UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

NEP 2020 argues that research culture should begin at the undergraduate level, with opportunities for projects, internships and in four-year programmes a strong research or thesis component in the final year.

Option A:
Reserving research only for Ph.D. students would drastically shrink the pipeline of trained researchers and contradicts NEP’s emphasis on early exposure.

Option B:
This option is correct because it captures the policy’s call for inquiry-based learning and substantial research experience, particularly in the fourth year of UG study.

Option C:
Preventing undergraduates from entering labs or doing fieldwork goes against the experiential learning approach outlined in the policy.

Option D:
There is no suggestion that only foreign undergraduates should do research in India; NEP focuses on building capacity among Indian students.

NEP 2020 states that students completing a four-year UG degree with research can take a one-year Master’s for further specialisation. Their research experience at UG level justifies the shorter Master’s. This streamlines the pathway to Ph.D. or advanced employment.

Option A:
This option aligns with the new degree structure and recognises research-intensive UG study.

Option B:
A two-year diploma does not provide the same depth and is not the target group for a one-year Master’s.

Option C:
Without an undergraduate degree, a Master’s programme cannot be directly pursued.

Option D:
Completing only school education is insufficient preparation for Master’s level study.

NEP 2020 proposes that a four-year bachelor’s degree with research adequately prepares students for doctoral studies. Such graduates may be admitted directly to Ph.D. programmes, bypassing a traditional master’s. This is part of restructuring post-graduate education and linking it closely with undergraduate research experience.

Option A:
Option A refers to a two-year diploma, which is not identified as a direct route to Ph.D.

Option B:
This option is consistent with NEP’s degree framework and emphasises the research component of the fourth year.

Option C:
Three-year UG degrees are usually followed by a master’s before Ph.D., according to NEP’s new structure.

Option D:
NEP actually proposes discontinuing the M.Phil. as a mandatory intermediate degree; it is not required.