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Punjab PSEB Matric NSQF IT/ITeS study materials
Punjab PSEB Matric NSQF IT/ITeS study resources

Punjab PSEB Matric NSQF IT/ITeS practice questions

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Question 1IT/ITeS (NSQF vocational subject) - official domain breakdown not published on the source page

In a spreadsheet used to maintain an employee database for an IT/ITeS office, which data type should be assigned to the column that stores 10-digit mobile numbers so that leading digits are preserved and no arithmetic is applied?

  1. Currency
  2. Percentage
  3. Number
  4. Text Correct answer.

Explanation

Phone numbers are identifiers, not quantities, so they must be stored as text to keep leading zeros and avoid rounding or accidental calculation. A numeric format may display large values in scientific notation and strip leading zeros.

Question 2IT/ITeS (NSQF vocational subject) - official domain breakdown not published on the source page

Which key combination is the standard shortcut to copy the selected content in a Windows-based office document?

  1. Ctrl + V
  2. Ctrl + Z
  3. Ctrl + X
  4. Ctrl + C Correct answer.

Explanation

Ctrl + C places a copy of the selection on the clipboard while leaving the original in place. The copied content can then be pasted elsewhere with Ctrl + V.

Question 3IT/ITeS (NSQF vocational subject) - official domain breakdown not published on the source page

An IT/ITeS executive wants the same company logo to appear at the top of every page of a long report. Which feature of a word processor should be used?

  1. Watermark
  2. Footnote
  3. Header Correct answer.
  4. Text box on page one

Explanation

A header is a region repeated at the top of every page in a section, so inserting the logo there makes it appear throughout the document automatically. Footnotes and one-off text boxes stay tied to a single location.

Question 4IT/ITeS (NSQF vocational subject) - official domain breakdown not published on the source page

Which protocol is primarily responsible for transferring web pages from a web server to a browser?

  1. SMTP
  2. FTP
  3. HTTP Correct answer.
  4. DNS

Explanation

HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) defines how browsers request web resources and how servers return them. HTTPS is the secured variant of the same protocol.

Question 5IT/ITeS (NSQF vocational subject) - official domain breakdown not published on the source page

In a relational database table of customer records, which field is the most appropriate choice for a primary key?

  1. Date of joining
  2. Customer ID Correct answer.
  3. Customer name
  4. City

Explanation

A primary key must uniquely identify each row and should never be null or duplicated. A system-generated Customer ID satisfies this, whereas descriptive fields such as name or city can repeat across many customers.

Question 6IT/ITeS (NSQF vocational subject) - official domain breakdown not published on the source page

A phishing email typically attempts to obtain sensitive information by which method?

  1. Scanning open ports on a network
  2. Sending a fake message that directs the user to a fraudulent login page Correct answer.
  3. Flooding a server with excessive requests
  4. Encrypting the user's files and demanding payment

Explanation

Phishing relies on social engineering: the attacker impersonates a trusted party and lures the victim into entering credentials on a counterfeit site. The other options describe ransomware, denial of service, and port scanning respectively.

Question 7IT/ITeS (NSQF vocational subject) - official domain breakdown not published on the source page

In a spreadsheet, the formula =SUM(B2:B10) is entered in cell B11. What does the formula compute?

  1. The average of cells B2 to B10
  2. The total of cells B2 to B10 Correct answer.
  3. The product of cells B2 to B10
  4. The count of non-empty cells in B2 to B10

Explanation

The SUM function adds all numeric values in the specified range, so B11 shows the total of B2 through B10. The colon denotes an inclusive range of cells.

Question 8IT/ITeS (NSQF vocational subject) - official domain breakdown not published on the source page

Which of the following is an example of system software rather than application software?

  1. A word processor
  2. An operating system Correct answer.
  3. A photo editor
  4. A web browser

Explanation

System software manages hardware and provides a platform on which other programs run; the operating system is the core example. Word processors, browsers, and photo editors are applications that serve end-user tasks.

Question 9IT/ITeS (NSQF vocational subject) - official domain breakdown not published on the source page

A company wants to send the same personalised offer letter to 500 customers whose details are stored in a spreadsheet. Which word-processing feature is designed for this task?

