Reoti, Ballia (U.P.) · Affiliated to CBSE · www.gjms.edu.in
SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER · Session 2026-27 Computer Applications (Code 165) — Class IX · THEORY
Time Allowed: 2 HoursMaximum Marks: 50
General Instructions:
This question paper is for the Theory component only (50 marks). The remaining 50 marks are assessed through the Practical component (see the appendix at the end of the paper).
The paper has four sections — A, B, C and D. All questions are compulsory.
Section A has 15 questions of 1 mark each (Multiple Choice / Assertion-Reason).
Section B has 5 questions of 2 marks each (Very Short Answer).
Section C has 5 questions of 3 marks each (Short Answer).
Section D has 2 questions of 5 marks each (Long Answer).
Internal choice (OR) is provided in Sections B, C and D. Attempt any one of the choices.
Write answers neatly. Spreadsheet formulas must begin with an equals sign (=) and use correct cell references.
SECTION A — Multiple Choice & Assertion-Reason 15 × 1 = 15 marks
1.1 The device that carries out arithmetic and logical operations and controls all other units of the computer is the:
RAM
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
Hard disk
Monitor
2.1 Which of the following is a volatile memory that loses its contents when the computer is switched off?
ROM
Hard Disk Drive
RAM
DVD
3.1 An operating system such as Windows or Linux is an example of:
Application software
System software
A mobile app
Utility hardware
4.1 A network that connects computers within a single building or campus is called a:
PAN
LAN
MAN
WAN
5.1 The Internet is the best example of which type of network?
PAN
LAN
MAN
WAN
6.1 Which short-range wireless technology is commonly used to connect a mouse, headphones or a keyboard to a device over a distance of a few metres?
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
Ethernet cable
Fibre optic
7.1 Storing your files, photos and documents on a remote server accessed over the Internet (e.g., Google Drive) is known as:
Local storage
Cloud storage
Cache memory
ROM storage
8.1 Which of the following is NOT a component of multimedia?
Text and images
Audio
Video and animation
Central Processing Unit
9.1 A self-replicating malicious program that attaches itself to files and spreads from one computer to another is a:
Adware
Virus
Firewall
Browser
10.1 Which of the following is the strongest password?
password123
ravi2010
Rk#7pL@2vQ
abcdefgh
11.1 Repeatedly following, threatening or harassing a person online is known as:
Cyberstalking
Encryption
Formatting
Debugging
12.1 In a spreadsheet, which function returns the largest value in a range of cells?
=SUM()
=AVERAGE()
=MAX()
=MIN()
13.1 Which chart type is most suitable for showing the percentage share of each subject in a student's total marks?
Line chart
Pie chart
Column chart
Scatter chart
Questions 14–15 are Assertion-Reason type. Choose the correct option:
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true but R is false. (d) A is false but R is true.
14.1Assertion (A): We should always log out of an account after using a shared or public computer. Reason (R): Logging out prevents the next user from accessing our personal account and data.
15.1Assertion (A): ROM is used to store data that is being actively processed by running programs. Reason (R): ROM is a non-volatile memory that retains its contents even after power is switched off.
SECTION B — Very Short Answer 5 × 2 = 10 marks
16.2 Differentiate between primary memory and secondary memory, giving one example of each.
17.2 What is system software? Give any two examples.
OR
What is application software? Give any two examples.
18.2 State any two safe-browsing habits that help protect a user while using the Internet.
19.2 Write the spreadsheet formula to compute the average of the values stored in cells B2 to B10. Also write the formula to find the minimum value in the same range.
20.2 Define malware. How is adware different from a virus?
OR
What is a PAN (Personal Area Network)? Give one real-life example.
SECTION C — Short Answer 5 × 3 = 15 marks
21.3 Explain the three basic functional units of a computer system — input, processing and output — giving one example device for each.
22.3 Compare LAN, MAN and WAN on the basis of their geographical area covered. Give one example of each.
OR
Differentiate between Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on the basis of range and typical use. State one use of each.
