A comprehensive set of 50 MCQs covering the latest developments in the Indian Education sector, including NEP 2020 updates, NIRF 2024/25 rankings, New Schemes (APAAR, PM-SHRI), and appointments. Essential for EMRS, KVS, and NVS aspirants.
I. Rankings, Awards & Indices
RANKING Question 1
Which institute retained the 1st position in the 'Overall Category' in the NIRF India Rankings 2024?
Correct Answer: A) IIT Madras
Explanation: IIT Madras topped the 'Overall' category in NIRF 2024 for the 6th consecutive year.
RANKING Question 2
In NIRF 2024, which college was ranked as the Best College in India?
Correct Answer: A) Hindu College
Explanation: Hindu College (Delhi) secured the Rank 1 spot in the Colleges category in NIRF 2024, displacing Miranda House.
AWARDS Question 3
Which teacher from West Bengal was a finalist for the Global Teacher Prize 2023-24?
Correct Answer: A) Deep Narayan Nayak
Explanation: Known as the 'Teacher of the Streets', he was a top 10 finalist for his work during the COVID lockdown.
RANKING Question 4
Which university topped the newly introduced 'Open Universities' category in NIRF 2024?
Correct Answer: A) IGNOU
Explanation: Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) secured the top rank in this new category.
RANKING Question 5
Which state has consistently topped the Performance Grading Index (PGI) for School Education?
Correct Answer: A) Punjab / Chandigarh
Explanation: Punjab and Chandigarh have consistently been in the top grade (Prachesta-2) in recent PGI reports.
II. New Schemes & Initiatives
SCHEME Question 6
What is the full form of APAAR ID, recently launched by the Ministry of Education?
Correct Answer: A) Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry
Explanation: It is also known as the "One Nation, One Student ID".
SCHEME Question 7
How many digits does the APAAR ID consist of?
Correct Answer: A) 12 Digits
Explanation: The APAAR ID is a unique 12-digit code linked to the student's Aadhaar.
SCHEME Question 8
The PM SHRI scheme aims to upgrade how many schools across India?
Correct Answer: A) 14,500
Explanation: PM SHRI (Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India) targets the upgrade of 14,500 schools to showcase NEP 2020 implementation.
SCHEME Question 9
What is the primary objective of the NIPUN Bharat Mission?
Correct Answer: A) Foundational Literacy & Numeracy by Grade 3
Explanation: NIPUN aims to ensure every child attains foundational literacy and numeracy by the end of Grade 3 by 2026-27.
SCHEME Question 10
The ULLAS initiative launched by the government focuses on which sector?
Correct Answer: A) Adult Education / Lifelong Learning
Explanation: ULLAS (Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society) targets citizens aged 15+ who missed formal schooling.
SCHEME Question 11
Which portal was launched by the Ministry of Education to assist students in preparing for competitive exams like JEE and NEET?
Correct Answer: A) SATHEE
Explanation: The SATHEE (Self Assessment Test and Help for Entrance Exams) portal was launched in collaboration with IIT Kanpur.
SCHEME Question 12
What is the full form of PARAKH, the national assessment centre set up under NCERT?
Correct Answer: A) Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development
Explanation: PARAKH acts as a standard-setting body for student assessment and evaluation.
SCHEME Question 13
The "Jadui Pitara" launched by the Ministry of Education is related to:
Correct Answer: A) Play-based learning material for Foundational Stage
Explanation: It is a play-based learning-teaching material tailored for children in the age group of 3-8 years.
SCHEME Question 14
SWAYAM Plus was launched in 2024 to provide:
Correct Answer: A) Industry-relevant courses and employability skills
Explanation: SWAYAM Plus is an upgrade to the existing SWAYAM portal, focusing on courses by industry giants (like Microsoft, Cisco) to boost employability.
SCHEME Question 15
What is the name of the experiential learning program for students launched at Vadnagar, Gujarat?
Correct Answer: A) Prerana
Explanation: The 'Prerana' program is a week-long residential program for students to learn about India's heritage and technology.
III. NEP 2020 & Policy Updates
NEP 2020 Question 16
Under NEP 2020, the new curricular structure for school education is:
Correct Answer: A) National Curriculum Framework for School Education
Explanation: It is the guiding document for the development of textbooks and teaching practices in schools.
NEP 2020 Question 18
As per NEP 2020 and recent announcements, Board Exams are proposed to be held:
Correct Answer: A) Twice a year (Biannual)
Explanation: This allows students to retain their best score and reduces high-stakes exam pressure.
NEP 2020 Question 19
Which apex organization was recently granted 'Deemed to be University' status?
Correct Answer: A) NCERT
Explanation: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) was granted this status in late 2023/early 2024.
NEP 2020 Question 20
The ABC Bank in the context of higher education stands for:
Correct Answer: A) Academic Bank of Credits
Explanation: It is a digital repository of credits earned by students, facilitating multiple entry and exit options.
EDUCATION Question 21
IIT Madras has set up its first international campus in which location?
Correct Answer: A) Zanzibar (Tanzania)
Explanation: IIT Madras Zanzibar was the first IIT campus to open abroad. IIT Delhi has set up a campus in Abu Dhabi.
EDUCATION Question 22
The ITEP course, which is replacing the traditional B.Ed., is a course of how many years?
Correct Answer: A) 4 Years
Explanation: ITEP stands for Integrated Teacher Education Programme, a 4-year dual-major undergraduate degree.
EDUCATION Question 23
"Vidya Samiksha Kendra" (VSK) is established for what purpose?
Correct Answer: A) Data Repository and Monitoring of Schools
Explanation: VSKs are data analysis centers to improve learning outcomes by monitoring enrollment, attendance, and quality.
