BTechibtechi.in
Loading Loading
Free IIT Madras BS notes, PYQs and mock tests at btechi.in

TDS · All 2025 papers

103 questions · 120 marks · 3 papers

Answer key

Indian Institute of Technology Madras

BS Degree Programme · Examination & Study Paper

Tools in Data Science

All 2025 papers

Official Paper

Examination Instructions & Guidelines

Solve on notebook/paper first before checking solutions.
MCQ: Exactly 1 option is correct. Negative marking applies.
MSQ: One or more options correct. Select all to score.
Scientific calculator allowed for all calculations.
Official answer key is sealed at the end of this sheet.

End Term · 31 Aug 2025 (FN)End Term

Q1MCQ2 Marks·Choose one option
Asked 2 times Key ↓
When using uv for Python package management, which command sequence correctly creates a new project with a specific Python version and installs dependencies?
1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D
Q2MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 4 times Key ↓
In Git workflow for collaborative data science projects, what is the most appropriate sequence for integrating feature changes?
1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D
Q3MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 2 times Key ↓
When designing error handling in Python data processing pipelines, which approach generally offers the most robust and maintainable solution for unexpected runtime errors?
1. AUsing only generic try-except blocks
2. BUsing try-except-finally with specific exception types and proper logging
3. CUsing pre-emptive condition checks (if-else) without exception handling
4. DAllowing all exceptions to propagate to the top level
Q4MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 3 times Key ↓
A data scientist needs to identify unique treatment combinations in a clinical trial dataset with 50,000 rows. Which pandas approach would be most memory-efficient for large datasets?
1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D
Q5MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 5 times Key ↓
A developer debugging an API integration notices intermittent 429 status codes. Which Chrome DevTools approach would best help identify the rate limiting pattern?
1. AConsole tab with error filtering
2. BNetwork tab with timing analysis and request throttling simulation
3. CApplication tab for storage inspection
4. DPerformance tab for bottleneck analysis
Q6MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 4 times Key ↓
For a geospatial analysis project involving buffer operations, spatial joins, and interactive mapping, which combination of libraries provides the most comprehensive solution?
1. AMatplotlib + NumPy + Pandas
2. BGeoPandas + Shapely + Folium
3. CPlotly + Seaborn + SciPy
4. DBokeh + NetworkX + PyProj
Q7MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 3 times Key ↓
When cleaning a dataset with company names like "Microsoft Corp", "Microsoft Corporation", "MSFT", which OpenRefine technique would be most effective?
1. ASimple find and replace operations
2. BClustering algorithms with fingerprinting and n-gram comparison
3. CRegular expression matching only
4. DManual standardization
Q8MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 2 times Key ↓
1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D
Q9MCQ2 Marks·Choose one option
Asked 2 times Key ↓
When designing a SQLite database for time-series sensor data with millions of records, which indexing strategy optimizes both query performance and storage efficiency?
1. APrimary key index only
2. BComposite index on (timestamp, sensor_id) with partial indexes for active sensors
3. CIndividual indexes on all columns
4. DNo indexing to save storage space
Q10MCQ2 Marks·Choose one option
Key ↓
A data analyst needs to identify customers with purchase patterns similar to high-value segments. Which pandas operation most efficiently computes customer similarity?
1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D
Q11MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 3 times Key ↓
You are working with a very large CSV file that is too big to fit into memory. Which pandas method is the best way to read and process the file without running out of memory?
1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D
Q12MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 2 times Key ↓
A developer optimizing database-heavy applications needs to identify query bottlenecks and connection issues. Which monitoring approach provides comprehensive insights?
1. AApplication logs only
2. BDatabase query profiling + connection pool metrics + application performance monitoring
3. CNetwork traffic analysis only
4. DMemory usage tracking exclusively
Read the passage below, then answer Q13–Q15
Scenario 1: AI-Powered Research Assistant Development
Dr. Kumar is developing an AI research assistant for environmental science students. The system needs to process academic papers, generate summaries, and answer domain specific questions while encouraging critical thinking.
Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Q13MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 4 times Key ↓
The research assistant uses a system prompt to guide its behavior. Which system prompt design principle is most important for educational effectiveness?
1. AProviding direct answers to maximize efficiency
2. BBalancing information delivery with Socratic questioning to promote learning
3. CLimiting responses to prevent information overload
4. DUsing technical jargon to maintain academic rigor
Q14MSQ2 Marks·Choose all correct options
Asked 4 times Key ↓
When students submit complex research queries, which factors most significantly impact the LLM's operational costs and response quality? (Select all that apply)
1. AToken count of input prompts and generated responses
2. BComplexity and specificity of the query requiring deeper reasoning
3. CTime of day when queries are submitted
4. DContext window utilization for multi-turn conversations
5. EStudent's academic level
Q15MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 4 times Key ↓
Which prompt engineering technique would generate the most pedagogically valuable response for environmental research?
1. A"Explain climate change impacts"
2. B"Write about environmental issues"
3. C"Analyze the interconnected effects of ocean acidification on marine ecosystems, considering pH changes, species adaptation, and food web dynamics. What research methodologies would be most appropriate for studying these relationships?"
4. D"Discuss environmental problems briefly"
Read the passage below, then answer Q16–Q20
Scenario 2: Smart City Traffic Management System
A metropolitan city is implementing a real-time traffic management system that processes data from IoT sensors, traffic cameras, and GPS devices to optimize traffic flow across 500+ intersections.
System Architecture:
● IoT sensors at intersections (Lat/Long coordinates provided)
● Central processing hub: (28.6139^o N, 77.2090^o E)
● Real-time data streams: traffic density, weather conditions, accident reports
● ML models for traffic prediction and route optimization
Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Q16MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 4 times Key ↓
The development team uses Git for version control of traffic algorithms. When a critical traffic routing bug is discovered in production, which Git workflow ensures rapid deployment of fixes while maintaining code integrity?
1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D
Q17MCQ2 Marks·Choose one option
Asked 3 times Key ↓
Traffic engineers need to analyze historical data patterns. Which command-line approach efficiently processes large log files to extract peak traffic periods and route preferences?
