UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

NEP 2020 strongly recommends that young children learn in their home language, mother tongue or local language at least till Grade 5, as this supports better comprehension, confidence and concept formation.

Option A:
This option directly reflects NEP 2020, which emphasises using the child’s home, mother tongue or local language as the medium of instruction in the early years.

Option B:
NEP 2020 does not prescribe English as the only medium; it may be taught as a subject but is not imposed as the sole language of instruction in early grades.

Option C:
Choosing any foreign language as the main medium in early grades would be pedagogically unsound and is not suggested in the policy.

Option D:
Sanskrit is encouraged as an optional language, but NEP 2020 does not ask that it be the compulsory medium of instruction for all students.

Statements A, B and D are correct, while C and E are incorrect. A is true because occasional first-language support can scaffold difficult content. B is true as teaching entirely in an unfamiliar language prevents meaningful engagement. D is true since peer explanation in a shared language often clarifies concepts. C is false because flexible use of languages can be pedagogically sound, and E is false because thoughtful plurilingual practices do not necessarily confuse learners. Therefore, A, B and D only is the correct combination.

Option A:
Option A brings together A, B and D, emphasising strategic first-language support, avoidance of exclusive unfamiliar language and the value of peer explanation. It excludes C and E, which promote rigid or fearful attitudes to multilingualism. As it contains all and only true statements, this option is correct.

Option B:
Option B lists A and B only, leaving out D and thus failing to recognise the contribution of peer scaffolding. Without D, A and B only provides a less complete view of multilingual strategies.

Option C:
Option C pairs B, D and E, but E incorrectly treats all multilingual practices as confusing. Including E renders B, D and E only invalid.

Option D:
Option D offers A, C and D, but C is wrong because strict prohibition of any other language may hinder understanding in multilingual settings. Therefore, A, C and D only cannot be accepted.

Statements A and C together reflect the multilingual reality and pedagogic rationale for language choices in higher education. Statement A is true because many programmes are offered in English and in regional or bilingual formats. Statement C is also true since use of languages that students understand well generally enhances comprehension and engagement. Statement B is false because NEP 2020 encourages use of Indian languages rather than mandating English-only instruction. Statement D is false as institutions are encouraged, not prohibited, from developing materials in Indian languages. Therefore, A and C only are correct.

Option A:
Option A is incomplete because it mentions the variety of media of instruction but does not explicitly state the pedagogic benefits that are captured in statement C.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it chooses only C and leaves out A, thereby failing to acknowledge the actual multilingual and bilingual practices recognised in policy and implementation.

Option C:
Option C is correct as it combines A’s description of existing language practices with C’s explanation of why learner-friendly language use matters, while excluding B and D, which misrepresent NEP 2020 and institutional freedom.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it adds D, which wrongly claims prohibition of Indian language material, and thus contradicts both policy and practice around language in higher education.