CBSE PROGRAMMING EXAM
STRUCTURE GUIDE
INTRODUCTION TO THE QUESTION PAPER
The question paper for the PRT-1 and PRT-2 examinations is meticulously
structured to align with the guidelines set forth by the CBSE board. It consists
of a thoughtfully balanced array of questions categorized by marks to
evaluate the students' understanding comprehensively.
QUESTION DISTRIBUTION
• Two-mark questions: 10
• Three-mark questions: 3
• Five-mark questions: 2
• One-mark question: 1
This assessment format emphasizes a blend of 30% theory-based and 70%
coding-based tasks, fostering a robust understanding of programming
concepts. The design incorporates elements from previous years' CBSE board
examinations to ensure that students are well-prepared and familiar with the
question styles and formats they may encounter.
This structured approach aims to not only test the theoretical knowledge but
also the practical application of coding skills, providing a holistic examination
experience for primary level programming subjects.
TWO MARKS QUESTIONS
Below is a list of ten two-mark questions designed in accordance with CBSE
board guidelines for PRT-1 and PRT-2 examinations. These questions include
a mix of theory-based definitions and practical coding tasks, maintaining the
specified 30% theory and 70% coding ratio.
THEORY-BASED QUESTIONS (30%)
1. Define a Variable: What is a variable in programming? Provide a brief
definition.
2. Explain the term 'Algorithm': What is meant by the term 'algorithm' in
the context of programming? Explain in two sentences.
3. What is a Function? Describe what a function is in programming and its
primary purpose.
CODING-BASED QUESTIONS (70%)
1. Write a Simple Output: Write a code snippet to display the message
“Welcome to Programming!” on the screen.
2. Variable Declaration: Declare a variable named age and assign it the
value of 10 in the Python programming language.
3. Basic Arithmetic Operation: Write a code example in Python that adds
two numbers (5 and 10) and prints the result.
4. Conditional Statement: Write a short code using an if statement to
check if a variable x is greater than 100 and print “Greater than 100” if
true.
5. Looping Structure: Implement a for loop in Python that prints the
numbers from 1 to 5.
6. List Creation: Write a line of code that creates a list named fruits
containing the items “apple”, “banana”, and “cherry”.
7. String Concatenation: Demonstrate string concatenation in Python by
combining the two strings “Hello” and “World” and printing the result.
These questions are structured to encourage students to demonstrate their
comprehension of fundamental programming concepts while providing an
opportunity to apply their coding skills practically.
THREE MARKS QUESTIONS
In this section, we present three carefully formulated three-mark questions
that adhere to the CBSE guidelines for the PRT-1 and PRT-2 examinations. This
selection includes one theory-based question designed to assess the
understanding of fundamental programming concepts and two coding tasks
that require students to demonstrate their practical coding skills.
THEORY-BASED QUESTION (30%)
1. Explain the Concept of an Algorithm: Describe what an algorithm is in
programming. Discuss its importance in problem-solving and how it
provides a systematic approach to developing solutions. In your
explanation, consider elements such as the characteristics of a good
algorithm, including clarity, efficiency, and finiteness.
CODING-BASED QUESTIONS (70%)
1. Create a Simple Calculator Function: Write a Python function named
simple_calculator that takes two numerical inputs and an operator
(either '+', '-', '*', or '/') as parameters. The function should perform the
corresponding arithmetic operation and return the result. Ensure your
function handles division by zero elegantly with an appropriate error
message.
Example of function signature:
def simple_calculator(num1, num2, operator):
# Your code goes here
2. Generate Fibonacci Sequence: Write a Python code snippet that
generates the first n terms of the Fibonacci sequence, where n is
provided by the user. The code should print each term of the sequence.
Start with the first two terms as 0 and 1, and ensure that the code uses a
loop to build the sequence.
Example of output for n = 5 :
0
1
1
2
3
These three-mark questions are structured to evaluate both theoretical
knowledge and practical coding abilities, reinforcing the balance intended by
the CBSE board.
FIVE MARKS QUESTIONS
This section includes two five-mark questions designed specifically for the
PRT-1 and PRT-2 examinations. The question format follows CBSE guidelines,
with a clear emphasis on coding-based tasks (70%) and theoretical
understanding (30%).