1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D
Q18MCQ2 Marks·Choose one option
Asked 3 times Key ↓
For deploying the traffic management system across distributed edge computing nodes at intersections, which containerization strategy optimizes resource utilization and ensures consistent performance?
1. ASingle monolithic container with all services
2. BMulti-stage Docker builds with service mesh architecture and resource constraints
3. CVirtual machines for each intersection
4. DDirect installation on edge hardware without containerization
Q19MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Key ↓
When optimizing traffic routes for emergency vehicles during peak hours, which algorithmic approach best balances computational efficiency with real-time requirements?
1. ABrute force calculation of all possible routes
2. BA pathfinding with dynamic edge weights based on real-time traffic data
3. CRandom route selection
4. DStatic pre-computed emergency routes
Q20MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 4 times Key ↓
The system calculates distances between intersections for route optimization. What is the primary computational advantage of implementing the Haversine formula in the traffic management context?
1. AProvides accurate great-circle distances for GPS coordinates without requiring road network data
2. BCalculates exact travel time including traffic conditions
3. CDetermines elevation changes for fuel efficiency
4. DMeasures road surface quality for vehicle routing
Read the passage below, then answer Q21–Q30
Scenario 3: E-commerce Platform Log Analysis
You're analyzing Apache access logs from a major e-commerce platform. The logs contain customer browsing patterns, purchase behaviors, and system performance metrics during Black Friday sales.
Log Format Specification:
Analysis Requirements:
● Filter purchases (POST to /checkout/) during peak hours (12:00-15:59)
● Identify mobile vs desktop traffic patterns
● Track successful transactions (status codes 200-299)
● Analyze product category performance
Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Q21MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 4 times Key ↓
Which of the following Apache log entries correctly represents a successful mobile checkout transaction that occurred during the peak analysis window (12:00–15:59)?
1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D
Q22MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 4 times Key ↓
To extract essential fields for the analysis "mobile checkout transactions between 12:00-15:59 with successful status codes", which data elements are required?
1. AIP, UserAgent, Referrer, VirtualHost
2. BTimestamp, HTTP_METHOD, URL, StatusCode, UserAgent
3. CRemoteUser, AuthUser, ResponseSize, ServerIP
4. DIP, Timestamp, Referrer, ResponseSize
Q23MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 4 times Key ↓
1. A%d/%b/%Y:%H:%M:%S
2. B%d/%b/%Y:%H:%M:%S %z
3. C%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S %Z
4. D%d-%b-%Y:%H:%M:%S GMT
Q24MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 4 times Key ↓
To identify checkout transactions occurring between 12:00 and 15:59, which Python condition correctly validates the time range?
1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D
Q25MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 3 times Key ↓
1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D
Q26MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 2 times Key ↓
To identify mobile traffic from the UserAgent string, which Python approach provides the most reliable mobile device detection?
1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D
Q27MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 4 times Key ↓
For determining successful transactions, which condition correctly identifies HTTP status codes indicating success?
1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D
Q28MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 2 times Key ↓
1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D
Q29MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 4 times Key ↓
If the transaction count appears unexpectedly high, which systematic debugging approach would identify the root cause?
1. AAssume data corruption and discard results
2. BValidate each filter condition independently: time range → HTTP method → URL pattern → status code
3. CReduce the dataset size randomly
4. DCheck only the timestamp filter
Q30MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 2 times Key ↓
When processing very large Apache log files (10GB+), which of the following Python approaches offers the best memory efficiency?
1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D
Read the passage below, then answer Q31–Q34
Scenario 4: Academic Research RAG System with Multi-Modal Analysis
A research university implements an advanced RAG system that processes academic papers, datasets, code repositories, and experimental results to support interdisciplinary research across STEM fields.
Advanced Multi-Modal RAG Architecture:
● Text Processing: Research papers, grants, technical documentation
● Code Analysis: GitHub repositories, computational notebooks, algorithm implementations ● Data Integration: Experimental datasets, simulation results, sensor data
● Visual Processing: Figures, charts, experimental images, technical diagrams
● Semantic Linking: Cross-reference relationships between concepts, methods, and findings Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Q31MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 2 times Key ↓
What is the primary advantage of multi-modal RAG systems over text-only approaches in academic research contexts?
1. AReduced computational complexity for information retrieval
2. BComprehensive understanding through integration of textual concepts, visual data, and computational methods
3. CSimplified system architecture and maintenance
4. DLower storage requirements for research materials
Q32MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 4 times Key ↓
Which system prompt design best supports interdisciplinary research collaboration and knowledge synthesis?
1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D
Q33MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 4 times Key ↓
A researcher asks: "How can machine learning techniques be applied to optimize renewable energy grid integration, and what interdisciplinary approaches show promise?" Which response demonstrates the most effective research synthesis approach?
1. A"Machine learning can predict energy demand and optimize grid operations through various algorithms."
2. B"Here are 10 recent papers on ML applications in renewable energy: [lists papers with summaries]"
3. C"Let's explore the intersection of several fields: What specific grid integration challenges interest you? ML approaches range from demand forecasting (time series analysis) to real-time optimization (reinforcement learning), while power systems engineering provides domain constraints. Materials science advances in energy storage create new optimization opportunities. Which aspect aligns with your research focus?"
4. D"This is a complex topic requiring extensive literature review across multiple disciplines."
Q34MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 4 times Key ↓
Which processing sequence correctly describes the multi-modal RAG system's comprehensive research synthesis workflow?
1. AResearch Query → Text Search Only → Generate Literature Summary
2. BResearch Query → Keyword Matching → Return Most Recent Papers
3. CResearch Query → Multi-Modal Embedding (text + code + visual + data) → Cross-Disciplinary Retrieval → Concept Mapping → Synthesized Research Insights with Method Integration
4. DResearch Query → Database Search → Template Response Generation

