UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Randomisation is the process of assigning participants to experimental and control groups using random mechanisms, such as random number tables or computer-generated sequences. This practice helps ensure that groups are equivalent on both known and unknown variables at the start of the experiment. By reducing systematic differences between groups, randomisation strengthens internal validity and makes it more likely that observed effects are due to the treatment. Hence, the procedure described in the stem is correctly called randomisation.

Option A:
Stratification involves dividing a population into homogeneous subgroups and can be used before sampling or randomisation, but it does not by itself eliminate selection bias in group assignment. It is more related to sampling than to within-experiment group allocation, so it is not the best answer.

Option B:
Matching pairs participants on certain characteristics such as age or ability before assigning them to groups, which can improve equivalence on those specific variables, but it is not purely random. It cannot control for all unmeasured variables, so it differs from the chance-based process emphasised in the stem.

Option C:
Option C, randomisation, uses chance to distribute both measured and unmeasured characteristics across groups, reducing the risk that pre-existing differences, rather than the treatment, explain outcomes. This aligns exactly with the purpose stated in the question.

Option D:
Standardisation refers to keeping procedures, instructions and conditions uniform across participants to reduce procedural variation. While important for internal validity, it does not address selection bias in the same way randomisation does.

Statements A, B and D together describe a combination of technological and ethical approaches to academic integrity, whereas C is clearly counterproductive. Monitoring tools and randomisation can deter some forms of malpractice, but honour codes and pledges help build a culture of honesty. Allowing free use of social media during high-stakes tests would actually increase opportunities for collusion. Hence, the only fully correct combination is the one that includes A, B and D while excluding C.

Option A:
Option A is incomplete because it selects only A and B and omits D. Although proctoring and randomisation are important, ignoring honour codes neglects the role of student values and institutional culture in promoting fairness.

Option B:
Option B is incomplete because it groups B and D only and leaves out A. Statement A about proctoring reflects widely adopted practice in many online exam systems and should be part of a comprehensive answer.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect because it pairs A with C. While A is true, C is false because unrestricted social media access typically undermines, not strengthens, integrity. A combination containing both a true and a false statement cannot be accepted.

Option D:
Option D is correct because it unites all the true statements and excludes C, which clearly conflicts with exam security principles. It reflects the UGC NET emphasis on integrating technological safeguards with ethical education.

Statements A, B and D correctly identify key features of robust online examination systems, such as automatic scoring, security tools and randomised question papers. Statement C is false because many online systems allow descriptive answers that are later evaluated by human examiners. ICT expands options for both objective and subjective assessment rather than restricting them. Hence, the correct combination is A, B and D only.

Option A:
Option A is correct because it groups the three statements that align with current practice in online testing. It highlights automation, security and randomisation without denying the possibility of human marking. By excluding C, it avoids an overly restrictive view of online exams.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it includes only A and D and omits B. Statement B is also correct, since secure browsers and proctoring are widely used to curb malpractice. Leaving out B underplays the importance of security in online examinations.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect because it groups B and C as correct statements. While B is true, C is false because subjective questions can be collected online and marked manually. Including C makes the combination invalid.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it treats all four statements as correct, thereby accepting C. Since C misrepresents the capabilities of online systems, any option containing it cannot be correct.