  1. Spell check
  2. Mail merge Correct answer.
  3. Track changes
  4. AutoCorrect

Explanation

Mail merge combines a fixed template document with a data source so that each record produces an individual copy with fields such as name and address filled in. This avoids manually editing 500 separate letters.

Question 10IT/ITeS (NSQF vocational subject) - official domain breakdown not published on the source page

Which statement best describes the role of a firewall in an office network?

  1. It increases the bandwidth of the internet connection
  2. It filters incoming and outgoing traffic according to defined rules Correct answer.
  3. It converts domain names into IP addresses
  4. It stores backup copies of employee files

Explanation

A firewall inspects network traffic and permits or blocks packets based on configured rules, forming a barrier between trusted and untrusted networks. It does not resolve names, store data, or add bandwidth.

Question 11IT/ITeS (NSQF vocational subject) - official domain breakdown not published on the source page

In a spreadsheet, cell C5 contains the formula =A5*$B$1. When this formula is copied to cell C6, what will C6 contain?

  1. =A5*$B$2
  2. =A6*$B$1 Correct answer.
  3. =A6*$B$2
  4. =A5*$B$1

Explanation

Relative references such as A5 shift with the copy, so moving down one row changes A5 to A6. The dollar signs make $B$1 an absolute reference, which stays fixed wherever the formula is copied.

Question 12IT/ITeS (NSQF vocational subject) - official domain breakdown not published on the source page

Which unit is used to express the resolution of a printed image in terms of dots per inch?

  1. RPM
  2. MBPS
  3. PPM
  4. DPI Correct answer.

Explanation

DPI stands for dots per inch and measures how many printed dots fit within one inch, which determines print sharpness. The other units measure pages per minute, revolutions per minute, and data transfer speed.

Question 13IT/ITeS (NSQF vocational subject) - official domain breakdown not published on the source page

An IT support technician must remotely control a user's desktop to resolve an issue. Which type of software enables this?

  1. Spreadsheet program
  2. Antivirus utility
  3. Remote desktop application Correct answer.
  4. Disk defragmenter

Explanation

Remote desktop software transmits the user's screen and input to the technician over a network, allowing live troubleshooting without visiting the machine. Utilities such as antivirus or defragmenters perform maintenance but do not provide remote control.

Question 14IT/ITeS (NSQF vocational subject) - official domain breakdown not published on the source page

Which practice best protects a user account from unauthorised access in an IT/ITeS workplace?

  1. Using the same password across all websites
  2. Sharing the password with team members for convenience
  3. Enabling two-factor authentication along with a strong password Correct answer.
  4. Writing the password on a note stuck to the monitor

Explanation

Two-factor authentication requires a second proof of identity, such as a one-time code, so a stolen password alone is not enough to log in. Combined with a strong, unique password this greatly reduces the risk of account takeover.

Question 15IT/ITeS (NSQF vocational subject) - official domain breakdown not published on the source page

In a database, what is the main purpose of a foreign key?

  1. To uniquely identify each record in its own table
  2. To encrypt the values stored in a column
  3. To sort the records of a table automatically
  4. To link a record in one table to a related record in another table Correct answer.

Explanation

A foreign key holds the primary key value of a record in another table, creating a relationship between the two tables and enforcing referential integrity. Uniqueness within a table is the role of the primary key.

Question 16IT/ITeS (NSQF vocational subject) - official domain breakdown not published on the source page

Which file format is most suitable for saving a photograph that must retain high quality while keeping the file size reasonably small for email attachment?

  1. JPEG Correct answer.
  2. HTML
  3. CSV
  4. TXT

Explanation

JPEG uses lossy compression tuned for continuous-tone images, giving a good quality-to-size ratio for photographs. The other formats are for plain text, web markup, and tabular data and cannot store image pixels.

Question 17IT/ITeS (NSQF vocational subject) - official domain breakdown not published on the source page

A user reports that a website fails to open although other sites work. The technician suspects that the domain name is not being resolved. Which service should be checked first?

  1. DNS Correct answer.
  2. SMTP
  3. FTP
  4. DHCP

Explanation

DNS translates a domain name into the IP address the browser needs, so a DNS failure prevents that site from loading while others may still work if cached or resolved elsewhere. DHCP, SMTP, and FTP serve different functions.

