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Past Questions — 2025
Marcus pays Rs. 1,000 to Toby with Rs. 50, Rs. 20 and Rs. 10 notes. If the total number of notes given is 40 and the number of Rs. 20 notes is 8, find the number of Rs. 50 notes in the payment.
A)
10
B)
18
C)
9
D)
13
Let the number of Rs. 50, Rs. 20, and Rs. 10 notes be $x$, $y$, and $z$ respectively.
From the given information:
1) Total number of notes: $x + y + z = 40$
2) Total value: $50x + 20y + 10z = 1000$
3) Number of Rs. 20 notes ($y$) = 8
Substitute $y = 8$ into the equations:
- From (1): $x + 8 + z = 40 \implies x + z = 32$
- From (2): $50x + 20(8) + 10z = 1000 \implies 50x + 10z = 840 \implies 5x + z = 84$
Now, subtract the first simplified equation from the second:
$(5x + z) - (x + z) = 84 - 32$
$4x = 52$
$x = 13$
Thus, the number of Rs. 50 notes is 13. Options a (10), b (18), and c (9) are incorrect because they do not satisfy the system of equations.
The value of 55 - [13 + {12 / (8 - 2)}] * 10 / 3 is :
A)
5
B)
6
C)
9
D)
10
To solve the expression, we apply the BODMAS rule (Brackets, Orders, Division/Multiplication, Addition/Subtraction):
1. **Solve the innermost parentheses**:
(8 - 2) = 6
2. **Solve the curly braces**:
{12 / 6} = 2
3. **Solve the square brackets**:
[13 + 2] = 15
4. **Substitute back into the expression**:
55 - 15 * 10 / 3
5. **Perform multiplication and division from left to right**:
15 * 10 / 3 = 150 / 3 = 50
6. **Perform subtraction**:
55 - 50 = 5
Thus, the correct value is 5 (Option a). Other options (b, c, and d) are incorrect because they result from applying the operations in an incorrect order or making calculation errors.
Choose a box that is similar to the box formed from the given sheet of paper (X):
A)
(1)
B)
(2)
C)
(3)
D)
(4)
To determine which box can be formed from the given sheet of paper (X), we use the fundamental rule of cube folding: **Opposite faces on an unfolded net can never be adjacent to each other in the folded cube.**
Based on the standard net of a cube (X):
1. The face with **1** is opposite to the face with **6**.
2. The face with **2** is opposite to the face with **5**.
3. The face with **3** is opposite to the face with **4**.
Now, let's analyze the given options:
- **Box (1)**: Shows faces **1, 2, and 3**. Since none of these faces are opposite to each other, they can all be adjacent. Thus, Box (1) can be successfully formed.
- **Box (2)**: Shows faces **1 and 6** adjacent to each other. Since 1 and 6 are opposite faces, they cannot be adjacent. Thus, Box (2) cannot be formed.
- **Box (3)**: Shows faces **2 and 5** adjacent to each other. Since 2 and 5 are opposite faces, they cannot be adjacent. Thus, Box (3) cannot be formed.
- **Box (4)**: Shows faces **3 and 4** adjacent to each other. Since 3 and 4 are opposite faces, they cannot be adjacent. Thus, Box (4) cannot be formed.
Therefore, only box (1) is correct, which corresponds to option **a**.
In Windows OS, the Recycle Bin does not store files deleted from:
A)
Desktop
B)
Internal hard disk
C)
Documents folder
D)
Removable drives (USB)
In Windows OS, the Recycle Bin acts as a temporary storage area for files deleted from the local internal storage.
1. **Internal Storage (Options a, b, and c):** Files deleted from the Desktop, the internal hard disk (C: drive, etc.), and the Documents folder are moved to the Recycle Bin. This allows users to restore them if they were deleted by mistake.
2. **Removable Storage (Option d):** When a file is deleted from a removable drive, such as a USB flash drive or an SD card, Windows does not move the file to the Recycle Bin. Instead, it is permanently deleted from the file system immediately. This is because removable drives are designed for portability and may not have a dedicated hidden system folder (like $Recycle.Bin) configured to handle deletions in the same way as the primary OS drive.
