Education & Skill Schemes — Set 9

Correct Answer: C. Rs 50,000 crore

The National Research Foundation has an approved budget of Rs 50,000 crore for its first 5 years (2023-2028), with the majority of funding expected from the private sector. The government's share is approximately Rs 10,000 crore. This public-private model is intended to leverage private sector investment in research.

Correct Answer: C. 50% ST population

The government set a target to establish Eklavya Model Residential Schools in every block with over 50% Scheduled Tribe (ST) population. Each EMRS has the capacity for 480 students from class 6 to 12. EMRS schools provide education along with facilities for arts, culture, and sports relevant to tribal communities.

Correct Answer: A. JNVST

The Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Selection Test (JNVST) is the national-level entrance examination for admission to class 6 in JNVs. The test has a non-verbal/verbal/arithmetic design to ensure that coaching cannot give undue advantage to urban students. Lateral entry to class 9 in JNVs is also available through a separate selection test.

Correct Answer: B. Providing nutritious meals to improve attendance and retention

PM POSHAN incentivizes school attendance by providing one nutritious hot cooked meal every school day, making school more attractive especially for children from poor families. Research shows that mid-day meals significantly reduce dropout rates, especially for girls. The scheme also contributes to addressing classroom hunger and improving learning outcomes.

Correct Answer: B. Promoting mother tongue, state/regional language, and Hindi/English

The three-language formula in NEP 2020 recommends students learn three languages, which should include the mother tongue/local language, and regional and national languages. The specific languages will be determined by the state/region. No language should be imposed on students, and Hindi and English remain important languages of communication and opportunity.

Correct Answer: C. Ministry of Education

Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan is implemented by the Ministry of Education (formerly Ministry of Human Resource Development). It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with cost sharing between the centre and states. The scheme is operational across all states and union territories.

Correct Answer: B. From 7 to 23 IITs

As part of the technical education expansion, the number of IITs was increased from 7 (before 2008) to 23 through the establishment of 16 new IITs. The first batch of new IITs was set up under the National Technical Institutes Act. Similarly, NITs were expanded from 17 to 31 and IIMs from 7 to 20.

Correct Answer: B. DTH satellite television

SWAYAM PRABHA broadcasts its 32 channels of educational content through DTH (Direct-to-Home) satellite television, making it accessible even in remote areas without internet connectivity. The content is available 24×7 and covers a wide range of subjects from school to university level. It is part of the PM eVIDYA initiative.

Correct Answer: C. 2022

The Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) portal was launched in 2022 under DigiLocker to enable students to digitally store and transfer academic credits. Universities register with ABC and students' earned credits are deposited in their ABC account. It enables multiple entry and exit from degree programmes as proposed by NEP 2020.

Correct Answer: B. Prime Minister

The Prime Minister chairs the Governing Board of the National Research Foundation, reflecting the high importance given to research and innovation. The Minister of Education and Minister of Science and Technology are also part of the governing structure. This top-level involvement ensures NRF gets priority attention and resources.