Education & Skill Schemes — Set 8

Correct Answer: C. Sciences, technology, social sciences, and humanities

The National Research Foundation (NRF) will support research and innovation across a wide range of disciplines including natural sciences, technology, social sciences, arts, and humanities. This broad mandate distinguishes it from its predecessor SERB, which focused mainly on science and engineering. NRF aims to create a culture of research across Indian universities.

Correct Answer: B. 6-14 years

The Right to Education Act, 2009 mandates free and compulsory education for all children aged 6 to 14 years. It was enabled by the 86th Constitutional Amendment which made education a fundamental right. Schools are required to have adequate infrastructure and maintain pupil-teacher ratios as per RTE norms.

Correct Answer: B. KGBV

Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs) provide residential schooling for girls from SC, ST, OBC, and minority communities in educationally backward blocks under Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan. They function at the upper primary level and aim to reduce female dropout rates. KGBV hostels ensure safe accommodation and quality education.

Correct Answer: C. Multiple (over 10)

The National Scholarship Portal integrates scholarships from multiple central ministries including Education, Tribal Affairs, Minority Affairs, Social Justice, Labour, and UGC. State government scholarships are also integrated. The portal ensures a single application interface for students to apply for eligible scholarships.

Correct Answer: B. Single-stream colleges to gradually become multidisciplinary

NEP 2020 envisions that all single-discipline/stream higher education institutions should gradually transform into multidisciplinary institutions by 2040. This is to encourage holistic education combining arts, sciences, commerce, and professional subjects. The policy believes that multidisciplinary education leads to better creativity, innovation, and problem-solving abilities.

Correct Answer: C. Ministry of Defence

The PM Scholarship Scheme for wards of ex-servicemen and security forces is administered by the Ministry of Defence. It provides financial assistance to wards and widows of ex-armed forces personnel for professional and technical courses. The scheme aims to honour the service of defence personnel by supporting their families' education.

Correct Answer: B. Emphasis on mother tongue and local language instruction

NEP 2020's emphasis on mother tongue and local language instruction up to class 5 (and beyond) can be seen as part of the broader 'Vocal for Local' philosophy. The policy recognizes that children learn best in their home language and that multilingualism is an asset. It also recommends preserving and promoting classical and regional languages in the education system.

Correct Answer: B. Civil works including toilets, playgrounds, and digital infrastructure

Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan provides funds for civil works including construction of classrooms, toilets, libraries, science labs, and digital infrastructure. It also funds sports and cultural activities, teacher training, and remedial teaching. The scheme's holistic approach addresses all dimensions of school quality.

Correct Answer: C. Separation of board exams from class 10 and 12

NEP 2020 does not remove or separate board exams from class 10 and 12; it continues to recognize them but proposes making them 'easier' in the sense that they should test core competencies rather than rote memorization. The policy proposes offering board exams at least twice a year. The separation of exams was not a feature proposed by NEP 2020.

Correct Answer: C. Universities that have adopted UGC credit transfer guidelines

SWAYAM course credits can be transferred in universities that have adopted the UGC guidelines for credit transfer from SWAYAM. UGC has directed universities to allow credit transfer for SWAYAM courses for up to a certain percentage of the total credits in a degree programme. This integration incentivizes students to take SWAYAM courses for formal academic credit.