Before moving into PL SQL MCQ Questions, let’s see about PL SQL. PL SQL is an important part of working with an Oracle database. It helps a developer not only store data but also control how the data behaves inside a software application. When you understand PL SQL, you can write logic directly inside the database instead of handling everything in the program. Because of this, many companies ask PL SQL questions in interviews and exams.
Reading theory alone is not enough. The best way to learn is by practicing MCQ questions and answers. A quiz format improves memory and helps you quickly identify mistakes. It also prepares you for competitive exams, certifications, and technical interviews where objective questions are common.
In this blog, you will practice 100+ PL SQL MCQs from basic to advanced level. Every question includes a clear explanation so you understand the concept, not just the answer. At the end, you can also download a PDF for revision before your exam and use it for quick daily practice.
PL SQL Basics MCQ Questions and Answers
In the previous section, we understood why practicing questions is important. Now we will start with the basics. Before learning advanced topics, a developer must clearly understand block structure, variables, data types, and the SELECT statement. These are the foundation of every PL/SQL program.
Basic PL SQL Objective MCQs
1. What is the basic structure of a PL/SQL program called?
A) Package
B) Block
C) Function
D) Trigger
Answer: B
Explanation: Every PL/SQL program runs inside a block structure which contains declaration, execution, and exception sections.
2. Which section of PL/SQL block is optional?
A) BEGIN
B) END
C) DECLARE
D) Execution
Answer: C
Explanation: DECLARE section is optional because variables are not always required.
3. Where are variables declared in PL/SQL?
A) BEGIN section
B) END section
C) DECLARE section
D) EXCEPTION section
Answer: C
Explanation: Variables must be defined before execution, so they are declared in the DECLARE section.
4. Which symbol ends a PL/SQL statement?
A) :
B) ;
C) ,
D) /
Answer: B
Explanation: Each PL/SQL statement ends with a semicolon.
5. Which keyword starts the execution part of a PL/SQL block?
A) START
B) BEGIN
C) EXECUTE
D) RUN
Answer: B
Explanation: BEGIN marks the start of executable code.
6. Which data type stores numbers in PL/SQL?
A) VARCHAR2
B) NUMBER
C) DATE
D) CHAR
Answer: B
Explanation: NUMBER is used to store numeric values.
7. Which data type is used for text values?
A) NUMBER
B) BOOLEAN
C) VARCHAR2
D) INTEGER
Answer: C
Explanation: VARCHAR2 stores character strings.
8. How do you assign value to a variable?
A) =
B) :=
C) ==
D) ->
Answer: B
Explanation: PL/SQL uses := as assignment operator.
9. What will this code output? x NUMBER := 5;
A) Error
B) Assigns 5 to x
C) Prints 5
D) Deletes x
Answer: B
Explanation: It stores value 5 inside variable x.
10. Which statement is used to retrieve data from database?
A) INSERT
B) UPDATE
C) SELECT
D) DELETE
Answer: C
Explanation: SELECT reads data from tables.
11. SELECT statement inside PL/SQL must use:
A) INTO
B) FROM
C) WHERE
D) GROUP
Answer: A
Explanation: PL/SQL SELECT must store result into a variable using INTO.
12. What happens if SELECT returns multiple rows in PL/SQL?
A) Works normally
B) Error occurs
C) Deletes rows
D) Ignores extra rows
Answer: B
Explanation: SELECT INTO expects only one row, otherwise error occurs.
13. Which keyword ends a PL/SQL block?
A) STOP
B) CLOSE
C) END
D) FINISH
Answer: C
Explanation: END marks the termination of block.
14. What is the default value of an unassigned variable?
A) 0
B) Empty
C) NULL
D) FALSE
Answer: C
Explanation: Variables are NULL until assigned.
15. Which is a valid variable declaration?
A) x = NUMBER
B) NUMBER x
C) x NUMBER;
D) DECLARE NUMBER x
Answer: C
Explanation: Correct syntax is variable name followed by datatype.
16. Which block runs automatically when executed?
A) Anonymous block
B) Trigger
C) Function
D) Package
Answer: A
Explanation: Anonymous block runs directly without storing in database.
17. What is mandatory in every PL/SQL block?
A) DECLARE
B) BEGIN and END
C) EXCEPTION
D) VARIABLE
Answer: B
Explanation: Execution section must exist.
