Welcome to UGCNetHub's free UGC NET Paper 1 ICT Mock Test – Test 2. This online practice test contains 15 multiple-choice questions focused on computer hardware and software — an important part of UGC NET Paper 1 Unit 8 (ICT).
The test covers important concepts including CPU components, memory, storage devices, input and output devices, operating systems, application software, system software, utility software and common computer terminology. Each question provides an instant explanation after you select an answer, helping you revise the concept behind every question.
Subject: UGC NET Paper 1 – ICT
Unit: Unit 8 – Information and Communication Technology
Topic: Computer Hardware & Software
Questions: 15 MCQs
Maximum Marks: 30
Time: 15 minutes
Negative Marking: No
Result: Instant score with explanations
💡 Exam Tip: Hardware questions are often based on identifying the function of a component, while software questions frequently test distinctions such as system software vs application software and operating system vs utility software. Focus on the function of each term rather than memorising names in isolation.
Q1. Which component of a computer is primarily responsible for performing arithmetic and logical operations?
Q2. Which component of the CPU directs and coordinates the activities of other components of the computer?
Q3. Which of the following is a volatile form of computer memory?
Q4. Which type of memory retains its contents even when the computer is switched off and traditionally stores firmware or essential startup instructions?
Q5. Which memory is generally faster and closer to the CPU than main memory and is used to reduce the time required to access frequently used data?
Q6. Which of the following is an example of a secondary storage device?
Q7. Which device is primarily used to convert a paper document or photograph into a digital image that can be processed by a computer?
Q8. Which device is primarily used to produce large, high-quality graphical drawings such as engineering designs and maps?
Q9. Which of the following best describes system software?
Q10. Which of the following is an example of application software?
Q11. Which of the following is the primary function of an operating system?
Q12. Which type of software is primarily designed to perform maintenance, protection or optimisation tasks on a computer system?
Q13. Which of the following is used to allow an operating system to communicate with and control a specific hardware device?
Q14. Which language translator converts a high-level language program into machine code or another lower-level form, generally translating the program as a whole?
Q15. Which of the following correctly represents the general order from fastest/smallest-access storage close to the CPU toward larger, slower storage?
What Does This UGC NET ICT Mock Test Cover?
This second ICT practice test focuses specifically on Computer Hardware and Software. The questions cover the basic architecture of a computer system, memory hierarchy, storage devices, input and output devices, operating systems, application software, utility software, device drivers and language translators.
| Topic | Questions |
|---|---|
| CPU & Computer Components | Q1–Q2 |
| Memory & Storage | Q3–Q6, Q15 |
| Input & Output Devices | Q7–Q8 |
| System & Application Software | Q9–Q11 |
| Utility Software & Device Drivers | Q12–Q13 |
| Language Translators | Q14 |
Important Computer Hardware & Software Concepts to Revise
1. CPU, ALU and Control Unit
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is responsible for executing instructions and processing data. Two traditionally described functional components of the CPU are the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) and the Control Unit (CU).
ALU → Performs arithmetic and logical operations.
Control Unit → Directs and coordinates the execution of instructions.
Memory trick: ALU = Calculate & Compare; CU = Control & Coordinate.
2. RAM vs ROM
| Feature | RAM | ROM |
|---|---|---|
| Full Form | Random Access Memory | Read-Only Memory |
| Volatility | Volatile | Non-volatile |
| Primary Role | Temporarily holds active programs and data | Traditionally stores firmware/startup instructions |
| Data after power-off | Generally lost | Retained |
3. Memory Hierarchy
Computer memory is organised into a hierarchy based on factors such as speed, cost and capacity. The general order from the fastest and closest to the CPU toward larger and relatively slower storage is:
Registers → Cache → RAM → Secondary Storage
As you move down this hierarchy, storage capacity generally increases while access speed decreases.
4. Primary vs Secondary Storage
Primary memory is directly accessible by the CPU and includes main memory such as RAM. Secondary storage provides persistent storage for programs and data and includes devices such as SSDs and hard disk drives.
Exam shortcut: RAM is temporary working memory; SSD/HDD provides persistent storage.
5. Input and Output Devices
An input device is used to enter data or instructions into a computer. Examples include keyboard, mouse, scanner and microphone.
An output device presents processed information to the user. Examples include monitor, printer, speaker and projector.
| Device | Category | Main Function |
|---|---|---|
| Keyboard | Input | Enters text and commands |
| Scanner | Input | Converts physical material into digital form |
| Monitor | Output | Displays visual information |
| Printer | Output | Produces printed output |
| Plotter | Output | Produces large-format technical drawings and graphics |
6. System Software vs Application Software
This distinction is frequently tested in computer fundamentals questions.
| System Software | Application Software |
|---|---|
| Manages hardware and system resources | Performs specific tasks for users |
| Provides a platform for applications | Runs on top of system software |
| Operating system, device drivers | Word processor, spreadsheet, presentation software |
Easy rule: System software helps the computer operate; application software helps the user perform a task.