End Term · 31 Aug 2025 (AN)End Term

Q35MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 4 times Key ↓
In a data science team using Git with feature branches, what is the recommended approach for integrating experimental analysis without disrupting the main workflow?
1. ACommit directly to main branch with descriptive messages
2. BCreate feature branch, conduct experiments, squash commits, and merge via pull request after peer review
3. CUse git stash for all experimental work
4. DCreate separate repository for each experiment
Q36MCQ2 Marks·Choose one option
Key ↓
A retail analyst wants to find the total sales per store from a Pandas DataFrame df with columns store_id and sales_amount. Which is the most efficient Pandas command?
1. Adf['sales_amount'].sum()
2. Bdf.groupby('store_id')['sales_amount'].sum()
3. Cdf['sales_amount'].groupby('store_id')
4. Ddf.pivot_table(index='sales_amount', values='store_id')
Q37MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 5 times Key ↓
A team is troubleshooting why a page loads slowly due to an API call taking a long time. Which Chrome DevTools tab should they use to find the slow request?
1. ASources
2. BNetwork
3. CConsole
4. DApplication
Q38MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Key ↓
When standardizing inconsistent date formats in a dataset using OpenRefine, which transformation approach is most effective for handling multiple date patterns?
1. ASimple text replacement operations
2. BGREL expressions with multiple conditional date parsing functions
3. CManual editing row by row
4. DExport to Excel and use built-in date formatting
Q39MCQ2 Marks·Choose one option
Asked 2 times Key ↓
For a MySQL database storing e-commerce analytics with complex joins and time-based queries, which indexing approach optimizes query performance?
1. ASingle primary key index per table
2. BComposite indexes on frequently joined columns, covering indexes for common queries, and partitioning by date ranges
3. CUnique indexes on all columns
4. DNo indexes to avoid write overhead
Q40MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 3 times Key ↓
When processing a streaming data source that generates CSV files every minute, which approach handles the data most efficiently without memory overflow?
1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D
Q41MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 2 times Key ↓
When working with uv in a team environment, which approach ensures reproducible dependency management across different development machines?
1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D
Q42MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 4 times Key ↓
For analyzing urban traffic patterns using GPS coordinate data, which combination of Python libraries provides the most comprehensive geospatial analysis capabilities?
1. APandas + Matplotlib + NumPy
2. BGeoPandas + Shapely + Folium + Contextily
3. CPlotly + Seaborn + SciPy
4. DBokeh + PyProj
Q43MCQ2 Marks·Choose one option
Asked 2 times Key ↓
For a web scraper that encounters 429 (Too Many Requests) status codes, which response strategy demonstrates ethical behavior?
1. ASwitch to different IP addresses to bypass the limit
2. BImplement exponential backoff starting with the Retry-After header value, reduce request frequency permanently
3. CContinue scraping but filter out 429 responses
4. DUse browser automation to appear more human-like
Q44MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Key ↓
A data scientist accidentally committed sensitive credentials to a Git repository. Which sequence of commands safely removes the credentials from history?
1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D
Q45MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 3 times Key ↓
For analyzing a massive time-series dataset that exceeds available RAM, which pandas strategy optimizes memory usage during aggregation operations?
1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D
Q46MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 2 times Key ↓
For a machine learning API serving models with inconsistent response times, which monitoring strategy provides the most actionable insights?
1. ATrack only HTTP response status codes
2. BModel inference time + request queue depth + resource utilization + error rate tracking
3. CMonitor only successful prediction accuracy
4. DFocus exclusively on network bandwidth usage
Read the passage below, then answer Q47–Q49
Scenario 1: Healthcare Data Analytics Platform
A hospital system is developing a HIPAA-compliant analytics platform to process electronic health records, predict patient outcomes, and support clinical decision-making while ensuring data privacy and regulatory compliance.
Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Q47MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Key ↓
When designing prompts for a clinical AI assistant, which approach best balances medical accuracy with regulatory compliance?
1. AProvide definitive medical diagnoses to assist doctors
2. BFocus on pattern recognition while explicitly requiring human clinical judgment and including appropriate medical disclaimers
3. CRestrict responses to general medical information only
4. DAvoid medical topics entirely to prevent liability
Q48MSQ2 Marks·Choose all correct options
Asked 4 times Key ↓
Which factors most significantly impact computational costs when processing large-scale clinical datasets with LLMs?(Select all that apply)
1. AToken density of clinical notes and medical terminology
2. BComplexity of medical reasoning required for clinical insights
3. CHIPAA compliance overhead and security measures
4. DContext window usage for patient history analysis
5. EGeographic location of healthcare facility
Q49MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 4 times Key ↓
Which prompt engineering approach generates the most clinically valuable insights for patient care optimization?
1. A"Analyze patient symptoms"
2. B"Review medical records"
3. C"Based on this patient's lab results (glucose: 180 mg/dL, HbA1c: 8.2%), vital signs, and medication history, identify potential adjustment strategies for diabetes management while considering contraindications and monitoring requirements."
4. D"Suggest treatments for diabetes"
Read the passage below, then answer Q50–Q54
Scenario 2: Smart Manufacturing Quality Control System
An automotive manufacturer implements an IoT-based quality control system that monitors production line metrics, detects defects in real-time, and optimizes manufacturing processes across multiple assembly plants.
System Architecture:
● IoT sensors at production stations (coordinates provided for each plant)
● Quality control hub: (42.3601^o N, 71.0589^o W)
● Real-time data streams: temperature, pressure, vibration, visual inspection
● ML models for defect prediction and process optimization
Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Q50MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 4 times Key ↓
When a critical defect pattern is identified requiring immediate production line adjustment, which Git workflow ensures rapid deployment of updated quality parameters while maintaining manufacturing compliance?
1. APush changes directly to production branch to minimize downtime
2. BCreate quality-hotfix branch, implement changes with detailed validation, require quality engineer approval, and deploy with rollback capability
3. CApply temporary manual overrides and update version control later
4. DUse email to communicate changes without version control
Q51MCQ2 Marks·Choose one option
Asked 3 times Key ↓
Quality engineers need to analyze sensor data to identify equipment performance degradation patterns. Which command-line approach efficiently processes large sensor log files to extract anomalous readings?
1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D
Q52MCQ2 Marks·Choose one option
Asked 3 times Key ↓