18. Can we write multiple BEGIN blocks?
A) Yes
B) No
C) Only once per database
D) Only in trigger
Answer: A
Explanation: Nested blocks are allowed.
19. Which keyword handles runtime errors?
A) HANDLE
B) ERROR
C) EXCEPTION
D) TRY
Answer: C
Explanation: EXCEPTION block manages errors.
20. PL/SQL stands for:
A) Procedural Language SQL
B) Programming Language SQL
C) Process Language SQL
D) Page Language SQL
Answer: A
Explanation: PL/SQL means Procedural Language extension of SQL.
SQL and SELECT Statement PL SQL MCQs
In the basics section, we learned how a PL/SQL block works and how variables store values. Now we move one step ahead. A program becomes useful only when it interacts with the database. For that, we use SQL statements inside PL/SQL code. The most important part is the SELECT statement, because it reads data and stores it into variables. Along with SELECT, a developer must also understand WHERE conditions, joins, cursors, and DML operations.
SQL Query-Based Multiple Choice Questions
21. Which clause is required to store SELECT result into a variable in PL/SQL?
A) VALUES
B) INTO
C) USING
D) RETURN
Answer: B
Explanation: SELECT INTO stores the fetched column value into a variable.
22. What will happen if SELECT INTO returns no rows?
A) Value becomes zero
B) NULL assigned
C) Error occurs
D) Previous value remains
Answer: C
Explanation: PL/SQL raises NO_DATA_FOUND exception when no rows are returned.
23. Which condition filters rows in SQL?
A) ORDER BY
B) WHERE
C) GROUP BY
D) HAVING
Answer: B
Explanation: WHERE is used to filter records before fetching.
24. Which statement modifies existing data in a table?
A) INSERT
B) UPDATE
C) SELECT
D) CREATE
Answer: B
Explanation: UPDATE changes existing records.
25. Which command removes a row from a table?
A) REMOVE
B) DELETE
C) DROP
D)CLEAR
Answer: B
Explanation: DELETE removes selected records from a table.
26. Which command adds new data into a table?
A) ADD
B) INSERT
C) CREATE
D) PUSH
Answer: B
Explanation: INSERT adds new rows into a table.
27. A cursor is used to:
A) Delete tables
B) Process multiple rows one by one
C) Create variables
D) End transaction
Answer: B
Explanation: Cursor helps handle multiple rows returned by a query.
28. What type of cursor is created automatically by Oracle?
A) Explicit cursor
B) Implicit cursor
C) Static cursor
D) Manual cursor
Answer: B
Explanation: Oracle automatically creates implicit cursor for single SQL statements.
29. Which attribute checks if cursor fetched a row?
A) %ROWCOUNT
B) %FOUND
C) %TYPE
D) %VALUE
Answer: B
Explanation: %FOUND becomes true when a row is fetched.
30. Which attribute shows number of rows processed?
A) %TOTAL
B) %COUNT
C) %ROWCOUNT
D) %NUMBER
Answer: C
Explanation: %ROWCOUNT returns affected row count.
31. Which JOIN returns matching rows from both tables?
A) LEFT JOIN
B) RIGHT JOIN
C) INNER JOIN
D) FULL JOIN
Answer: C
Explanation: INNER JOIN returns only matching records.
32. Which JOIN returns all rows from left table?
A) LEFT JOIN
B) RIGHT JOIN
C) INNER JOIN
D) CROSS JOIN
Answer: A
Explanation: LEFT JOIN keeps all left table records.
33. Which SQL statement saves changes permanently?
A) SAVE
B) COMMIT
C) LOCK
D) END
Answer: B
Explanation: COMMIT permanently stores transaction changes.
34. Which statement cancels uncommitted changes?
A) ROLLBACK
B) DELETE
C) STOP
D) CANCEL
Answer: A
Explanation: ROLLBACK restores previous state.
35. What keyword sorts query results?
A) GROUP
B) ORDER BY
C) SORT
D) ALIGN
Answer: B
Explanation: ORDER BY arranges rows in ascending or descending order.
36. Which operator checks a range of values?
A) LIKE
B) BETWEEN
C) IN
D) EXISTS
Answer: B
Explanation: BETWEEN filters values within a range.
37. Which operator matches a pattern?
A) LIKE
B) RANGE
C) MATCH
D) FIND
Answer: A
Explanation: LIKE searches patterns using % or _.
38. What happens after COMMIT?
A) Data temporary saved
B) Cannot rollback
C) Table deleted
D) Cursor closed
Answer: B
Explanation: After commit, changes become permanent.
39. Which command creates a new table?
A) NEW TABLE
B) CREATE TABLE
C) ADD TABLE
D) MAKE TABLE
Answer: B
Explanation: CREATE TABLE defines new table structure.
40. SELECT * means:
A) Select primary key
B) Select all columns
C) Select one column
D) Select row number
Answer: B
Explanation: * fetches all columns from table.
Functions and Procedures PL SQL MCQ Quiz
So far we used SQL inside a block. But in real software development, we cannot repeat the same code again and again. To reuse logic, PL/SQL provides functions and procedures. A developer writes the code once and calls it whenever needed. Functions return a value, while procedures mainly perform an action. Understanding parameters and calling methods is very important for exams and interviews.
Stored Procedure and Function Questions and Answers
41. What does a function return in PL/SQL?
A) Table
B) Value
C) Cursor
D) Trigger
Answer: B
Explanation: A function always returns a single value.
42. Which keyword is used to return value from function?
A) OUTPUT
B) RETURN
C) GIVE
D) SEND
Answer: B
Explanation: RETURN sends the calculated value back to caller.
43. A procedure mainly:
A) Returns value
B) Performs action
C) Creates table
D) Deletes database
Answer: B
Explanation: Procedures execute tasks like insert or update.
44. Which keyword creates a procedure?
A) MAKE PROCEDURE
B) CREATE PROCEDURE
C) NEW PROCEDURE
D) BUILD PROCEDURE
Answer: B
Explanation: CREATE PROCEDURE defines a stored procedure.
45. Which keyword creates a function?
A) CREATE FUNCTION
B) MAKE FUNCTION
C) NEW FUNCTION
D) BUILD FUNCTION
Answer: A
Explanation: CREATE FUNCTION defines a function in database.
46. IN parameter means:
A) Output only
B) Input only
C) Both input and output
D) No value
Answer: B
Explanation: IN passes value to the procedure.
47. OUT parameter means:
A) Input only
B) Output only
C) Both
D) Optional
Answer: B
Explanation: OUT returns value from procedure.
48. IN OUT parameter means:
A) Only input
B) Only output
C) Input and output
D) No data
Answer: C
Explanation: It accepts value and also returns modified value.
49. Which can call a procedure?
A) EXECUTE
B) RUN
C) CALL ONLY
D) OPEN
Answer: A
Explanation: EXECUTE or BEGIN…END block calls a procedure.
50. Which is mandatory in a function?
A) RETURN statement
B) INSERT statement
C) LOOP
D) CURSOR
Answer: A
Explanation: Function must return a value.
51. A function can be used inside:
A) SELECT statement
B) DELETE statement
C) CREATE TABLE
D) DROP TABLE
Answer: A
Explanation: Functions can be used in SQL queries.
52. What happens if function has no return?
A) Warning
B) Compilation error
C) Runs normally
D) Returns null
Answer: B
Explanation: Function must return a value or it fails.
53. Procedure can return value using:
A) RETURN only
B) OUT parameter
C) SELECT
D) CURSOR
Answer: B
Explanation: Procedures send values using OUT parameters.
54. Default parameter mode is:
A) IN
B) OUT
C) IN OUT
D) RETURN
Answer: A
Explanation: Parameters are IN unless specified.
55. Which block calls a function?
A) DECLARE only
B) BEGIN block
C) EXCEPTION block
D) PACKAGE block
Answer: B
Explanation: Execution section runs function calls.
56. Can a procedure call another procedure?
A) No
B) Yes
C) Only in trigger
D) Only in function
Answer: B
Explanation: Procedures can call other procedures.
57. Can a function call a procedure?
A) No
B) Yes
C) Only cursor
D) Only package
Answer: B
Explanation: A function can execute a procedure if no commit/rollback issues.
58. Which is better for calculation?
A) Procedure
B) Function
C) Trigger
D) Cursor
Answer: B
Explanation: Functions are mainly used for returning computed values.