23.3 List the steps to insert a table (of 3 rows and 4 columns) into a document using a word processor.
24.3 Explain any three good practices for creating and managing strong passwords to keep an online account secure.
25.3 Study the following spreadsheet and answer the questions below:
A
B
1
Subject
Marks
2
English
85
3
Maths
92
4
Science
78
5
Total
?
Write the formula in cell B5 to find the total marks (B2 to B4).
Write a formula to display "Pass" if the total in B5 is greater than or equal to 120, otherwise "Fail" (use the IF function).
Write the formula to find the highest of the three subject marks.
OR
Write and explain the purpose of the spreadsheet functions =SUM(), =AVERAGE() and =MAX(), giving one example of each with a cell range.
SECTION D — Long Answer 2 × 5 = 10 marks
26.5Read the case below and answer the questions that follow.
Riya received an e-mail claiming she had won a lottery. The e-mail asked her to click a link and enter her bank details and password to "claim the prize". Soon after, she noticed her computer had become very slow and unwanted advertisements kept popping up on the screen.
Name the type of online fraud attempted through the e-mail. What should Riya do with such an e-mail? (2)
The pop-up advertisements suggest her computer is infected. Name the category of malware likely responsible. (1)
List any two precautions Riya should take to browse and use e-mail safely in future. (2)
OR
Cyber safety & reporting.
What is cyberstalking? Give one example. (2)
Explain why we should protect our privacy on social networking sites, stating any two things we should avoid sharing. (2)
Name the national portal / helpline number where a cybercrime can be reported in India. (1)
27.5 Answer the following about Office Tools:
List any three formatting features available in a word processor for changing the appearance of text. (3)
Write the steps to insert an animation on text or an object in a slide using a presentation tool. (2)
OR
What is a presentation tool? List any three features it provides for creating an effective slideshow. (3)
Explain the difference between the SUM and AVERAGE functions in a spreadsheet, with one example formula each. (2)
— END OF PAPER —
Appendix · Practical Component (50 Marks)
The Theory paper above carries 50 marks. The remaining 50 marks of Computer Applications (Code 165) are assessed through the Practical / Lab component, split as follows:
Component
Break-up
Marks
Lab Test
Word Processor (10) + Spreadsheet (10) + Presentation (10)
30
Report File + Viva-voce
Lab record of exercises + oral questions
10
Project
Individual / group project work
10
Practical Total
50
Grand Total = Theory 50 + Practical 50 = 100 marks.
MARKING SCHEMEfor teachers
SECTION A — MCQ / Assertion-Reason 1 mark each · full mark for correct option only
Answer key:
1 (b) CPU · 2 (c) RAM · 3 (b) System software · 4 (b) LAN · 5 (d) WAN · 6 (b) Bluetooth · 7 (b) Cloud storage · 8 (d) Central Processing Unit · 9 (b) Virus · 10 (c) Rk#7pL@2vQ · 11 (a) Cyberstalking · 12 (c) =MAX() · 13 (b) Pie chart · 14 (a) · 15 (d).
