UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Statements A, B and C correctly express central ideas of ICT ethics and digital citizenship, whereas statements D and E are incorrect. Digital citizenship is closely tied to values, behaviour and critical judgement, not just technical skills. Respecting privacy, avoiding harassment and acting responsibly online are core expectations. Therefore, the set A, B and C only is the correct combination.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because it lists only A and C as correct, omitting B. Statement B is also true, since privacy and consent are fundamental ethical concerns in digital communication. Leaving out B means the option does not capture all correct statements.

Option B:
Option B is correct because it chooses A, B and C, each representing responsible online behaviour, privacy respect and rejection of cyberbullying. It excludes D and E, which wrongly detach digital citizenship from ethics and critical evaluation. This combination is aligned with current understandings of digital citizenship.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect because it includes D along with A, B and C. Statement D denies the ethical and behavioural dimensions of digital citizenship. Including this false statement makes the combination inconsistent.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it groups B, C, D and E together, accepting both D and E. Since D and E are false and statements A and B are missing, this option does not accurately reflect ICT ethics or digital citizenship.

Statement B is the only wrong statement because sharing passwords and ignoring privacy settings actually increase vulnerability to cyberbullying and other abuses. A, C and D correctly describe the nature of cyberbullying, steps in reporting incidents and institutional responses. Safe practices emphasise protecting accounts and configuring privacy settings carefully. Therefore, the option that selects only B as wrong is the correct answer.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because it treats A and B as wrong. A is a standard definition of cyberbullying and should not be classified as incorrect, so pairing it with B misidentifies a correct statement as wrong.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it groups B and C as wrong statements. C is correct in recommending preservation of evidence for reporting, so including it among wrong statements contradicts good practice.

Option C:
Option C is correct because it isolates B, the unsafe recommendation, as the sole wrong statement and implicitly recognises A, C and D as accurate. It reinforces the importance of secure behaviour and institutional policies in addressing cyberbullying.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it lists A, B and C as wrong, misclassifying both the definition of cyberbullying and the value of evidence. Since only B is actually wrong, this combination cannot be accepted.

Cyberbullying involves intentional, repeated harm inflicted through digital platforms such as social networks, messaging apps or forums. It can include threats, insults, rumour spreading and sharing embarrassing content without consent. This behaviour can seriously affect victims’ mental health and sense of safety. The described scenario clearly matches these characteristics: it uses ICT tools to harass and humiliate a peer.

Option A:
This option directly depicts repeated, hostile behaviour carried out through online platforms, including insulting messages and humiliating images. It fits the standard definition of cyberbullying in both intent and medium.

Option B:
This option shows positive feedback and supportive communication, which is appropriate ICT use. There is no element of harm, threat or intimidation.

Option C:
This option represents routine administrative communication with no malicious intent. Simple reminders about due dates do not constitute bullying.

Option D:
This option describes personal study habits and does not involve interaction with or harm to others, so it cannot be considered bullying.