59. Stored procedures are saved in:
A) Application memory
B) Database
C) Browser
D) Cache
Answer: B
Explanation: Stored programs are stored inside database.
60. Reusing stored code improves:
A) Speed and maintenance
B) Only speed
C) Only storage
D) Nothing
Answer: A
Explanation: Reusable code reduces duplication and improves performance.
Triggers and Exceptions PL SQL MCQs with Explanation
Now we know how to write reusable code using functions and procedures. But sometimes the database must react automatically when data changes. For example, when a row is inserted, we may want to store a log or validate the value. This is done using a trigger. Also, while running code, errors can happen. Instead of stopping the program, PL/SQL allows us to handle errors using exception handling. This makes the application safe and reliable.
Trigger Based Objective Questions
61. A trigger executes:
A) Manually
B) Automatically
C) Only once
D) Only at login
Answer: B
Explanation: Trigger runs automatically when an event occurs.
62. Which event can fire a trigger?
A) INSERT
B) UPDATE
C) DELETE
D) All of the above
Answer: D
Explanation: Triggers respond to DML events.
63. BEFORE trigger runs:
A) After operation
B) Before operation
C) During commit
D) After rollback
Answer: B
Explanation: BEFORE trigger executes before data change.
64. AFTER trigger runs:
A) Before change
B) After change
C) During exception
D) Before commit
Answer: B
Explanation: AFTER trigger executes once change happens.
65. Row level trigger executes:
A) Once per table
B) Once per row
C) Once per database
D) Once per user
Answer: B
Explanation: It fires for each affected row.
66. Statement level trigger executes:
A) For each column
B) For each row
C) Once per statement
D) Once per value
Answer: C
Explanation: Runs one time for the SQL statement.
67. Which keyword accesses new value?
A) :OLD
B) :NEW
C) :VALUE
D) :DATA
Answer: B
Explanation: :NEW holds updated row value.
68. Which keyword accesses old value?
A) :OLD
B) :PREVIOUS
C) :BEFORE
D) :PAST
Answer: A
Explanation: :OLD contains previous row value.
69. Trigger cannot be created on:
A) Table
B) View
C) Database
D) Variable
Answer: D
Explanation: Triggers work only on database objects.
70. Trigger mainly used for:
A) Backup
B) Validation and audit
C) Table creation
D) User login
Answer: B
Explanation: Triggers enforce rules and tracking.
Exception Handling Multiple Choice Questions
71. What is an exception in PL/SQL?
A) Loop
B) Error during execution
C) Variable
D) Table
Answer: B
Explanation: Exception occurs when runtime error happens.
72. Which block handles errors?
A) BEGIN
B) DECLARE
C) EXCEPTION
D) END
Answer: C
Explanation: EXCEPTION block manages runtime problems.
73. NO_DATA_FOUND occurs when:
A) Multiple rows fetched
B) No rows fetched
C) Wrong datatype
D) Table missing
Answer: B
Explanation: Raised when SELECT returns zero rows.
74. TOO_MANY_ROWS occurs when:
A) No row
B) More than one row
C) Table deleted
D) Data type mismatch
Answer: B
Explanation: SELECT INTO expects single row.
75. User defined exception created using:
A) CREATE ERROR
B) DECLARE
C) EXCEPTION keyword
D) NEW ERROR
Answer: C
Explanation: We declare custom exception using EXCEPTION.
76. How to raise user defined exception?
A) THROW
B) RAISE
C) ALERT
D) STOP
Answer: B
Explanation: RAISE triggers the exception manually.
77. raise_application_error is used to:
A) Stop database
B) Send custom error message
C) Delete rows
D) Close cursor
Answer: B
Explanation: It displays user defined error message.
78. Exception block runs:
A) Always
B) Only when error occurs
C) Before begin
D) After commit
Answer: B
Explanation: Executes only during runtime error.
79. WHEN OTHERS handles:
A) Only syntax error
B) All remaining errors
C) Only predefined errors
D) Only user errors
Answer: B
Explanation: It catches any unhandled exception.
80. Proper exception handling improves:
A) Performance
B) Program safety
C) Storage
D) Network speed
Answer: B
Explanation: Prevents application crash.
