UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

ICT is described as the integration of information and communication technologies to handle information efficiently. The core activities involved are processing data, storing it securely and disseminating it quickly to users. These three actions capture how computers and networks extend human capacity to manage knowledge. Therefore processing, storage and dissemination correctly summarise the main functional scope of ICT.

Option A:
Option A is correct because ICT tools like computers and networks are designed to process raw data into meaningful information. They also provide large-scale electronic storage so that information can be retained and retrieved on demand. Further, they support dissemination through email, networks and online platforms, making this option align with standard ICT definitions.

Option B:
Option B is limited to psychological support and does not capture technological handling of information. While ICT tools can indirectly support counselling, this is not the defining purpose of ICT in educational policy documents. Hence it cannot complete the definition given in the stem.

Option C:
Option C, biological analysis, refers to specialised scientific work in fields like biotechnology rather than the generic use of digital technologies for information handling. ICT may assist such analysis but is not confined to it. Thus it is too narrow and domain-specific for the broad definition of ICT.

Option D:
Option D, manual transportation, emphasises physical movement of materials rather than electronic processing and communication. ICT is meant precisely to reduce dependence on manual transport by enabling digital transfer. Therefore it does not correctly capture the informational role described in the question.

ICT stands for Information and Communication Technology, which clearly indicates that communication is a core component of its scope. These technologies enable the exchange of ideas, messages and data over distances using electronic means. In education, ICT tools connect teachers and learners through various communication channels. Therefore, communication correctly completes the meaning of ICT in this context.

Option A:
Option A is correct because communication is explicitly mentioned in the term ICT and captures the role of networks, messaging tools and online platforms in sharing information. It links information handling with interaction among users, which is central to ICT. By choosing communication, we align the definition with standard textbooks and policy documents.

Option B:
Option B, transportation, relates to moving people or goods physically and is not the main focus of ICT as defined in education and computing. While transport systems may use ICT, they are not what the acronym directly denotes. Thus, transportation does not complete the expansion of ICT.

Option C:
Option C, construction, concerns building infrastructure such as houses or bridges and is only indirectly supported by ICT through design tools. It does not describe the primary purpose of ICT in terms of information and communication processes. Hence, it is not suitable for the blank.

Option D:
Option D, agriculture, is a sector that may benefit from ICT applications like e extension services, but it is not the domain represented in the term ICT itself. The acronym is not defined as Information and Communication Agriculture, so agriculture cannot logically fill the blank.

Listening is more than just hearing sounds; it involves attention,interpretation and mental organisation. The behaviours in the stem show that the student is actively processing the lecture. Such engaged reception is what communication theorists call effective listening.

Option A:
Hearing is a physiological process that may occur even when attention is low. It does not guarantee understanding.

Option B:
Therefore listening is the correct term for the skill described because it includes active processing and organisation of the message.

Option C:
Encoding is a sender's activity of creating messages,not a student's role when following a lecture.

Option D:
Redundancy refers to repetition of parts of a message,not to the receiver's skill.

Hearing is simply the physiological process of sound reception,whereas listening involves active attention and mental processing. The student in the stem not only hears but also takes notes and organises ideas,which are actions of effective listening. Therefore listening is the appropriate completion.

Option A:
Hearing may occur even when attention is low,but the behaviours described show high engagement,so hearing alone is insufficient.

Option B:
Listening is a crucial part of communication competence because it ensures accurate understanding of messages,making option C correct.

Option C:
Speaking is productive communication and is not the main activity here.

Option D:
Encoding describes message formulation by a sender,rather than reception by a student.