UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

A search engine maintains an index of web pages and uses algorithms to return relevant results when users submit queries. It is designed specifically for information retrieval on the internet. Users typically access search engines through a browser but the engine itself is a distinct service. Therefore, the appropriate term for the blank is search engine.

Option A:
Option A, web browser, is the software used to access websites and search engines but does not itself implement the large scale indexing and ranking algorithms of search services.

Option B:
Option B is correct because search engine is the standard term used for tools like Google and Bing, which match the behaviour described in the question.

Option C:
Option C, web portal, refers to a website that aggregates various services and content but may or may not provide full featured search capabilities.

Option D:
Option D, email client, is a program used for managing email accounts and has a different primary function from web search.

A web browser is client software that sends requests to web servers using protocols such as HTTP and displays the returned pages to users. It interprets HTML, CSS and scripts to render interactive content. Examples include Chrome, Firefox, Edge and Safari. Thus, the type of software described in the stem is a web browser.

Option A:
Option A, web server, is software or hardware that responds to browser requests by delivering web pages, so it operates on the server side rather than on the user's device.

Option B:
Option B is correct because browsers are explicitly designed to access, retrieve and display information from the World Wide Web, matching the description given.

Option C:
Option C, search engine, is an online service that indexes web pages and helps users find content but is accessed through browsers rather than being the client program itself.

Option D:
Option D, firewall, is a security system that filters network traffic and has no direct role in rendering web pages.

A database management system provides mechanisms for defining data structures, storing records, querying information and enforcing integrity constraints. It is widely used in institutions to manage student records, library catalogues and research data. Because it manages databases rather than just individual files, it is called a database management system.

Option A:
Option A is correct because the phrase database management system matches the acronym DBMS and accurately describes software used to organise and retrieve structured data.

Option B:
Option B, e mail client, handles messages and not general purpose structured datasets.

Option C:
Option C, operating system, manages hardware and other software but does not specialise in database operations.

Option D:
Option D, graphics editor, is designed for image creation and editing, not for tabular or relational data management.

Statements A, B and D correctly describe the functions and benefits of a DBMS, while C is incorrect. A DBMS is designed to minimise unnecessary redundancy, provide powerful query capabilities and enforce integrity and security rules. Maximising redundancy would waste storage and lead to inconsistency, which is contrary to database design principles. Therefore, the combination A, B and D only is the correct set of statements.

Option A:
Option A is incomplete because it includes A and B but omits D. While defining and querying data are important, recognising the integrity and security roles of a DBMS is also essential for a complete understanding.

Option B:
Option B is incomplete because it lists only B and D and leaves out A. Without acknowledging that a DBMS defines and maintains databases, the foundational purpose of such systems is not fully captured.

Option C:
Option C is correct because it gathers A, B and D, the three true statements, and rejects C, which misunderstands the goal of controlling redundancy. It presents a coherent picture of how DBMS technology supports reliable data management.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it considers all four statements as correct and hence accepts C. Since C conflicts with the aim of reducing redundant data, any option that includes it cannot be correct.