Loops and Control Statements PL SQL MCQ Questions
Until now, our code executed only once. But in real programs, we often repeat actions like checking records, calculating totals, or processing multiple rows. For this purpose, PL/SQL provides loops and conditional statements. A developer uses loops to repeat code and IF conditions to make decisions. These are common topics in exams because they test logical thinking.
Loop and Conditional Statements Quiz
81. Which loop runs a fixed number of times?
A) WHILE LOOP
B) FOR LOOP
C) SIMPLE LOOP
D) EXIT LOOP
Answer: B
Explanation: FOR LOOP repeats based on a defined range.
82. Which loop checks condition before execution?
A) FOR LOOP
B) WHILE LOOP
C) SIMPLE LOOP
D) NESTED LOOP
Answer: B
Explanation: WHILE LOOP runs only if condition is true.
83. Which loop executes at least once?
A) WHILE LOOP
B) FOR LOOP
C) SIMPLE LOOP
D) NONE
Answer: C
Explanation: SIMPLE LOOP runs once before checking EXIT condition.
84. Which keyword exits a loop?
A) BREAK
B) STOP
C) EXIT
D) CLOSE
Answer: C
Explanation: EXIT terminates loop execution.
85. EXIT WHEN means:
A) Always exit
B) Exit on condition
C) Restart loop
D) Skip loop
Answer: B
Explanation: Loop stops when condition becomes true.
86. IF statement is used for:
A) Repeating code
B) Decision making
C) Table creation
D) Error handling
Answer: B
Explanation: IF checks conditions and controls flow.
87. Which keyword handles alternative condition?
A) OTHERWISE
B) ELSE
C) SWITCH
D) CHANGE
Answer: B
Explanation: ELSE executes when IF condition is false.
88. Which statement checks multiple conditions?
A) IF ONLY
B) ELSE IF / ELSIF
C) LOOP IF
D) WHEN IF
Answer: B
Explanation: ELSIF allows multiple conditions.
89. Nested loop means:
A) Loop inside loop
B) Multiple tables
C) Two variables
D) Two triggers
Answer: A
Explanation: One loop written inside another.
90. Loop variable scope is:
A) Entire database
B) Only inside loop
C) Only inside function
D) Global
Answer: B
Explanation: Loop variable exists only within loop.
91. FOR LOOP automatically:
A) Declares variable
B) Deletes variable
C) Closes cursor
D) Commits data
Answer: A
Explanation: Counter variable is auto declared.
92. Which condition operator checks equality?
A) !=
B) =
C) <>
D) ==
Answer: B
Explanation: = compares equal values.
93. NOT operator means:
A) Reverse condition
B) Stop loop
C) Start loop
D) Skip code
Answer: A
Explanation: NOT makes condition opposite.
94. AND operator returns true when:
A) One condition true
B) Both conditions true
C) Both false
D) One false
Answer: B
Explanation: AND requires all conditions true.
95. OR operator returns true when:
A) Both false
B) Any one true
C) Both true only
D) Always false
Answer: B
Explanation: OR works if at least one condition true.
96. CONTINUE statement:
A) Ends loop
B) Skips current iteration
C) Restarts program
D) Deletes data
Answer: B
Explanation: CONTINUE moves to next iteration.
97. Conditional statements help:
A) Repeat code
B) Control program flow
C) Create tables
D) Insert records
Answer: B
Explanation: They guide execution path.
98. Loops are useful when:
A) Single execution needed
B) Repeating tasks needed
C) No condition needed
D) Only errors occur
Answer: B
Explanation: Loops repeat tasks efficiently.
99. Combining loops and conditions improves:
A) Storage
B) Logic building
C) Network
D) Table size
Answer: B
Explanation: Helps create smart programs.
100. Control statements mainly help a developer to:
A) Manage logic
B) Create database
C) Delete tables
D) Stop execution
Answer: A
Explanation: They control how code runs step by step.
Advanced PL SQL MCQs for Interview and Exam Preparation
Now you already know basics, SQL usage, procedures, triggers, exceptions, and loops. In real interviews, companies do not only ask direct questions. They also check whether a developer understands real situations inside software applications. These questions focus on performance, transactions, cursors, and packages. Practicing these topics helps you feel confident during exams and technical interviews.