Question 18IT/ITeS (NSQF vocational subject) - official domain breakdown not published on the source page

Which of the following best defines an operating system?

  1. A program that edits digital photographs
  2. Software that manages hardware resources and provides services to application programs Correct answer.
  3. A language used to write web pages
  4. A device that connects a computer to the internet

Explanation

The operating system allocates memory and processor time, manages files and devices, and offers an interface for applications. It is the layer between hardware and user programs.

Question 19IT/ITeS (NSQF vocational subject) - official domain breakdown not published on the source page

In a spreadsheet, which function returns the number of cells in a range that contain numeric values only?

  1. AVERAGE
  2. COUNT Correct answer.
  3. SUM
  4. COUNTA

Explanation

The COUNT function counts cells containing numbers, ignoring blanks and text. COUNTA, by contrast, counts every non-empty cell regardless of type.

Question 20IT/ITeS (NSQF vocational subject) - official domain breakdown not published on the source page

Which statement about cloud storage in an IT/ITeS environment is accurate?

  1. Cloud storage eliminates the need for any user authentication
  2. Cloud storage requires no internet connection for remote access
  3. Files stored in the cloud are always publicly accessible to anyone
  4. Data in cloud storage is held on remote servers and accessed over a network Correct answer.

Explanation

Cloud storage keeps data on provider-managed servers that users reach over the internet, with access controlled by accounts and permissions. It is not inherently public, does require connectivity, and still relies on authentication.

Question 21IT/ITeS (NSQF vocational subject) - official domain breakdown not published on the source page

What is the primary function of an Internet Service Provider (ISP)?

  1. To manufacture computer hardware
  2. To design websites for businesses
  3. To provide individuals and organisations with access to the internet Correct answer.
  4. To write operating system software

Explanation

An ISP supplies the connectivity that links a customer's network to the wider internet, often along with email and hosting services. It does not create content, build hardware, or develop operating systems.

Question 22IT/ITeS (NSQF vocational subject) - official domain breakdown not published on the source page

An employee receives a call from someone claiming to be from the IT helpdesk and asking for the password to fix a server problem. What is the most appropriate response?

  1. Provide the password since the caller claims to be from IT
  2. Email the password to the caller's address
  3. Share the password but change it the next day
  4. Refuse to share the password and verify the request through an official channel Correct answer.

Explanation

Legitimate IT staff do not need a user's password, so such a request is a social-engineering attempt. The safe action is to refuse and confirm the request through a known official contact before doing anything else.

Question 23IT/ITeS (NSQF vocational subject) - official domain breakdown not published on the source page

Which of the following is an example of an output device used in an IT/ITeS office?

  1. Scanner
  2. Monitor Correct answer.
  3. Keyboard
  4. Mouse

Explanation

A monitor presents processed information to the user and is therefore an output device. Scanners, keyboards, and mice send data into the computer and are input devices.

Question 24IT/ITeS (NSQF vocational subject) - official domain breakdown not published on the source page

A spreadsheet contains a list of sales figures with the region in column A and the amount in column B. Which approach most reliably totals the sales for a single specified region?

  1. Manually adding the matching cells with a calculator
  2. Using SUMIF with the region range as criteria and the amount range as the sum range Correct answer.
  3. Sorting column B in ascending order
  4. Applying a currency format to column B

Explanation

SUMIF adds only those values whose corresponding cells meet a given criterion, so it produces the regional total directly and updates automatically when data changes. Manual addition is error-prone and does not refresh.

Question 25IT/ITeS (NSQF vocational subject) - official domain breakdown not published on the source page

Which measure best protects data on a laptop that is carried between office and home by an IT/ITeS employee?

  1. Deleting the browser history regularly
  2. Renaming the user folder
  3. Using a screensaver with a picture
  4. Encrypting the storage drive and enabling a login password Correct answer.

Explanation

Full-disk encryption makes the stored data unreadable if the device is lost or stolen, and a login password prevents casual access. Cosmetic or housekeeping steps do not protect the data itself.

Question 26IT/ITeS (NSQF vocational subject) - official domain breakdown not published on the source page

In an IT/ITeS office, which storage medium is classified as volatile, meaning its contents are lost when power is switched off?