For deploying the quality control system across geographically distributed manufacturing plants with strict latency and reliability requirements, which architecture approach ensures optimal performance?
1. ACentralized cloud-only deployment
2. BEdge computing with local ML inference, container orchestration, and federated data synchronization
3. CSingle server per plant without redundancy
4. DManual quality control without automated systems
Q53MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Key ↓
When detecting defects in real-time during high-speed production, which algorithmic approach best balances accuracy with processing speed requirements?
1. AData based statistical analysis
2. BOptimized computer vision pipeline with cascaded classifiers and early rejection mechanisms
3. CManual visual inspection only
4. DRandom sampling for quality checks
Q54MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 4 times Key ↓
The system uses GPS coordinates to optimize supply chain logistics between plants. What is the computational advantage of using the Haversine formula in manufacturing logistics?
1. AAccurate distance calculations for optimizing transportation routes and delivery scheduling
2. BCalculating exact production times
3. CDetermining equipment maintenance schedules
4. DMeasuring network latency between plants
Read the passage below, then answer Q55–Q64
Scenario 3: Gaming Platform User Behavior Analysis
You're analyzing server logs from a multiplayer gaming platform during a major tournament event. The logs contain player actions, performance metrics, and system resource utilization data.
Analysis Requirements:
●Filter competitive gaming actions (kills, deaths, objectives) during tournament hours (14:00- 20:59)
●Differentiate between PC and console gaming patterns
●Track successful game events (status codes 200-299)
●Analyze player performance across different game modes
Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Q55MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 4 times Key ↓
Which log entry correctly represents a successful console objective action during the tournament window?
1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D
Q56MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 4 times Key ↓
For analyzing "competitive gaming actions during tournament hours with successful responses", which log fields are essential?
1. APlayerIP, PlayerID, Platform, MatchID
2. BTimestamp, ACTION, GameMode, StatusCode, ActionType
3. CPlayerID, ResponseTime, UserAgent, Level
4. DPlayerIP, Timestamp, Platform, ResponseTime
Q57MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 4 times Key ↓
1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D
Q58MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 4 times Key ↓
To filter gaming actions between 14:00 and 20:59 tournament hours, which condition correctly validates the time range?
1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D
Q59MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 3 times Key ↓
1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D
Q60MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 2 times Key ↓
Which approach most accurately identifies console gaming platforms from the Platform field?
1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D
Q61MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 4 times Key ↓
For identifying successful gaming events, which status code condition is most appropriate?
1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D
Q62MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 2 times Key ↓
To efficiently count different action types (KILL, DEATH, OBJECTIVE) from filtered tournament data, which approach is optimal?
1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D
Q63MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 4 times Key ↓
If tournament action counts appear inconsistently high, which systematic debugging approach identifies the issue?
1. AAssume tournament data corruption and exclude results
2. BValidate each filter systematically: time range → game mode → action type → status codes → platform detection
3. CReduce dataset randomly and extrapolate
4. DFocus only on successful status codes
Q64MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 2 times Key ↓
For processing massive gaming log files (100GB+) with memory constraints, which Python approach provides optimal performance?
1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D
Read the passage below, then answer Q65–Q68
Scenario 4: Supply Chain Optimization RAG System.
A global logistics company implements an advanced RAG system that integrates supplier data, transportation networks, demand forecasting, and regulatory information to optimize supply chain decisions across multiple industries and geographical regions.
Multi-Modal Supply Chain RAG Architecture:
●Supplier Intelligence: Vendor profiles, performance metrics, capacity data, compliance records ●Transportation Networks: Route optimization, carrier performance, fuel costs, delivery tracking ●Market Analysis: Demand forecasting, price volatility, seasonal patterns, economic indicators ●Regulatory Compliance: Trade regulations, customs requirements, sustainability standards ●Risk Assessment: Supply disruptions, geopolitical factors, weather impacts, financial stability Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Q65MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 2 times Key ↓
What is the primary advantage of multi-modal RAG systems for supply chain management compared to traditional ERP systems?
1. ALower implementation costs and simpler maintenance
2. BReal-time integration of supplier performance, market dynamics, and regulatory changes for adaptive supply chain optimization
3. CExclusive focus on historical transaction data
4. DReduced data storage requirements
Q66MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 4 times Key ↓
Which system prompt design best supports strategic supply chain decision-making across multiple stakeholders?
1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D
Q67MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 4 times Key ↓
A supply chain manager asks: "Given current semiconductor shortages, rising fuel costs, and new sustainability regulations, how should we restructure our electronics component sourcing strategy for the next quarter?" Which response demonstrates optimal supply chain synthesis?
1. A"Semiconductor shortages require finding alternative suppliers and adjusting inventory levels."
2. B"Here are 20 suppliers with current pricing and availability data: [lists suppliers with specifications]"
3. C"Let's analyze this systematically: Current semiconductor lead times average 16-24 weeks (vs. normal 4-6 weeks). Three strategic options emerge: 1) Dual-sourcing with 60% Asian suppliers, 40% nearshore (reduces risk but increases costs 12-18%), 2) Forward buying with 90-day inventory (capital impact: $2.3M, storage costs: $45K/month), 3) Design modifications using available components (6-week timeline, engineering costs). Fuel cost increases affect logistics by 8-15%. New EU sustainability regs require supplier carbon disclosure. Which risk tolerance and capital constraints guide your preference?"
4. D"Supply chain restructuring requires comprehensive analysis of multiple interdependent factors."
Q68MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 4 times Key ↓
Which processing sequence correctly describes the supply chain RAG system's comprehensive optimization workflow?
1. ASupply Chain Query → Supplier Database Search → Cost Comparison Report
2. BSupply Chain Query → Keyword Matching → Return Cheapest Options
3. CSupply Chain Query → Multi-Modal Analysis (supplier performance + market conditions + regulatory requirements + risk factors) → Scenario Modeling → Optimization Recommendations with Risk-Adjusted Trade-offs
4. DSupply Chain Query → Historical Data Retrieval → Standard Report Generation

