paper in Exam. Same should be attempted if asked to be drawn on notebook itself. Practice Routh Hurwitz thoroughly.
Basic concepts of compensator design.
Chapter 8 in Manke. Once understood, cram everything up for fast answers in exam. Comparison of both compensators should be written on a notebook. No need to study compensator design.
State variable matrix and its use in system modeling and design.
chalpter 9 in Manke. Direct decomposition and parallel decomposition should be done in no time. contollability and obsevability should be seen from system matrix directly(No need for Kalman's test)
Sampled data system and performance of such a system with the samples in the error channel.
I left this topic.
Control system components, electromechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic components.- Servomotors should be ready on fingertips. Don't dive deep in this section. Superficial study is sufficient.
-- Good Luck.
