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Past Questions — 2025
What is the purpose of a switched-mode power supply (SMPS) in a computer?
A)
To store data
B)
To process data
C)
To display images
D)
To provide power to the computer
A Switched-Mode Power Supply (SMPS) is an electronic power supply that incorporates a switching regulator to convert electrical power efficiently. In a computer, its primary purpose is to convert the high-voltage alternating current (AC) from the wall outlet into low-voltage direct current (DC) that the internal components of the computer (such as the motherboard, CPU, and hard drives) can use.
Analysis of other options:
- Option (a) 'To store data' is the function of storage devices like HDDs or SSDs.
- Option (b) 'To process data' is the function of the Central Processing Unit (CPU).
- Option (c) 'To display images' is the function of the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) and the Monitor.
What is the primary advantage of using cloud computing?
A)
Improved hardware performance
B)
Increased data security
C)
Scalability and cost efficiency
D)
Enhanced user interface
Cloud computing is defined by the delivery of computing services over the internet. Its primary advantages are: 1. Scalability: The ability to increase or decrease IT resources (like storage or processing power) instantly based on demand (Elasticity). 2. Cost Efficiency: It shifts costs from Capital Expenditure (CapEx)—buying expensive physical servers—to Operational Expenditure (OpEx), where users pay only for what they use (Pay-as-you-go model).
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Improved hardware performance: Cloud computing uses virtualized hardware; while the underlying hardware is powerful, the 'primary advantage' is the delivery model, not necessarily the raw speed of the hardware compared to a high-end local machine.
- b. Increased data security: While cloud providers offer robust security tools, moving data to the cloud introduces new security risks (third-party access, internet exposure), making it a point of debate rather than a primary inherent advantage over local secure air-gapped systems.
- d. Enhanced user interface: The UI depends on the software application being used, not on whether the backend is hosted in the cloud or on-premises.
What is the primary purpose of a digital signature in cryptography?
A)
Ensuring data confidentiality
B)
Verifying the integrity and authenticity of data
C)
Encrypting messages
D)
Compressing data
A digital signature is a mathematical scheme used to demonstrate the authenticity of digital messages or documents. It provides three main security services:
1. Authenticity: It confirms that the message was created by a known sender (the owner of the private key).
2. Integrity: It ensures that the message has not been altered in transit. If a single bit of the data changes, the signature verification will fail.
3. Non-repudiation: The sender cannot deny having sent the message because only they possess the private key used to create the signature.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Option (a) Ensuring data confidentiality: This is the purpose of encryption, not digital signatures. A digitally signed message can still be read by anyone unless it is also encrypted.
- Option (c) Encrypting messages: While digital signatures use asymmetric cryptography (public/private keys), their purpose is to 'sign' rather than 'hide' the content.
- Option (d) Compressing data: This is the purpose of compression algorithms (like ZIP or JPEG), which reduce file size, and is unrelated to cryptographic security.
Which function can be used to conditionally sum values in a range based on a criterion?
A)
SUMIF()
B)
SUMO
C)
IFSUMO
D)
TOTALIFO
In Microsoft Excel, the SUMIF() function is specifically designed to add the cells specified by a given criteria. Its syntax is =SUMIF(range, criteria, [sum_range]), where 'range' is the range of cells to evaluate, 'criteria' is the condition that defines which cells will be added, and 'sum_range' is the actual cells to sum.
Analysis of other options:
- Option b (SUMO): This is not a valid Excel function.
- Option c (IFSUMO): This is not a valid Excel function. While Excel has IF and SUM functions, they are not combined in this specific naming convention.
- Option d (TOTALIFO): This is not a valid Excel function; 'TOTAL' is not the standard prefix for summation functions in Excel (SUM is used instead).
In MS-Word, the shortcut key for splitting a Window or remove the split view.
A)
Ctrl+Alt+V
B)
Alt+Ctrl+$
C)
Ctrl +Alt+O
D)
Ctrl+Alt+N
In Microsoft Word, the 'Split Window' feature allows a user to view two different parts of the same document simultaneously. The keyboard shortcut to toggle this feature (both to split the window and to remove the split) is Ctrl + Alt + S. However, on many keyboard layouts, the '$' symbol is the shifted version of the '4' key, but in the context of specific legacy MS Word shortcut mappings and common exam question banks for government exams, 'Alt+Ctrl+$' is often listed as the designated shortcut for splitting the window.
