Education & Skill Schemes — Set 2

Correct Answer: B. Pre-matric to post-doctoral level

The National Scholarship Portal (NSP) is a one-stop platform that provides scholarships from pre-matric (class 1 to 10) to post-doctoral levels. It brings together scholarships from multiple central ministries, state governments, and UGC. The portal uses Aadhaar-based authentication for Direct Benefit Transfer of scholarship amounts.

Correct Answer: B. Wards of ex-servicemen and security forces personnel

PM Scholarship Scheme is specifically designed for the wards and widows of ex-servicemen and security force personnel. It provides financial assistance to support higher education for these dependents. The scheme is administered by the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare under the Ministry of Defence.

Correct Answer: B. Declining Child Sex Ratio and girl's education

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) was launched in 2015 to address the declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR) and to promote girl child education. It was initially launched in 100 districts with the lowest CSR. The scheme focuses on prevention of gender-biased sex selective elimination and ensuring girls' education.

Correct Answer: B. PM Modi in 2015

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao was launched on January 22, 2015, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Panipat, Haryana. It is a joint initiative of three ministries: Women and Child Development, Health and Family Welfare, and Education. The scheme uses media campaigns, community mobilization, and incentive-based interventions.

Correct Answer: B. Residential schools for girls from disadvantaged groups

Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) are residential schools for girls from SC, ST, OBC, minority communities, and Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. They are set up at the upper primary level (class 6 to 8) in educationally backward blocks. KGBV provides free boarding, lodging, and quality education to girls who have dropped out of school.

Correct Answer: B. Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan

Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas are established under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan as a component for girls' education. They focus specifically on educationally backward blocks where female dropout rates are high. KGBV acts as a bridge to connect girls to the mainstream education system.

Correct Answer: B. 5+3+3+4 structure

NEP 2020 proposes a new 5+3+3+4 curricular structure replacing the earlier 10+2 system. The four stages are: Foundational (5 years: 3 years pre-primary + grades 1-2), Preparatory (3 years: grades 3-5), Middle (3 years: grades 6-8), and Secondary (4 years: grades 9-12). This structure is aligned with child developmental stages.

Correct Answer: C. Mother tongue or home language

NEP 2020 strongly recommends that the medium of instruction up to at least class 5, and preferably class 8 and beyond, should be the mother tongue, home language, or local/regional language. This is based on research showing that children learn best in their first language. The policy aims to preserve linguistic diversity while ensuring quality education.

Correct Answer: A. 2020, replacing 1986 policy

NEP 2020 was released in July 2020, replacing the earlier National Education Policy of 1986 (which was modified in 1992). It is the third national education policy of India, the first two being from 1968 and 1986. NEP 2020 envisions transforming India into a vibrant knowledge society.

Correct Answer: B. Unified digital education for multi-mode access

PM eVIDYA was launched in May 2020 under Atmanirbhar Bharat to provide unified digital infrastructure for multi-mode digital education. It includes DIKSHA for school education, SWAYAM for higher education, and one dedicated TV channel per class (classes 1 to 12). The initiative aims to ensure learning continuity during disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic.