Computer Literacy / ICT
What the section tests
Computer Literacy/ICT tests hardware and software basics, operating systems, MS Office, internet and networking, cyber safety, and ICT integration in teaching. Expect terms such as CPU, RAM, ROM, input/output devices, file extensions, URL, IP address, browser, cloud storage, and education platforms (DIKSHA, SWAYAM, PM eVIDYA).
Core rules
- RAM is volatile working memory; ROM is non-volatile firmware storage.
- 1 KB = 1024 bytes; 1 MB = 1024 KB. Storage and speed units are different.
- A spreadsheet formula begins with “=”; relative references shift on copy, absolute references use “$”.
- A URL identifies a resource; a domain name identifies a host; an IP address identifies a network interface.
- Cyber safety: verify sender, avoid unknown links, use strong unique passwords and two-factor authentication.
Worked example
Convert decimal 13 to binary. Divide by 2 and record remainders: 13 ÷ 2 = 6 remainder 1; 6 ÷ 2 = 3 remainder 0; 3 ÷ 2 = 1 remainder 1; 1 ÷ 2 = 0 remainder 1. Read remainders upward: 1101. Check: 8 + 4 + 1 = 13. The place values 8, 4, 2, 1 confirm the result.
Traps
- Saying “1 MB = 1000 KB” in binary-based storage questions.
- Confusing ROM with RAM when asked which loses data on power-off.
- Treating “www” as part of every domain name.
- In spreadsheets, copying =A1 without noticing relative reference changes.
- Clicking shortened links in “account verification” messages.