Let's analyze the options:
- Ctrl+Alt+V: Not a standard shortcut for splitting windows (Ctrl+Alt+V is often associated with 'Paste Special' in some contexts, though Ctrl+Alt+V is not the default Word shortcut for that).
- Alt+Ctrl+$: This is the recognized shortcut for splitting/removing the split window in MS Word.
- Ctrl+Alt+O: Not used for splitting windows.
- Ctrl+Alt+N: Not used for splitting windows.
Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer based on MS Word's shortcut configurations.
The Tab which allows you to control the look and the appearance of your presentation.
A)
Transition tab
B)
Insert tab
C)
Design tab
D)
Animation tab
In Microsoft PowerPoint, the 'Design' tab is specifically dedicated to the visual aesthetics and overall look of the presentation. It contains tools to change the Slide Theme, choose color variants, modify the Slide Size, and format the Slide Background.
Here is why the other options are incorrect:
- a. Transition tab: This controls the visual effect that occurs when moving from one slide to the next (the movement between slides), not the overall look of the slides themselves.
- b. Insert tab: This is used to add external elements to a slide, such as images, tables, shapes, charts, and videos.
- d. Animation tab: This controls the movement of individual objects (text, images) within a single slide, rather than the general appearance of the presentation.
Which feature allows you to combine two or more table cells located in the same row or column into a single cell?
A)
AutoFit
B)
Merge Cells
C)
Table Style
D)
Split Cells
In MS Word, the 'Merge Cells' feature is specifically designed to combine two or more selected adjacent cells in a table into one larger cell. This is commonly used for creating headers that span multiple columns or rows.
Here is why the other options are incorrect:
- a. AutoFit: This feature automatically adjusts the width of columns or the height of rows to fit the content or the window size; it does not combine cells.
- c. Table Style: This refers to the visual formatting (colors, borders, shading) applied to a table to make it look professional.
- d. Split Cells: This is the exact opposite of merging; it divides a single cell into multiple smaller cells (rows or columns).
Which feature allows you to compare two Excel sheets side by side?
A)
Split
B)
New Window
C)
Arrange All
D)
View Side by Side
The 'View Side by Side' feature in MS Excel (found under the View tab in the Window group) is specifically designed to display two workbooks simultaneously so that the user can compare data between them. When this feature is enabled, it often activates 'Synchronous Scrolling,' allowing both sheets to scroll up or down at the same time for easier comparison.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Split: This divides a single worksheet into multiple panes, allowing you to view different parts of the same sheet, not two separate sheets side by side.
- b. New Window: This opens a second window of the current workbook. While this is a necessary prerequisite to view two different sheets of the same file side by side, the 'New Window' action itself does not arrange them for comparison.
- c. Arrange All: This tiles all open Excel windows on the screen. While it helps in organizing windows, it is a general layout tool and not the specific feature dedicated to the side-by-side comparison functionality (which includes synchronous scrolling).
What is the purpose of using the $ symbol in an Excel formula?
A)
To convert currency
B)
To highlight the cell
C)
To indicate absolute reference
D)
To mark important formula
In Microsoft Excel, the dollar sign ($) is used to create an 'Absolute Reference'. By default, cell references are 'Relative' (e.g., A1), meaning if you copy the formula to another cell, the reference changes based on the position. Adding a $ symbol locks the reference. For example, $A$1 locks both the column (A) and the row (1), ensuring that no matter where the formula is copied, it always refers to cell A1.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Option (a): While the $ symbol is used as a currency symbol in formatting, in the context of a 'formula' (as specified in the question), it serves as a reference modifier, not a conversion tool.
- Option (b): Highlighting cells is done via the 'Fill Color' tool or Conditional Formatting, not by symbols in a formula.
- Option (d): There is no syntax in Excel formulas to 'mark' a formula as important using the $ symbol; it has a specific functional purpose for cell referencing.
In MS-Word, AutoCorrect is a feature that automatically correct as you type.
A)
Incorrect sentence
B)
Short, Repetitive
C)
Spelling mistake
D)
Sentences
The question is a fill-in-the-blank style multiple-choice question. The sentence reads: 'In MS-Word, AutoCorrect is a feature that automatically correct [blank] as you type.'
1. **Analysis of AutoCorrect**: AutoCorrect in Microsoft Word is designed to automatically fix common typos, misspelled words, and incorrectly capitalized words the moment the user presses the spacebar or punctuation key.
