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Computer Organisation and Hardware PYQs – Computer, SSC & Railway

50 Computer Organisation and Hardware (Computer) questions asked in recent SSC and Railway exams, newest first, with exam, date & shift, answers and solutions.

📚 50 questionsSSC 0 · Railway 50

Q1. Which combination correctly matches the device with its primary function?

  1. (a) OCR – Recognizing magnetic ink characters
  2. (b) MICR – Reading barcodes
  3. (c) OMR – Detecting shaded marks on paper
  4. (d) Barcode Reader – Capturing handwritten text
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) OMR – Detecting shaded marks on paper

Input Devices and Their Functions:
OCR (Optical Character Recognition)– Converts printed/handwritten text into digital format
MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition)– Reads magnetic ink characters (used in cheques)
OMR (Optical Mark Recognition)– Detects shaded/marked areas on paper (used in answer sheets, surveys)
Barcode Reader– Scans and reads barcodes (vertical lines pattern)
Option 3 correctly matches OMR with detecting shaded marks.
Answer: Option 3 → OMR – Detecting shaded marks on paper

Q2. Which device converts printed text into machine-encoded text using pattern recognition?

  1. (a) OCR scanner
  2. (b) OMR scanner
  3. (c) Barcode reader
  4. (d) MICR reader
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) OCR scanner

Topic: Input Devices - Text Recognition
OCR (Optical Character Recognition)scanner converts printed/handwritten text into machine-encoded text using pattern recognition.
Other devices:
OMR - reads marked data (bubbles on answer sheets)
Barcode reader - reads barcodes (lines/patterns)
MICR - reads magnetic ink characters (cheques)
Answer: Option 1 → OCR scanner

Q3. The component inside the CPU responsible for arithmetic operations and logical comparisons is the __________.

  1. (a) Motherboard
  2. (b) Arithmetic Logic Unit
  3. (c) Control Unit
  4. (d) Random Access Memory
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Arithmetic Logic Unit

Topic: CPU Components
CPU has two main units:
1. Control Unit (CU) - Controls operations
2. Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) - Performs calculations
ALU Functions:
• Arithmetic operations (+, -, ×, ÷)
• Logical comparisons (>, <, =, AND, OR, NOT)
Other options: Motherboard (circuit board), RAM (memory)
Answer: Option 2 → Arithmetic Logic Unit

Q4. Which of the following devices can act as both an input as well as an output device?

  1. (a) Digital Camera
  2. (b) Plotter
  3. (c) Touchscreen
  4. (d) Barcode Reader
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Touchscreen

Input/Output Device Analysis
Digital Camera:Only input (captures images)
Plotter:Only output (prints graphics)
Touchscreen:Both input and output
• Input: Detects touch for user commands
• Output: Displays visual information
Barcode Reader:Only input (scans barcodes)
Answer: Option 3 → Touchscreen

Q5. Consider the following statements regarding Input and Output devices and select the correct option. (i) A microphone is an input device that can capture sound, but it cannot output any sound.(ii) The CPU's processing speed is much faster than the data transfer rate of external devices like printers.

  1. (a) (i) True, (ii) False
  2. (b) (i) False, (ii) False
  3. (c) (i) True, (ii) True
  4. (d) (i) False, (ii) True
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) (i) True, (ii) True

Statement Analysis:
(i) Microphone as Input Device:
Microphone captures sound waves and converts them into electrical signals for computer processing.
It is purely aninput device— it cannot output/produce sound.
Statement (i) is TRUE.
(ii) CPU Speed vs External Devices:
CPU processes data atGHz speeds(billions of operations/second).
External devices like printers operate at much slower rates (pages/minute).
This speed mismatch requiresbuffers and spoolingto manage data flow.
Statement (ii) is TRUE.
Answer: Option 3 → (i) True, (ii) True
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 16 June 2026 Shift 3 · Other hardware (SMPS, UPS, etc.)

Q6. Which device is designed to integrate processing, memory, and input/output components into one compact unit?