End Term · 13 Apr 2025 (FN)End Term

Q69MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 2 times Key ↓
You receive a tab-delimited file where some numeric fields are interpreted as dates (e.g., "3/10" becomes "March 10" in Excel). What is the most effective way to handle this in Text to-Columns?
1. AChange the delimiter to commas before opening the file
2. BFormat the column as Text before applying Text-to-Columns
3. CUse the General data format option in Text-to-Columns
4. DManually change the affected cells back to numbers after splitting
Q70MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 2 times Key ↓
In Python, which statement correctly handles exceptions and ensures that cleanup code is executed?
1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D
Q71MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 3 times Key ↓
A research team has a pandas dataframe of medical trial participants. To quickly identify how many different treatment groups exist, which Pandas method would be most efficient?
1. A`len(set(column))`
2. B`column.count()`
3. C`column.nunique()`
4. D`column.value_counts()`
Q72MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Key ↓
1. ATo track changes to specific files
2. BTo specify files that Git should not track
3. CTo define Git repository settings
4. DTo list contributors to the repository
Q73MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 5 times Key ↓
A developer wants to examine API request headers and responses to debug an issue with a failing API call. Where in Chrome DevTools should they look?
1. AConsole tab
2. BApplication tab
3. CNetwork tab
4. DSources tab
Q74MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 2 times Key ↓
A pharmaceutical researcher is testing a new drug's effectiveness. If the p-value is 0.03 in a regression analysis, what can be concluded about the drug's impact?
1. AThe drug has no significant effect
2. BThe result is statistically significant at a 5% significance level
3. CMore data collection is needed
4. DThe sample size is too small
Q75MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 3 times Key ↓
A data analyst receives a messy dataset with inconsistent company names like "Apple", "Apple Inc.", and "Apple Incorporated". Which tool would best standardize these entries?
1. AExcel's Find and Replace
2. BOpenRefine's clustering feature
3. CPython's string manipulation
4. DManual editing
Q76MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 5 times Key ↓
A web developer wants to analyze the load time and resources of a webpage. Which Chrome DevTools feature provides comprehensive network request information?
1. AConsole tab
2. BNetwork tab
3. CElements tab
4. DSources tab
Q77MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Key ↓
Which of the following is NOT a feature typically found in modern IDEs?
1. ASyntax highlighting
2. BIntegrated debugger
3. CVersion control integration
4. DNative hardware virtualization
Q78MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Key ↓
Which of the following describes the primary use of Kumu?
1. ABuilding financial models
2. BCreating system maps and visualizing relationships
3. CPerforming real-time data analysis
4. DDesigning geographic maps for navigation
Q79MCQ2 Marks·Choose one option
Key ↓
Which HTTP method is idempotent, meaning multiple identical requests have the same effect as a single request?
1. APOST
2. BPUT
3. CGET
4. DDELETE
Q80MSQ2 Marks·Choose all correct options
Asked 4 times Key ↓
A researcher needs to perform spatial data operations like buffering and visualize the results on an interactive map. Which libraries would be most suitable?
1. AGeopandas
2. BFolium
3. CMatplotlib
4. DShapely
Read the passage below, then answer Q81–Q83
Scenario 1:
Sarah is working on a research paper about renewable energy technologies and decides to use an LLM to help her draft some sections.
Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Q81MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 4 times Key ↓
Sarah prompts the LLM: "Write a comprehensive overview of solar energy advancements in the last decade." The instructor wants to ensure that the LLM provides concise, clear, and helpful answers. What is the role of the system prompt in guiding the LLM's behavior?
1. AIt defines the LLM’s tone, behavior, and response style to align with the instructor's teaching goals.
2. BIt provides a list of pre-written responses to be used in all classroom scenarios.
3. CIt prevents the LLM from ever deviating from pre-determined responses, regardless of the context.
4. DIt configures the LLM to only respond to specific commands, disregarding any other input.
Q82MSQ2 Marks·Choose all correct options
Asked 4 times Key ↓
When Sarah submits increasingly complex prompts about solar energy, which of the following statements are TRUE regarding LLM cost and usage
1. ALLM costs are primarily calculated based on the number of tokens processed
2. BLLM usage is always free for academic research
3. CThe total length of both input prompt and output response impacts the overall cost
4. DLLM costs are fixed regardless of the complexity of the query
5. EToken count has no relation to computational resources required
Q83MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 4 times Key ↓
Sarah wants to improve the specificity of her LLM prompt. Which prompt is likely to generate the most precise and useful response?
1. A"Tell me about solar energy"
2. B"Discuss solar energy advancements"
3. C"Outline 4 key solar energy technological breakthroughs from 2014-2024, including specific efficiency improvements and implementation challenges"