Scenario-Based PL SQL Questions and Answers
101. Which cursor is faster for single row queries?
A) Explicit cursor
B) Implicit cursor
C) Dynamic cursor
D) Nested cursor
Answer: B
Explanation: Implicit cursor is automatically handled and faster for single row operations.
102. Explicit cursor is mainly used when:
A) No data exists
B) Multiple rows must be processed
C) Only insert operation
D) Only delete operation
Answer: B
Explanation: Explicit cursor processes multiple rows one by one.
103. Which improves performance in repeated queries?
A) Loop
B) Trigger
C) Stored procedure
D) Variable
Answer: C
Explanation: Stored procedures are precompiled and faster.
104. What happens if COMMIT is not executed?
A) Changes saved automatically
B) Changes temporary
C) Table deleted
D) Error occurs
Answer: B
Explanation: Without commit, changes remain temporary.
105. ROLLBACK is used when:
A) Data correct
B) Error occurs
C) Table empty
D) User login
Answer: B
Explanation: It restores previous consistent state.
106. Package in PL/SQL is:
A) Group of tables
B) Collection of procedures and functions
C) Type of cursor
D) Trigger set
Answer: B
Explanation: Package organizes related program units.
107. Advantage of package is:
A) More storage
B) Better security and performance
C) Deletes data
D) Avoid variables
Answer: B
Explanation: Packages improve maintainability and execution speed.
108. Which is good for transaction safety?
A) COMMIT frequently
B) No commit
C) Controlled commit and rollback
D) Delete table
Answer: C
Explanation: Proper transaction control ensures data integrity.
109. Cursor FOR loop automatically:
A) Opens cursor
B) Fetches data
C) Closes cursor
D) All of the above
Answer: D
Explanation: Cursor FOR loop manages complete cursor lifecycle.
110. Best practice for handling errors in large software systems:
A) Ignore errors
B) Only print error
C) Proper exception handling and logging
D) Restart database
Answer: C
Explanation: Logging and handling errors improves reliability.
Download PL SQL MCQ Questions and Answers PDF
You have now practiced basic to advanced PL/SQL questions step by step. The next important part is revision. Many students understand concepts while reading but forget them before the exam or interview. That is why keeping all questions and answers in one place is very helpful.
We have prepared a downloadable PDF so you can practice offline anytime. You can revise during travel, before an exam, or quickly review important topics before an interview. Regular revision improves confidence and helps you answer objective questions faster.
FAQ’s on PL SQL MCQ Questions
What are PL SQL MCQs?
PL SQL MCQs are multiple choice questions based on database programming concepts. They help you test your understanding of blocks, variables, functions, triggers, and exceptions. Instead of reading theory, you learn faster by practicing questions and answers.
Is PL SQL asked in software developer interviews?
Yes. Many companies that use Oracle database ask PL SQL questions in interviews. They check whether a developer can write queries, handle errors, and manage data logic inside the database. Basic and scenario-based questions are very common.
How to practice PL SQL questions for exams?
Start with basic topics, then move to SQL queries, procedures, triggers, and exceptions. Practice a daily quiz and revise wrong answers again. Regular practice improves speed and accuracy during exams.
Are SQL and PL SQL MCQs different?
Yes. SQL MCQs mainly focus on writing queries and retrieving data. PL SQL MCQs include programming logic like loops, conditions, functions, and exception handling. PL SQL is an extension of SQL with programming capability.
Who should learn PL SQL objective questions?
Students, freshers, and working developers preparing for database roles should practice them. It is useful for academic exams, certifications, and technical interviews.
Final Thoughts
By practicing regularly, you can slowly move from beginner level to confident level. A daily quiz helps you remember concepts better and improves speed while answering questions. This is very important during exam preparation and technical interviews. Instead of memorizing, try to understand why the answer is correct. That approach will strengthen your database skills.
If you want structured learning along with practice, joining a proper training program helps a lot. At Payilagam, you learn concepts step by step with real examples and regular practice sessions. Many students preparing for developer roles prefer classroom guidance along with MCQ practice. That is why learners choose Payilagam as the Best Software Training Institute in Chennai to build strong fundamentals. With proper SQL Training in Chennai, you can understand how real software applications use database logic.
Keep revising these questions often, practice again after a few days, and track your improvement. Consistent practice is the key to success.
