J277/02: June 2026 Predictions

Based on data analysis of 2022-2025 Exam Papers

1. Top Priority: The "Rotation" Gaps

These topics have been absent or minimally tested recently, making them statistically likely to return.

A. SQL (Structured Query Language) Critical

Last Major Appearance: June 2023

Evidence:
  • 2022: File Handling
  • 2023: SQL (Major focus)
  • 2024: File Handling
  • 2025: String Manipulation & Algorithms
Prediction: Expect a practical question asking you to write or interpret SQL commands.
Key Syntax: SELECT, FROM, WHERE, LIKE.

B. Merge Sort Critical

Last Major Appearance: June 2022

Evidence: Merge Sort has been dormant for three exam series (2023: Insertion, 2024: Bubble/Insertion, 2025: Comparison).
Prediction: A "trace" question where you must show the splitting and merging stages of a small list.

C. Translators (Compilers vs Interpreters) High

Last Major Appearance: June 2023

Evidence: 2024 & 2025 heavily focused on IDE Tools. The examiners have exhausted IDE questions for two years.
Prediction: A comparison question (High-level vs Low-level, or Compiler vs Interpreter).

2. The "Guaranteed" Baselines

These topics appear every single year. Do not skip these.

A. Trace Tables

Prediction for 2026: Likely to involve a While Loop or Nested Loop (2D Array traversal). Watch for "off-by-one" errors.

B. Search Algorithms

Prediction for 2026: Binary Search is the likely candidate. Remember the pre-requisite: data must be sorted.

C. Defensive Design

Prediction for 2026: A practical scenario asking you to write an Input Validation routine (Range Check, Type Check).

3. The "Wildcards" (Curveballs)

A. Logic Gates (Complex Combinations)

Note: NAND/NOR/XOR symbols are not in the spec, but their logic is tested using AND/OR/NOT.

Prediction: A complex logic circuit (3+ gates) or a Truth Table with 3 inputs (8 rows).

B. Records

mentioned in 2.2.3 but rarely tested in isolation.

Prediction: A question asking to define a record structure for a specific entity (e.g., Student Record).

Summary Checklist for 2026

Topic Probability Revision Action
SQL Critical Memorise SELECT field FROM table WHERE...
Merge Sort Critical Practice drawing "split" and "merge" diagrams.
Binary Search High Practice calculating midpoint: (low + high) DIV 2.
Translators High Create a comparison table for Compiler vs Interpreter.
2D Arrays Medium Practice iterating through a grid using nested loops.