4. D"Write a paragraph about solar energy"
Read the passage below, then answer Q84–Q88
Scenario 2
Wildfire Emergency Evacuation Planning
Background:
A wildfire is threatening a rural mountain region, and emergency services need to coordinate evacuation routes for four remote communities. The Emergency Management Center is located at a central command post, and must plan the most efficient evacuation route to ensure rapid and safe community evacuation.
The four communities are:
Pine Ridge Settlement (Latitude: 38.7456, Longitude: -120.8765)
Mountain View Village (Latitude: 38.6987, Longitude: -120.9234)
River Valley Community (Latitude: 38.7123, Longitude: -120.7654)
Forest Creek Hamlet (Latitude: 38.6789, Longitude: -120.8901)
Central Command Post Location:
(Latitude: 38.7200, Longitude: -120.8500)
Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Q84MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Key ↓
During the wildfire emergency, multiple teams are updating evacuation plans. Which Git command would a team member use to get the latest evacuation route updates?
1. Agit commit
2. Bgit checkout
3. Cgit pull
4. Dgit add
Q85MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 3 times Key ↓
An emergency responder needs to search through evacuation logs to find all entries related to "Pine Ridge". Which command would be most useful?
1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D
Q86MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 3 times Key ↓
In a resource-constrained emergency environment, which deployment method would be MOST appropriate for the Python-based evacuation management system?
1. ARunning scripts locally on a single emergency responder's laptop
2. BDistributing Python source code to all emergency personnel
3. CContainerized deployment with Docker for consistent execution across multiple devices
4. DFull cloud migration requiring constant internet connectivity
Q87MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 2 times Key ↓
Which computational tool would be MOST APPROPRIATE for optimizing the complex evacuation route considering multiple communities?
1. AMicrosoft Excel for manual distance calculations
2. BGoogle Maps for route visualization
3. CPython libraries like NetworkX or OR-Tools for route optimization
4. DQGIS for static route mapping
Q88MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 4 times Key ↓
What is the primary advantage of using the Haversine formula in emergency route planning?
1. ACalculating exact road distances
2. BDetermining travel time under specific conditions
3. CComputing great-circle distances on a spherical Earth
4. DMeasuring elevation changes in mountainous terrain
Read the passage below, then answer Q89–Q99
Scenario 3
You are provided with a Gzipped Apache log file from a website having the below data in each row.
The fields are separated by spaces and quoted by double quotes ("). Unlike CSV files, quoted fields are escaped via "and not". All data is in the GMT-0500 timezone and the questions were based in this same time zone.
Use the information given and answer the sub-questions.
Note: Assume that you are using Python codes for log analysis
Q89MCQ2 Marks·Choose one option
Asked 4 times Key ↓
Which of the following is a valid log entry based on the provided format?
1. A192.168.1.1 - - [12/Dec/2024:14:05:59 -0500] "GET /image.jpg HTTP/1.1" 200 1234 "-" "Mozilla/5.0 (Windows NT 10.0; Win64; x64) AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko) Chrome/87.0.4280.88 Safari/537.36" www.s-anand.net 192.254.190.217
2. B192.168.1.1 - - [12/Dec/2024:14:05:59 -0500] "POST /image.jpg INVALID" 200 1234 "-" "Mozilla/5.0 (Windows NT 10.0; Win64; x64) AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko) Chrome/87.0.4280.88 Safari/537.36" www.s-anand.net 192.254.190.217
3. C192.168.1.1 - - [12/Dec/2024:14:05:59 -0500] "PUT /image.jpg HTTP/1.1" OK 1234 "-" "Mozilla/5.0 (Windows NT 10.0; Win64; x64) AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko) Chrome/87.0.4280.88 Safari/537.36" www.s-anand.net 192.254.190.217
4. D203.0.113.7 - - [14/Dec/2024:16:45:11 -0500] "GET /index.html HTTP/1.1" 200 3500 "-" "Mozilla/5.0 (Windows NT 10.0; Win64; x64) AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko) Chrome/90.0.4430.93 Safari/537.36" www.s-anand.net 192.254.190.219
Q90MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 4 times Key ↓
Which of the following fields are necessary to filter "POST requests made for pages under /images/ from 15:00 to 18:00 on Mondays"?
1. ATime, Request, Method, URL
2. BTime, Method, Status, Size
3. CTime, Method, URL, Referer
4. DTime, Status, URL, Server
Q91MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 4 times Key ↓
If the time in the log is stored in the format [01/May/2024:00:00:00 -0500], which of the following time formats should you use to parse it correctly?
1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D
Q92MCQ2 Marks·Choose one option
Asked 2 times Key ↓
Which of the following methods is best for identifying if a log entry’s timestamp corresponds to a Sunday?
1. ACheck if timestamp.dayname() == 'Sunday'
2. BCheck if timestamp.weekday() == 5
3. CCheck if timestamp.strftime('%A') == 'Sunday'
4. DCheck if timestamp.weekday() == 6
Q93MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 4 times Key ↓
How would you identify log entries where the time is between 16:00 and 18:59 on Sundays?
1. ACheck if 16 <= timestamp.hour < 18
2. BCheck if 16 <= timestamp.hour < 19
3. CCheck if 16 < timestamp.hour < 19
4. DCheck if timestamp.hour in range(16, 20)
