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Estimating and Costing MCQs: JDO Exam 2025 (Code: 443)

1. Which method is suitable for taking out quantities for walls of similar cross-sections?

A) Long wall-short wall method

B) Centre line method

C) Cubic content method

D) Partial quantity method

Answer: B

The centre line method is efficient for walls with uniform cross-sections, as it allows the total centre line length to be multiplied by the cross-sectional area to determine the quantity, thereby saving time and reducing errors.

2. In the long wall-short wall method, what are the walls running along the length of the room called?

A) Short walls

B) Long walls

C) Centre walls

D) Partition walls

Answer: B

In this method of estimation, the walls parallel to the longer dimension of the room are termed "long walls", while those perpendicular to the length are termed "short walls".

3. The trade system of taking out quantities is based on which principle?

A) Grouping items by their nature of work

B) Measuring items separately for each trade

C) Combining all items into a single group

D) Taking quantities for materials only

Answer: B

The trade system involves measuring and billing quantities separately for each specific trade (e.g., masonry, carpentry, plumbing), which facilitates clear work allocation and cost management.

4. Which of the following is not typically considered in a material requirement estimation?

A) Wastage allowance

B) Labour cost

C) Material density

D) Work volume

Answer: B

Labour cost is a distinct component of the overall cost estimate. The material requirement estimation focuses exclusively on the quantity and type of materials needed, including allowances for wastage.

5. For estimating the volume of concrete in a wall, which dimensions are essential?

A) Length, breadth, and height

B) Length and width only

C) Breadth and height only

D) Length and height only

Answer: A

To calculate the volume (cubic content) of a wall, all three dimensions are required: length, breadth (thickness), and height.

6. What is the initial step in preparing data for an estimate?

A) Taking out quantities

B) Preparing an abstract of estimate

C) Site inspection

D) Material procurement

Answer: C

A thorough site inspection is the crucial first step. It helps in understanding the site conditions, accessibility, and other local factors that are essential for collecting accurate data before commencing the estimation process.

7. What should a comprehensive report on an estimate include?

A) Detailed quantities and cost analysis

B) Only material quantities

C) Only labour charges

D) Only overhead costs

Answer: A

A complete estimation report must cover all financial aspects, including detailed quantities of all items, a full cost analysis of materials, labour, equipment, and overheads, to allow for comprehensive project planning.

8. The fixation of rent is primarily based on what?

A) Market demand only

B) Standard rent as determined under prevailing laws

C) The owner’s discretion

D) The location alone

Answer: B

To ensure fairness and prevent arbitrary pricing, rent is typically fixed based on the concept of standard rent, which is governed by local laws and regulations.

9. What is the usual rate of interest considered for the purpose of rent fixation?

A) Equal to the interest on government securities

B) 2% higher than the interest on government securities

C) 5% higher than the interest on government securities

D) The same as the bank fixed deposit rate

Answer: B

A standard practice in valuation for rent fixation is to adopt the prevailing interest rate on long-term government securities and add approximately 2% to account for risks and management of the property.

10. Which Act governs the registration of property documents in India?

A) The Transfer of Property Act, 1882

B) The Registration Act, 1908

C) The Indian Contract Act, 1872

D) The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016

Answer: B

The Registration Act, 1908, is the principal legislation that mandates and lays down the procedures for the registration of documents related to property transactions in India.

11. At which stage are approximate estimates generally prepared?

A) After the detailed design

B) At the initial planning stage

C) After construction begins

D) Only for renovation works

Answer: B

Approximate estimates are prepared during the preliminary or planning stage of a project to determine its financial feasibility and to obtain an administrative sanction before a detailed design is undertaken.

12. Which of the following is not a type of approximate estimate?

A) Plinth area estimate

B) Cube rate estimate

C) Detailed estimate

D) Floor area estimate

Answer: C

A detailed estimate is a comprehensive and accurate calculation performed after the design and specifications are finalised; it is not an approximate or preliminary method of estimation.

13. Which method is employed to estimate the quantities for a compound wall?

A) Centre line method

B) Long wall-short wall method

C) Either A or B, depending on the shape

D) None of the above

Answer: C

The choice of method depends on the layout of the compound wall. For a simple rectangular or symmetrical layout, the centre line method is efficient. For irregular shapes with many offsets, the long wall-short wall method may be more suitable.

