UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Statements A, B and C correctly describe different software licence models, whereas statement D is misleading. Proprietary software generally hides source code and is used under licence restrictions. Open-source licences explicitly allow code access and modification, and freeware is cost-free to use but not necessarily open source. Shareware is typically a trial or limited-use model that may require payment after a period, so it cannot be treated as permanently free and unrestricted. Hence, the combination A, B and C only is correct.

Option A:
Option A is correct because it includes all three accurate statements about proprietary, open-source and freeware models while excluding the inaccurate description of shareware. It recognises that cost-free use and code openness are distinct dimensions covered by different licence types. By omitting D, this option avoids confusing trial software with permanently free software.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it lists only A and B as correct and omits C. Although A and B are true, C is also correct in clarifying that freeware refers to price, not necessarily openness of source code. Leaving out C makes the description of software licences incomplete.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect because it groups B, C and D and treats D as correct. While B and C are true, D wrongly claims that shareware never requires payment and is always unrestricted. Including a false statement and excluding A means this combination cannot be accepted.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it combines A and C with D and therefore accepts the mistaken idea that shareware is always free and fully unrestricted. Although A and C are true, the presence of D makes the overall combination wrong.

Open source software is developed in a collaborative manner, with source code made accessible so that users can inspect, modify and share improvements subject to licence terms. This model encourages innovation and community participation. Examples include Linux distributions and many educational tools. Thus, the definition in the stem corresponds to open source software.

Option A:
Option A, proprietary, software keeps its source code closed and restricts modification, making it the opposite of what is described.

Option B:
Option B is correct because open source software explicitly allows source code access and redistribution, which are central to the definition given.

Option C:
Option C, freeware only, focuses on cost, indicating software available at no monetary charge but not necessarily with open source code.

Option D:
Option D, shareware only, refers to software distributed on a trial basis or requiring payment after a period, again without implying open access to the source code.

Statement C is the only wrong statement because many open source licences explicitly allow commercial use as long as the terms are respected. Statements A and B correctly distinguish access to source code and restrictions in open and proprietary models. Statement D is also true, since both kinds of software require users to obey licence terms. Therefore, the correct option must select only C as wrong.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because it lists both A and C as wrong statements. Statement A correctly describes open source principles about source code access and modification. Including a true statement in the wrong set makes this combination unacceptable.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it treats B and C as wrong statements together. While C is wrong, B accurately characterises proprietary software’s restrictions on source code and copying. Mixing a correct statement with a wrong one invalidates the option.

Option C:
Option C is correct because it singles out C as the only wrong statement. It recognises that open source software may be used commercially, contradicting the claim in C. By accepting A, B and D as correct, this option matches standard interpretations of software licensing.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it groups A, B and C as wrong statements. Both A and B are true; they reflect well-known differences between open source and proprietary software. Including these accurate statements in the wrong set prevents this option from being correct.

Statements A, B, C and E clarify major software licensing categories. Open-source offers access to source code, freeware is free to use but usually closed source, shareware involves trial with potential payment and “free” in free software is about freedoms rather than price. Statement D is false because proprietary licences typically restrict modification and redistribution, and F is false because no software model guarantees perfect security. Therefore A, B, C and E only are correct.

Option A:
Option A is correct because it includes all true statements while excluding misleading views about proprietary rights and absolute security. It accurately differentiates licensing models in a way that is relevant for ICT users in education.

Option B:
Option B is incomplete because it omits E and hence does not differentiate between “free” as in price and “free” as in freedom. Although A, B and C are correct, they do not fully explain the philosophy of free software.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect because it includes F, which overstates the security of open-source software. Even well-audited code can have bugs, so adding F makes the whole combination wrong.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it leaves out A and includes only B, C and E. Excluding A omits the central definition of open-source, and the set fails to contain all correct statements.

Open source software grants users the freedom to inspect how programs work, adapt them to local needs and share improvements with the community, subject to licence conditions. This can reduce dependency on single vendors and encourage innovation and collaboration. Proprietary software typically withholds source code and imposes strict licensing terms, giving users limited rights to modify or redistribute. The contrast in code openness and user freedoms is central to the definition.

Option A:
This option correctly identifies that open source is defined by the freedoms granted by its licence regarding source code use and modification. Universities often choose such software to avoid lock-in and to support local customisation and research.

Option B:
Cost alone does not determine whether software is open or closed; some open source products offer paid support, and some proprietary products may be temporarily free. The crucial issue is access to source code and legal permissions.

Option C:
Binding usage to one specific hardware brand and daily licence renewal are examples of very restrictive proprietary practices, not defining features of open source models.

Option D:
Printed code listings may accompany software, but without executable binaries and licences, they do not constitute usable open source. Open source must be both available and legally modifiable in digital form.

Open source software is released under licences that grant users rights to access, modify and share its source code. This promotes transparency, peer review and community-driven improvement. Projects like Linux and LibreOffice illustrate how collaborative development can produce robust tools. Therefore the software described in the stem is open source software.

Option A:
Option A is correct because the combination of code availability and redistributable licensing is central to open source definitions provided by bodies like the Open Source Initiative. These conditions go beyond simply being free of cost.

Option B:
Option B, freeware only, denotes programs that can be used without payment but do not necessarily provide access to their source code or modification rights. Many freeware applications remain proprietary.

Option C:
Option C, trialware, restricts use to a limited time or feature set unless a licence is purchased and generally conceals source code. It is a marketing strategy rather than an openness principle.

Option D:
Option D, closed source proprietary, is the opposite of open source, as users cannot see or change the internal code and redistribution is tightly controlled.

Statements A, B, D and E accurately capture differences between open-source and proprietary software and factors in institutional choice, while C and F are false. Open-source licences usually permit code inspection and modification, whereas proprietary licences restrict such actions. Institutions may adopt open-source tools for cost and flexibility, but must still consider support and maintenance costs as part of total cost of ownership. Neither are all open-source tools free in every context, nor does proprietary software automatically break ICT policies, so C and F must be excluded.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because it ignores E, which highlights that total cost of ownership goes beyond initial licence fees. While A, B and D are true, neglecting support and maintenance costs presents an incomplete view of software decision-making. Hence this combination does not include all correct statements.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it drops A, which provides the core definition of open-source software. Although B, D and E are correct, omitting A leaves out a fundamental conceptual statement about openness and source code access. The answer must include A to be complete.

Option C:
Option C is correct because it selects A, B, D and E, which together describe licensing restrictions, institutional motivations and cost considerations. It explicitly omits C’s overgeneralisation about cost and F’s blanket condemnation of proprietary tools. This combination therefore matches the set of all true statements given.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it includes C, the claim that open-source software is always free of cost. Some open-source tools may involve hosting, customisation or support charges, so C is not universally true. Including C along with true statements makes the whole option invalid.