PPSC Past Papers & Solved MCQs

The symbol () is commonly known as "Parenthesis". These curved brackets are used in writing to enclose supplementary material, such as an explanation, comment, or qualification, that is separate from the main text.

• A: Square bracket refers to the symbols [ ], which have different uses, often for editorial insertions or technical notation.
• B: Parenthesis is the correct term for the curved brackets ().
• C: None of these is incorrect as 'Parenthesis' is a valid option.
• D: all is incorrect as only one option correctly identifies the symbol.

Understanding punctuation marks and their correct terminology is fundamental for clear communication in written language.

Netscape Communications Corporation was a prominent American computer services company, best known for its web browser, Netscape Navigator. It was founded by James Clark and Marc Andreessen.

• A: Larry Page is incorrect; he is known as a co-founder of Google, not Netscape.
• B: James Clark is correct; he was a co-founder of Netscape.
• C: Marc Andreessen is correct; he was also a co-founder of Netscape and a key developer of the Mosaic web browser.
• D: Both B & C is the correct answer, as both James Clark and Marc Andreessen were instrumental in founding Netscape.

Knowing the key figures behind influential technology companies is important for understanding the history of computing.

An Inkjet Printer is a type of non-impact printer that creates a digital image by propelling droplets of ink onto paper. It uses a print head with numerous tiny nozzles that precisely spray microscopic ink droplets to form characters and images.

• A: Laser Printer uses toner (powdered ink) and a laser to create an electrostatic image on a drum, which then transfers the toner to paper using heat and pressure.
• B: Dot Matrix Printer is an impact printer that uses a print head to strike an ink-soaked ribbon against the paper, forming characters from a matrix of dots.
• C: Inkjet Printer accurately describes the technology of spraying ink through nozzles.
• D: Thermal Printer uses heat to produce an image on heat-sensitive paper, often used for receipts.

Understanding the different printing technologies helps in selecting the appropriate device for specific needs.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is primarily associated with the Fifth Generation of computing. This generation, which began in the 1980s and continues today, focuses on developing computers that can understand natural language, learn, and make decisions, mimicking human intelligence.

• A: Third Generation (1964-1971) was characterized by integrated circuits and operating systems.
• B: Fourth Generation (1971-1985) saw the development of microprocessors, personal computers, and networking.
• C: Fifth Generation is correct, as it is defined by the pursuit of AI, parallel processing, and advanced software.
• D: Sixth Generation is not a widely recognized or established generation in the standard classification of computer history.

Each generation of computing is marked by significant technological advancements and shifts in focus.

The correct answer is Indentation.

• Indentation refers to the blank space inserted from the margin to the beginning of a line or paragraph. It is commonly used to visually separate paragraphs or create hierarchical structures in text.
• Line Spacing (A) is the vertical distance between lines of text.
• Margin (B) is the space between the edge of the page and the main text block.
• Justification (D) refers to how text is aligned along the left and right margins, such as left-justified, right-justified, centered, or full-justified.

Therefore, the spacing specifically at the start of a paragraph is known as indentation.

The correct answer is Gutter Margin.

• A Gutter Margin is an additional space added to the side margin, top margin, or inside margin of a document that you plan to bind. This extra space ensures that text is not obscured when the document is bound, allowing for comfortable reading.
• Line Spacing (A) is the vertical distance between lines of text.
• Indentation (B) is the space from the margin to the start of a paragraph.
• Justification (D) refers to the alignment of text along the margins.

The gutter margin is crucial for documents like books or reports to prevent text from disappearing into the binding.

The correct answer is John Eckert & John Mauchly.

• J. Presper Eckert and John Mauchly were the principal designers and builders of the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC) at the University of Pennsylvania. ENIAC was one of the first electronic general-purpose digital computers.
• Alan Turing & John von Neumann (A) were pivotal figures in theoretical computer science and architecture, but not ENIAC's founders.
• Charles Babbage & Ada Lovelace (B) are recognized as pioneers of mechanical computing in the 19th century.
• Steve Jobs & Bill Gates (D) founded Apple and Microsoft, respectively, much later in the personal computing era.

Eckert and Mauchly's work on ENIAC marked a significant milestone in computing history.

The correct answer is 1.5 line spacing.

