UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Statements A, B and C accurately capture the design and objectives of RUSA. Statement A is true because RUSA is a centrally sponsored scheme meant specifically to support and reform state higher education systems. Statement B is correct, as the scheme seeks to improve access, equity and quality in state universities and colleges. Statement C is also true since funding is linked to performance and the preparation of comprehensive State Higher Education Plans, whereas statement D is false because RUSA does not focus exclusively on centrally funded institutions.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because it recognises only A and B and leaves out C. Performance-linked funding and the requirement for State Higher Education Plans are key features of RUSA’s implementation strategy. Excluding C omits an essential part of the scheme’s design.

Option B:
Option B is correct because it combines A, B and C, presenting a comprehensive view of the scheme’s nature, goals and funding mechanism. It also correctly excludes D, which contradicts the scheme’s purpose of supporting state institutions. This makes it the only option consistent with policy documents.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect because it includes D along with B and C and ignores A. Statement D wrongly states that RUSA funds only centrally supported institutions, which is contrary to its focus on states. Hence this combination cannot be accepted.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it joins A and C but leaves out B. Omitting the explicit emphasis on access, equity and quality makes the description incomplete, as these are central aims of RUSA.

Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan is a flagship centrally sponsored scheme focused on state universities and colleges. It provides strategic funding linked to reforms in governance, academic quality and equity of access. The stem describes a scheme designed to improve access, equity and quality in state higher education institutions through funding support, which matches RUSA exactly. Hence, Option A is correct.

Option A:
RUSA channels funds based on performance indicators and state higher education plans, encouraging systematic planning and accountability. It covers infrastructural development, faculty recruitment, research support and other quality-enhancing activities. These features clearly reflect the purpose described in the question.

Option B:
The National Education Policy is a policy document that sets broad directions for education reforms but is not itself a financing scheme. It may influence schemes, yet it is not the specific funding programme referred to in the stem, so this option is not appropriate.

Option C:
The National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning focuses on creating online course content and recordings, especially in technical education. While it contributes to quality, it is not centred on funding state universities in the comprehensive way RUSA is.

Option D:
The Mid-Day Meal Scheme operates primarily in the school education sector to improve nutrition and enrolment. It has no direct relevance to funding state higher education institutions, so this option is incorrect.