  1. Hard disk drive
  2. DVD-R disc
  3. RAM Correct answer.
  4. Solid-state drive

Explanation

Volatile memory loses its stored data the moment electrical power is removed, and RAM is the working memory that behaves this way. Hard disks, SSDs and optical discs are non-volatile secondary storage that keep data without power.

Question 27IT/ITeS (NSQF vocational subject) - official domain breakdown not published on the source page

A PSEB IT/ITeS student wants a single spreadsheet cell to display the current date automatically whenever the sheet is opened. Which approach achieves this?

  1. Type the date manually each day
  2. Apply the currency number format
  3. Merge the cell with the adjacent cell
  4. Use the TODAY() function in the cell Correct answer.

Explanation

The TODAY() function returns the current system date and refreshes whenever the workbook recalculates or is reopened. Manual typing and formatting options do not update automatically.

Question 28IT/ITeS (NSQF vocational subject) - official domain breakdown not published on the source page

Which protocol is used by a web browser to request and receive web pages from a web server?

  1. SMTP
  2. FTP
  3. DNS
  4. HTTP Correct answer.

Explanation

HTTP (and its secure form HTTPS) is the application-layer protocol that governs how browsers request pages and how servers respond. The other protocols serve file transfer, mail sending and name resolution.

Question 29IT/ITeS (NSQF vocational subject) - official domain breakdown not published on the source page

In a relational database, which property of a primary key ensures that no two records share the same key value?

  1. Indexing
  2. Referential integrity
  3. Uniqueness Correct answer.
  4. Normalisation

Explanation

The uniqueness constraint guarantees that each value in the primary key column appears only once in the table. Referential integrity concerns matching foreign keys, while normalisation and indexing are separate design and performance techniques.

Question 30IT/ITeS (NSQF vocational subject) - official domain breakdown not published on the source page

An IT/ITeS assistant must convert a document to a format that preserves the exact layout on any computer and cannot be easily edited. Which format is most suitable?

  1. DOCX
  2. CSV
  3. PDF Correct answer.
  4. TXT

Explanation

PDF embeds fonts and layout so the document looks identical on any device, and it can be locked against editing. TXT and CSV lose all formatting, while DOCX remains easily editable.

Question 31IT/ITeS (NSQF vocational subject) - official domain breakdown not published on the source page

Which action best demonstrates responsible use of a shared office computer in an IT/ITeS workplace?

  1. Sharing the login password with a colleague
  2. Logging off or locking the session before leaving the desk Correct answer.
  3. Saving personal photos on the desktop
  4. Disabling the antivirus to speed up the machine

Explanation

Locking or logging off prevents unauthorised access to the session while the user is away. Storing personal files, disabling security software and sharing passwords all violate workplace IT policy.

Question 32IT/ITeS (NSQF vocational subject) - official domain breakdown not published on the source page

Which device connects multiple computers within one office so they can exchange data on a local network?

  1. Modem
  2. Switch Correct answer.
  3. Scanner
  4. Printer

Explanation

A switch forwards frames between devices on the same local area network, letting them communicate directly. A modem links to an external line, while printers and scanners are peripherals.

Question 33IT/ITeS (NSQF vocational subject) - official domain breakdown not published on the source page

In word processing, which feature automatically moves a word to the next line when it does not fit at the end of the current line?

  1. Mail merge
  2. Track changes
  3. Word wrap Correct answer.
  4. Spell check

Explanation

Word wrap is the automatic line-breaking behaviour that keeps text within the margins without the user pressing Enter. The other features handle spelling, bulk letters and revision marking.

Question 34IT/ITeS (NSQF vocational subject) - official domain breakdown not published on the source page

A student types =AVERAGE(C2:C6) into a spreadsheet cell. Cells C2 to C6 contain 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50. What value is displayed?

  1. 10
  2. 30 Correct answer.
  3. 25
  4. 150

Explanation

AVERAGE adds the five values to get 150 and divides by the count 5, giving 30. Choosing the sum or the lowest value reflects a misunderstanding of what the function returns.

Question 35IT/ITeS (NSQF vocational subject) - official domain breakdown not published on the source page

A user complains that a document sent as an email attachment arrived with garbled characters and broken paragraphs. Which cause is most likely?

