UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

A research proposal is a detailed plan that outlines the background, significance, objectives, methodology, ethical considerations and budget of a study. When submitted to a funding agency or sponsor, it serves as the basis for deciding whether to allocate financial support. The proposal must convince reviewers of the feasibility, importance and methodological soundness of the project. Thus, the funding-oriented document described in the stem is correctly termed a research proposal.

Option A:
A report summarises the results of a completed study and is written after data collection and analysis, not before funding is granted. It does not function primarily as a request for support, so report is not the correct answer.

Option B:
Option B, proposal, emphasises forward-looking planning and justification, including how funds will be used and what outcomes are expected. This aligns closely with the stem’s focus on submission to an agency for financial backing.

Option C:
A synopsis is often a brief summary of a proposed or completed study and usually lacks the full details about budget and implementation required in a funding application. Hence, synopsis does not fully match the description.

Option D:
A monograph is a substantial written work that reports in-depth research on a single topic, typically produced after the research is complete. It is not the document used to seek funding beforehand, so monograph is not appropriate here.

Statement C is wrong because ethical responsibility continues throughout a funded project; approval of funding does not remove the obligation to follow ethical guidelines. Statements A, B, D and E are correct: proposals must state objectives and methods, include budgets, often require periodic progress reports and demonstrate potential impact or significance. Therefore, C alone is the incorrect statement.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because it labels A, C and D as wrong, even though A and D correctly describe key proposal and funding requirements. This option thus misrepresents basic expectations of funding agencies.

Option B:
Option B is correct as it isolates C, the statement that denies ongoing ethical accountability, and implicitly confirms that the other statements reflect real components of funded research projects.

Option C:
Option C is wrong because it adds E to the set of wrong statements, implying that showing significance is not necessary. In practice, demonstrating significance is central to convincing funders of a project's value.

Option D:
Option D is also incorrect because it includes B and D alongside C as wrong, despite B and D accurately describing proposal budgeting and progress reporting. This mixture confuses obligations with misbehaviour.