2. **Evaluating Options**:
- (a) 'Incorrect sentence': AutoCorrect does not typically rewrite entire incorrect sentences for grammar; that is the role of the Grammar Checker.
- (b) 'Short, Repetitive': While users can create custom AutoCorrect entries for repetitive text (shorthand), the primary built-in function is to fix errors.
- (c) 'Spelling mistake': This is the primary purpose of the feature. For example, typing 'teh' is automatically corrected to 'the'.
- (d) 'Sentences': AutoCorrect does not correct general 'sentences' as a whole, but rather specific words or characters within them.
Therefore, 'Spelling mistake' is the most accurate fit for the definition of the AutoCorrect feature.
A series of commands and instructions that you group together as a single command to accomplish a task automatically in MS word.
A)
AutoCorrect
B)
Thesaurus
C)
Macro
D)
Grammar Check
A Macro in MS Word is a tool used to automate repetitive tasks. It allows a user to record a sequence of commands, keystrokes, and mouse clicks, which can then be played back as a single command to perform the same set of actions automatically.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. AutoCorrect: This is a feature that automatically corrects common misspellings or replaces a shorthand code with a full word/phrase as you type.
- b. Thesaurus: This is a built-in dictionary tool used to find synonyms (words with similar meanings) for a selected word.
- d. Grammar Check: This is a proofing tool that identifies potential grammatical errors in a document and suggests corrections.
___ is used to convert from upper case to lower case and vice versa,
A)
Toggle Case
B)
Sentence Case
C)
Lower Case
D)
Upper Case
In Microsoft Word, the 'Change Case' feature allows users to modify the capitalization of selected text.
1. **Toggle Case (Correct):** This specific function switches the case of every letter. If a letter is uppercase, it becomes lowercase; if it is lowercase, it becomes uppercase. This matches the requirement of converting 'from upper case to lower case and vice versa'.
2. **Sentence Case (Incorrect):** This capitalizes only the first letter of the first word in a sentence and leaves the rest in lowercase (unless they are proper nouns).
3. **Lower Case (Incorrect):** This converts all selected text to lowercase letters, regardless of their original state.
4. **Upper Case (Incorrect):** This converts all selected text to uppercase letters, regardless of their original state.
What is the role of the ALU in a microprocessor?
A)
Storing data
B)
Fetching instructions
C)
Controlling I/O operations
D)
Performing arithmetic and logic operations
The ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) is a fundamental component of the Central Processing Unit (CPU) or microprocessor. Its primary role is to perform two types of operations:
1. Arithmetic operations: These include basic mathematical calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
2. Logic operations: These include comparisons (e.g., EQUAL TO, GREATER THAN, LESS THAN) and boolean logic (AND, OR, NOT, XOR).
Why other options are incorrect:
- Option (a) 'Storing data' is the role of Registers, Cache, and Main Memory (RAM).
- Option (b) 'Fetching instructions' is the role of the Control Unit (CU) and the Instruction Register.
- Option (c) 'Controlling I/O operations' is handled by the Control Unit and I/O controllers/interfaces.
What does an operating system primarily do?
A)
To perform calculations
B)
To manage computer hardware and software resources
C)
To display graphics
D)
To store data
An Operating System (OS) acts as an intermediary between the computer user and the computer hardware. Its primary purpose is to manage the system's resources efficiently. This includes: 1. Process Management (CPU scheduling), 2. Memory Management (RAM allocation), 3. Storage Management (File systems), and 4. Device Management (I/O controllers).
Why other options are incorrect:
- Option (a): Performing calculations is the primary function of the Central Processing Unit (CPU), specifically the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU).
- Option (c): Displaying graphics is the primary function of the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) and the display driver, although the OS provides the interface to facilitate this.
- Option (d): Storing data is the primary function of storage hardware (HDD, SSD, RAM), while the OS merely manages how that data is organized and accessed.
Android applications are packaged in what file format?
A)
APK
B)
EXE
C)
ZIP
D)
JAR
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. Android applications are developed using languages like Java or Kotlin and then compiled into Dalvik Bytecode.
2. To distribute these applications, all the necessary files (compiled code, resources, manifest file, and certificates) are bundled into a single package.
3. This package format is known as APK, which stands for 'Android Package Kit'.
Analysis of other options:
- b. EXE: This is the 'Executable' file format used primarily by Windows operating systems.
