About this previous year paper
This question paper is designed to evaluate the student’s understanding of core concepts in Data Structures and Algorithms, along with their ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical problem-solving. It covers fundamental data structures, algorithm analysis, searching and sorting techniques, recursion, trees, graphs, hashing, and memory organization. The paper ensures balanced assessment through concept-based short questions, analytical mid-length questions, and extensive problem-solving in long questions.
The paper is divided into three sections:
SECTION A — Short Answer Questions (20 Marks)
This section consists of 10 compulsory questions, each carrying 2 marks, aimed at testing the student’s foundational understanding. Topics include:
Algorithm complexity cases (best/average/worst)
Trees (BST, heaps, complete binary trees) Queues, recursion fundamentals
Sorting methods (internal vs external) Graph traversal concepts
Expression trees Role of stacks in recursion
These questions check conceptual clarity and definitions essential for solving higher-level problems.
SECTION B — Analytical/Medium-Length Questions (30 Marks)
Students must attempt any 3 out of 5 questions, each carrying 10 marks.
This section tests the application of data structures and algorithms on:
Memory layout of multi-dimensional arrays Stack implementation using linked lists
Quick sort algorithm and dry-run Dijkstra’s shortest path algorithm
Tree construction from traversals
These questions require step-by-step reasoning, algorithm tracing, coding ability, and structural interpretation.
SECTION C — Long Answer / Problem-Solving Questions (30 Marks)
Students must attempt any one part from each sub-question, covering:
Polynomial representation via linked lists
Doubly linked lists Infix to postfix conversion
Circular queue implementation Hashing and collision resolution
Heap sort Spanning trees using Prim’s algorithm
Floyd-Warshall for all-pair shortest paths AVL tree rotations
B-Tree insertion
These questions assess deeper understanding, algorithm implementation, efficiency evaluation, and multi-step calculations.
Overall Purpose
This question paper assesses the student’s ability to:
Understand and analyze data structures
Implement algorithms efficiently
Evaluate time and space complexity
Use recursion, trees, and graphs for computation
Solve real-world problems using appropriate data structures
Write clear, structured algorithms and code logic