  1. (a) Micro Board
  2. (b) System Bus
  3. (c) Microcontroller
  4. (d) Motherboard
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Microcontroller

Topic: Computer Hardware Components
Microcontroller:A compact integrated circuit designed to govern a specific operation in an embedded system.
Key Features:
• Combines CPU, memory (RAM/ROM), and I/O ports on a single chip
• Used in embedded systems like washing machines, microwaves, automobiles
• Examples: Arduino, 8051, PIC, AVR
Other Options:
• Motherboard: Main circuit board connecting all components
• System Bus: Communication pathway between CPU, memory, and I/O
• Micro Board: Not a standard technical term
Answer: Option 3 → Microcontroller

Q7. The speed at which a Central Processing Unit (CPU) executes instructions is primarily determined by its clock rate, which is typically measured in gigahertz (GHz). If a CPU has a clock rate of 3.5 GHz, approximately how many clock cycles occur every second?

  1. (a) 3.5 billion cycles per second
  2. (b) 350 cycles per second
  3. (c) 3.5 million cycles per second
  4. (d) 3.5 thousand cycles per second
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) 3.5 billion cycles per second

Topic: CPU Clock Rate
Key Concept:
1 GHz (Gigahertz) = 1 billion cycles per second
GHz = 10⁹ Hz
Given:Clock rate = 3.5 GHz
Calculation:
Clock cycles per second = 3.5 × 10⁹
= 3.5 billion cycles per second
Answer: Option 1 → 3.5 billion cycles per second

Q8. Which component of the Central Processing Unit (CPU) is responsible for performing calculations and logical comparisons?

  1. (a) Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
  2. (b) Main Memory (RAM)
  3. (c) Register
  4. (d) Control Unit (CU)
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

Topic: CPU Components and Functions
CPU has three main components:
1. ALU - performs arithmetic & logical operations
2. Control Unit - controls & coordinates operations
3. Registers - temporary storage locations
ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit):
Performs all calculations (+, -, ×, ÷)
Performs logical comparisons (>, <, =, AND, OR)
RAM is primary memory, not a CPU component.
Answer: Option 1 → Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

Q9. The CPU mainly performs which of the following functions?

  1. (a) Processing and control
  2. (b) Storage and output
  3. (c) Display and storage
  4. (d) Input and calculation
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Processing and control

Topic: CPU (Central Processing Unit)
CPU is the brain of computer system.
Main Functions:
1.Processing- Executes instructions and performs calculations
2.Control- Manages and coordinates all computer operations
Storage is done by RAM/ROM, not CPU.
Input/Output handled by I/O devices.
Answer: Option 1 → Processing and control

Q10. Which metric indicates the average number of instructions a CPU executes per clock cycle?

  1. (a) IPC (Instructions Per Cycle)
  2. (b) Bus speed
  3. (c) Core count
  4. (d) Clock speed
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) IPC (Instructions Per Cycle)

CPU Performance Metrics
IPC (Instructions Per Cycle)measures how many instructions
a CPU executes in one clock cycle on average.
Other options:
•Clock speed→ cycles per second (Hz)
•Bus speed→ data transfer rate
•Core count→ number of processing units
Answer: Option 1 → IPC (Instructions Per Cycle)

Q11. What is the primary role of the Control Unit (CU) within the Central Processing Unit (CPU)?

  1. (a) It provides the system's primary volatile storage for active programs.
  2. (b) It permanently stores the operating system and basic boot instructions.
  3. (c) It manages and coordinates the flow of instructions and data throughout the computer system.
  4. (d) It performs all the arithmetic and logical calculations on data.
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) It manages and coordinates the flow of instructions and data throughout the computer system.

Topic:Control Unit (CU) in CPU
Primary Function:The CU acts as the 'traffic controller' of the CPU.
It fetches instructions from memory, decodes them, and coordinates
the execution by directing data flow between CPU components.
It does NOT perform calculations (that's ALU's job) or store data.
Answer: Option 3 → It manages and coordinates the flow of instructions and data throughout the computer system.

Q12. Which of the following devices functions as both an input and an output device?

  1. (a) Printer
  2. (b) Speaker
  3. (c) Touchscreen
  4. (d) Keyboard
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Touchscreen

Topic:Input/Output Devices
Input Device:Sends data to computer (keyboard, mouse)
Output Device:Receives data from computer (printer, speaker)
Both:Can send AND receive data
Touchscreen: Displays output (like monitor) + Takes touch input (like mouse)
Printer: Only output
Speaker: Only output
Keyboard: Only input
Answer: Option 3 → Touchscreen

Q13. Under which of the following categories do headphones fall?

