Research and innovation in HEIs – UGC NET Question

Statements A, B and D correctly capture the role of higher education institutions in research and innovation. Statement A is true because universities host laboratories, research centres and faculty engaged in both basic and applied work. Statement B is correct in linking university research to innovation and knowledge-driven economic growth. Statement D is also true as policies actively encourage collaborations with industry and international partners, while statement C is false since universities themselves are major supervisors of doctoral research.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because it includes only A and B and omits D. Collaborative research with industry and international partners is a significant trend in modern higher education, and excluding it makes the description incomplete. A fully correct combination must include D as well.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it combines A and D but leaves out B. Without acknowledging the contribution of research to economic development, the answer fails to reflect one of the key justifications for research investment in higher education. Therefore this option does not cover all the correct statements.

Option C:
Option C is correct because it brings together A, B and D, which together describe the institutional, economic and collaborative dimensions of research in higher education. By excluding C, it rejects the false claim that only specialised research institutes can guide doctoral work. This makes the combination consistent with the actual research landscape.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it includes C along with B and D. Statement C wrongly denies the central doctoral role played by universities, and its inclusion alongside correct statements makes the option unsound. Hence this combination cannot be chosen.