Consider allocation of memory to a new process. Assume that none of the existing holes in the memory will exactly fit the process’s memory requirement. Hence, a new hole of smaller size will be created if allocation is made in any of the existing holes. Which one of the following statements is TRUE?

Select one answerSingle correct

Pick an option to check

Solution

Step-by-step verified solution

Official answer: C

Memory Management and Virtual Memory

This question tests dynamic memory allocation strategies (First Fit, Best Fit, Worst Fit, Next Fit).

Best fit always allocates the smallest hole that is big enough to accommodate the process, leaving the smallest possible leftover hole.
The official answer key marks option C as the correct statement.

*(Note: Options B, C, and D appear on the subsequent page).*

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 Memory Management and Virtual Memory previous year question is Q11 of the GATE CSE 2020 paper. Find more GATE CSE PYQs on Memory Management and Virtual Memory in Operating Systems, 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 Memory Management and Virtual Memory 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.

Memory Management and Virtual Memory in GATE CSE

Memory Management and Virtual Memory has 32 GATE CSE PYQs across 22 papers from 2011 to 2026. 5 of them are 1-mark MCQs like this one, and GATE CSE 2020 has 2.

How GATE tests Memory Management and Virtual Memory

More from GATE CSE 2020

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