UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

RUSA is designed as a centrally sponsored scheme to improve the overall condition of state universities and colleges. Its key objectives are expanding access, promoting equity for disadvantaged groups and enhancing quality through better infrastructure, faculty and governance. The stem explicitly refers to strengthening the state system by improving something in universities and colleges, which clearly points to access, equity and quality. Thus Option B is correct.

Option A:
By focusing on these three dimensions together, RUSA attempts to ensure that expansion does not come at the cost of quality and that marginalised groups also benefit. The combination of access, equity and quality is repeatedly highlighted in RUSA policy documents, matching the theme in the question.

Option B:
Defence spending belongs to an entirely different sector and is not addressed by a higher education scheme like RUSA. Therefore, Option A cannot be the answer in this context.

Option C:
While sports facilities may be improved under certain grants, RUSA’s central goal is broader improvement of academic and institutional quality, not “only sports facilities.” Option C is too narrow and misleading.

Option D:
Electoral processes relate to political elections and are outside the scope of higher education funding schemes. RUSA does not intervene in electoral systems, so Option D is incorrect.