NABARD Development Assistant 2026

Computer Knowledge
eBook

DBMS & Operating

System
Concepts · MCQs · Study Notes

10 Solved MCQs | In-depth Explanations | Key Terms

Mains Exam Preparation

 Chapter —

Table of Contents
What's inside this eBook

Introduction Overview & How to Use This eBook

Chapter 1 Operating System — Concepts & MCQs

Chapter 2 Database Management System (DBMS) — Concepts & MCQs

Chapter 3 SQL Basics — Concepts & MCQs

Chapter 4 Homework Practice Questions

Quick Reference Key Terms Glossary

 Chapter Intro

Introduction
Your guide to this eBook

About This eBook

This eBook is compiled from an expert-led live session on Computer Knowledge for NABARD
Development Assistant (DA) 2026 Mains Examination. It covers two of the most important
topics tested in the Mains paper: Database Management System (DBMS) and Operating
System (OS).

The session discusses not just the correct answers, but also explains why each option is right or
wrong — helping you build genuine conceptual understanding rather than just memorizing
answers.

What You Will Learn

■ Types of Operating Systems and their characteristics
■ Role of the OS as an interface between user and hardware
■ Core components of an OS: Kernel and Shell
■ Relational database keys: Primary, Foreign, Candidate, Composite
■ Data storage models: Relational, Hierarchical, Graph
■ Important DBMS terminology: Schema, Tuple, Record, Attribute, Field, Domain
■ Basic SQL commands: SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE
■ Identifying what is NOT a DBMS (e.g., Windows is an OS, not a DBMS)

Exam Tip: In the NABARD DA 2026 Mains paper, Computer Knowledge carries significant
marks. Questions are mostly conceptual — you need to understand what each term does and
how it differs from similar options. Read every explanation in this eBook carefully.

How to Use This eBook

Each chapter begins with a Study Notes section that explains the core concepts. This is followed
by Solved MCQs with detailed explanations for all options. At the end of the book, you will find
Homework Questions for self-practice and a Quick Reference Glossary of all key terms.
 Chapter 1

Operating System
Concepts, Types & MCQs

Study Notes: Operating System

What is an Operating System?

An Operating System (OS) is system software that manages computer hardware resources and
provides common services for computer programs. It acts as an intermediary (interface)
between the user and the hardware. Without an OS, no application software can run.

Key responsibilities of an OS include: memory management (allocating and de-allocating memory

to processes), process management, file system management, and device management
(handling I/O devices like keyboard, mouse, monitor).

Core Components of an OS
Component Role

Kernel The core of the OS. Directly interacts with hardware. Manages CPU, memory, devices.

Shell The outer layer. Accepts commands from the user and passes them to the Kernel.

Memory Diagram: Hardware → Kernel → Shell → User / Application Software. A user never
interacts directly with hardware — the OS (via Kernel) handles all hardware communication.

Types of Operating Systems

Type Description Example

Multi-User OS Allows multiple users to work simultaneously on the same

Linux,
system.
UNIX

Single-User OS Designed for only one user at a time. MS-DOS, early Windows

Batch OS Executes multiple jobs (programs) in batches without user

IBMinteraction.
OS/360

Real-Time OS (RTOS) Provides fast, time-sensitive responses. Used in critical systems.

VxWorks, FreeRTOS

Distributed OS Manages a group of separate computers, making them appear

Googleas
Chrome
one. OS

Network OS Provides networking features; manages shared resources

Novell
over NetWare
a network.

BIOS — Basic Input/Output System

BIOS is firmware software stored in Read-Only Memory (ROM). It runs the moment the
computer is powered on. Its job is to: (1) initialize and check all hardware components (POST —
Power-On Self Test), and (2) load the Operating System into RAM. BIOS does NOT manage
memory on an ongoing basis — that is the OS's job.

Solved MCQs: Operating System

Q1. Which of the following manages memory in a computer system?

(A) CPU (Central Processing Unit)

(B) BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)

(C) Operating System ✓ Correct

(D) Application Software

Explanation:

The Operating System is responsible for memory allocation and de-allocation to running
processes. The CPU executes instructions; BIOS initializes hardware at startup (stored in ROM);
Application Software (e.g., MS Word, Chrome) uses memory but does not manage it.

Q2. Which operating system allows multiple users to work on a system

simultaneously?

(A) Single-User OS

(B) Batch OS

(C) Multi-User OS ✓ Correct

(D) Real-Time OS

Explanation:

A Multi-User OS (e.g., Linux, UNIX) allows several users to access the same system at the same
time. Single-User OS serves one user at a time. Batch OS executes jobs in batches without live
user interaction. Real-Time OS provides fast responses for time-critical operations.
Q3. Which of the following acts as an interface between the user and the hardware?

