CS-403 Software Engineering - Jun 2026 Question Paper

Under each question, How to answer lists the points an answer should cover, outlined by CampusPrep from the syllabus. Check the details against your textbook.

1. 7 Marks
   aExplain the Linear Sequential (Waterfall) Model and Spiral Model with neat diagrams and suitable examples.
   How to answer

   • Definition and phases of Linear Sequential / Waterfall model
   • Neat labelled diagram of Waterfall with phases in sequence
   • Definition and quadrants / cycles of Spiral model with diagram
   • Suitable examples for each model and comparison of use cases
   • Advantages, disadvantages and applicability
2. 7 Marks
   bDefine Software Product and explain the characteristics of a good software product.
   How to answer

   • Definition of Software Product
   • Explanation of product vs program / system
   • Characteristics of good software product: functionality, reliability, usability, efficiency, maintainability, portability
   • Brief explanation of each characteristic with example
3. 7 Marks
   aExplain the Software Design Process and discuss important Design Concepts and Principles.
   How to answer

   • Overview of Software Design Process steps
   • Levels: architectural, interface, component, data design
   • Important design concepts: abstraction, modularity, information hiding, coupling, cohesion
   • Design principles and their significance
4. 7 Marks
   bDefine Software Requirements in detail.
   How to answer

   • Definition of Software Requirements
   • Types: functional, non-functional, user, system requirements
   • Need for requirements engineering
   • Characteristics of good requirements
5. 7 Marks
   aExplain Function-Oriented Analysis Modeling and Object-Oriented Analysis Modeling.
   How to answer

   • Concept of Function-Oriented Analysis Modeling: DFD, data dictionary, processes
   • Concept of Object-Oriented Analysis Modeling: classes, objects, use cases
   • Modelling notations and steps for each
   • Comparison of focus and applicability
6. 7 Marks
   bExplain the Software Requirement Specification (SRS) and Requirement Validation.
   How to answer

   • Purpose and structure of SRS document
   • Contents / IEEE outline of SRS
   • Requirement Validation: objectives and checks
   • Validation techniques: reviews, prototyping, test-case generation
7. 7 Marks
   aExplain Functional Requirements and Non-functional Requirements with suitable examples.
   How to answer

   • Definition of Functional Requirements with examples
   • Definition of Non-functional Requirements with examples
   • Categories of non-functional: performance, security, usability
   • Difference summary with suitable examples
8. 7 Marks
   bExplain the Need for Software Maintenance with suitable examples.
   How to answer

   • Definition of software maintenance
   • Reasons: bug correction, adaptation, enhancement, retirement
   • Examples of maintenance needs
   • Impact on cost and evolution
9. 7 Marks
   aExplain Architectural Design with example.
   How to answer

   • Definition of Architectural Design
   • Architectural styles / views with example system
   • Steps from requirements to architecture
   • Significance and example illustration
10. 7 Marks
    bDiscuss the importance of Code Inspection in software quality assurance.
    How to answer

    • Definition of Code Inspection
    • Process: checklist, roles, walkthrough
    • Role in early defect detection
    • Importance for software quality assurance
11. 7 Marks
    aExplain the software testing techniques in detail.
    How to answer

    • Definition and objectives of software testing
    • Black-box techniques: equivalence, boundary value
    • White-box techniques: statement, branch, path coverage
    • Levels: unit, integration, system, acceptance
12. 7 Marks
    bExplain the Need for Software Maintenance and its types with suitable examples.
    How to answer

    • Need for maintenance: correct, adapt, perfect, prevent
    • Types: corrective, adaptive, perfective, preventive
    • Suitable example for each type
    • Maintenance process and cost implications
13. 7 Marks
    aExplain Software Configuration Management (SCM) in detail.
    How to answer

    • Definition and need for SCM
    • SCM activities: identification, version control, change control, audit
    • Configuration items and baselines
    • Tools and benefits
14. 7 Marks
    bExplain the characteristics of Software Product and Software Process.
    How to answer

    • Characteristics of Software Product: reliability, usability, portability etc.
    • Characteristics of Software Process: understandability, visibility, supportability etc.
    • Distinction between product and process
    • Relation of process quality to product quality
15. 7 Marks
    aExplain Reverse Engineering and Re-engineering in detail.
    How to answer

    • Definition of Reverse Engineering: extraction, abstraction levels
    • Definition of Re-engineering: restructuring, forward engineering
    • Steps and activities in each
    • Applications and differences
16. 7 Marks
    bDifferentiate Object-Oriented Analysis and Structured Software Engineering in detail.
    How to answer

    • Features of Object-Oriented Analysis: objects, inheritance, encapsulation
    • Features of Structured Software Engineering: DFD, structured design
    • Point-wise differences on multiple basis
    • Advantages and applicability