UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Statements A, B, C and E highlight pedagogical and access-related advantages of virtual labs. They can safely model complex or hazardous experiments, offer repeated practice, need alignment with objectives and extend opportunities to remote learners. Statement D is false because many disciplines still require hands-on work to develop psychomotor skills. Statement F is false because technical support and infrastructure such as bandwidth and compatible devices are critical for effective use, so the correct set includes A, B, C and E only.

Option A:
Option A is incomplete because it omits E and therefore does not address the equity aspect of reaching remote learners. While A, B and C are correct, they do not fully capture how virtual labs widen access, so this option is partial.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it includes D, which overstates the ability of virtual labs to replace physical practice entirely. Even with strong simulations, disciplines like medicine and engineering still require real-world practice, so D cannot be accepted.

Option C:
Option C is correct because it integrates safety, practice, alignment and access advantages without claiming that real labs or infrastructure planning are unnecessary. It therefore matches both pedagogical and practical perspectives on virtual labs.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it includes F and omits A. Accepting F denies the importance of infrastructure and support, which are vital to reliability. Leaving out A also overlooks the core reason for using virtual labs in high-risk or costly experiments.

Statements A, B and C accurately describe how virtual labs extend experimental learning, whereas D is an overstatement. Virtual labs provide simulations and remote access that supplement physical labs and address resource constraints. They also support repeated practice and flexible access, especially in large or distance programmes. Yet, for some skills and disciplines, physical experimentation remains important, so D cannot be accepted as correct.

Option A:
Option A is correct because it selects the three true statements and excludes the extreme claim in D. It recognises virtual labs as powerful complements rather than complete replacements for physical laboratories. This balanced view is aligned with current practices in technology-enabled science education.

Option B:
Option B is incomplete because it includes only A and B and omits C. While A and B are true, statement C about data-logging and anytime access is also a common feature of virtual labs, so the set of correct statements is not fully represented.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect because it combines B and C with D and assumes all three are correct. Although B and C are true, D wrongly asserts that virtual labs make physical labs unnecessary in every discipline, which is not realistic.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it treats all four statements as correct and thereby accepts D. Since D conflicts with the complementary role of virtual and physical experimentation, this combination cannot be chosen.

Statements A, B and C accurately describe how virtual laboratories extend learning opportunities in science education. They allow simulated experimentation, support safety with hazardous materials and offer access to remote learners. Statement D is false because ethical and safety considerations remain important, even in virtual settings where real-world implications are discussed. Therefore the correct combination is A, B and C only.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because it lists only A and B as correct, omitting C. While A and B are true, statement C is also correct, since virtual labs are particularly valuable where physical labs are unavailable. Excluding C makes the description incomplete.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it groups A, C and D as correct and accepts D. Statement D wrongly implies that ethics and safety can be ignored, but these remain central in science education. Including D invalidates this option.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect because it lists B and C only and ignores A. Statement A is fundamental in defining what virtual labs are, so leaving it out weakens the conceptual explanation.

Option D:
Option D is correct because it brings together A, B and C, the three statements that highlight simulation, safety and access, while rejecting the misleading claim in D.

Statements A, B and D correctly show how ICT can be used to assess higher order thinking, while statement C is false. Simulations, online discussions and e-portfolios all allow learners to demonstrate analysis, argumentation and creativity. Multiple-choice items can sometimes probe higher order skills, but they are certainly not the only ICT-supported format. Hence, the combination A, B and D only is the correct answer.

Option A:
Option A is incomplete because it selects only A and B and leaves out D. While simulations and discussions are valuable, e-portfolios that collect varied artefacts are also powerful tools for assessing complex learning outcomes. Excluding D underrepresents ICT’s potential.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it treats A, B and C as correct, thereby accepting C. Statement C wrongly restricts higher order assessment to multiple-choice formats and ignores simulations, portfolios and other ICT tools. Including this false statement invalidates the option.

Option C:
Option C includes B and D only and omits A, even though A explains how simulations can require deep analysis and decision-making. Without A, this option does not fully cover ICT approaches to higher order assessment.

Option D:
Option D is correct because it groups A, B and D, the three accurate statements about ICT-based assessment, and excludes C, which over-limits the formats that can be used. It offers a broad and realistic view of how ICT can support evaluation of higher order thinking.

Virtual labs use ICT to simulate experimental setups and processes, allowing learners to manipulate variables and observe outcomes without physical equipment. They can be accessed remotely and repeated safely, supporting conceptual understanding. Because the lab exists in digital form rather than as a physical room, it is termed a virtual lab.

Option A:
Option A is correct because the term virtual lab is widely used in ICT and education initiatives for computer based experimental environments.

Option B:
Option B, physical, lab refers to actual equipment and spaces and does not capture the simulated nature described.

Option C:
Option C, open air, lab suggests experiments conducted outdoors rather than in simulated environments.

Option D:
Option D, archival, lab would indicate storage and preservation activities, not active experimentation.