UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Repeaters operate at the physical layer and simply regenerate incoming electrical or optical signals before passing them on. This counters attenuation, allowing data to travel longer distances without becoming unreadable. They do not make decisions based on addresses or protocols. Therefore, the device mentioned in the stem is a repeater.

Option A:
Option A, switch, works at the data link layer and forwards frames intelligently based on MAC addresses rather than simply boosting signals.

Option B:
Option B, bridge, also operates at the data link layer and segments networks, making decisions about whether to forward traffic across segments.

Option C:
Option C, router, functions at the network layer and determines paths using IP addresses, which is far more complex than basic signal regeneration.

Option D:
Option D is correct because repeaters are specifically defined as devices that amplify and reshape signals, extending the physical reach of a network without interpreting the data.

Statements A, B, D, E and F accurately describe key characteristics of learning object repositories, while C is false. LORs store reusable resources with rich metadata, enable metadata-based search and often use standard schemas for interoperability. Many repositories incorporate quality review processes to maintain pedagogical value. They are not necessarily limited to a single institution, so C cannot be accepted.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because it omits F, thereby overlooking the role of quality assurance. Although A, B, D and E are true, they do not address how repositories maintain educational standards for stored objects. The absence of F makes the option incomplete.

Option B:
Option B is correct because it includes all true statements and excludes only the incorrect one. It highlights storage, metadata, interoperability, search and quality review as central functions of LORs. This combination therefore best represents the concept.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect because it leaves out A, which expresses the basic purpose of storing reusable digital resources. While B, D, E and F are true, failing to mention storage of learning objects means the combination is not complete.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it omits B, which explains the descriptive power of metadata fields. Without B, the description of how repositories manage and expose information about resources is weakened, making the option inadequate.

A computer virus is designed to insert its code into other executable files so that it runs whenever those hosts are executed. It can replicate and spread to additional files and systems, potentially causing damage or disruption. Viruses often rely on user actions such as sharing infected files to propagate. Thus, the malware described in the question is a virus.

Option A:
Option A, spyware, secretly gathers user information but does not primarily replicate by attaching to host files in the classic virus manner.

Option B:
Option B, adware, displays unwanted advertisements and may track browsing behaviour, but replication through host file infection is not its defining feature.

Option C:
Option C, rootkit, is a tool that hides the presence of malicious activity by modifying system components and is not simply a self replicating host file infector.

Option D:
Option D is correct because the standard definition of a computer virus emphasises its attachment to host programs and replication when those programs are executed.

To convert decimal 18 into binary, we decompose it into powers of 2. Here 18 = 16 + 2, which correspond to 2^4 and 2^1. This gives a 1 in the 16's place and a 1 in the 2's place, with zeros elsewhere, forming 10010₂. Therefore, 10010 is the correct binary representation.

Option A:
Option A, 10001₂, equals 16 + 1 = 17 in decimal. This is one less than 18 and therefore not the correct equivalent.

Option B:
Option B is correct because it uses ones in the 16's and 2's positions and zeros in the others. The resulting sum 16 + 2 equals 18, matching the decimal number.

Option C:
Option C, 10011₂, equals 16 + 2 + 1 = 19. This overshoots the target value and so cannot represent 18.

Option D:
Option D, 10100₂, equals 16 + 4 = 20. It uses a different distribution of active bits that produces a larger value than desired.

Statements A, B, D, E and F express the goals and mechanisms of e-governance, while C is too absolute. Portals and grievance systems support online access, while digital payments and multi-channel delivery increase convenience and inclusivity. Publishing clear information enhances transparency and can reduce opportunities for informal payments. Offline and assisted modes are often maintained to support those without Internet access, so C must be excluded.

Option A:
Option A is correct because it covers online services, complaint systems, payments, multi-channel arrangements and transparency in one coherent combination. It rejects the idea that e-governance automatically excludes citizens without connectivity, reflecting inclusive design principles.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it omits F, thus failing to mention the transparency gains from publishing procedures and status details. A, B, D and E are true, but leaving out F underplays the anti-corruption potential of e-governance.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect because it leaves out A and adds C. Excluding A ignores a central function of portals, and accepting C would mean endorsing complete exclusion of offline users, which is not a recommended practice.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it omits B and includes only A, D, E and F. Without B, there is no reference to electronic grievance handling, which is a key e-governance service area, so the set is incomplete.

For fractional parts less than 1, the standard procedure to convert from decimal to binary is repeated multiplication by 2. At each step, the integer part produced becomes the next binary fractional bit, and the fractional remainder is multiplied again. This process is continued until the fraction terminates or a desired precision is reached. Thus, repeated multiplication by 2 is the correct method.

Option A:
Option A, addition, does not systematically reveal binary fractional bits. Simply adding values does not give the correct positional representation of a fraction in base 2.

Option B:
Option B is correct because multiplying by 2 repeatedly shifts fractional bits left and exposes them as integer parts. This aligns with the structure of binary fractions based on powers of 2.

Option C:
Option C, division, is more suitable for converting integer parts when dividing by the target base. For fractional parts, division by 2 would move us away from the needed pattern.

