UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Courses and online programmes designed for working adults embody the concept of lifelong learning, which emphasises that education continues throughout a person’s life and career. The stem clearly connects university offerings for employed adults with this idea, so “lifelong” learning is the correct phrase.

Option A:
Option A is correct because lifelong learning recognises repeated engagement with education over time, allowing adults to reskill and upskill as their professional and personal needs change.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect since “terminal” learning suggests a clear endpoint, going against the notion of continuous, ongoing education.

Option C:
Option C is wrong because “sporadic” describes irregular or accidental learning, not a structured and intentional system of continuing education offered by universities.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect as “compulsory” learning usually applies to mandated school education for children, whereas adult continuing education is typically voluntary.

The philosophy that learning continues throughout life, beyond initial schooling and degrees, is known as lifelong learning. University programmes for working adults—such as continuing education and professional development courses—are designed around this ideal, so “lifelong” learning correctly completes the stem.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because “terminal” learning suggests a definite endpoint, which contradicts the idea of continuing to learn over one’s lifetime.

Option B:
Option B is correct as lifelong learning explicitly describes ongoing education for adults who re-enter formal or non-formal learning at different stages of their careers.

Option C:
Option C is wrong since “temporary” emphasises short duration without the broader commitment to continuous learning implied in the stem.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because “compulsory” learning generally refers to mandated schooling for children, not voluntary continuing education opportunities for employed adults.