CODING-BASED QUESTION (70%)
1. Implement a Simple Banking System: Write a Python program that
simulates a simple banking system. The program should allow users to
perform the following actions:
◦ Deposit an amount to their account
◦ Withdraw an amount from their account
◦ Check their account balance
The program should maintain the balance state across deposits and
withdrawals and ensure that withdrawals do not exceed the current
balance. Additionally, include error handling for negative deposits or
withdrawals.
Example Output:
Welcome to the Simple Banking System
Choose an action:
1. Deposit
2. Withdraw
3. Check Balance
4. Exit
Enter your choice: 1
Enter amount to deposit: 500
Amount deposited successfully!
Current Balance: 500
Enter your choice: 2
Enter amount to withdraw: 200
Amount withdrawn successfully!
Current Balance: 300
Enter your choice: 3
Current Balance: 300
Function Signature Example:
def banking_system():
# Your code here
THEORETICAL QUESTION (30%)
1. Explain Recursion with an Example: Define the concept of recursion in
programming. Discuss when it is appropriate to use recursion and its
advantages and disadvantages compared to iterative solutions. Provide
an example of a recursive function, such as calculating the factorial of a
number or generating a series of Fibonacci numbers.
In your explanation, consider the following points:
◦ Definition of recursion
◦ Conditions for a recursive function (base case and recursive case)
◦ Usefulness in simplifying complex problems
Example of a Recursive Function:
def factorial(n):
if n == 0 or n == 1:
return 1
else:
return n * factorial(n - 1)
Discuss the importance of understanding recursion for efficient
problem-solving in computer science and programming.
ONE MARK QUESTION
In this section, we present the single one-mark question tailored to meet the
guidelines set by the CBSE board for PRT-1 and PRT-2 examinations.
1. What is a Variable? Define a variable in programming.
This question is designed to prompt students to recall and articulate a
fundamental concept of programming in a succinct manner, reflecting the
objective nature of past CBSE board examinations.
CONCLUSION AND GUIDELINES
EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENTS
As you prepare for your upcoming PRT-1 and PRT-2 examinations, it is
essential to have a clear understanding of the structure of the question paper
and the expectations set forth by the CBSE board. The assessment is designed
to evaluate not only your theoretical knowledge but also your practical coding
abilities.
To meet these expectations, students are encouraged to:
1. Practice Coding Tasks:
The question paper comprises a significant portion (70%) dedicated to
coding-based tasks. Regularly practicing these coding problems will
reinforce your programming skills and enhance your ability to apply
theoretical concepts in practical situations.
2. Revisit Theoretical Concepts:
In addition to coding, it is imperative to revisit theoretical concepts that
constitute 30% of the question paper. Understanding these principles
will provide you with a solid foundation to tackle programming
challenges effectively.
3. Engage with Previous Exams:
Familiarizing yourself with previous years' CBSE examination formats
will help you adapt to the style and phrasing of questions you may
encounter. Reviewing past papers not only boosts confidence but also
identifies recurring themes and question patterns.
IMPORTANCE OF CONSISTENCY
Maintaining consistency with previous CBSE examination formats is crucial for
effective preparation. The structured approach used in crafting the current
question paper reflects this consistency. The distribution of marks across
varying question types ensures that students can demonstrate their
comprehensive understanding of programming.
• Focus on Key Areas:
◦ Two-mark questions will test your foundational knowledge.
◦ Three-mark questions necessitate deeper analytical thinking and
coding skills.
◦ Five-mark questions will challenge you to integrate multiple
concepts into a cohesive solution.
By allocating your study time in accordance with this distribution, you can
maximize your effectiveness in preparing for each segment of the
assessment.
FINAL REMINDERS
As you embark on your revision journey, prioritize consistent practice and
ensure a balanced understanding of both theory and coding. Dedicate time
each week to explore new coding challenges and engage with study materials
that reinforce the concepts outlined in the curriculum. This approach will
empower you to excel in your examinations, align with CBSE expectations,
and develop a strong foundation for future programming endeavors.