• In Microsoft Word, the shortcut key Ctrl + 5 is used to apply 1.5 line spacing to the selected text or paragraph. This adjusts the vertical distance between lines to one and a half times the single line spacing.
• Single line spacing (A) is typically achieved with Ctrl + 1.
• Double line spacing (C) is typically achieved with Ctrl + 2.
• 5 line spacing (D) is not a standard shortcut and would be an unusually large spacing value not commonly used.

Understanding these shortcuts can significantly improve efficiency when formatting documents in Word.

The correct answer is O (which represents 0).

• To solve this, we need to know the values of sine and cosine for 90 degrees.
• The value of sin 90° is 1.
• The value of cos 90° is 0.
• Therefore, sin 90° × cos 90° = 1 × 0 = 0.
• Options (A) -1 and (D) (–1) are incorrect as the product is zero.
• Option (C) Undefined is incorrect because both sin 90° and cos 90° are well-defined values.

The product of any number and zero is always zero, making 0 the correct answer.

The correct answer is (0, –1).

• In a square, the diagonals bisect each other. This means the midpoint of diagonal AC must be the same as the midpoint of diagonal BD.
• First, find the midpoint of AC: M = ((2 + (-1))/2, (3 + (-2))/2) = (1/2, 1/2).
• Let the coordinates of D be (x, y). The midpoint of BD is ((1 + x)/2, (2 + y)/2).
• Equating the x-coordinates: (1 + x)/2 = 1/2 => 1 + x = 1 => x = 0.
• Equating the y-coordinates: (2 + y)/2 = 1/2 => 2 + y = 1 => y = -1.
• Thus, the coordinates of D are (0, -1).

This method ensures that the geometric properties of a square are maintained.

The correct answer is 260.

• This is a percentage problem. We are given that 78 students represent 30% of the class. We need to find the total number of students, which represents 100%.
• We can set up a proportion: 30% / 78 = 100% / Total Students.
• Alternatively, find the value of 1%: 1% = 78 / 30 = 2.6 students.
• To find the total number of students (100%), multiply 1% by 100: Total Students = 2.6 × 100 = 260.
• Options (A) 220, (B) 230, and (C) 250 are incorrect calculations.

Therefore, the total number of students in the class is 260.

The correct answer is 0.3333.

• To find the sum of these decimal numbers, align them by their decimal points and add them column by column, starting from the rightmost digit.
• 0.3
• 0.03
• 0.003
• 0.0003
• When added vertically, the sum is 0.3333.
• The other options represent incorrect sums due to misaligned decimal points or calculation errors. For example, 3.30003, 3.30303, and 3.00333 are significantly larger and incorrectly combine the digits.

This is a fundamental arithmetic operation involving decimal numbers.

The correct answer is 5.

• The additive inverse of a number is the number that, when added to the original number, results in a sum of zero. It is essentially the number with the opposite sign.
• For the number –5, if we add 5 to it (–5 + 5), the result is 0.
• Therefore, 5 is the additive inverse of –5.
• Option (B) O (zero) is the additive identity, not the inverse.
• Option (C) (1/5.) is the multiplicative inverse of 5, not the additive inverse of –5.
• Option (D) -55 is an incorrect value.

Understanding additive inverses is a basic concept in number theory.

The correct answer is K.

• The problem states a K×K classroom arrangement. In this notation, the first 'K' typically represents the number of rows, and the second 'K' represents the number of columns.
• The condition
  

The correct answer is Exclamation mark (!). The word 'Alas' is an interjection used to express sorrow, regret, or pity. Interjections that convey strong emotion are typically followed by an exclamation mark to emphasize the intensity of the feeling. This punctuation signals a strong emotional utterance.

• Comma (,) is incorrect because while a comma can follow a mild interjection, 'Alas' usually conveys stronger emotion.
• Period (.) is incorrect as it marks the end of a declarative sentence, not an expression of strong emotion.
• Question mark (?) is incorrect as it is used for interrogative sentences, asking a question.

The correct answer is Charles Babbage. Charles Babbage, a British mathematician and inventor, is widely recognized as the

The correct answer is Agriculture. Pakistan's economy has historically been, and largely remains, agrarian. A significant portion of its population, especially in rural areas, is directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture for livelihood, making it the largest employer and a major contributor to the GDP.

• Industry is incorrect; while growing, it employs fewer people than agriculture.
• Services is incorrect; though a significant sector, it does not engage the majority of the population compared to agriculture.
• IT is incorrect; the IT sector is emerging but employs a very small percentage of the total population.