Q94MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 3 times Key ↓
How would you extract the HTTP protocol version (e.g., HTTP/1.1) from the Request field "GET /blog/ HTTP/1.1"?
1. AUse request.split('/')[1]
2. BUse request.split(' ')[2]
3. CUse request.split(' ')[1]
4. DUse request.split('/')[2]
Q95MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 3 times Key ↓
1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D
Q96MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 2 times Key ↓
1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D
Q97MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 4 times Key ↓
How would you identify if the log entry’s HTTP status code indicates a redirection request? (Assume that status is correctly stored in the variable ‘status’)
1. Astatus in [301, 302, 303]
2. B200 < status < 400
3. C300 <= status < 400
4. Dstatus in range(299, 400)
Q98MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 2 times Key ↓
After filtering the log entries (in a list filtered_entries), which of the following is the best way to count the number of requests with a 404 status code for pages under /error/?
1. AUse len(filtered_entries)
2. BUse len(entries)
3. CUse sum(1 for entry in entries)
4. DNone of these
Q99MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 4 times Key ↓
If the count of log entries appears much larger than expected, which of the following could be the reason?
1. AThe filter for Monday is incorrect.
2. BThe filter for time range is incorrect.
3. CThe filter for HTTP method is incorrect.
4. DAny of these could be the reason.
Read the passage below, then answer Q100–Q103
Scenario 4
A climate science professor is developing an AI-powered learning assistant called ClimateBot to help students understand complex climate modeling techniques and computational approaches to environmental data analysis.
Guidelines for ClimateBot:
- Engage students through thought-provoking questions
- Encourage independent problem-solving
- Guide students to discover solutions autonomously
- Provide conceptual insights, not direct answers
- Help students develop robust computational and analytical skills
Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Q100MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 4 times Key ↓
What is the primary purpose of the system prompt in controlling an AI learning assistant's behavior?
1. ATo create a fixed set of predetermined responses for every possible student query
2. BTo define the core communication strategy, learning approach, and interaction guidelines
3. CTo replace the need for human instructor guidance completely
4. DTo limit the AI's ability to understand complex scientific concepts
Q101MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 4 times Key ↓
Choose the best system prompt that achieves the instructor's goals.
1. A"You are a climate science assistant. Provide direct answers and complete code solutions whenever students ask."
2. B"You are an interactive learning assistant for climate science. Guide students through complex concepts by asking reflective questions. Avoid giving direct solutions. Encourage independent thinking and help students develop problem-solving skills."
3. C"You are a simple computational tool. Provide exact numerical answers and full code implementations for any climate modeling question."
4. D"You are a climate science assistant. Help students and tell them to consult textbooks for all information."
Q102MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 4 times Key ↓
A student asks: "How do I calculate the global warming potential of different greenhouse gases?" Choose the most pedagogically effective response:
1. A"The global warming potential (GWP) is calculated by multiplying the gas's radiative efficiency by its atmospheric lifetime. Here's the exact formula: [provides complete formula and calculation method]"
2. B"Global warming potential (GWP) is determined by factors like a gas's molecular structure, atmospheric lifetime, and interaction with radiation. Different gases have different GWPs based on these characteristics."
3. C"Let's break this down. What do you already know about greenhouse gases and their impact on climate? Have you considered how different molecules might have varying abilities to trap heat?"
4. D"I cannot help you with this calculation. Please refer to your textbook for a complete explanation."
Q103MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Asked 4 times Key ↓
Assume that the ClimateBot, an advanced learning assistant for climate science students.Its primary mission is to foster critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and deep understanding of complex environmental systems by using a RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) system. The RAG system works as follows: 1. Climate Data Storage: Comprehensive climate research materials (like reports, research papers and notes) are split into smaller chunks. Each chunk is vectorized using an embedding model. 2. Vector Database: The vectorized chunks are stored in a FAISS or Weaviate vector database. 3. Retriever: When a student asks a question, the system retrieves the most relevant content (based on semantic similarity) from the vector database. 4. LLM Contextualization: The retrieved content is added as context in the assistant's prompt, which is then used by the LLM (like GPT-4) to generate a personalized, context-aware response. Which of the following correctly describes the process flow of a RAG-based system for the IITM TDS Teaching Assistant?
1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D

