Practice high-yield Computer Science & IT MCQs on Hashing — Part 1 with worked academic solutions for PPSC, FPSC, CSS, PMS, NTS.
Questions
40
Difficulty Level
Exam-Level
Target Exams
PPSC, FPSC, CSS...
Estimated Time
48 mins
Exam-Level PPSC FPSC CSS PMS NTS
Verified for Commission Syllabus • Oct 14, 2026
40
Verified Practice Questions
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Question 1 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
What is the primary purpose of hashing in data structures?
Correct Answer: Option A — To provide constant time complexity for searches.
Detailed Academic Explanation:
To provide constant time complexity for searches. is the correct answer to “What is the primary purpose of hashing in data structures”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Hashing.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Hashing
Question 2 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
In hashing, what is a "collision"?
Correct Answer: Option D — When two keys hash to the same index.
Detailed Academic Explanation:
When two keys hash to the same index. is the correct answer to “In hashing, what is a "collision"”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Hashing.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Hashing
Question 3 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
Which of the following is a common method to handle collisions in hashing?
Correct Answer: Option C — Linear probing
Detailed Academic Explanation:
Linear probing is the correct answer to “Which of the following is a common method to handle collisions in hashing”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Hashing.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Hashing
Question 4 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
What is a hash function primarily used for in hashing?
Correct Answer: Option B — To map data to a fixed-size value.
Detailed Academic Explanation:
To map data to a fixed-size value. is the correct answer to “What is a hash function primarily used for in hashing”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Hashing.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Hashing
Question 5 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
Which collision resolution technique involves using a secondary hash function?
Correct Answer: Option C — Double hashing
Detailed Academic Explanation:
Double hashing is the correct answer to “Which collision resolution technique involves using a secondary hash function”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Hashing.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Hashing
Question 6 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
What is the time complexity of searching for an element in a well-distributed hash table using chaining?
Correct Answer: Option D — O(1)
Detailed Academic Explanation:
O(1) is the correct answer to “What is the time complexity of searching for an element in a well-distributed hash table using chaining”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Hashing.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Hashing
Question 7 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
What does "load factor" represent in hashing?
Correct Answer: Option A — The ratio of the number of elements to the number of slots.
Detailed Academic Explanation:
The ratio of the number of elements to the number of slots. is the correct answer to “What does "load factor" represent in hashing”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Hashing.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Hashing
Question 8 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
Which of the following is NOT a typical property of a good hash function?
Correct Answer: Option D — Produces random and unpredictable results.
Detailed Academic Explanation:
Produces random and unpredictable results. is the correct answer to “Which of the following is NOT a typical property of a good hash function”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Hashing.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Hashing
Question 9 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
What is the primary advantage of open addressing over chaining in hash tables?
Correct Answer: Option C — Reduced memory usage.
Detailed Academic Explanation:
Reduced memory usage. is the correct answer to “What is the primary advantage of open addressing over chaining in hash tables”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Hashing.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Hashing
Question 10 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
In a hash table with linear probing, what happens if the desired slot is occupied?
Correct Answer: Option B — The next slot is checked sequentially.
Detailed Academic Explanation:
The next slot is checked sequentially. is the correct answer to “In a hash table with linear probing, what happens if the desired slot is occupied”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Hashing.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Hashing
Question 11 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
What is "rehashing" in the context of hash tables?
Correct Answer: Option C — The process of resizing and rehashing all elements when the table is full.
Detailed Academic Explanation:
The process of resizing and rehashing all elements when the table is full. is the correct answer to “What is "rehashing" in the context of hash tables”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Hashing.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Hashing
Question 12 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
What type of hash table collision resolution involves storing a list of all elements that hash to the same index?
Correct Answer: Option D — Chaining
Detailed Academic Explanation:
Chaining is the correct answer to “What type of hash table collision resolution involves storing a list of all elements that hash to the same index”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Hashing.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Hashing
Question 13 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
Which of the following hash functions provides the best performance for a hash table?
Correct Answer: Option A — Universal hashing
Detailed Academic Explanation:
Universal hashing is the correct answer to “Which of the following hash functions provides the best performance for a hash table”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Hashing.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Hashing
Question 14 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
How can you improve the performance of a hash table?
