UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Vyapti is the universal relation of pervasion that ensures that the presence of the hetu implies the presence of the sadhya. It is learned through observation of positive and negative cases or through reliable testimony. Without vyapti, the inferential step from sign to probandum would lack justification. Thus the connection described in the stem is called vyapti.

Option A:
Option A, hetu, is the individual sign such as smoke present in the paksha and does not itself denote the general rule that links all smoke with fire.

Option B:
Option B is correct because vyapti captures precisely the idea that the hetu is never found without the sadhya and forms the logical backbone of valid anumana. It is the bridge that allows us to move from observed instances to reliable conclusions.

Option C:
Option C, drstanta, is a concrete example used to illustrate vyapti, like a kitchen where smoke and fire co-occur, but it is distinct from the universal relation itself.

Option D:
Option D, paksha dharma, refers to a property present in the paksha and indicates a specific occurrence rather than an overarching universal connection.

Drstanta is the example that makes the universal relation between hetu and sadhya vivid and acceptable to the listener. It usually cites a familiar case where both occur together, such as fire and smoke in a kitchen. This helps to ground the claim of vyapti empirically. Therefore the example described in the stem is called drstanta.

Option A:
Option A is correct because drstanta literally means “seen instance” and functions as the third component of the Nyaya inference, combining a general statement with an example. It is central in showing that the hetu–sadhya connection is not merely speculative.

Option B:
Option B, paksha, is the specific subject of inference like the hill, not the exemplar case used to demonstrate vyapti.

Option C:
Option C, upanaya, is the application step that links the general rule shown by the drstanta to the paksha. It comes after the example is given.

Option D:
Option D, nigamana, is the concluding restatement of the thesis, not the illustrative middle step.