Therefore, files deleted from removable drives bypass the Recycle Bin entirely.
Which GUI element allows multiple applications to run simultaneously by sharing system resources?
A)
Multithreading
B)
Multitasking
C)
Multiprocessing
D)
Multiuser
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. The question asks for the capability that allows multiple applications to run simultaneously by sharing system resources.
2. Multitasking is the operating system's ability to execute more than one task (application) seemingly at the same time. In a single-processor system, this is achieved through 'time-slicing,' where the CPU switches between tasks so rapidly that it appears they are running concurrently.
3. Why other options are incorrect:
- Multithreading (a): This refers to the ability of a single application (process) to divide itself into two or more simultaneously running threads. It is a subset of multitasking but applies to a single program rather than multiple applications.
- Multiprocessing (c): This refers to the use of two or more Central Processing Units (CPUs) within a single computer system to execute instructions. While it enables multitasking, it is a hardware-level capability rather than the general OS concept of running multiple apps.
- Multiuser (d): This refers to an OS that allows multiple users to access the computer system concurrently (e.g., Linux servers), which is a different concept from application concurrency.
In networking, the primary function of a MAC address is:
A)
To uniquely identify a device on a local network
B)
To encrypt transmitted data
C)
To locate websites on the Internet
D)
To translate domain names into IP addresses
A MAC (Media Access Control) address is a unique hardware identifier assigned to a Network Interface Controller (NIC) by the manufacturer. It operates at the Data Link Layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model. Its primary purpose is to ensure that data packets are delivered to the correct physical device within a local area network (LAN).
Why other options are incorrect:
- Option b: Encryption is handled by security protocols (like SSL/TLS or IPsec), not by the MAC address.
- Option c: Locating websites on the Internet is the function of IP addresses and routing protocols.
- Option d: Translating domain names into IP addresses is the specific function of the Domain Name System (DNS).
Which of these is the primary application of VoIP?
A)
Encrypting document
B)
Faster file transfer
C)
Making calls over internet
D)
Offline access to notes
VoIP stands for 'Voice over Internet Protocol'. It is a technology that allows you to make voice calls using a broadband Internet connection instead of a regular (analog) phone line.
Step-by-step analysis of options:
- Option (a) 'Encrypting document' refers to cryptography or security software, not communication protocols.
- Option (b) 'Faster file transfer' refers to protocols like FTP (File Transfer Protocol) or SFTP, not voice communication.
- Option (c) 'Making calls over internet' is the exact definition and primary purpose of VoIP, as it converts voice signals into digital data packets to be transmitted over the IP network.
- Option (d) 'Offline access to notes' refers to local storage or caching mechanisms in software applications, which is unrelated to networking protocols like VoIP.
Which protocol is primarily used to send emails?
A)
FTP
B)
HTTP
C)
POP3
D)
SMTP
The question asks for the protocol primarily used to 'send' emails.
1. **SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)**: This is the standard protocol used for sending emails from a client to a server, or between servers. It acts as the 'delivery agent' for outgoing mail. Therefore, option (d) is correct.
2. **POP3 (Post Office Protocol version 3)**: This protocol is used to 'retrieve' or download emails from a server to a local client. It is for receiving, not sending. Thus, option (c) is incorrect.
3. **FTP (File Transfer Protocol)**: This is used for the transfer of files between a client and a server on a computer network, not for email communication. Thus, option (a) is incorrect.
4. **HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)**: This is the foundation of data communication for the World Wide Web (loading webpages). While web-based email (Webmail) uses HTTP to display the interface in a browser, the actual transmission of the email between mail servers is still handled by SMTP. Thus, option (b) is incorrect.
Which of the following is the correct order of the OSI model layers (bottom to top)?