Correct Answer: Option D — By increasing the size of the hash table and using a good hash function.
Detailed Academic Explanation:
By increasing the size of the hash table and using a good hash function. is the correct answer to “How can you improve the performance of a hash table”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Hashing.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Hashing
Question 15 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
What is the main drawback of using linear probing in hash tables?
Correct Answer: Option C — Clustering of elements can occur.
Detailed Academic Explanation:
Clustering of elements can occur. is the correct answer to “What is the main drawback of using linear probing in hash tables”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Hashing.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Hashing
Question 16 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
Which of the following is a disadvantage of using chaining for collision resolution in hash tables?
Correct Answer: Option B — Increased memory usage due to the storage of pointers.
Detailed Academic Explanation:
Increased memory usage due to the storage of pointers. is the correct answer to “Which of the following is a disadvantage of using chaining for collision resolution in hash tables”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Hashing.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Hashing
Question 17 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
What is the main goal of a good hash function?
Correct Answer: Option C — To uniformly distribute keys across the hash table.
Detailed Academic Explanation:
To uniformly distribute keys across the hash table. is the correct answer to “What is the main goal of a good hash function”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Hashing.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Hashing
Question 18 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
How is a hash table implemented in the case of open addressing?
Correct Answer: Option D — Using probing techniques to find an open slot.
Detailed Academic Explanation:
Using probing techniques to find an open slot. is the correct answer to “How is a hash table implemented in the case of open addressing”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Hashing.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Hashing
Question 19 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
Which probing technique uses a quadratic function to resolve collisions?
Correct Answer: Option A — Quadratic probing
Detailed Academic Explanation:
Quadratic probing is the correct answer to “Which probing technique uses a quadratic function to resolve collisions”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Hashing.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Hashing
Question 20 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
What happens if a hash function returns an index that is already occupied in a hash table using open addressing?
Correct Answer: Option D — The next available slot is searched.
Detailed Academic Explanation:
The next available slot is searched. is the correct answer to “What happens if a hash function returns an index that is already occupied in a hash table using open addressing”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Hashing.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Hashing
Question 21 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
What is the main advantage of using double hashing over linear probing?
Correct Answer: Option C — Reduces clustering of elements.
Detailed Academic Explanation:
Reduces clustering of elements. is the correct answer to “What is the main advantage of using double hashing over linear probing”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Hashing.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Hashing
Question 22 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
Which method for collision resolution involves adding a new hash function to handle collisions?
Correct Answer: Option B — Double hashing
Detailed Academic Explanation:
Double hashing is the correct answer to “Which method for collision resolution involves adding a new hash function to handle collisions”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Hashing.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Hashing
Question 23 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
In which scenario would you prefer chaining over open addressing for collision resolution?
Correct Answer: Option C — When the hash table is highly dynamic and frequently grows.
Detailed Academic Explanation:
When the hash table is highly dynamic and frequently grows. is the correct answer to “In which scenario would you prefer chaining over open addressing for collision resolution”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Hashing.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Hashing
Question 24 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
What is the effect of a high load factor on the performance of a hash table?
Correct Answer: Option D — Increased number of collisions.
Detailed Academic Explanation:
Increased number of collisions. is the correct answer to “What is the effect of a high load factor on the performance of a hash table”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Hashing.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Hashing
Question 25 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
Which of the following hash functions is used to reduce the possibility of clustering?
Correct Answer: Option A — Universal hashing
Detailed Academic Explanation:
Universal hashing is the correct answer to “Which of the following hash functions is used to reduce the possibility of clustering”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Hashing.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Hashing
Question 26 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
What technique is used to convert a hash table from an array-based to a linked-list-based implementation?
Correct Answer: Option D — Chaining
Detailed Academic Explanation:
Chaining is the correct answer to “What technique is used to convert a hash table from an array-based to a linked-list-based implementation”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Hashing.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Hashing
Question 27 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
What is the primary disadvantage of using a hash function with poor randomness?
Correct Answer: Option C — Increased number of collisions and poor distribution of keys.
Detailed Academic Explanation:
Increased number of collisions and poor distribution of keys. is the correct answer to “What is the primary disadvantage of using a hash function with poor randomness”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Hashing.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Hashing
Question 28 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
How does rehashing affect a hash table?