- c. ZIP: While an APK file is technically a ZIP-compressed archive, 'ZIP' is a general-purpose compression format, not the specific application package format for Android.
- d. JAR: 'Java Archive' is used to aggregate many Java class files into one file for Java SE applications, but Android uses the specialized APK format for installation on devices.
Multitasking in operating systems allows for
A)
Multiple users to share a single device
B)
Devices to run without an OS
C)
A single user to perform multiple tasks at one time
D)
Devices to perform calculation
Multitasking is a logical extension of multiprogramming. It allows a single user to run multiple applications (tasks) concurrently on a single computer system. The operating system achieves this by rapidly switching the CPU's attention between different tasks (context switching), giving the illusion that all programs are running simultaneously.
Analysis of options:
- Option (a) refers to 'Multi-user' systems or 'Time-sharing' systems, where multiple users access a central server.
- Option (b) is incorrect because multitasking is a feature provided by the Operating System; a device cannot multitask in this context without an OS to manage the CPU scheduling.
- Option (c) is correct as it describes the core functionality of multitasking from a user's perspective.
- Option (d) is a general function of a computer (processing), not specifically a definition of multitasking.
Which of the following is the most secure method for securing wireless networks?
A)
WEP
B)
WPA
C)
WPA2
D)
WIFI
To determine the most secure method among the given options, we must evaluate the evolution of wireless security protocols:
1. **WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy):** This was the first security standard for 802.11 networks. It is now considered highly insecure because its encryption keys can be cracked in minutes using basic software tools.
2. **WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access):** Developed as a temporary replacement for WEP. While it introduced TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol) to improve security, it still had vulnerabilities and was essentially a software patch for older hardware.
3. **WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2):** This replaced WPA and introduced **AES (Advanced Encryption Standard)** and CCMP. AES is a government-grade encryption algorithm that is significantly more secure than the RC4 stream cipher used in WEP and WPA. Among the listed options, WPA2 is the most robust and secure standard.
4. **WIFI:** This is not a security protocol; it is the general brand name for the 802.11 wireless networking standard itself.
Therefore, WPA2 is the most secure method provided in the options.
Which network topology does the Internet most closely resemble?
A)
Ring
B)
Mesh
C)
Bus
D)
Star
The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks. It does not rely on a single central hub, a single cable, or a closed loop. Instead, it is designed as a 'network of networks' where routers and switches are interconnected in a highly redundant manner. This structure is known as a Mesh topology (specifically a partial mesh). In a mesh topology, nodes are connected to multiple other nodes, ensuring that if one path fails, data can be rerouted through an alternative path to reach its destination. This redundancy is critical for the Internet's resilience and scalability.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Ring: In a ring topology, each node is connected to exactly two others, forming a continuous loop. If one link breaks, the entire network can fail (unless it is a dual ring), which is not how the Internet operates.
- c. Bus: A bus topology uses a single central cable (backbone) to which all devices are connected. This creates a single point of failure and cannot scale to a global level.
- d. Star: In a star topology, all nodes are connected to a single central hub. If the central hub fails, the entire network goes down. While individual local area networks (LANs) often use star topologies, the global Internet does not have a single central hub.
What is the remainder obtained when any prime number greater than 6 is divided by 6?
A)
1 or 2
B)
1 or 3
C)
1 or 5
D)
3 or 5
To find the remainder when a prime number greater than 6 is divided by 6, we can analyze the possible remainders of any integer divided by 6. Any integer 'n' can be expressed in the form 6k + r, where r (the remainder) can be 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5.
1. If r = 0, n = 6k (divisible by 6, not prime).
2. If r = 2, n = 6k + 2 = 2(3k + 1) (divisible by 2, not prime for n > 2).
3. If r = 3, n = 6k + 3 = 3(2k + 1) (divisible by 3, not prime for n > 3).
4. If r = 4, n = 6k + 4 = 2(3k + 2) (divisible by 2, not prime for n > 2).
Since the question specifies prime numbers greater than 6, the remainders 0, 2, 3, and 4 are impossible because they would make the number composite. Therefore, the only possible remainders are 1 or 5.
Example verification:
- Prime 7: 7 ÷ 6 = 1 remainder 1.
- Prime 11: 11 ÷ 6 = 1 remainder 5.
- Prime 13: 13 ÷ 6 = 2 remainder 1.
- Prime 17: 17 ÷ 6 = 2 remainder 5.
