UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

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.