Correct Answer: Option B — It increases the size of the hash table and re-calculates indices for all elements.
Detailed Academic Explanation:
It increases the size of the hash table and re-calculates indices for all elements. is the correct answer to “How does rehashing affect a hash table”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Hashing.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Hashing
Question 29 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
In which case is the division method hash function less effective?
Correct Answer: Option C — When the table size is not a prime number.
Detailed Academic Explanation:
When the table size is not a prime number. is the correct answer to “In which case is the division method hash function less effective”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Hashing.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Hashing
Question 30 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
Which hash table technique requires additional space for linked lists at each index?
Correct Answer: Option D — Chaining
Detailed Academic Explanation:
Chaining is the correct answer to “Which hash table technique requires additional space for linked lists at each index”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Hashing.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Hashing
Question 31 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
What is the purpose of a "hash collision resolution" technique?
Correct Answer: Option C — To handle cases where multiple keys hash to the same index.
Detailed Academic Explanation:
To handle cases where multiple keys hash to the same index. is the correct answer to “What is the purpose of a "hash collision resolution" technique”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Hashing.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Hashing
Question 32 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
Which of the following hash functions provides a uniform distribution of hash values?
Correct Answer: Option D — Universal hashing
Detailed Academic Explanation:
Universal hashing is the correct answer to “Which of the following hash functions provides a uniform distribution of hash values”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Hashing.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Hashing
Question 33 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
What is the result of a poor choice of hash function on a hash table's performance?
Correct Answer: Option A — Increased number of collisions and reduced efficiency.
Detailed Academic Explanation:
Increased number of collisions and reduced efficiency. is the correct answer to “What is the result of a poor choice of hash function on a hash table's performance”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Hashing.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Hashing
Question 34 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
What does the term "bucket" refer to in the context of hashing with chaining?
Correct Answer: Option D — A slot in the hash table where elements are stored.
Detailed Academic Explanation:
A slot in the hash table where elements are stored. is the correct answer to “What does the term "bucket" refer to in the context of hashing with chaining”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Hashing.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Hashing
Question 35 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
What happens during "rehashing" in a hash table?
Correct Answer: Option C — The hash table is resized and all elements are rehashed to new indices.
Detailed Academic Explanation:
The hash table is resized and all elements are rehashed to new indices. is the correct answer to “What happens during "rehashing" in a hash table”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Hashing.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Hashing
Question 36 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
How does linear probing handle collisions in a hash table?
Correct Answer: Option B — By searching sequentially for the next available slot.
Detailed Academic Explanation:
By searching sequentially for the next available slot. is the correct answer to “How does linear probing handle collisions in a hash table”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Hashing.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Hashing
Question 37 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
What is a common drawback of quadratic probing in hash tables?
Correct Answer: Option C — It may lead to secondary clustering.
Detailed Academic Explanation:
It may lead to secondary clustering. is the correct answer to “What is a common drawback of quadratic probing in hash tables”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Hashing.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Hashing
Question 38 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
Which of the following operations is not commonly used in hash table implementations?
Correct Answer: Option D — Sorting elements
Detailed Academic Explanation:
Sorting elements is the correct answer to “Which of the following operations is not commonly used in hash table implementations”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Hashing.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Hashing
Question 39 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
What is the effect of increasing the size of a hash table on performance?
Correct Answer: Option A — It generally reduces the load factor and collisions.
Detailed Academic Explanation:
It generally reduces the load factor and collisions. is the correct answer to “What is the effect of increasing the size of a hash table on performance”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Hashing.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Hashing
Question 40 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
Which probing method is best suited for reducing clustering in a hash table?
Correct Answer: Option D — Quadratic probing
Detailed Academic Explanation:
Quadratic probing is the correct answer to “Which probing method is best suited for reducing clustering in a hash table”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Hashing.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Hashing
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Advanced Mapreduce Concepts — Part 1
Master the next curriculum module with 40 exam-standard MCQs.
In competitive commission exams (FPSC, PPSC, KPPSC, SPSC, CSS, PMS), questions are frequently phrased with distractor options designed to catch rote learners. Whenever you answer an MCQ, read the Detailed Academic Explanation and Conceptual Anchor to understand why the remaining options are incorrect.