  1. (a) Output Device
  2. (b) Storage Device
  3. (c) Input Device
  4. (d) Calculator Device
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Output Device

Headphonesreceive audio signals from computer and convert them to sound waves for listening.
Theyoutputprocessed data (audio) from the system to the user.
Similar output devices: Speakers, Monitors, Printers
Answer: Option 1 → Output Device

Q14. A printer receives information from the computer and produces a hard copy on paper. This behavior makes the printer a/an/the:

  1. (a) Input device
  2. (b) Network device
  3. (c) Primary memory
  4. (d) Output device
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Output device

Printer Function Analysis
A printer receives data from computer and produces physical/hard copy output on paper.
Device Classification:
• Input Device: Sends data TO computer (keyboard, mouse)
• Output Device: Receives data FROM computer and displays/prints results
Since printer takes processed information from computer and converts it to tangible form (paper), it is anoutput device.
Answer: Option 4 → Output device

Q15. Which type of touchscreen functions by pressing two flexible layers together, allowing it to detect input from a non-conductive object like a fingernail or plastic stylus?

  1. (a) Capacitive touch
  2. (b) Surface acoustic wave
  3. (c) Resistive touch
  4. (d) Infrared grid touch
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Resistive touch

Resistive Touchscreen:
• Has two thin flexible layers separated by a gap.
• When pressed, the layers touch each other and register the input.
• Works with any object — finger, fingernail, stylus (non-conductive).
• Used in ATMs, older smartphones, industrial equipment.
Capacitive Touchscreen:
• Uses electrical charge from the human body.
• Needs a conductive object (fingertip, not fingernail or regular stylus).
• Used in modern smartphones.
Surface Acoustic Wave: Uses ultrasonic waves; affected by dust/water.
Infrared Grid: Uses infrared beams; detects any object.
Answer: Option 3 → Resistive touch

Q16. What does CPU stand for in computer systems?

  1. (a) Central Processing Unit
  2. (b) Computer Processing Unit
  3. (c) Control Processing Unit
  4. (d) Central Program Unit
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Central Processing Unit

Q17. Which of the following best describes the role of the Control Unit within the Central Processing Unit?

  1. (a) It stores data and instructions temporarily during processing.
  2. (b) It performs all mathematical and logical calculations.
  3. (c) It displays the processed output to the user.
  4. (d) It directs and coordinates the activities of all components of the computer.
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) It directs and coordinates the activities of all components of the computer.

Q18. Which of the following accurately represents the two main components of the CPU and their functions?

  1. (a) ALU and CU – Perform calculations and control all computer operations
  2. (b) RAM and ROM – Store data and instructions permanently
  3. (c) Monitor and Keyboard – Control the speed of data processing
  4. (d) HDD and SSD – Perform data input and output tasks
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) ALU and CU – Perform calculations and control all computer operations

Q19. Which of the following pairs correctly classifies one input and one output device?

  1. (a) Keyboard – Output device, Printer – Input device
  2. (b) Mouse – Output device, Scanner – Input device
  3. (c) Joystick – Output device, Speaker – Input device
  4. (d) Microphone – Input device, Monitor – Output device
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Microphone – Input device, Monitor – Output device

Q20. Which of the following are main subsystems of the Central Processing Unit (CPU)?

  1. (a) Arithmetic Unit, Memory Unit and Output Unit
  2. (b) Logic Unit, Input Unit and Storage Unit
  3. (c) Control Unit, Arithmetic Unit and Logic Unit
  4. (d) Arithmetic Unit, Graphics Unit and Control Bus
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Control Unit, Arithmetic Unit and Logic Unit

Q21. Which of the following is the function of the Central Processing Unit (CPU) in a computer?

  1. (a) It sends output to printers and monitors.
  2. (b) It processes data and controls operations of all parts of the computer.
  3. (c) It stores all user files permanently.
  4. (d) It receives input from the keyboard and mouse only.
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) It processes data and controls operations of all parts of the computer.

Q22. What is the primary function of the Control Unit within a CPU?

  1. (a) Storing frequently used data
  2. (b) Performing arithmetic calculations
  3. (c) Directing the flow of instructions and data
  4. (d) Managing external device connections
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Directing the flow of instructions and data

Q23. Which of the following is a small hand-held pointing device that controls the two-dimensional movement of the cursor on a screen?

