UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Teachers not only transmit knowledge but also support students’ overall development. When they listen empathically to students’ concerns and help them make decisions, they perform a counselling function. As mentors, they provide encouragement, share experiences and guide students in academic and career choices. This supportive role is particularly important in higher education where students face multiple pressures.

Option A:
This option refers to the controller role, which emphasises discipline and authority. While some control is necessary, it does not describe the caring and supportive behaviour mentioned in the question.

Option B:
This option is correct because it directly names the supportive roles of counsellor and mentor. It captures the teacher’s responsibility to attend to emotional and developmental needs alongside academic teaching. Such roles contribute to student well-being and persistence in educational programmes.

Option C:
This option focuses on the examiner role, which is limited to assessment. Examining does not typically involve listening to personal problems or offering guidance.

Option D:
This option points to curriculum design, which is related to planning course content and structure. It is not the main function illustrated by listening and guidance at an individual level.

NEP 2020 redefines the teacher as a facilitator and mentor who designs learning experiences, guides inquiry and supports active, student-centred learning rather than relying only on one-way lecturing.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because a teacher who only lectures while students passively listen represents the traditional teacher-centred model that NEP 2020 explicitly wants to move away from.

Option B:
Option B is correct as it describes the constructivist, student-centred role in which teachers plan meaningful activities, guide discussions and mentor students.

Option C:
Option C is wrong because conducting examinations is only one limited part of a teacher’s job and does not reflect the broader responsibilities of teaching and mentoring.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect since enforcing discipline alone cannot replace the core role of facilitating learning, explaining concepts and supporting students’ overall development.