  1. The attachment exceeded the mailbox quota
  2. The receiver's monitor resolution was too low
  3. The sender saved the file in a different format from the one the receiver opened Correct answer.
  4. The email was sent outside office hours

Explanation

Opening a file in software or a format different from the one used to create it commonly corrupts fonts and paragraph layout. Quota, display resolution and timing do not alter file content.

Question 36IT/ITeS (NSQF vocational subject) - official domain breakdown not published on the source page

Which statement correctly distinguishes a compiler from an interpreter?

  1. A compiler runs source code directly without any translation step
  2. A compiler is used only for web pages and an interpreter only for databases
  3. A compiler translates the whole program before execution, while an interpreter translates and runs it line by line Correct answer.
  4. An interpreter produces a standalone executable file for later use

Explanation

A compiler converts the entire source program into machine code before it runs, whereas an interpreter processes and executes statements one at a time. Only compilers typically generate a standalone executable.

Question 37IT/ITeS (NSQF vocational subject) - official domain breakdown not published on the source page

In a spreadsheet, cell D4 contains =B4+C4. The formula is copied to D5. What does D5 contain?

  1. =B5+C4
  2. =B4+C5
  3. =B4+C4
  4. =B5+C5 Correct answer.

Explanation

Relative references shift by the same number of rows and columns that the formula moves. Copying one row down changes both B4 and C4 to B5 and C5.

Question 38IT/ITeS (NSQF vocational subject) - official domain breakdown not published on the source page

A company stores customer records in a database table. Which field is the most appropriate choice for the primary key?

  1. Customer ID Correct answer.
  2. Customer name
  3. Customer city
  4. Date of birth

Explanation

A primary key must be unique and never null, and an assigned customer ID meets both conditions. Names, cities and birth dates can repeat across many customers.

Question 39IT/ITeS (NSQF vocational subject) - official domain breakdown not published on the source page

Which step should an IT/ITeS technician take first when a user reports that a printer is not printing?

  1. Reinstall the operating system on the user's computer
  2. Check that the printer is powered on and connected, and look for queued jobs Correct answer.
  3. Reset all passwords on the office network
  4. Replace the printer with a new unit

Explanation

Good troubleshooting starts with simple, low-cost checks such as power, cabling and print queue status before escalating. Replacing hardware or reinstalling software is premature and disruptive.

Question 40IT/ITeS (NSQF vocational subject) - official domain breakdown not published on the source page

Which practice makes a password significantly harder to crack while remaining memorable to its owner?

  1. Changing only the final digit every month
  2. Using the same strong password on every account
  3. Using the name of a close relative
  4. Using a long passphrase of several unrelated words plus a number and symbol Correct answer.

Explanation

Length and unpredictability both raise the effort needed for brute-force or dictionary attacks, and a multi-word passphrase achieves this while staying memorable. Reuse, personal names and trivial changes weaken security.

Question 41IT/ITeS (NSQF vocational subject) - official domain breakdown not published on the source page

In a spreadsheet containing marks for 40 students, which feature best highlights only those who scored below the pass mark of 33?

  1. Applying conditional formatting with a rule for values below 33 Correct answer.
  2. Freezing the top row
  3. Sorting the marks column in ascending order
  4. Inserting a pie chart of all marks

Explanation

Conditional formatting automatically applies a visual style to cells that meet a rule, so failing marks stand out without manual checking. Sorting only reorders rows, and charts and freezing do not flag individual values.

Question 42IT/ITeS (NSQF vocational subject) - official domain breakdown not published on the source page

Which statement about an intranet is accurate in an IT/ITeS organisation?

  1. It is a private network accessible only to authorised members of the organisation Correct answer.
  2. It is a cable standard used to connect printers
  3. It is a programming language for building web forms
  4. It is a public website that anyone on the internet can browse

Explanation

An intranet uses internet technologies but is restricted to internal users behind the organisation's security controls. It is neither a public site nor a hardware or programming standard.

Question 43IT/ITeS (NSQF vocational subject) - official domain breakdown not published on the source page

An employee needs to send a 500 MB video to a client but the email service allows attachments of only 25 MB. What is the most practical solution?