14. (a) — Both A and R are true and R correctly explains why we log out of shared computers. (1)
15. (d) — A is false (RAM, not ROM, holds actively processed data); R is true (ROM is non-volatile). (1)
SECTION B — Very Short Answer 2 marks each
16. Primary memory (RAM/ROM) is fast, directly accessed by the CPU, generally smaller and (for RAM) volatile — e.g., RAM. Secondary memory is slower, larger, non-volatile and used for permanent storage — e.g., Hard Disk / Pen Drive. (1 mark for distinction + 1 mark for correct examples)
17.System software controls and manages computer hardware and provides a platform for other software — examples: Operating System (Windows, Linux), device drivers, language translators. OR — Application software performs specific user tasks — examples: MS Word, a web browser, a calculator/paint app. (1 mark definition + 1 mark for any two correct examples)
18. Any two: use secure (https) websites; do not click on unknown/suspicious links or pop-ups; keep the browser and antivirus updated; do not download files from untrusted sources; avoid sharing personal information; log out of accounts on shared computers. (1 mark each, max 2)
19. Average: =AVERAGE(B2:B10) · Minimum: =MIN(B2:B10). (1 mark each; must include = sign and correct range)
20.Malware = malicious software designed to harm, disrupt or gain unauthorised access to a computer. Adware automatically displays/downloads unwanted advertisements and is usually annoying rather than destructive; a virus is self-replicating, attaches to files and can damage or corrupt data/programs. OR — PAN is a network for personal devices within a very small range (~10 m), e.g., a smartphone connected to wireless earbuds/smartwatch via Bluetooth. (1 mark definition + 1 mark distinction/example)
SECTION C — Short Answer 3 marks each
21.Input unit — accepts data/instructions from the user (e.g., keyboard/mouse). Processing unit (CPU) — performs arithmetic & logical operations and controls the system (e.g., processor). Output unit — presents the processed result to the user (e.g., monitor/printer). (1 mark for each unit with its example)
22.LAN — small area, one building/campus (e.g., school computer lab). MAN — a city-wide network (e.g., cable-TV / city broadband network). WAN — very large area, country/world (e.g., the Internet). OR — Wi-Fi: wireless networking over a larger range (tens of metres), used to connect devices to the Internet/router. Bluetooth: short-range (~10 m), used to connect nearby devices such as earphones/mouse. (1 mark for each type with correct area + example)
23. Steps (any correct sequence): (1) Place the cursor where the table is needed. (2) Click the Insert menu/tab and choose Table. (3) Select/drag or enter the number of rows (3) and columns (4) and click OK/Insert — the table appears in the document. (1 mark per correct step, max 3)
24. Any three: use a long password (8+ characters); mix uppercase, lowercase, digits and special symbols; avoid names, birthdays or dictionary words; use a different password for each account; never share your password; change it periodically. (1 mark each, max 3)
25. (a) =SUM(B2:B4) (b) =IF(B5>=120,"Pass","Fail") (c) =MAX(B2:B4). OR — =SUM(range) adds all values, e.g., =SUM(B2:B4); =AVERAGE(range) gives the mean, e.g., =AVERAGE(B2:B4); =MAX(range) returns the largest value, e.g., =MAX(B2:B4). (1 mark each — formula must be correct with = sign)
SECTION D — Long Answer 5 marks each
26. (a) It is a phishing attempt (fake e-mail to steal bank details/passwords); Riya should not click the link or share details, and should delete/report the e-mail. (2) (b) Adware (pop-up advertisements) — accept virus/malware if reasoned. (1) (c) Any two: do not click unknown links; never share passwords/bank details by e-mail; use antivirus/anti-malware; verify sender before responding; keep software updated. (2) OR — (a) Cyberstalking = repeatedly harassing, threatening or following a person online, e.g., sending constant threatening messages on social media. (2) (b) Protecting privacy prevents misuse of personal data/identity theft; avoid sharing — home address, phone number, passwords, live location, personal photos. (2) (c) National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal cybercrime.gov.in / helpline 1930. (1)
27. (a) Any three word-processor formatting features: change font type/size, bold/italic/underline, font colour, text alignment, bullets/numbering, line spacing, highlight. (3) (b) Steps to add animation: select the text/object → open the Animations tab → choose an animation effect (entrance/emphasis/exit) → set start/timing → preview. (2) OR — (a) A presentation tool (e.g., PowerPoint/Impress) creates slide-based presentations; features: slide layouts & templates, insert text/images/tables, transitions & animations, sound and slide timings, slideshow view. (3) (b) SUM adds all values in a range, e.g., =SUM(B2:B10); AVERAGE returns their mean (sum ÷ count), e.g., =AVERAGE(B2:B10). (2)
Marks tally: Section A 15 + Section B 10 + Section C 15 + Section D 10 = Theory 50. Practical 50 (Lab Test 30 + Report/Viva 10 + Project 10). Grand Total 100.