Undergraduate degree level – UGC NET Question

B.A., B.Sc. and B.Com are degree programmes pursued after completion of school education and are part of the tertiary sector. In India, such post-school degree programmes are collectively referred to as higher education. Therefore, the only level that correctly describes these programmes is the higher level of education.

Option A:
Option A is correct because “higher” education is the standard term used for university and college studies following secondary schooling, including undergraduate degrees like B.A., B.Sc. and B.Com.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because “primary” education refers to the early years of schooling, typically the first few grades, and has nothing to do with university-level degree programmes.

Option C:
Option C is wrong as “upper primary” corresponds to middle school classes, still within the school system and not at the stage of degree education.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because “secondary” education refers to high school level (up to Class 10 or 12), which is completed before students become eligible for B.A., B.Sc. or B.Com programmes.