UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Statements A, B, D and E correctly capture the expectations from academic leaders. A is true because integrity and fairness are core ethical requirements. B is true since participatory governance provides legitimacy and shared ownership of decisions. D is true as leadership development programmes build competencies in governance and management. E is true because codes of conduct set norms and accountability for those in authority. C is false because conflicts of interest must be managed and disclosed, not ignored, and F is false because documentation of processes is essential for transparency and accountability.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because it leaves out E and therefore does not recognise the formal role of codes of conduct in ensuring ethical leadership.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it omits A, thereby failing to mention the fundamental principle that leaders must be guided by integrity and fairness in decisions.

Option C:
Option C is correct as it combines A, B, D and E, the four true statements on ethical expectations, participation, capacity building and codes of conduct, while excluding C and F, which condone ignoring conflicts and avoiding scrutiny.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it includes C, which advocates ignoring conflicts of interest, and omits B, thus weakening the emphasis on participatory governance.

Women’s universities are institutions that admit only female students and often focus on creating supportive environments that encourage women’s participation and leadership. They are established as a measure to promote gender equity in access to higher education. The stem refers to single-gender universities designed to enhance opportunities for women, so “women’s” universities is the correct description, making Option B appropriate.

Option A:
Such institutions can challenge social norms that restrict women’s mobility and education by providing a safe and encouraging space. They may also serve as role models for women’s leadership in academia and beyond, aligning well with the purposes mentioned in the question.

Option B:
Co-educational universities admit both men and women and are the most common institutional form, but they do not specifically address the single-gender rationale outlined in the stem. Thus, Option A is not correct here.

Option C:
Distance universities focus on mode of delivery rather than on the gender of students. While some distance institutions may primarily serve women, that is not inherent in the term, so Option C does not accurately complete the sentence.

Option D:
Open universities emphasise open access and flexible learning, once again without being defined by gender-specific admission policies. Therefore, Option D is not appropriate.

NEP 2020 underlines the need for well-prepared academic leaders and proposes dedicated leadership and management training so principals and heads can handle academic planning, human resources and community engagement effectively.

Option A:
Random appointments without preparation undermine governance and are contrary to NEP’s call for professional leadership.

Option B:
This option matches the policy’s emphasis on structured programmes that build leadership capacity rather than assuming it will develop automatically.

Option C:
Seniority alone does not guarantee leadership competence; NEP implies that merit and training are important.

Option D:
Selecting leaders purely on political considerations can distort priorities and is not supported by the policy.