  1. (a) Mouse
  2. (b) Keyboard
  3. (c) Scanner
  4. (d) Touchscreen
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Mouse

Q24. Which of the following devices is primarily used to convert digital signals into sound for audio output?

  1. (a) Microphone
  2. (b) Monitor
  3. (c) Printer
  4. (d) Speaker
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Speaker

Q25. Which option correctly explains the fundamental difference between input and output devices in a computer system?

  1. (a) Input devices run pre-loaded instructions from memory, whereas output devices collect environmental data.
  2. (b) Input devices change user inputs into digital format, while output devices permanently save system data.
  3. (c) Input devices enable users to send data into the system, while output devices communicate processed information back to the user.
  4. (d) Input devices directly interact with the CPU, while output devices work independently without CPU involvement.
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Input devices enable users to send data into the system, while output devices communicate processed information back to the user.

Q26. Which of the following accurately explains why a touchscreen can be considered both an input and an output device?

  1. (a) It allows users to interact with visual data and sends touch signals to the computer.
  2. (b) It processes user data internally and sends it to memory.
  3. (c) It stores programs and lets users write directly to memory.
  4. (d) It only displays images but responds to voice commands.
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) It allows users to interact with visual data and sends touch signals to the computer.

Q27. Which of the following devices processes data in the computer system?

  1. (a) FDD
  2. (b) CPU
  3. (c) RAM
  4. (d) HDD
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) CPU

Q28. Which of the following best encapsulates the concept of a 'stored-program computer' as introduced by the Von Neumann architecture?

  1. (a) A computer where both data and instructions are stored in the same primary memory for sequential execution
  2. (b) A computer that utilises separate memory units for data and instructions to optimise processing speed
  3. (c) A computer that relies primarily on external storage devices for program execution
  4. (d) A computer that can only execute a fixed set of instructions hardwired into its circuitry
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) A computer where both data and instructions are stored in the same primary memory for sequential execution

Q29. With reference to computer systems, what does CPU stand for?

  1. (a) Computer Processing Utility
  2. (b) Central Programming Unit
  3. (c) Control Processing Unit
  4. (d) Central Processing Unit
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Central Processing Unit

Q30. Consider a scenario where a user interacts with a touch-sensitive display. Which of the following best describes the functional duality of this component within a computer system?

  1. (a) It functions exclusively as an input device, capturing the user's touch gestures and commands.
  2. (b) It acts solely as an output device, displaying visual feedback to the user's actions.
  3. (c) It serves as both an input device, detecting touch input, and an output device, displaying information and visual responses.
  4. (d) Its primary role is data storage, retaining user interactions for later processing.
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) It serves as both an input device, detecting touch input, and an output device, displaying information and visual responses.

Q31. Which of the following input devices primarily translates physical, real-world movements into digital signals that can be interpreted by a computer system for tasks such as navigation and object manipulation in a graphical environment?

  1. (a) Mouse
  2. (b) Keyboard
  3. (c) Microphone
  4. (d) Scanner
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Mouse

Q32. What does PCB stand for in electronics?

  1. (a) Printed Circuit Board
  2. (b) Portable Control Base
  3. (c) Power Circuit Board
  4. (d) Personal Control Board
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Printed Circuit Board

Q33. Which of the following statements about Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) is INCORRECT?

  1. (a) Complex devices may use multilayer PCBs to fit more circuitry.
  2. (b) PCBs serve only desktop computers and not portable devices.
  3. (c) PCBs provide a base to support and organize hardware parts.
  4. (d) PCBs hold and connect electronic components using conductive tracks.
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) PCBs serve only desktop computers and not portable devices.

Q34. What does PCB stand for in electric circuits?

  1. (a) Process Control Board
  2. (b) Programmed Control Base
  3. (c) Printed Circuit Board
  4. (d) Peripheral Circuit Bridge
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Printed Circuit Board

Q35. In the architecture of a Central Processing Unit (CPU), which statement accurately distinguishes the function of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) from that of the Control Unit (CU)?

  1. (a) CU executes arithmetic operations, and ALU controls program instructions.
  2. (b) ALU handles calculations and logic functions; CU manages instruction flow and coordination.
  3. (c) CU interacts directly with peripheral devices, and ALU stores temporary data.
  4. (d) ALU decodes instructions, while CU handles data storage tasks.
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) ALU handles calculations and logic functions; CU manages instruction flow and coordination.