The correct answer is 1946. The Lahore Resolution, originally passed in 1940, called for independent 'states' for Muslims. However, in 1946, during the Muslim League Legislators' Convention, a resolution was passed that amended the original text, changing 'states' to 'state', thereby advocating for a single, sovereign Muslim state (Pakistan).

• 1940 is incorrect; this was when the original resolution was passed with 'states'.
• 1941 is incorrect; no such amendment occurred in this year.
• 1948 is incorrect; Pakistan had already gained independence by this year.

The correct answer is OIC. In 2019, following significant developments in Jammu and Kashmir, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) sent a special envoy to Kashmir. The OIC, representing Muslim-majority countries, often takes a stance on issues affecting Muslim communities globally, including the Kashmir dispute.

• UNHRC (United Nations Human Rights Council) is incorrect; while it monitors human rights, it did not send a special envoy in this specific context.
• Amnesty International is incorrect; it is an NGO that reports on human rights but does not send official 'special envoys' in the same diplomatic capacity as intergovernmental organizations.
• None is incorrect because the OIC did send an envoy.

The correct answer is Punjab. At the time of independence in 1947, the province of Punjab was divided into two parts: West Punjab, which became part of Pakistan, and East Punjab, which became part of India. This division was a major and often violent event during the partition of British India.

• Sindh is incorrect; it remained a single province within Pakistan.
• Baluchistan is incorrect; it also remained a single province within Pakistan.
• NWFP (North-West Frontier Province, now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) is incorrect; it remained a single province within Pakistan after a referendum.

The correct answer is 1955–60. Pakistan's first Five-Year Plan for economic development was launched in 1955 and concluded in 1960. These plans were designed to guide the country's economic growth and resource allocation in various sectors.

• 1950–55 is incorrect; this period predates the formal launch of the first Five-Year Plan.
• 1960–65 is incorrect; this was the period of the second Five-Year Plan.
• 1965–70 is incorrect; this was the period of the third Five-Year Plan.

The correct answer is Nehru. After the invasion of Kashmir by tribal militias supported by Pakistan in October 1947, India's Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru took the Kashmir issue to the United Nations Security Council in January 1948, seeking UN intervention to resolve the conflict.

• Jinnah is incorrect; as Governor-General of Pakistan, he was involved in the conflict but did not take the issue to the UN.
• Mountbatten is incorrect; as the last Viceroy and first Governor-General of independent India, he played a role in partition but not in taking the issue to the UN.
• Liaquat Ali Khan is incorrect; as Pakistan's first Prime Minister, he was involved in the conflict but Nehru initiated the UN appeal.

The correct answer is Faisalabad. Faisalabad, a major industrial city in Punjab, Pakistan, has been designated as a key industrial hub under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Its strategic location and existing industrial base make it suitable for developing Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to attract Chinese investment and boost manufacturing.

• Gwadar is incorrect; while a crucial CPEC port city, it's primarily a port and trade hub, not the main industrial hub.
• Karachi is incorrect; it's Pakistan's largest city and economic center, but Faisalabad is specifically targeted as a CPEC industrial hub.
• Hyderabad is incorrect; it is an important city but not designated as a primary CPEC industrial hub.

The correct answer is Russia. In 2025, the question refers to a hypothetical or future event. However, historically, Russia has seen legislative actions concerning presidential immunity. For instance, in 2020, Russia passed a law granting former presidents lifetime immunity from prosecution, which aligns with the spirit of the question regarding immunity for ex-presidents.

• China is incorrect; while it has its own legal framework, this specific type of immunity bill for ex-presidents is not prominently associated with China in this context.
• Pakistan is incorrect; Pakistan has seen debates and legal challenges regarding presidential immunity, but not a specific bill signed in 2025 as described.
• US is incorrect; the US system has different provisions for presidential immunity, primarily during their term, and not a specific immunity bill for ex-presidents signed in 2025.

The correct answer is Karakoram 2. K2 is the second-highest mountain in the world, situated in the Karakoram mountain range. The 'K' in its name is an abbreviation for Karakoram, and the '2' indicates that it was the second peak identified and surveyed in that range by the British Great Trigonometrical Survey of India in the mid-19th century. This naming convention was used for several peaks in the region.

• Options A, B, and D (Kashmir 2, Kangchenjunga 2, Kangra 2) are incorrect because K2's designation is specifically tied to the Karakoram range, not other geographical areas or different mountain systems like Kangchenjunga, which is a separate peak.