Option D:
Option D, subtraction, could theoretically be used in an iterative approximation but is not the standard, efficient method taught for binary fraction conversion.

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.

An institutional website serves as the official digital face of the organisation. It should provide structured information about courses, eligibility, fee structures, faculty, facilities and procedures. Downloadable forms and clear contact channels help students complete processes efficiently. Hence, a focus on accurate and accessible academic information is the most appropriate feature set.

Option A:
This option correctly emphasises transparency and service orientation. When prospective students can easily find reliable details, confusion is reduced and the institution appears more credible. User-friendly navigation and up-to-date content further strengthen ICT-based communication.

Option B:
Anonymous chat rooms used only for casual talk would not fulfil the informational role expected of an official site. They might even harm the institution’s reputation if not moderated.

Option C:
A site that only promotes products without academic relevance behaves more like an e-commerce portal than a university gateway. It fails to address the informational needs of students and other stakeholders.

Option D:
Random photos with no context do not convey institutional identity or academic offerings. They may confuse visitors and suggest poor ICT governance.

Phishing is a social engineering technique where attackers impersonate trusted organisations to trick users into revealing sensitive data. Fake emails often copy logos and language of real institutions and direct victims to fraudulent websites. When users enter passwords or card details, attackers capture them for misuse. The described scenario matches this pattern exactly.

Option A:
Using strong passwords and two-factor authentication is a protective measure, not an attack. It reduces the chance that stolen credentials can be abused.

Option B:
Updating antivirus software from an official site is a recommended security practice. It helps detect malware but is not itself malicious.

Option C:
Backing up data protects against loss due to failure or attack but does not involve deception or credential theft.

Option D:
This option correctly highlights impersonation, deceptive email and a request for confidential information, which are hallmark features of phishing attacks.

The CC field, short for carbon copy, allows the sender to include other recipients who should be informed of the message content but are not the main addressees. All recipients can see the addresses listed in the CC field. This function promotes transparent communication in organisations. Therefore, the correct term for the field is CC.

Option A:
Option A is correct because CC is universally used in email clients to label the field for additional visible recipients.

Option B:
Option B, BCC, stands for blind carbon copy and hides the addresses from other recipients, which is a different feature.

Option C:
Option C, Subject, indicates the topic or heading of the email and does not hold recipient addresses.

Option D:
Option D, Inbox, is the folder where received emails are stored and not a field in the message header.

Two-factor authentication typically combines something the user knows, such as a password, with something the user has or is, such as a one-time code or biometric. Even if one factor is compromised, an attacker still needs the second factor to log in. This layered verification greatly increases the difficulty of unauthorised access. Therefore, stronger account protection is the main benefit of 2FA.

Option A:
This option correctly states that 2FA relies on two independent types of evidence about identity. It reflects current best practices promoted by many educational, banking and social platforms.

Option B:
2FA does not remove the need for passwords; in most implementations, the password remains the first factor. Eliminating passwords altogether would change the model rather than strengthening it.

Option C:
Allowing anyone to access accounts without verification is the opposite of what 2FA achieves. 2FA is introduced precisely to tighten identity checks.

Option D:
Automatic global backup of data is a storage function, not an authentication feature. 2FA focuses on verifying who is trying to log in, not on copying information.

Three decimal digit positions can each take any of 10 values from 0 to 9. The total number of possible combinations is 10×10×10 = 1000. These range from 000 to 999, providing 1000 distinct integer values.

Option A:
Option A, 9, dramatically underestimates the combinations, considering only the range of a single digit rather than three positions.

Option B:
Option B, 10, is the number of symbols available for each digit but not the total combinations formed by three positions.

Option C:
Option C, 100, is the number of two-digit combinations from 00 to 99. With three digits, the combinations grow by another factor of 10.

Option D:
Option D is correct because three positions in base 10 yield 10^3 = 1000 unique patterns. This is a direct application of the multiplication principle.

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.

Star topology links each node directly to a central connecting device, so all communication passes through that central point. This layout simplifies fault isolation because a problem in one cable usually affects only one node. It is widely used in modern local area networks with switches. Hence, the topology described in the stem is star topology.

Option A:
Option A, ring, connects devices in a circular fashion where each node has exactly two neighbours, and data travels around the ring rather than through a central node.

Option B:
Option B, bus, uses a single backbone cable to which all devices are attached, and it does not rely on a central connection point.

Option C:
Option C, mesh, involves nodes being interconnected with many redundant paths, which increases reliability but does not match the centralised structure described.

Option D:
Option D is correct because star topology is defined specifically by all nodes connecting to a central device such as a hub or switch.

A wiki enables collaborative editing, where multiple users can add, revise and link content using simple markup. The most famous example is Wikipedia. Wikis promote knowledge construction and sharing in educational contexts. Thus, the platform described is a wiki.

Option A:
Option A, blog, usually features posts by one or a few authors and does not emphasise open collaborative editing of all pages.

Option B:
Option B is correct because wiki is the term coined for such collaboratively editable, hyperlinked web sites.

Option C:
Option C, LMS, manages courses and assessments rather than open collective encyclopaedic content.

Option D:
Option D, browser, is the software used to access wikis and other websites but is not the collaborative platform itself.