Massification of higher education – UGC NET Question

Massification is the term used when higher education systems move from serving a small elite to enrolling a substantial share of the relevant age group. The stem describes this shift from restricted to broad access, so “massification” is the correct completion.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because “elite formation” implies maintaining or strengthening exclusivity, which is the opposite of making higher education accessible to many.

Option B:
Option B is correct as it precisely labels the stage where participation becomes wide enough to be considered mass rather than elite.

Option C:
Option C is wrong since “privatisation” focuses on ownership and funding patterns, not directly on how many people enrol.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because “homogenisation” refers to institutions becoming more similar, not to changes in participation rates or access.