Official Key

Master Answer Key & Explanations

Official answer keys from IIT Madras BS past papers. Click any question to review.

Reveal Key

Q1C

Q2B

Q3B

Q4C

Q5B

Q6B

Q7B

Q8B

Q9B

Q10B

Q11B

Q12B

Q13B

Q14A, B, D

Q15C

Q16B

Q17B

Q18B

Q19B

Q20A

Q21A

Q22B

Q23B

Q24C

Q25B

Q26B

Q27C

Q28B

Q29B

Q30B

Q31B

Q32C

Q33C

Q34C

Q35B

Q36B

Q37B

Q38B

Q39B

Q40B

Q41B

Q42B

Q43B

Q44B

Q45B

Q46B

Q47B

Q48A, B, D

Q49C

Q50B

Q51B

Q52B

Q53B

Q54A

Q55A

Q56B

Q57B

Q58B

Q59A

Q60B

Q61C

Q62B

Q63B

Q64B

Q65B

Q66C

Q67C

Q68C

Q69B

Q70B

Q71C

Q72B

Q73C

Q74B

Q75B

Q76B

Q77D

Q78B

Q79B

Q80A, B

Q81A

Q82A, C

Q83C

Q84C

Q85B

Q86C

Q87C

Q88C

Q89D

Q90A

Q91A

Q92D

Q93B

Q94B

Q95A

Q96B

Q97C

Q98D

Q99D

Questions and answer keys are reproduced from the official IIT Madras BS papers. BTechi is not affiliated with IIT Madras.