Affiliating university model – UGC NET Question

An affiliating university is a type of university that oversees a network of affiliated colleges to which it grants academic recognition. Teaching is largely carried out in these colleges, while the university conducts examinations, prescribes curricula and awards degrees. The stem exactly describes a university that confers degrees while teaching happens mainly in affiliated colleges, which corresponds to an affiliating university. Therefore, Option D is correct.

Option A:
A unitary university usually conducts teaching and research within its own campus or campuses without having many affiliated colleges. It differs structurally from an affiliating type and thus does not match the description in the question.

Option B:
A central university is defined by its establishment through an Act of Parliament and its funding source, not specifically by whether it is affiliating or unitary. Some central universities may have affiliated institutions, but the term does not uniquely denote the model described in the stem.

Option C:
A residential university typically emphasises students living on campus and may or may not have affiliated colleges. The key distinguishing feature in the stem is the relationship with affiliated colleges, not the residential character, so this option is not appropriate.

Option D:
Affiliating universities are common in India and play a major role in standardising curricula and assessment across large numbers of colleges. This function matches closely with the features outlined in the question.