GATE CS 2026 Set 2 Q7 — Programming in C

The correct option is C.

In the C runtime memory layout, the memory is divided into several segments: Code (Text), Data (Initialized/BSS), Stack, and Heap. Let's analyze where each option is stored:

• Option A: A static variable declared inside a function has a lifetime that spans the entire execution of the program. It is stored in the Data Segment (either initialized data segment or BSS depending on whether it is initialized or not).
• Option B: An array of integers declared inside a function (without the static keyword) is a local (automatic) variable. It is stored on the Stack within the function's activation record.
• Option C: Memory allocated dynamically at runtime using functions like malloc(), calloc(), or realloc() is allocated from the Heap.
• Option D: The return address of a function is part of the function's activation record (stack frame) and is stored on the Stack to resume execution after the function call completes.

Therefore, only the dynamically allocated array of integers (Option C) is stored in the heap.