DAYS Question 24
National Education Day is celebrated on November 11 to commemorate the birth anniversary of:
Correct Answer: A) Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
Explanation: He was the first Education Minister of independent India.
SCHEME Question 25
The "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" campaign was launched to promote:
Correct Answer: A) Environmental awareness and plantation
Explanation: It encourages planting trees in honor of mothers, widely promoted in schools and colleges in 2024.
EDUCATION Question 26
Which initiative provides psychosocial support to students for their mental health and well-being?
Correct Answer: A) MANODARPAN
Explanation: Launched by the Ministry of Education, it offers tele-counseling and mental health support.
DAYS Question 27
Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, celebrated in schools to honor tribal freedom fighters, falls on:
Correct Answer: A) November 15
Explanation: It marks the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
SCHEME Question 28
What is PM-Vidyalaxmi?
Correct Answer: A) Financial support/Loans for higher education
Explanation: It is a scheme to ensure financial constraints do not prevent meritorious students from pursuing higher education.
CULTURE Question 29
Kashi Tamil Sangamam is an initiative under which program?
Correct Answer: A) Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat
Explanation: It aims to rediscover the age-old links between Tamil Nadu and Kashi (Varanasi).
NEP 2020 Question 30
As per NEP 2020 recommendations, the number of "Bagless Days" in schools should be:
Correct Answer: A) 10 days
Explanation: 10 bagless days are recommended for grades 6-8 for vocational/internship exposure.
SCHEME Question 31
Project Veer Gatha was organized to raise awareness about:
Correct Answer: A) Gallantry Award Winners
Explanation: It is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Education.
PORTAL Question 32
The Study in India portal was launched to:
Correct Answer: A) Attract international students to India
Explanation: It is a dedicated portal to simplify the journey of international students studying in India.
SCHEME Question 33
NISHTHA is a capacity-building program for:
Correct Answer: A) Teachers and School Heads
Explanation: National Initiative for School Heads' and Teachers' Holistic Advancement.
NEP 2020 Question 34
The target for Public Investment in Education as per NEP 2020 is what percentage of GDP?
Correct Answer: A) 6%
Explanation: The policy reiterates the long-standing goal of reaching 6% of GDP for education.
SCHEME Question 35
The Samagra Shiksha scheme subsumes which three erstwhile schemes?
Correct Answer: A) SSA, RMSA, and Teacher Education
Explanation: Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), and Teacher Education (TE).
EDUCATION Question 36
Who is the current Union Minister of Education (as of 2024-25)?
Correct Answer: A) Dharmendra Pradhan
Explanation: Shri Dharmendra Pradhan is the Minister of Education and Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
INITIATIVE Question 37
ONOS, a government initiative for libraries/research, stands for:
Correct Answer: A) One Nation One Subscription
Explanation: It aims to provide nationwide access to national and international research journals.
SCHEME Question 38
PM e-VIDYA is primarily associated with:
Correct Answer: A) Multi-mode access to digital/online education
Explanation: It unifies all digital education efforts like DIKSHA, Swayam Prabha, etc.
NEP 2020 Question 39
NEP 2020 emphasizes the use of Mother Tongue/Regional Language as the medium of instruction at least until:
Correct Answer: A) Grade 5
Explanation: It is preferred until Grade 8, but "at least until Grade 5" is the core recommendation.
DAYS Question 40
International Literacy Day is observed annually on:
Correct Answer: A) September 8
Explanation: Declared by UNESCO to remind the public of the importance of literacy.
RANKING Question 41
In NIRF 2024, which state has the highest number of institutions in the Top 100 Overall?
Correct Answer: A) Tamil Nadu
Explanation: Tamil Nadu consistently dominates the NIRF rankings with the highest number of colleges and universities in the top lists.
NEP 2020 Question 42
The "Multiple Entry and Exit System" is a key feature of which level of education under NEP 2020?
Correct Answer: A) Undergraduate/Higher Education
Explanation: Students can exit with a Certificate (1 yr), Diploma (2 yrs), or Degree (3/4 yrs).
SCHEME Question 43
PM POSHAN scheme replaced which famous earlier scheme?
Correct Answer: A) Mid-Day Meal Scheme
Explanation: Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN) subsumed the Mid-Day Meal Scheme.
EDUCATION Question 44
Which of the following is NOT a pillar of NEP 2020?
Correct Answer: A) Centralization
Explanation: The pillars are Access, Equity, Quality, Affordability, and Accountability. NEP promotes autonomy, not centralization.
EDUCATION Question 45
AICTE is the regulatory body for:
Correct Answer: A) Technical Education
Explanation: All India Council for Technical Education.
INITIATIVE Question 46
DIKSHA platform is primarily used for:
Correct Answer: A) Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing
Explanation: It is the national digital platform for school education.
NEP 2020 Question 47
The Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) proposed in NEP 2020 will replace:
Correct Answer: A) UGC and AICTE
Explanation: HECI aims to be a single overarching umbrella body for higher education (excluding medical and legal education).
RANKING Question 48
In NIRF 2024, which institution is ranked #1 in the Research Institutions category?
Correct Answer: A) IISc Bengaluru
Explanation: Indian Institute of Science (IISc) retained its top spot in the Research category.
EDUCATION Question 49
The Right to Education (RTE) Act was enacted in which year?
Correct Answer: A) 2009
Explanation: The RTE Act 2009 guarantees free and compulsory education for children aged 6-14.
SCHEME Question 50
The "Skill India Mission" is now in which phase (often referred to in Budget 2023-24/25)?
Correct Answer: A) PMKVY 4.0
Explanation: Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 was announced to skill lakhs of youth in new-age courses like AI, Robotics, etc.