Database Management System (DBMS) MCQs for IT Specialists

Data has always been an important structural component of every organization. Without proper organization of data, it becomes challenging for employees to work on any project efficiently. To organize the disparate data file formats a database management system was first introduced to the world, in the 1960s. Since then, the adoption of DBMS and relational databases has grown enormously, with around 465,577 organizations using these technologies. 

With the rising demand for DBMS, there has been a significant increase in the job roles for different functions. As an aspiring IT professional, you must be well-versed in relational databases and SQL basics to clear interviews and secure a leading position in top-tier IT companies. 

Practicing the most-asked DBMS MCQs can help you prepare properly for the tech centric interviews.

What is DBMS?

Database Management Systems (DBMS) are software systems used to gather, organize, retrieve, and run queries on data. They serve as an interface between an end-user and a database. DBMS is the basic component of data management systems. Organizations depend on these systems to manage their data in an efficient way. Database Management Systems allow IT specialists to perform specific operations on data. 

Types of Databases

• Centralized database

• Distributed database

• Relational database

• Cloud database

• Object-oriented database

DBMS MCQs

To evaluate your understanding in the concepts of relational databases, DBMS, and SQL basics, here are certain popularly asked DBMS MCQs.

Q1. Which clause is used to filter rows?

1. FROM

2. WHERE

3. GROUP BY

4. ORDER BY

Answer: b. WHERE

Q2. A primary key in a table

1. Must be unique 

2. Can have NULL values 

3. Is used to identify each record uniquely

4. All of the above

Answer: c. Is used to identify each record uniquely

Q3. Which SQL command is used to make changes to the structure of a table?

1. ALTER TABLE

2. MODIFY TABLE

3. CHANGE TABLE

4. UPDATE TABLE

Answer: a. ALTER TABLE

Q4. What is a foreign key?

1. A key used to access data from another table

2. A key used to identify each record in a table uniquely

3. A key that establishes a link between two tables

4. A key that is automatically generated by the database system

Answer: c.A key that establishes a link between two tables

Q5. Which normal form eliminates repeating groups by putting them into separate tables and connecting them through foreign keys?

1. First Normal Form (1NF)

2. Second Normal Form (2NF)

3. Third Normal Form (3NF)

4. Boyce-Codd Normal Form (BCNF)

Answer: a. First Normal Form (1NF)

Q6. What is the benefit of using a DBMS?

1. Increased data redundancy

2. Improved data security

3. Limited data-sharing capabilities

4. Decreased data consistency

Answer: b. Improved data security

Q7. What is ACID in database transactions?

1. Atomic, Consistent, Isolated, Durable

2. A type of data storage format

3. A programming language for database management

4. A method for indexing database records

Answer: a.Atomic, Consistent, Isolated, Durable

Q8. What is the role of GROUP BY in SQL?

1. To sort query results in ascending order

2. To filter rows based on a particular condition

3. To perform aggregate functions on grouped data

4. To join multiple tables together

Answer: c. To perform aggregate functions on grouped data

Q9. Which type of join returns every row from both tables, joining them where conditions are met and filling in NULLs for missing matches?

1. INNER JOIN

2. LEFT JOIN

3. RIGHT JOIN

4. FULL OUTER JOIN

Answer: d. FULL OUTER JOIN

Q10. What is "Normalization"?

1. The process of organizing data to minimize redundancy and dependency

2. The process of adding indexes to a database table

3. The process of encrypting sensitive data in a database

4. The process of backing up a database regularly

Answer: a. The process of organizing data to minimize redundancy and dependency

Also read: 7 Backend Developer Skills You Must Have to Crack Tech Interviews

Q11. What is true about NoSQL databases?

1. They are based on the relational model

2. They are suitable for structured data only

3. They offer high scalability and flexibility

4. They strictly enforce ACID properties

Answer: c. They offer high scalability and flexibility

Q12. What is the role of the COMMIT statement?

1. To save all changes made during the transaction

2. To discard all changes made during the transaction

3. To roll back the transaction to its starting point

4. To create a new transaction

Answer: a. To save all changes made during the transaction

Q13. What is the role of an index?

1. To store large binary objects (BLOBs)

2. To enforce data integrity constraints

3. To boost the speed of data retrieval operations

4. To group related tables together

Answer: c. To boost the speed of data retrieval operations

Q14. What is an example of a NoSQL database?

1. MySQL

2. MongoDB

3. Oracle

4. PostgreSQL

Answer: b. MongoDB

Q15. What is a schema in a relational database?

1. A graphical representation of data relationships

2. A collection of related tables

3. A blueprint that defines the structure of the database

4. A database query language

Answer: c. A blueprint that defines the structure of the database

Q16. Which is not a valid SQL constraint?

1. DEFAULT

2. CHECK

3. LIMIT

4. UNIQUE

Answer: c. LIMIT

Q17. Which type of database replication ensures data consistency in the database?

1. Master-Slave replication

2. Multi-Master replication

3. Snapshot replication

4. Merge replication

Answer: a. Master-Slave replication

Q18. What is the role of the COMMIT statement in database transactions?

1. To save all changes made during the transaction

2. To discard all changes made during the transaction

3. To roll back the transaction to its starting point

4. To create a new transaction

Answer: a. To save all changes made during the transaction

Q19. What is the role of a view in a database?

1. To store data permanently

2. To provide a virtual representation of data based on specified criteria

3. To enforce referential integrity constraints

4. To create indexes for faster data retrieval

Answer: b. To provide a virtual representation of data based on specified criteria

Q20. Which database model represents data as interconnected nodes or graphs?

1. Relational model

2. Hierarchical model

3. Graph model

4. Object-oriented model

Answer: c. Graph model

Also read: What Is the Career Path for Back-end Engineers?

Start Your Data Journey with Interview Kickstart!

As an aspiring IT specialist who is interested in working with DBMS, you must have in-depth knowledge of DBMS concepts to attempt the database related questions during the tech-based interviews. Consider the DBMS MCQs provided here as just a starter kit to help you perform better in the interviews.

For more in-depth comprehensive interview preparation Interview Kickstart’s backend engineering interview masterclass is ideal for you. The course not only covers DBMS fundamentals, SQL basics but also advanced topics such as database design, object modeling, concurrency and a lot more. 

The course also provides comprehensive guidance to prepare you for tech-centric interviews at top-tier IT companies of the world.

FAANG instructors teach this and all other courses at Interview Kickstart. They provide in-depth guidance on likely database MCQs or general questions that may be asked during the interviews.

The instructors also provide aspiring candidates with complete knowledge on behavioral aspects of interviewing, resume building, brand building through Linkedin and salary negotiations.

Also read: Backend Developer Interview Process at FAANG+ Companies

FAQs: Database Management System MCQs for IT Specialists

Q1. What Are the Popular Job Roles Related to DBMS?
Some of the most popular job roles related to DBMS are database administrator, database manager, database developer, data analyst, database designer, and SQL developer.

Q2. How Much Does a Database Administrator Earn?
The average base salary of a database administrator in the USA is $81,960 per year with an additional cash compensation of $21,759. Entry-level DBA salaries start at $83,669 per year while experienced workers make up to $140,310 per year.

Q3. How Many Types of Languages Are Available in DBMS?
The types of languages available in DBMS are: 

• DDL (Data Definition Language)

• DML (Data Manipulation Language) 

• DCL (Data Control Language)

• TCL (Transaction Control Language)

Q4. What All DBMS Related Topics Are Usually Covered in DBMS Interviews?
Topics which are usually covered in DBMS interviews are keys, constraints, functional dependencies, normalization, transactions, joins, and SQL queries.

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