  1. Upload the video to a shared cloud drive and send the client a download link Correct answer.
  2. Split the video into 20 separate email attachments
  3. Compress the video into a ZIP file smaller than 25 MB
  4. Reduce the monitor brightness before sending

Explanation

A shared link avoids attachment size limits and keeps the file in one piece for the recipient. Splitting creates confusion, and video files rarely compress enough to meet a 25 MB limit.

Question 44IT/ITeS (NSQF vocational subject) - official domain breakdown not published on the source page

In a relational database, a table of orders stores a CustomerID column that matches the CustomerID primary key in the customers table. What does this arrangement enforce?

  1. That every order refers to a customer who actually exists in the customers table Correct answer.
  2. That each customer can place only one order
  3. That CustomerID in orders must be unique across all orders
  4. That the orders table cannot be edited after creation

Explanation

A foreign key with referential integrity prevents an order from referencing a customer record that does not exist. It does not restrict the number of orders per customer or make the column unique.

Question 45IT/ITeS (NSQF vocational subject) - official domain breakdown not published on the source page

A spreadsheet has Region in column A and Sales in column B. Which method best produces a separate total for each region without manual addition?

  1. Sorting column B by size and reading the totals
  2. Deleting duplicate region names
  3. Using a PivotTable with Region as rows and Sales as values summed Correct answer.
  4. Applying bold formatting to each region name

Explanation

A PivotTable groups rows by a chosen field and aggregates the values, giving one total per region automatically. Sorting, formatting and deleting rows do not compute grouped sums.

Question 46IT/ITeS (NSQF vocational subject) - official domain breakdown not published on the source page

A user's browser shows a warning that a site's security certificate is invalid, yet the login page looks identical to the bank's real page. What is the most appropriate interpretation?

  1. The bank has updated its logo and the warning can be ignored
  2. The browser is out of date and the warning is unrelated to security
  3. The certificate warning indicates that the monitor needs calibration
  4. The site may be an impostor, so credentials should not be entered and the address should be verified Correct answer.

Explanation

A certificate mismatch often signals a spoofed site, and entering credentials could hand them to an attacker. The safe response is to stop, verify the URL through an independent channel and report the page.

Question 47IT/ITeS (NSQF vocational subject) - official domain breakdown not published on the source page

An IT/ITeS team must back up critical files nightly, keep a copy off-site, and restore within one hour. Which plan best meets all three requirements?

  1. Manual weekly copying to a pen drive kept in the same room
  2. Automated nightly backup to a remote cloud repository with periodic restore drills Correct answer.
  3. Copying files to a second folder on the same hard disk each evening
  4. Relying on staff to email important files to themselves

Explanation

Automated remote backup satisfies the nightly schedule and off-site requirement, while restore drills prove the one-hour target can be met. Same-disk copies and manual routines fail at least one requirement.

Question 48IT/ITeS (NSQF vocational subject) - official domain breakdown not published on the source page

A spreadsheet formula =IF(B2>=40,"Pass","Fail") is copied down a marks column. What does the formula return for a student with 38 marks?

  1. An error value
  2. 38
  3. Pass
  4. Fail Correct answer.

Explanation

The logical test B2>=40 is false for 38, so IF returns the value_if_false argument, which is the text Fail. The mark itself is not returned unless it is supplied as an argument.

Question 49IT/ITeS (NSQF vocational subject) - official domain breakdown not published on the source page

A small office has one broadband line, several computers and a wireless requirement for laptops and phones. Which device combination provides both wired switching and wireless access?

  1. A modem or router with a built-in wireless access point and switch ports Correct answer.
  2. A standalone modem only
  3. A USB hub attached to the server
  4. A scanner connected to one computer

Explanation

A combined router with wireless access point and LAN switch ports shares the broadband connection over both wired and wireless links. A modem alone offers no local switching or Wi-Fi, and peripherals cannot distribute a connection.

Question 50IT/ITeS (NSQF vocational subject) - official domain breakdown not published on the source page

In an IT/ITeS office, which file extension identifies a compressed archive that must be extracted before its contents can be used?

  1. .exe
  2. .zip Correct answer.
  3. .txt
  4. .html

Explanation

A .zip file is a compressed archive that bundles one or more files and folders; it must be decompressed with an archive tool before the individual files can be opened. The other extensions denote an executable program, plain text, and a web page respectively, none of which is an archive format.