Open universities and lifelong learning role – UGC NET Question

Statements A, B, E and F together give a correct overview of open universities. A is true because such universities are designed for learners unable to attend regular classes. B is true since multiple instructional media are used to reach dispersed learners. E is true because open universities explicitly target lifelong learning needs of working adults and others. F is true as many open universities undertake research projects and community outreach. C is false because degree and credit-bearing programmes are a central part of their mandate, and D is false because they are authorised to offer degrees subject to regulatory approval.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because it omits F and thus fails to acknowledge the research and community outreach roles that some open universities undertake alongside teaching.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it includes D, which wrongly claims that degree programmes are prohibited, and therefore mixes correct and incorrect statements in one combination.

Option C:
Option C is correct as it includes exactly the true statements A, B, E and F and excludes C and D, which misrepresent the credit and degree-granting nature of open universities.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it incorporates C, a false statement that restricts open universities to non-credit offerings, and therefore does not reflect the full scope of their academic mandate.