UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Statements A, B and C correctly describe decentralised governance. A is true because department committees can decide on timetables, electives and local academic matters. B is true as over-centralisation often creates delays and rigidity. C is true since participatory bodies such as boards and councils typically include faculty and sometimes students. Statement D is false; decentralisation does not mean absence of norms but rather distribution of decision-making within a coherent institutional framework. Therefore, A, B and C only are correct.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because it considers A and B only and omits C, thereby ignoring the explicit role of participatory structures that involve faculty and student voices in governance.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it includes A and C but leaves out B, failing to mention the problem of over-centralisation that decentralisation seeks to address.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect because it selects B and C only and excludes A, neglecting the practical level at which departmental committees embody decentralised decisions.

Option D:
Option D is correct because it combines the three true statements while rejecting D, which wrongly equates decentralisation with an absence of norms and coordination.

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.