Education & Skill Schemes — Set 4

Correct Answer: D. 16

As part of the IIT expansion, 16 new IITs were established across India between 2008 and 2016. This increased the total number of IITs from 7 to 23. The expansion aimed to increase access to quality technical education and boost research and innovation in science and technology.

Correct Answer: B. 3 to 8 years

NEP 2020's Foundational Stage covers children aged 3 to 8 years, comprising three years of pre-primary (Anganwadi/pre-school) and grades 1 and 2. This 5-year foundational stage emphasizes play-based and activity-based learning. It recognizes the critical importance of early childhood care and education.

Correct Answer: B. Foundational literacy and numeracy for children by grade 3

NIPUN Bharat (National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy) was launched in 2021 with the goal that every child achieves foundational literacy and numeracy by the end of grade 3. It focuses on reading comprehension and basic arithmetic skills in early grades. The mission is implemented under Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan.

Correct Answer: B. DD Free Dish (DTH)

PM eVIDYA's 'One Class One Channel' initiative broadcasts educational content through DD Free Dish and DTH services, ensuring even students without internet can access school lessons. Each class from 1 to 12 has a dedicated channel. This was particularly important during the COVID-19 pandemic school closures.

Correct Answer: B. 32 high-quality educational channels via DTH

SWAYAM PRABHA is a group of 32 DTH channels devoted to telecasting high-quality educational programmes on a 24×7 basis. Content is sourced from IITs, IIMs, UGC, NCERT, and other premier institutions. It is part of PM eVIDYA and provides supplementary education especially to students in remote areas.

Correct Answer: C. 50%

NEP 2020 sets a target to increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education from about 27% (at the time of the policy) to 50% by 2035. This would require significant expansion of higher education institutions and online learning infrastructure. Open and distance learning is expected to play a major role in achieving this target.

Correct Answer: B. Integrated education with support services

Samagra Shiksha provides comprehensive support to Children with Special Needs (CWSN) including assistive devices, escorts, resource teachers, and inclusive classrooms. The scheme promotes inclusive education in mainstream schools rather than segregated special schools. It also funds special training of regular teachers to handle children with diverse learning needs.

Correct Answer: B. Child Sex Ratio (CSR)

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao was initially launched in 100 districts with the worst Child Sex Ratio (CSR) in India. The scheme later expanded to cover all districts across the country. District-level monitoring of CSR, birth registration, and girls' enrolment in schools are key performance indicators.

Correct Answer: D. Ministry of Rural Development

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao is a joint initiative of three ministries: Women and Child Development, Health and Family Welfare, and Education. The Ministry of Rural Development is not part of this scheme. Each ministry contributes specific elements: WCD handles gender awareness, Health handles sex ratio at birth, and Education handles girl enrolment.

Correct Answer: C. Academic Bank of Credits (ABC)

NEP 2020 introduced the concept of Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) which would allow students to accumulate academic credits from different higher education institutions over time. Students can deposit, accumulate, and redeem credits from registered institutions. This enables flexible and multi-institutional degree completion.