A)
Application, Transport, Session, Network, Data Link, Physical, Presentation
B)
Physical, Data Link, Network, Transport, Session, Presentation, Application
C)
Physical, Data Link, Network, Session, Transport, Presentation, Application
D)
Transport, Network, Session, Physical, Data Link, Application, Presentation
The OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model is a conceptual framework used to understand network communications. It consists of seven layers. When ordered from bottom (Layer 1) to top (Layer 7), the sequence is:
1. Physical Layer (Bottom)
2. Data Link Layer
3. Network Layer
4. Transport Layer
5. Session Layer
6. Presentation Layer
7. Application Layer (Top)
Evaluating the options:
- Option (a) lists them from top to bottom, but incorrectly places Presentation after Physical.
- Option (b) correctly lists the layers from bottom to top.
- Option (c) incorrectly swaps the Session and Transport layers.
- Option (d) is in a random, incorrect order.
A common mnemonic to remember this order from bottom to top is: 'Please Do Not Throw Sausage Pizza Away'.
Which type of software acts as a mediator between hardware and user applications?
A)
Utility Software
B)
Firmware
C)
Middleware
D)
Operating System
An Operating System (OS) is a system software that manages computer hardware and software resources. It acts as an intermediary or mediator between the computer hardware and the user applications. Without an OS, every application would need to include code to communicate directly with the hardware (like the CPU, RAM, and Disk), which would be inefficient and complex. The OS provides a set of APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) and system calls that allow applications to request hardware resources in a standardized way.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Utility Software: These are programs designed to help analyze, configure, optimize or maintain a computer (e.g., antivirus, disk defragmenters). They do not act as the primary mediator between hardware and apps.
- b. Firmware: This is a specific type of software etched into a hardware device's non-volatile memory (like BIOS/UEFI). While it provides low-level control, it is not the general mediator for user-level applications.
- c. Middleware: This is software that lies between two existing applications or between an OS and an application to enable communication and data management (often used in distributed systems), but it does not manage the hardware itself.
A set of rules followed by each computer on a network for communication is called:
A)
Web
B)
HTTP
C)
Domain
D)
Protocol
In computer networking, a 'Protocol' is defined as a formal set of rules and conventions that govern how data is exchanged between devices on a network. Without these rules, computers would not be able to understand the electrical signals or data packets sent by another device.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Web: The World Wide Web is a system of interconnected hypertext documents accessed via the Internet; it is an application that uses protocols, not the set of rules itself.
- b. HTTP: Hypertext Transfer Protocol is a *specific* protocol used for transferring web pages, but the question asks for the general term for any set of rules followed by computers on a network.
- c. Domain: A domain is a unique name (like google.com) that identifies a website or a group of computers on a network; it is an addressing mechanism, not a set of communication rules.
Computer processing speed is usually expressed in?
A)
Bits per second (bps)
B)
Dots Per Inch (DPI)
C)
Gigahertz (GHz)
D)
Megabytes per sec (MB/s)
Computer processing speed refers to the clock speed of the Central Processing Unit (CPU), which is the number of cycles a CPU can execute per second. This is measured in Hertz (Hz). Modern processors operate at billions of cycles per second, which is expressed as Gigahertz (GHz).
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Bits per second (bps): This is a measure of data transfer rate or network bandwidth, not processing speed.
- b. Dots Per Inch (DPI): This is a measure of spatial printing or image scanner resolution.
- d. Megabytes per sec (MB/s): This is a measure of data throughput or storage read/write speed (e.g., for a hard drive or SSD), not the CPU's processing speed.
Which of the following best describes the difference between relative, absolute, and mixed references in Excel?
A)
Relative references remain fixed, absolute change with copying
B)
Absolute references change with copying, relative stay constant
C)
Relative adjust automatically, absolute remain fixed, mixed lock either row or column
D)
Mixed and relative are identical
In Microsoft Excel, cell referencing determines how a cell address behaves when a formula is copied or filled across other cells:
1. **Relative References**: These are the default references (e.g., A1). When you copy a formula containing a relative reference, Excel adjusts the reference based on the relative position of the rows and columns. For example, if you copy '=A1' one cell down, it becomes '=A2'.
2. **Absolute References**: These are locked references denoted by dollar signs (e.g., $A$1). The dollar signs fix both the column and the row. No matter where the formula is copied, it will always point to cell A1.
3. **Mixed References**: These lock only one part of the reference—either the row or the column (e.g., $A1 or A$1). In $A1, the column is fixed but the row changes; in A$1, the row is fixed but the column changes.
Evaluating the options:
- Option (a) is incorrect because it swaps the definitions of relative and absolute.
- Option (b) is incorrect because it also swaps the definitions.
- Option (c) is correct as it accurately describes all three types of references.
- Option (d) is incorrect because mixed and relative references behave differently.
Which feature in Powerpoint allows you to apply special effects when moving from one slide to another?
A)
Animations
B)
Transitions
C)
Slide Master
D)
Hyperlinks
In Microsoft PowerPoint, 'Transitions' are the visual effects that occur when you move from one slide to the next during a presentation (e.g., Fade, Push, Morph).
Here is why the other options are incorrect:
- a. Animations: These are special effects applied to individual elements (text, images, shapes) *within* a single slide, not the movement between slides.
- c. Slide Master: This is a tool used to maintain consistency across a presentation by controlling the layout, fonts, and colors for all slides.
- d. Hyperlinks: These are clickable links that jump to a different slide, a website, or a file; they do not provide visual effects for slide movement.
If a presentation is exported as a .ppsx file, it will:
A)
Open in edit mode
B)
Not play animations
C)
Open only in read-only view
D)
Open directly in Slide show mode
In Microsoft PowerPoint, the file extension .pptx is used for standard presentation files that open in the editor (Edit Mode) by default. However, the .ppsx extension stands for 'PowerPoint Show'. When a file is saved or exported as a .ppsx file, it is configured to bypass the editing interface and launch immediately into the full-screen Slide Show mode upon being opened.
Analysis of other options:
- Option (a) is incorrect because .pptx files open in edit mode, not .ppsx files.
- Option (b) is incorrect because .ppsx files retain all animations and transitions defined in the presentation.
- Option (c) is incorrect because 'read-only' is a permission setting, whereas .ppsx is a file format behavior. While you cannot edit it directly upon opening, it is specifically designed for presentation playback, not just 'viewing' in a document sense.
What is a web cookie in the context of internet browsing?
A)
Sent from a website and stored in user’s web browser while a user is browsing a website
B)
Sent from user and stored in the server while a user is browsing a website
C)
Sent from root server to all servers
D)
Sent from the root server to other root servers
A web cookie (HTTP cookie) is a small piece of data that a server sends to a user's web browser. The browser stores this data and sends it back to the same server with every subsequent request. This mechanism allows websites to 'remember' stateful information, such as user login sessions, shopping cart contents, or user preferences.
Analysis of options:
- Option (a) is correct because it accurately describes the flow: Website (Server) -> User's Browser (Storage).
- Option (b) is incorrect because cookies are primarily created by the server and stored on the client-side (browser), not sent by the user to be stored on the server (though the browser sends them back, the 'storage' location is the browser).
- Option (c) and (d) are incorrect as they refer to root servers, which are part of the Domain Name System (DNS) hierarchy and have nothing to do with the functionality of web cookies.
Which of the following Excel features allows you to restrict the type of data that can be entered into a cell?
A)
Data Validation
B)
Conditional Formatting
C)
Cell Protection
D)
Solver
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. Analysis of the requirement: The question asks for a feature that 'restricts the type of data' entered into a cell. This is a control mechanism to ensure data integrity.
2. Evaluating Option (a) Data Validation: This is the specific Excel tool used to define rules for what data can be entered into a cell. For example, you can restrict a cell to only accept whole numbers between 1 and 10, a date within a specific range, or a value from a predefined dropdown list. This matches the question perfectly.
3. Evaluating Option (b) Conditional Formatting: This feature changes the appearance (color, font, border) of a cell based on its value. It does not prevent or restrict the entry of data; it only reacts to data already entered.