(A) Application Software

(B) Operating System ✓ Correct

(C) Compiler

(D) Firmware

Explanation:

The Operating System bridges the gap between users/applications and hardware. Users cannot
directly communicate with hardware — the OS Kernel handles all hardware interaction. A Compiler
converts high-level language to machine code. Firmware (BIOS) initializes hardware at boot.
Application software helps users perform specific tasks.

Q4. Which is the core component of an Operating System that directly interacts with
hardware?

(A) Shell

(B) Kernel ✓ Correct

(C) Application Layer

(D) Compiler

Explanation:

The Kernel is the core (heart) of the OS. It sits between the hardware and the shell/user space and
manages CPU, memory, and I/O devices directly. The Shell is the outer layer where users type
commands; it passes those commands to the Kernel. Remember the hierarchy: Hardware →
Kernel → Shell → User.
 Chapter 2

Database Management System (DBMS)

Keys, Schema, Terminology & MCQs

Study Notes: DBMS

What is a DBMS?
A Database Management System (DBMS) is software that allows users to create, read, update,
and delete data in a structured and efficient manner. Popular DBMS examples include MySQL,
Oracle, and MS Access. Note: Windows is an Operating System, not a DBMS.

Types of Database Models

Model Data Structure Example

Relational Tables (rows & columns) MySQL, Oracle, MS Access

Hierarchical Tree structure (parent-child) IBM IMS

Network Graph structure (multiple paths) IDS, IDMS

Object-Oriented Objects (like OOP) db4o, ObjectDB

Relational Database Keys

Keys are attributes (columns) used to identify and link records in a relational database.

Key Type Definition Purpose

Primary Key Uniquely identifies each record in a table. CannotMain

be NULL
unique
or duplicate.
identifier for each row

Foreign Key A field in one table that refers to the Primary Key of
Creates
another
relationships
table. between two tables

Candidate Key A set of all possible keys that could serve as a Primary
Pool from
[Link] Primary Key is chosen

Composite Key A key made up of two or more columns. Used when

Uniquely
no single
identifies
columnrecords
is unique.
using combined colum

Super Key A set of one or more attributes that uniquely identifies

Superset
a row.
of Candidate Key

Important DBMS Terminology

Term Definition

Table (Relation) A collection of data organized in rows and columns.

Row (Tuple / Record) A single entry (horizontal) in a table representing one instance.
Column (Attribute) A vertical field in a table representing one property of the entity.

Field The intersection of one row and one column — holds a single (atomic) value.

Domain The set of all valid values an attribute can hold (e.g., Age domain = positive integers).

Schema The overall structure/design of the database — defines tables, columns, and relationships.

Solved MCQs: DBMS

Q5. Which key is used to establish a relationship between two tables?

(A) Primary Key

(B) Candidate Key

(C) Foreign Key ✓ Correct

(D) Composite Key

Explanation:

A Foreign Key in one table references the Primary Key of another table, thereby creating a
relationship (link) between the two. Primary Key uniquely identifies records within its own table.
Candidate Key is a set of potential primary keys. Composite Key combines two or more columns
for uniqueness — it does not link tables.

Q6. In a relational database, data is stored in the form of which of the following?

(A) Files

(B) Trees

(C) Tables ✓ Correct

(D) Graphs

Explanation:

Relational databases store data in the form of Tables (also called Relations), made up of rows and
columns. Trees are used in Hierarchical databases (parent-child structure). Graphs are used in
Network/Graph databases (multiple paths). Files are a physical storage concept, not a data model
format.
Q7. Which of the following uniquely identifies a record in a table?

(A) Foreign Key

(B) Candidate Key

(C) Primary Key ✓ Correct

(D) Composite Key

Explanation:

The Primary Key uniquely identifies each record (row) in a table. It cannot have duplicate or NULL
values. Foreign Key links two tables. Candidate Key is a set of attributes that could be primary
keys — you choose one from this set to become the actual Primary Key. Composite Key is formed
by combining two or more columns.

Q8. A row in a database table is also known as?

(A) Attribute

(B) Field

(C) Tuple ✓ Correct

(D) Domain

Explanation:

In relational database terminology, a Row is also called a Tuple or a Record. An Attribute refers to
a Column. A Field is a single cell (intersection of row and column) holding one atomic value. A
Domain is the set of all possible values for an attribute (e.g., the domain of "Age" is all valid ages).
Q9. Which of the following presents the structure of a database?

(A) Record

(B) Field

(C) Schema ✓ Correct

(D) Tuple

Explanation:

A Schema defines the overall structure/blueprint of a database — it describes the tables, columns,
data types, and relationships. It is not the actual data, but the design. Record and Tuple refer to
rows (actual data). Field refers to a single cell/value.

Q10. Which of the following is NOT a Database Management System?

