Looking for free previous year question papers (PYQs) for Computer Organization and Architecture (COA) of MCA 1st semester at HPTU? You’re in the right place! This blog post offers direct download links, detailed theory breakdown, frequently asked questions, and exam strategies aligned with the CBCS/NEP syllabus.
COA is a foundational subject in the MCA 1st semester. It focuses on how computers work at a hardware and logical level — from binary data and memory systems to instruction execution and control units.
📚 Syllabus Overview of COA (CBCS/NEP)
Unit | Topic |
Unit 1 | Number systems, codes, logic gates |
Unit 2 | Boolean algebra, simplification, K-maps |
Unit 3 | Combinational and sequential circuits |
Unit 4 | Register transfer and micro-operations |
Unit 5 | Instruction formats, addressing modes |
Unit 6 | CPU organization, ALU, control unit |
Unit 7 | Memory organization and I/O systems |
📂 Download HPTU COA PYQs (PDF Format)
Below are subject-wise downloadable PDFs for the Computer Organization and Architecture question papers of previous years:
Year | Download Link |
2024 | |
2023 | |
📖 Key Theoretical Concepts in COA
🔢 1. Number Systems and Digital Codes
- Binary, Octal, Decimal, and Hexadecimal systems
- BCD, Excess-3, Gray code conversions
- Binary arithmetic: addition, subtraction (1’s and 2’s complement)
💬 Frequently Asked: Convert decimal to binary/excess-3, perform binary subtraction.
🔣 2. Boolean Algebra and Logic Gates
- Basic logic gates: AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR, XOR, XNOR
- Boolean expressions, truth tables
- De Morgan’s laws and simplification techniques
💬 Frequently Asked: Simplify Boolean expressions using K-map.
🔁 3. Combinational and Sequential Circuits
- Combinational: Adders, subtractors, multiplexers, decoders
- Sequential: Flip-flops, latches, counters, shift registers
- Timing diagrams and logic circuit design
💬 Frequently Asked: Design a 4-bit binary adder/subtractor or explain JK flip-flop working.
💾 4. Register Transfer Language & Micro-Operations
- Concepts of register transfer
- Bus and memory transfer operations
- Arithmetic and logical micro-operations
💬 Frequently Asked: Define RTL and describe memory read/write operations.
🧮 5. Instruction Formats and Addressing Modes
- Instruction cycle: fetch, decode, execute
- Types: zero-address, one-address, two-address, three-address instructions
- Addressing modes: immediate, direct, indirect, indexed
💬 Frequently Asked: Differentiate between direct and indirect addressing.
⚙️ 6. CPU Organization
- ALU, control unit (hardwired vs microprogrammed)
- Instruction pipelining
- Register organization and accumulator-based architecture
💬 Frequently Asked: Explain instruction pipelining with block diagram.
🧠 7. Memory and I/O Organization
- Memory hierarchy (registers, cache, RAM, ROM)
- Associative memory, virtual memory concepts
- I/O methods: programmed, interrupt-driven, DMA
💬 Frequently Asked: Differentiate between SRAM and DRAM / Explain DMA.
📝 Sample Questions from Past COA PYQs
Here are some commonly repeated questions:
- Convert the decimal number 345 to binary, octal, and hexadecimal.
- Design a 3-to-8 decoder using logic gates.
- Explain the working of a JK flip-flop with truth table.
- Differentiate between hardwired and microprogrammed control units.
- Describe direct, indirect, and indexed addressing modes with examples.
- Binary, Octal, Decimal, and Hexadecimal systems
📝 Sample PYQ-Based Questions (Repeated in Exams)
- Draw an ER diagram for a university database.
- Differentiate between 2NF and 3NF with examples.
- Write SQL queries for a student table using joins and subqueries.
- Explain the difference between primary key and foreign key.
- What is a transaction? Explain ACID properties with examples.
✅ These questions have appeared multiple times in the last 4 years.
📈 How to Use PYQs for COA Exam Preparation
✅ 1. Solve PYQs Unit-Wise
Match each question to the corresponding unit. This helps in targeted revision.
✅ 2. Practice Numericals and Diagrams
COA questions often require logical circuit design or numerical conversions.
✅ 3. Time-Bound Practice
Attempt full papers in 3-hour slots to simulate exam pressure.
✅ 4. Review Mistakes
Check your answers against textbooks or class notes and improve where needed.
✅ 5. Revise Tables & Conversions
Keep a notebook with truth tables, K-map shortcuts, binary conversions, and circuit diagrams.
✅ Conclusion
COA is a technical subject that builds the foundation for system-level programming and architecture. Practicing HPTU COA PYQs will help you:
- Understand exam trends
- Master conversions and logic design
- Gain confidence in numerical and theoretical questions
📥 Download the PDFs, revise the theory, and practice consistently!
🚀 Call to Action
📥 Download the PDFs now, and don’t forget to share this blog with your classmates!
💬 Need solved PYQs or a COA concept explained? Drop your questions in the comments below.