Open source and proprietary software – UGC NET Question

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.