UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Pratijna is the first member of the Nyaya inference that clearly states what is to be proved. It combines the paksha and sadhya into a single assertion, guiding the listener to the intended conclusion. Subsequent steps supply reasons and examples to support this thesis. Hence the initial statement described in the stem is called pratijna.

Option A:
Option A, upanaya, is the fourth step that applies the general rule to the paksha and therefore cannot be the opening thesis.

Option B:
Option B is correct because pratijna explicitly names the declarative starting point of the argument. Without stating the pratijna, the inferential chain would lack direction and purpose.

Option C:
Option C, nigamana, is the final step where the thesis is restated as established, not the initial proposal.

Option D:
Option D, hetu, is the reason given in favour of the pratijna, usually introduced as the second member of the inference.