4. Evaluating Option (c) Cell Protection: While protecting a sheet or cell can prevent a user from editing a cell entirely, it does not 'restrict the type' of data allowed; it either allows all changes or no changes.
5. Evaluating Option (d) Solver: This is an add-in used for what-if analysis to find an optimal value for a formula in one cell (the objective cell) subject to constraints. It is a mathematical optimization tool, not a data entry restriction tool.
Conclusion: Data Validation is the only feature designed to control and restrict the input type of a cell.
In GUI based Operating System design, the principle of ‘affordance’ means?
A)
Interfaces should provide multiple ways to do the same action
B)
The system provides feedback for every action
C)
Interfaces should look consistent across apps
D)
The design should suggest how an object can be used
In the context of GUI (Graphical User Interface) and User Experience (UX) design, 'affordance' is a term coined by James J. Gibson and later popularized in design by Don Norman. It refers to the properties of an object that show the user how to interact with it. For example, a button that looks 'raised' or 3D affords clicking; a slider affords dragging; and a text field with a blinking cursor affords typing.
Analysis of other options:
- Option (a) refers to 'Flexibility' or 'Redundancy' (providing multiple paths to a goal).
- Option (b) refers to 'Feedback' (the system communicating the result of an action).
- Option (c) refers to 'Consistency' (maintaining a uniform look and feel across the system).
Therefore, option (d) is the only correct definition of affordance.
Which advanced MS Word feature allows automatic generation of citations and bibliography in different styles (APA, MLA, Chicago)?
A)
Track Changes
B)
Reference Manager
C)
Insert Footnote
D)
Table of Authorities
The 'References' tab in MS Word contains a suite of tools for managing sources. The Reference Manager (specifically the 'Manage Sources' and 'Citations & Bibliography' group) allows users to input source details once and then automatically insert in-text citations and a full bibliography/works cited list. It supports various academic styles such as APA (American Psychological Association), MLA (Modern Language Association), and Chicago.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Track Changes: This is a review tool used to record edits made to a document; it has nothing to do with citations.
- c. Insert Footnote: While footnotes can be used for citations, they are manual entries and do not automatically generate a formatted bibliography in specific styles like APA or MLA.
- d. Table of Authorities: This is a specialized feature used primarily in legal documents to list cases, statutes, and rules cited in the text, rather than general academic bibliography management.
What does the “https://” part of a URL indicate?
A)
The protocol used to transfer data
B)
The server address
C)
The file location
D)
The search engine
A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) consists of several parts. The 'https://' part is known as the 'scheme' or 'protocol'.
1. **HTTPS** stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. It is the standard protocol used to communicate securely between a web browser and a web server. The 'S' at the end indicates that the data is encrypted via SSL/TLS.
2. **Option b (The server address)** is incorrect because the server address (or hostname) follows the protocol (e.g., 'www.google.com').
3. **Option c (The file location)** is incorrect because the file location or path comes after the domain name (e.g., '/images/logo.png').
4. **Option d (The search engine)** is incorrect because a search engine is a software application (like Google or Bing), not a part of the URL syntax itself.
In a URL such as https://www.example.com:443/index.html, the number 443 refers to:
A)
Port number
B)
IP address
C)
File size
D)
Security certificate ID
A Uniform Resource Locator (URL) consists of several components. In the provided example 'https://www.example.com:443/index.html':
1. 'https' is the protocol (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure).
2. 'www.example.com' is the hostname/domain name.
3. ':443' is the port number. A port is a communication endpoint that allows a computer to distinguish between different types of traffic (e.g., web traffic, email, FTP) arriving at the same IP address. Port 443 is the standard default port for HTTPS (secure web traffic), while port 80 is the default for HTTP.
4. '/index.html' is the path to the specific resource on the server.
Why other options are incorrect:
- b. IP address: An IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.1) is a numerical label assigned to each device connected to a computer network; it is not represented by a single number following a colon in a URL.
- c. File size: File size refers to the amount of data a file occupies on a disk and is not part of the URL structure.