7. Operating System
An operating system (OS) is system software that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for application programs.
Important functions include:
- Process management
- Memory management
- File management
- Device management
- User interface
- Security and access control
Examples include Windows, Linux, macOS, Android and iOS.
8. Utility Software
Utility software is designed to perform maintenance, protection, management or optimisation tasks on a computer system.
Examples include:
- Backup utilities
- Disk management tools
- File compression utilities
- System diagnostic tools
- Security utilities
9. Device Drivers
A device driver is specialised system software that allows an operating system to communicate with and control a hardware device.
For example, a printer driver allows the operating system and applications to communicate correctly with a particular printer.
10. Compiler and Assembler
A compiler translates a high-level programming language into machine code or another lower-level representation. An assembler translates assembly language into machine code.
Remember: High-level language → Compiler | Assembly language → Assembler.
How to Analyse Your ICT Mock Test Score
Use your score as a diagnostic indicator rather than as a prediction of your final UGC NET performance.
| Score | Performance | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| 26–30 | Excellent | Move to a more challenging ICT test and revise difficult concepts. |
| 20–24 | Good | Review incorrect answers and continue with the next test. |
| 14–18 | Needs Improvement | Revise hardware, memory and software fundamentals. |
| 0–12 | Needs Strong Revision | Study basic computer fundamentals before attempting another test. |
How to Prepare Computer Hardware & Software for UGC NET
Do not try to memorise computer terminology as a random list. Group related concepts together.
Memory: RAM → ROM → Cache → Registers → Secondary Storage
Software: System Software → Operating System → Device Drivers → Utility Software → Application Software
Processing: CPU → Control Unit + ALU
This grouping method makes it easier to recall the relationships between concepts when solving multiple-choice questions.
Common Mistakes in ICT Hardware & Software Questions
- Confusing RAM with ROM.
- Considering SSD a type of primary memory.
- Confusing cache memory with secondary storage.
- Considering the operating system to be application software.
- Confusing a device driver with an application.
- Confusing compiler and assembler.
- Assuming every software program is application software.
- Memorising device names without learning their functions.
Frequently Asked Questions – UGC NET ICT Test 2
What is covered in UGC NET ICT Mock Test 2?
This test focuses on computer hardware and software, including CPU components, RAM, ROM, cache, storage devices, input and output devices, operating systems, application software, utility software, device drivers and language translators.
How many questions are there in ICT Test 2?
There are 15 multiple-choice questions, with a maximum possible score of 30 marks.
Is this an official UGC NET previous-year paper?
No. Unless specifically identified and independently verified as a previous-year question, the questions in this test are UGC NET-style practice questions created for revision and exam preparation.
What should I study before attempting this test?
Revise basic computer architecture, CPU components, memory types, storage devices, input/output devices, system software, application software, operating systems, utility software and device drivers.
Is computer hardware and software important for UGC NET Paper 1 ICT?
Computer fundamentals form an important part of ICT preparation. Candidates should understand basic hardware, software, memory, storage, operating systems and related terminology alongside networking and digital initiatives.
Continue Your UGC NET Paper 1 ICT Preparation
This is ICT Mock Test 2 – Computer Hardware & Software. Continue with the next practice tests to cover additional Unit 8 topics and progressively improve your ICT preparation.
👉 UGC NET Paper 1 ICT Mock Test – Test 1: Internet, Networking & Digital Initiatives
👉 UGC NET Paper 1 Unit 8 ICT – Complete Notes
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Prepare Smarter with UGCNetHub
UGCNetHub provides free UGC NET Paper 1 study material, topic-wise MCQs, previous-year question practice and online mock tests to help aspirants build conceptual understanding and improve exam-solving speed.
For effective preparation, combine concept-based study + verified PYQs + topic-wise MCQs + timed mock tests. Use every incorrect answer as an opportunity to identify and strengthen a specific weak area.
📚 Recommended Study Path
Learn the concept → Solve verified PYQs → Attempt topic-wise MCQs → Analyse mistakes → Take timed mock tests → Revise weak areas → Repeat.
Disclaimer: This is an educational practice test created for UGC NET Paper 1 preparation. Questions not specifically identified as previous-year questions are original practice questions based on relevant ICT concepts. Candidates should refer to the latest official NTA/UGC syllabus and examination notification for the most current examination information.