14. What does a detailed estimate include?

A) Quantities of materials only

B) Quantities and rates of materials, labour, and overheads

C) Labour charges only

D) Overhead charges only

Answer: B

A detailed estimate provides a comprehensive breakdown of all anticipated costs, including the quantities, rates, and total costs of all materials, labour, equipment, overheads, and contingencies.

15. When is the abstract of estimate prepared?

A) Before the detailed estimate

B) After the detailed estimate

C) During construction

D) After project completion

Answer: B

An abstract of estimate is a summary that is prepared after the detailed quantities have been calculated. It consolidates the costs of various items of work to present the total estimated cost of the project in a concise format.

16. Which of the following is an example of a floating structure?

A) Jetty

B) Compound wall

C) Sump

D) Septic tank

Answer: A

Jetties can be either fixed or floating. Floating jetties or pontoons are structures used in harbours and marinas to moor vessels, designed to rise and fall with the water level. The other options are fixed, land-based structures.

17. What is the primary function of a breakwater?

A) Water storage

B) Protection from wave action

C) Drainage

D) Road construction

Answer: B

A breakwater is a coastal engineering structure constructed to protect a harbour, anchorage, or shoreline from the effect of waves, thereby creating calm water conditions for safe navigation and mooring.

18. For estimating earthwork volumes in road construction, which formula is commonly used?

A) Prismoidal formula

B) Mid-sectional area formula

C) Trapezoidal formula (Average end area method)

D) All of the above

Answer: D

All three formulae—Trapezoidal, Mid-sectional area, and Prismoidal—are standard methods used for calculating earthwork volumes. The choice depends on the required accuracy and the shape of the ground profile.

19. What does the acronym CMDA stand for?

A) Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority

B) Central Metropolitan Development Agency

C) Civil Metropolitan Design Authority

D) Chennai Municipal Development Agency

Answer: A

CMDA stands for the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority, which is the statutory body responsible for urban planning and development for the Chennai Metropolitan Area in Tamil Nadu.

20. What do building bye-laws primarily regulate?

A) Building height and setbacks

B) Material quality only

C) Labour wages

D) Cost of construction

Answer: A

Building bye-laws are legal instruments that regulate architectural and construction aspects of buildings to ensure orderly and safe urban development. They typically govern parameters like setbacks, building height, Floor Area Ratio (FAR), and open space requirements.

21. Which of the following is mandatory before commencing construction within the CMDA's jurisdiction?

A) Obtaining a building permit

B) Hiring labour

C) Procuring materials

D) Starting foundation work

Answer: A

It is a legal requirement to obtain a valid building permit from the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) before any construction activity can begin within its jurisdiction.

22. What is the conventional maximum period for which a lease of immovable property is created in India?

A) 5 years

B) 10 years

C) 99 years

D) No specific limit

Answer: C

While the Transfer of Property Act, 1882, does not prescribe a universal maximum duration, a 99-year lease is a long-established convention in India for long-term leases of property, especially for residential and commercial purposes.

23. Which of the following is considered immovable property?

A) Furniture

B) Stocks

C) Land

D) Cash

Answer: C

In legal terms, land and any structures permanently attached to it are classified as immovable property. Items like furniture, stocks, and cash are considered movable property.

24. For a structure with a regular and symmetrical plan, which method provides the most accurate and quick estimate for quantities?

A) Centre line method

B) Long wall-short wall method

C) Cubic content method

D) Partial quantity method

Answer: A

For regular and symmetrical structures, the centre line method is generally faster and less prone to errors than the long wall-short wall method, as it minimises repetitive calculations.

25. While calculating the total length in the centre line method, how are the junctions of walls accounted for?

A) By adding the full thickness of the wall

B) By deducting half the thickness of the joining wall at each junction

C) By ignoring the junctions

D) By adding double the thickness of the wall

Answer: B

To prevent the corner/junction areas from being counted twice when calculating the total centre line length, a deduction equal to half the thickness of the joining wall is made for each T-junction encountered.