Q36. What is the significance of pipelining in CPU architecture?

  1. (a) Executes multiple instructions simultaneously by overlapping stages
  2. (b) Stores instructions in memory
  3. (c) Transfers data between registers
  4. (d) Increases clock speed using multiple cores
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Executes multiple instructions simultaneously by overlapping stages

Q37. CMOS, often associated with storing system configuration, stands for:

  1. (a) Computerised Main Operating System
  2. (b) Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor
  3. (c) Configurable Modular Operating Software
  4. (d) Central Memory Output System
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor

Q38. Which characteristic of the CPU determines how many instructions it can process per second?

  1. (a) Number of registers
  2. (b) Power consumption
  3. (c) Cache size
  4. (d) Clock speed
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Clock speed

Q39. Which of the following components is/are NOT a part of the Central Processing Unit (CPU)?

  1. (a) Registers
  2. (b) Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
  3. (c) Control Unit (CU)
  4. (d) Graphic Card
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Graphic Card

RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2024-25 – 14 June 2025 Shift 1 · Other hardware (SMPS, UPS, etc.)

Q40. Consider a scenario where a user is interacting with a graphical application. Which component of the computer system is primarily responsible for rendering the visual elements displayed on the monitor?

  1. (a) Motherboard chipset
  2. (b) Random Access Memory (RAM)
  3. (c) Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
  4. (d) Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

Q41. Which characteristic of the CPU determines how many instructions it can process per second?

  1. (a) Power consumption
  2. (b) Number of registers
  3. (c) Cache size
  4. (d) Clock speed
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Clock speed

Q42. Consider a computer system with a multi-core processor. What is the primary advantage of having multiple cores compared to a single-core processor with the same clock speed when executing multiple independent tasks simultaneously?

  1. (a) Increased capacity for the system's main memory (RAM)
  2. (b) Improved ability to handle and execute multiple separate processes concurrently
  3. (c) Enhanced speed for executing a single, heavily threaded application
  4. (d) Reduced power consumption for the overall system
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Improved ability to handle and execute multiple separate processes concurrently

Q43. Which of the following devices can function as both input and output devices?

  1. (a) Touch Screen
  2. (b) Projector
  3. (c) Microphone
  4. (d) Scanner
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Touch Screen

Q44. Which of the following is an example of an input device that allows users to interact with a computer by typing text?

  1. (a) Keyboard
  2. (b) Monitor
  3. (c) Speaker
  4. (d) Printer
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Keyboard

Q45. Which output device is specifically designed to produce high-quality printed graphics and text?

  1. (a) Dot Matrix Printer
  2. (b) Inkjet Printer
  3. (c) Projector
  4. (d) Joystick
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Inkjet Printer

Q46. Which of the following best encapsulates the fundamental difference between the von Neumann and Harvard architectures in computer systems?

  1. (a) The von Neumann architecture is primarily used in modern microcontrollers, while the Harvard architecture is prevalent in general-purpose computers.
  2. (b) The von Neumann architecture utilises separate address spaces for instructions and data, while the Harvard architecture uses a single address space.
  3. (c) The Harvard architecture allows simultaneous fetching of instructions and data, potentially improving performance, while the von Neumann architecture typically fetches them sequentially from the same memory space.
  4. (d) The Harvard architecture employs a more complex control unit compared to the von Neumann architecture.
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) The Harvard architecture allows simultaneous fetching of instructions and data, potentially improving performance, while the von Neumann architecture typically fetches them sequentially from the same memory space.

Q47. Which of the following components is NOT part of the CPU?

  1. (a) Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
  2. (b) Cache memory
  3. (c) Control Unit (CU)
  4. (d) Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

Q48. In modern CPUs, what technique is used to execute multiple instructions simultaneously?

  1. (a) Clock Synchronization
  2. (b) Serial Processing
  3. (c) Pipelining
  4. (d) Sequential Execution
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Pipelining

Q49. Which of the following components is/are NOT a part of the Central Processing Unit (CPU)?

  1. (a) Control Unit (CU)
  2. (b) Graphic Card
  3. (c) Registers
  4. (d) Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Graphic Card

Q50. What is the primary function of the CPU in a computer system?

  1. (a) Store data permanently
  2. (b) Connect input and output devices
  3. (c) Execute instructions and process data
  4. (d) Manage the power supply
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Execute instructions and process data

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