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GATE CSE 2026 Session 2 Q18: Vectored vs non-vectored and daisy-chain interrupts

Question

Consider the following two statements about interrupt handling mechanisms in a CPU.

S1: In non-vectored interrupt mechanism, it usually takes more time to start the Interrupt Service Routine (ISR) when compared to that in a vectored interrupt mechanism.

S2: In daisy-chain interrupt mechanism, the CPU polls all the input devices individually to determine the source of the interrupt.

Which one of the following options is correct with respect to S1 and S2?

Try it: multiple choice: exactly one correct option

Select one option
Wrong answer costs 1/3 mark in GATE.
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Answer: C (official GATE 2026 final answer key)

Concept used: Vectored interrupts supply the ISR address directly; daisy chaining resolves priority in hardware through a chained acknowledge line.

First step: Recall how a daisy chain passes the interrupt-acknowledge signal from device to device instead of software polling.

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Source: official GATE 2026 Session 2 CS question paper and final answer key, organised by IIT Guwahati. Question paper · Answer key

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