UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Random Access Memory (RAM) is a working area that holds data and instructions currently being processed by the CPU. When power is turned off, its contents are lost, which is why it is called volatile. Read Only Memory (ROM) retains its contents even without power and usually stores firmware like the BIOS that helps start the system. This division of roles is fundamental to understanding ICT hardware.

Option A:
This option incorrectly suggests that neither kind of memory is volatile or changeable. In reality, RAM is volatile and ROM is often programmed at manufacture or through special procedures. The statement fails to capture the essential difference between them.

Option B:
This option mistakenly reverses volatility properties, claiming that RAM retains data without power and ROM does not. Standard computer design is exactly the opposite; ROM is used precisely because it remains stable when the system is off.

Option C:
This option correctly distinguishes temporary working memory from permanent firmware storage. It explains why the system needs both types to operate efficiently and reliably. RAM supports fast processing, while ROM ensures that basic instructions are always available for booting.

Option D:
Suggesting that a computer can start without any RAM or ROM overlooks the fact that instructions and data must be stored somewhere for the CPU to execute them. At minimum, some form of non-volatile memory is required to provide boot code, and volatile memory is needed for normal operation.