SQL Practical Questions Asked in IGNOU Exams

SQL Practical Questions Asked in IGNOU Exams

Introduction to SQL Practicals in IGNOU

Structured Query Language (SQL) is an important practical subject in various IGNOU programs such as BCA, MCA, PGDCA, BSc IT, and other computer-related courses. SQL practical exams assess a student’s ability to design databases, write correct queries, and explain logic during viva voce.

Many IGNOU students find SQL practicals challenging, not because SQL is hard, but due to confusion about exam questions, query structure, and viva expectations. This guide by Academicvox.com outlines the most frequently asked SQL practical questions in IGNOU exams, along with preparation tips, key areas for viva, and official references.

For official academic and exam updates, students should always check the IGNOU website:
https://www.ignou.ac.in

Importance of SQL in IGNOU Practical Exams

SQL is used to manage, store, retrieve, and manipulate data in relational databases. IGNOU emphasizes SQL because it lays the groundwork for:

• Database Management Systems (DBMS)
• Backend development
• Data handling and reporting
• Enterprise software applications

SQL practical exams evaluate:

• Query accuracy
• Logical thinking
• Understanding of database concepts
• Ability to explain queries during viva

SQL is considered a high-scoring subject if practiced properly.

IGNOU Courses Where SQL Practicals Are Asked

SQL practical questions typically appear in the following IGNOU courses:

• BCA (Bachelor of Computer Applications)
• MCA (Master of Computer Applications)
• PGDCA
• BSc (IT)
• MSc (Computer Science – selected labs)

Course details and syllabi are officially available at:
https://www.ignou.ac.in/studentzone

SQL Practical Exam Pattern in IGNOU

While the pattern may vary slightly by course and study center, most IGNOU SQL practical exams include:

• Writing SQL queries on a computer or answer sheet
• Creating tables using DDL commands
• Performing data manipulation with DML commands
• Answering viva questions based on written queries
• Explaining output and logic

Detailed evaluation rules can be found in the respective program guides available at:
https://www.ignou.ac.in/programmes

Basic SQL Practical Questions Asked in IGNOU

What is SQL?
SQL is a standard language used to manage relational databases.

What is a database?
A database is an organized collection of data stored electronically.

What is a table?
A table stores data in rows and columns.

What is a primary key?
A primary key uniquely identifies each record in a table.

What is a foreign key?
A foreign key creates a relationship between two tables.

SQL Data Definition Language (DDL) Questions

Create a table using SQL.
Students are often asked to create tables using CREATE TABLE.

Example scenario:
Create a student table with roll number, name, course, and marks.

Explain DROP, TRUNCATE, and DELETE.

• DROP removes the table completely.
• TRUNCATE deletes all records but keeps the structure.
• DELETE removes selected records.

Add and modify columns.
Using ALTER TABLE to add, modify, or delete columns is a common question.

SQL Data Manipulation Language (DML) Questions

Insert records into a table.
Students need to write correct INSERT INTO queries.

Update records.
Using UPDATE with the WHERE clause.

Delete records.
Using the DELETE command with conditions.

Select queries.
Basic SELECT queries are obligatory in almost every SQL practical.

Frequently Asked SELECT Query Questions

Display all records from a table.
Using SELECT * FROM table_name.

Display specific columns.
Using column names instead of *.

Use WHERE clause.
Filtering records based on conditions.

Use AND / OR operators.
Combining multiple conditions.

Use DISTINCT keyword.
To remove duplicate values.

SQL Aggregate Function Questions

Find total, average, maximum, and minimum values.
Using SUM(), AVG(), MAX(), and MIN().

Count total records.
Using COUNT().

Group records.
Using GROUP BY.

Filter groups.
Using HAVING.

Aggregate functions are common in IGNOU SQL practical exams.

SQL Constraints Practical Questions

What are constraints?
Constraints are rules applied to table columns.

Types of constraints:

• NOT NULL
• UNIQUE
• PRIMARY KEY
• FOREIGN KEY
• CHECK
• DEFAULT

Create a table with constraints.
Students may need to define constraints during table creation.

SQL JOIN Practical Questions

What is JOIN?
JOIN combines rows from two or more tables.

Types of joins asked in IGNOU exams:

• INNER JOIN
• LEFT JOIN
• RIGHT JOIN

Write a query using JOIN.
Students must understand table relationships.

Explain JOIN logic in viva.
Viva questions often focus on understanding rather than syntax.

SQL Subquery Questions

What is a subquery?
A query within another query.

Use of subqueries:

• Finding the highest salary
• Selecting records based on another table

Difference between subquery and join.
This question is often asked during viva.

SQL Views Practical Questions

What is a view?
A virtual table based on a query.

Create a view.
Using CREATE VIEW.

Why use views?
For security, simplicity, and abstraction.

SQL Index Practical Questions

What is an index?
An index improves query performance.

Create an index.
Using CREATE INDEX.

Is index always beneficial?
This conceptual question may come up in viva.

SQL Normalization Viva Questions

What is normalization?
Organizing data to reduce redundancy.

Normal forms commonly asked:

• First Normal Form (1NF)
• Second Normal Form (2NF)
• Third Normal Form (3NF)

Explain normalization with an example.
Frequently asked in SQL viva.

SQL Practical Viva Questions in IGNOU

Why did you use this query?
Clearly explain the logic.

What will happen if the condition is removed?
Check understanding of query behavior.

What is the output of this query?
Students must predict results.

Can this query be optimized?
Basic optimization knowledge is expected.

Common SQL Errors Asked in Viva

Difference between WHERE and HAVING.
Difference between CHAR and VARCHAR.
Difference between DELETE and TRUNCATE.
Difference between UNION and UNION ALL.

These questions are repeated every year in IGNOU SQL viva.

SQL Practical File Questions

Explain your SQL practical file.
Students must explain the tables and queries written.

Why did you choose this structure?
Explain database design decisions.

What constraints have you used?
Explain the logic behind the constraints.

Tips to Score High in IGNOU SQL Practicals

• Practice writing queries regularly.
• Understand table relationships.
• Revise constraints and joins.
• Practice explaining queries aloud.
• Do not memorize queries blindly.
• Review your practical file before the exam.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in SQL Practicals

• Forgetting to include a semicolon.
• Writing incorrect column names.
• Not using the WHERE clause properly.
• Confusing different joins.
• Failing to explain query logic.

Official IGNOU Links for SQL Practicals

IGNOU Student Zone:
https://www.ignou.ac.in/studentzone

IGNOU Programme Information:
https://www.ignou.ac.in/programmes

IGNOU Assignments and Practicals:
https://www.ignou.ac.in/assignments

IGNOU Exam and Result Updates:
https://www.ignou.ac.in/studentzone/results

Final Conclusion

SQL practical exams in IGNOU are concept-based and predictable with strategic preparation. Most questions repeat every year with slight variations. By understanding core SQL concepts, practicing queries, and preparing for viva explanations, students can earn high marks in SQL practical exams.