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.

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.

Proprietary software is distributed under licences that grant limited rights to end users while retaining ownership with the vendor. Users typically cannot access or alter the source code and must follow specific usage conditions. This model allows companies to monetise and control their software products. Hence, the description given matches proprietary software.

Option A:
Option A is correct because proprietary refers to software that is privately owned and controlled, with restrictions on copying, sharing and modifying. Educational institutions often use proprietary office suites and specialised software under such licences.

Option B:
Option B, open source, allows code modification and redistribution, which contradicts the strict restrictions mentioned in the stem. It represents a different philosophy of software distribution.

Option C:
Option C, public domain, denotes works whose rights have expired or been waived, allowing free use and modification without restriction. This is not the case described.

Option D:
Option D, freeware, may be free to use but is frequently still proprietary in terms of source code and may not allow modification or redistribution. It does not fully express the ownership and control aspects indicated.

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.