GateAI
Integrity Constraints and Normal Forms

GATE CSE 2021 Set 2 · Q6

MCQ1 markEasy

Time

Consider the following statements S1 and S2 about the relational data model: S1: A relation scheme can have at most one foreign key. S2: A foreign key in a relation scheme R cannot be used to refer to tuples of R. Which one of the following choices is correct?

Select one answerSingle correct

Pick an option to check

Solution

Step-by-step verified solution

Official answer: D) Both S1 and S2 are false.

Integrity Constraints and Normal Forms

Let us analyze both statements:

  • Statement S1: A relation schema can have multiple foreign keys. For example, an Enrollment table can have foreign keys referencing both Student and Course tables. Thus, S1 is false.

  • Statement S2: A foreign key in a relation RR can reference the primary key of the same relation RR. This is known as a self-referencing relationship (e.g., an Employee relation having a ManagerID attribute that refers to the EmployeeID in the same Employee relation). Thus, S2 is false.

Hence, both S1 and S2 are false, which corresponds to option (D).

Try the question first, then check your work.

Think the official key or this write-up is wrong?

Report error or challenge

Examiner trap

The misconception this question tests

This Integrity Constraints and Normal Forms previous year question is Q6 of the GATE CSE 2021 Set 2 paper. Find more GATE CSE PYQs on Integrity Constraints and Normal Forms in Databases, or browse all GATE CSE PYQs.

Free diagnostic

Where do you stand for GATE?

Take the 20-minute diagnostic: the 3 topics that cost you the most marks, and a rank range. Or sit 5 related Integrity Constraints and Normal Forms PYQs now with no account.

One GATE CSE PYQ every morning

An official question by email at 7 AM IST, with a link to its verified solution. Unsubscribe in one click.

Integrity Constraints and Normal Forms in GATE CSE

Integrity Constraints and Normal Forms has 30 GATE CSE PYQs across 20 papers from 2011 to 2026. 10 of them are 1-mark MCQs like this one, and GATE CSE 2021 Set 2 has 2.

How GATE tests Integrity Constraints and Normal Forms

More from GATE CSE 2021 Set 2

Share this solution

A plain-text card for WhatsApp or Telegram study groups.

GateAI solution cardGATE CSE 2021 Set 2 · Q6 · MCQ

Consider the following statements S1 and S2 about the relational data model: S1: A relation scheme can have at most one foreign key. S2: A foreign key in a relation scheme R cannot be used to refer to tuples of R. Which one of the following choices is correct?

Topic-wise GATE CS PYQs with verified steps

Independent practice explanation verified by the GateAI team. GATE is conducted by the IITs; question text follows the official paper.