(A) MySQL

(B) Oracle

(C) Windows ✓ Correct

(D) MS Access

Explanation:

Windows is an Operating System, not a DBMS. MySQL, Oracle, and MS Access are all database
management systems used to store and manage data. MS Access is a lightweight DBMS by
Microsoft commonly used for small-scale applications.
 Chapter 3

SQL Basics
Structured Query Language Commands

Study Notes: SQL

What is SQL?
SQL (Structured Query Language) is the standard language used to communicate with a
relational database. It allows users to retrieve, insert, update, and delete data stored in tables. For
NABARD DA exams, you are expected to know the basic DML (Data Manipulation Language)
commands.

SQL Command Purpose Example Use Case

SELECT Retrieve data from one or more tables.

Display all student records: SELECT * FROM Students

INSERT Add new records into a table. Add a new student: INSERT INTO Students VALUES (...)

UPDATE Modify existing records in a table. Change a student's age: UPDATE Students SET Age=22 WHERE ID

DELETE Remove existing records from a table.

Remove a student: DELETE FROM Students WHERE ID=1

CREATE Create a new table or database. CREATE TABLE Employees (ID INT, Name VARCHAR(50))

DROP Delete an entire table or database. DROP TABLE Employees

Solved MCQ: SQL

Q11. Which SQL command is used to retrieve data from a table?

(A) INSERT

(B) UPDATE

(C) SELECT ✓ Correct

(D) DELETE

Explanation:

SELECT is used to query and retrieve data from one or more tables. INSERT adds new rows of
data. UPDATE modifies existing data (e.g., changing a value in a column). DELETE removes
existing records from a table.
 Chapter 4

Homework Practice Questions

Test yourself — answers in comments section

The following questions are for self-practice. Try answering them on your own before checking the
explanations. These are based on the same session and are at the same difficulty level as the
NABARD DA 2026 Mains exam.

HW1. Which of the following is NOT a function of an Operating System?

(A) Memory Management

(B) Process Management

(C) Compiling Source Code

(D) File System Management

HW2. What is the process called when a computer is powered on and the OS is
loaded?

(A) Booting

(B) Formatting

(C) Partitioning

(D) Defragmentation

HW3. Which type of OS responds with a fixed time limit (deadline) to user requests?

(A) Batch OS

(B) Multi-User OS

(C) Real-Time OS

(D) Network OS
HW4. In DBMS, which of the following stores atomic (single) values?

(A) Table

(B) Tuple

(C) Field

(D) Schema

HW5. Which SQL command is used to add a new record to a table?

(A) SELECT

(B) INSERT

(C) UPDATE

(D) DELETE

HW6. What type of OS allows multiple programs to run in batches without user
interaction?

(A) Batch OS

(B) Real-Time OS

(C) Multi-User OS

(D) Distributed OS

HW7. Which of the following is a set of possible primary keys in a relational table?

(A) Foreign Key

(B) Composite Key

(C) Candidate Key

(D) Super Key

Answer Key (Homework): HW1: C | HW2: A | HW3: C | HW4: C | HW5: B | HW6: A |

HW7: C
 Chapter ✍

Quick Reference Glossary

Key terms for NABARD DA 2026 Computer Knowledge

Term Definition

Operating System (OS) System software that manages hardware and provides services to application software. Acts a

Kernel The core component of an OS that directly interacts with hardware. Manages CPU, memory, a

Shell The interface layer of the OS that accepts user commands and passes them to the Kernel.

BIOS Firmware stored in ROM that initializes hardware and loads the OS during system boot-up.

Multi-User OS An OS allowing multiple users to simultaneously access the system. Example: Linux, UNIX.

Real-Time OS An OS that guarantees response within a fixed time limit. Used in critical/embedded systems.

Batch OS An OS that groups and executes multiple jobs without user interaction.

DBMS Software for creating, storing, retrieving, and managing data in a structured database.

Relational Database A database that stores data in tables (rows and columns) with relationships via keys.

Primary Key A column (or set of columns) that uniquely identifies each row in a table. No NULLs or duplicat

Foreign Key A field in one table that references the Primary Key in another table, creating a relationship.

Candidate Key All attributes that can potentially serve as a Primary Key. The Primary Key is chosen from thes

Composite Key A key formed by combining two or more columns to uniquely identify a record.

Tuple / Record A single row in a database table representing one complete entry.

Attribute / Column A vertical category in a table representing a property/characteristic of an entity.

Field A single cell in a table holding one atomic (indivisible) value.

Domain The set of all valid values that an attribute can hold.

Schema The logical structure/blueprint of a database, defining tables, fields, and relationships.

SQL Structured Query Language — used to communicate with relational databases.

SELECT SQL command to retrieve/read data from a table.

INSERT SQL command to add new records into a table.

UPDATE SQL command to modify existing records in a table.

DELETE SQL command to remove records from a table.

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