- d. Security certificate ID: While HTTPS uses security certificates (SSL/TLS), the certificate ID is not embedded in the URL in this manner.
When inserting a chart linked to Excel, which paste option allows future updates?
A)
Paste as Picture
B)
Embed Object
C)
Paste Link
D)
Paste Values
In MS Office integration (specifically between Excel and Word or PowerPoint), the 'Paste Link' option creates an OLE (Object Linking and Embedding) link between the source file (Excel) and the destination document. When a chart is pasted as a link, any changes made to the data in the original Excel spreadsheet are automatically reflected in the chart within the destination document.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Paste as Picture: This converts the chart into a static image. It cannot be edited or updated if the source data changes.
- b. Embed Object: Embedding places a copy of the data into the destination file. While you can edit the data by double-clicking the object, it is no longer connected to the original Excel file; therefore, updates to the original file will not affect the embedded object.
- d. Paste Values: This option is typically used for cells rather than charts; it pastes only the raw data/text without any formatting or connection to the source.
In MS Word, the difference between “Section Break (Next Page)” and “Page Break” is:
A)
Both are identical in function
B)
Page Break creates a new page; Section Break creates a new section with different formatting options
C)
Section Break deletes existing content, Page Break doesn’t
D)
Page Break is only for headers, Section Break is only for footnotes
In Microsoft Word, a 'Page Break' simply tells the program to end the current page and start a new one; however, the new page retains all the formatting (margins, orientation, headers/footers) of the previous page. A 'Section Break (Next Page)', on the other hand, not only starts a new page but also creates a structural division in the document. This allows the user to apply different formatting to that specific section—for example, changing one page to Landscape orientation while the rest remain Portrait, or using different page numbering and headers for different chapters.
Analysis of other options:
- Option (a) is incorrect because they serve fundamentally different structural purposes.
- Option (c) is incorrect because neither a Page Break nor a Section Break deletes content; they only manage layout.
- Option (d) is incorrect because Page Breaks have nothing to do with headers specifically, and Section Breaks are used for much more than just footnotes (e.g., margins, columns, and orientation).
In Microsoft Word, the shortcut “Ctrl + Shift + N” applies:
A)
New page
B)
Numbered list
C)
Normal style
D)
New document
In Microsoft Word, the keyboard shortcut 'Ctrl + Shift + N' is specifically used to apply the 'Normal' style to the selected text or the current paragraph. This resets the formatting of the text to the default 'Normal' style defined in the document's style gallery.
Analysis of other options:
- Option (a) 'New page': The shortcut for a Page Break is 'Ctrl + Enter'.
- Option (b) 'Numbered list': There is no default single-combination shortcut like Ctrl+Shift+N for numbered lists; these are typically accessed via the Ribbon or custom shortcuts.
- Option (d) 'New document': The shortcut to create a new blank document is 'Ctrl + N'.
In MS Excel, the function =IF(AND(A1>50,B1<100), “Pass”,”Fail”) will return “Pass” only if:
A)
A1 is less than 50 and B1 is greater than 100
B)
A1 is greater than 50 and B1 is less than 100
C)
A1 and B1 are both equal to 100
D)
None of the above
The given formula is =IF(AND(A1>50,B1<100), “Pass”,”Fail”).
1. The AND function is a logical operator that returns TRUE only if all its arguments are true. In this case, the two conditions are (A1 > 50) and (B1 < 100).
2. The IF function follows the syntax: =IF(logical_test, value_if_true, value_if_false).
3. Here, the logical_test is the AND function. If both A1 is greater than 50 AND B1 is less than 100, the AND function returns TRUE, and the IF function returns the 'value_if_true', which is 'Pass'.
4. If either condition (or both) is false, the AND function returns FALSE, and the IF function returns 'Fail'.
Therefore, 'Pass' is returned only if A1 > 50 and B1 < 100.
- Option (a) is incorrect because it describes the opposite conditions.
- Option (c) is incorrect because if A1=100 and B1=100, the condition B1<100 is false, resulting in 'Fail'.