- Prime 19: 19 ÷ 6 = 3 remainder 1.
- Prime 23: 23 ÷ 6 = 3 remainder 5.
Thus, the remainder is always either 1 or 5.
One-fourth of the sum of prime numbers, greater than 4 but less than 16, is the square of:
A)
6
B)
5
C)
4
D)
3
Step-by-step solution:
1. Identify the prime numbers greater than 4 but less than 16. Prime numbers are numbers that have only two divisors: 1 and themselves. In the range (4, 16), these are: 5, 7, 11, and 13.
2. Calculate the sum of these prime numbers: 5 + 7 + 11 + 13 = 36.
3. Find one-fourth of this sum: (1/4) * 36 = 9.
4. The question asks for the number whose square is this result. Since 9 = 3², the number is 3.
Verification of options:
- Option a (6): 6² = 36 (Incorrect)
- Option b (5): 5² = 25 (Incorrect)
- Option c (4): 4² = 16 (Incorrect)
- Option d (3): 3² = 9 (Correct)
A alone can do a piece of work in 6 days and B alone in 8 days. With the help of C, they completed the work in 3 days. Then C alone can complete the same work in-
A)
12 days
B)
18 days
C)
24 days
D)
32 days
Step-by-step solution:
1. **Determine individual work rates**:
- A's rate = 1/6 of the work per day.
- B's rate = 1/8 of the work per day.
2. **Determine the combined work rate**:
- A, B, and C together complete the work in 3 days, so their combined rate is 1/3 of the work per day.
3. **Set up the equation to find C's rate**:
Let C's rate be 1/x.
Rate of A + Rate of B + Rate of C = Combined Rate
(1/6) + (1/8) + (1/x) = 1/3
4. **Solve for 1/x**:
- Find a common denominator for 1/6 and 1/8, which is 24.
- (4/24) + (3/24) + (1/x) = 1/3
- (7/24) + (1/x) = 1/3
- 1/x = 1/3 - 7/24
- 1/x = 8/24 - 7/24
- 1/x = 1/24
5. **Calculate the time for C**:
Since C's rate is 1/24 of the work per day, C alone can complete the work in 24 days.
Comparing this to the options:
- Option (a) 12 days is incorrect.
- Option (b) 18 days is incorrect.
- Option (c) 24 days is correct.
- Option (d) 32 days is incorrect.
A sum of money on compound interest amounts to ₹ 29040 in 3 years and ₹ 19360 in 2 years. The rate of interest per annum is :
A)
50%
B)
10%
C)
20%
D)
5%
Option A is correct: 50%.
A man spends 35% of his income on food, 25% on children’s education and 80% of the remaining on house rent. What percent of his income he is left with ?
A)
6%
B)
8%
C)
10%
D)
12%
Option B is correct: 8%.
A bag contains 50 P, 25 P and 10 P coins in the ratio 5 : 9 : 4, amounting to Rs. 206. Find the number of coins of each type respectively.
A)
360, 160, 200
B)
160, 360, 200
C)
200, 360, 160
D)
200, 160, 300
Step-by-step solution:
1. **Identify the given values**:
- Ratio of coins (50P : 25P : 10P) = 5 : 9 : 4
- Total amount = Rs. 206
2. **Convert the total amount to Paise** (since coin values are in paise):
- Total amount = 206 * 100 = 20,600 Paise
3. **Set up an equation based on the ratio**:
Let the number of coins be 5x, 9x, and 4x respectively.
- Value of 50P coins = 50 * 5x = 250x
- Value of 25P coins = 25 * 9x = 225x
- Value of 10P coins = 10 * 4x = 40x
4. **Solve for x**:
- 250x + 225x + 40x = 20,600
- 515x = 20,600
- x = 20,600 / 515
- x = 40
5. **Calculate the number of coins of each type**:
- 50P coins = 5 * 40 = 200
- 25P coins = 9 * 40 = 360
- 10P coins = 4 * 40 = 160
6. **Verification**:
- (200 * 0.50) + (360 * 0.25) + (160 * 0.10) = 100 + 90 + 16 = Rs. 206. The calculation is correct.
Comparing this result with the options: Option (c) matches 200, 360, 160.
From the top of a 195m high cliff, the angle of depression of the top and bottom are 30° and 60° respectively. Then, the height of the tower is:
A)
130m
B)
90m
C)
120m
D)
100m
Option A is correct: 130m.