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GATE CSE 2026 Session 2 Q19: Which C programs with redeclared variable a compile

Question

Consider the following three ANSI-C programs, P1, P2, and P3.

/* P1 */
#include <stdio.h>

int a=5;
int main(){
  int a=7;
  return(0);
}

/* P2 */
#include <stdio.h>

int main(){
  int a=5;
  int a=7;
  return(0);
}

/* P3 */
#include <stdio.h>

int main(){
  int a=5;
  float a=7;
  return(0);
}

Which one of the following statements is true?

Try it: multiple choice: exactly one correct option

Select one option
Wrong answer costs 1/3 mark in GATE.
Show answer and explanation

Answer: A (official GATE 2026 final answer key)

Concept used: Scope rules: an inner block may shadow a global, but the same name cannot be declared twice in one block.

First step: For each program, check whether both declarations of a are in the same scope.

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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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