UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Stratification denotes the creation of hierarchical layers in which some institutions enjoy much greater prestige and resources than others. The stem notes that rankings concentrate prestige and funding at the top, which is a classic example of stratification, so “stratification” is the correct completion.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because egalitarianism implies greater equality, the opposite of the unequal concentration described.

Option B:
Option B is correct as it captures the structured inequality that critics say rankings intensify by repeatedly rewarding already advantaged institutions.

Option C:
Option C is wrong since randomness would mean there is no stable pattern, whereas rankings explicitly order institutions in a hierarchy.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect as uniformity suggests that institutions become similar, not that a few accumulate disproportionate advantage.

The concern expressed by critics is that global rankings create and deepen hierarchies in which a few institutions gain most of the prestige and resources. This hierarchical layering of advantage is known as stratification, so “stratification” correctly completes the statement.

Option A:
Option A is correct because stratification captures the systematic differentiation of institutions into high-status and low-status tiers, which rankings can intensify by channeling attention and funding to those already at the top.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect since “egalitarianism” implies equality and equal sharing of resources, the opposite of what critics attribute to rankings.

Option C:
Option C is wrong because “randomness” suggests the absence of pattern, whereas stratification refers to a structured and persistent hierarchy.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect as “uniformity” would mean that institutions become more alike, while the critique is that rankings accentuate differences and inequalities.

Stratification refers to the layering of institutions into hierarchies of prestige and resources, often resulting in unequal opportunities. Critics of global rankings argue that they intensify such stratification by favouring already well-resourced universities and influencing student choices and funding patterns. The stem points to concentration of prestige and resources, which is precisely the effect of stratification. Therefore, Option B is correct.

Option A:
Egalitarianism implies equality and reduction of hierarchies, which is the opposite of what critics claim rankings do. Therefore, Option A is incorrect.

Option B:
Option B is correct because the described concentration of prestige/resources creates hierarchical tiers—i.e., stratification.

Option C:
Randomness would imply prestige and resources are distributed without pattern, which contradicts the systematic hierarchies associated with rankings. Thus, Option C is incorrect.

Option D:
Uniformity would mean institutions become more alike, but the criticism is that rankings widen gaps between tiers. Rankings promote differentiation, not uniformity. Therefore, Option D is incorrect.

Stratification refers to the layering of institutions into hierarchies of status and resources. Global rankings often elevate a small group of universities to “world-class” status, attracting more funding and talent to them. The stem describes this concentration effect, which is precisely the concern about stratification. Therefore, Option B is correct.

Option A:
Egalitarianism stands for equality and a reduction of hierarchies, which is the opposite of what critics fear rankings may cause. Thus, this option does not match the argument in the stem.

Option B:
Stratification captures the creation or deepening of unequal tiers among institutions. Rankings can legitimise and intensify these tiers, making this concept the best fit for the question.

Option C:
Randomness would imply that prestige and resources are distributed without pattern, which contradicts the systematic ordering created by rankings. Hence, this option is incorrect.

Option D:
Uniformity suggests that institutions become similar, whereas the critique focuses on widening gaps between a privileged few and the rest. Therefore, this option cannot complete the statement properly.