UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Hetu is the term used for the inferential mark or reason that is known to be invariably associated with the probandum. Its presence in the paksha licenses the move to the conclusion, as when smoke functions as hetu for fire on the hill. A proper hetu must satisfy conditions ensuring its reliability. Thus the reason described in the stem is called hetu.

Option A:
Option A, vyapti, is the underlying universal concomitance between hetu and sadhya, not the particular instance observed in the paksha. It is a general relation rather than the concrete reason present in the subject.

Option B:
Option B is correct because hetu is explicitly defined as that which, being pervaded by the sadhya, serves as the logical ground for inference. Without hetu there would be no inferential step from paksha to sadhya.

Option C:
Option C, drstanta, is the illustrative example used to show the vyapti, like a kitchen where smoke and fire co-occur. It supports the argument but is distinct from the reason stated in the paksha.

Option D:
Option D, prameya, is the object of knowledge in general, not specifically the middle term of an inference.