Comprehension
Higher Education in India
The spread of education in society is at the foundation of success in countries that are latecomers to development. In the quest for development, primary education is absolutely essential because it creates the base. But higher education is just as important, for it provides the cutting edge. And universities are the life-blood of higher education. Islands of excellence in professional education, such as Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and valuable complements but cannot be substitutes for universities which provide educational opportunities for people at large.
There can be no doubt that higher education has made a significant contribution to economic development, social progress and political democracy in independent India. It is a source of dynamism for the economy. It has created social opportunities for people. It has fostered the vibrant democracy in our polity. It has provided a beginning for the creation of knowledge society. But it would be a mistake to focus on its strengths alone. It has weaknesses that are a cause for serious concern.
There is, in fact, a quiet crisis in higher education in India that runs deep. It is not yet discernible simply because there are pockets of excellence, an enormous reservoir of talented young people and an intense competition in the admissions process. And, in some important spheres, we continue to reap the benefits of what was sown in higher education 50 years ago by the founding father of the Republic. The reality is that we have miles to go. The proportion of our population, in the age group 18–24, that enters the world of higher education is around 7 percent, which is only one-half the average for Asia. The opportunities for higher education in terms of the number of places in universities, are simply not enough in relation to our needs. What is more, the quality of higher education in most of our universities requires substantial improvement.
It is clear that the system of higher education in India faces serious challenges. It needs a systematic overhaul, so that we can educate much larger number without diluting academic standards. This is imperative because the transformation of economy and society in the 21st century would depend, in significant part, on the spread and the quality of education among our people, particularly in the sphere of higher education. It is only an inclusive society that can provide the foundations for a knowledge society.
The challenges that confront higher education in India are clear. It needs a massive expansion of opportunities for higher education, to 1500 universities nationwide, that would enable India to attain a gross enrolment ratio of at least 15 percent by 2015. It is just as important to raise the average quality of higher education in every sphere. At the same time, it is essential to create institutions that are exemplars of excellence at par with the best in the world. In the pursuit of these objectives, providing people with access to higher education in a socially inclusive manner is imperative. The realization of these objectives, combined with access, would not only develop the skills and capabilities we need for the economy but would also help transform India into a knowledge economy and society.
Question: 1
The principal focus of the passage is:
The principal focus of the passage is:
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Identify the main focus by noting which topic is discussed in most detail throughout the passage.
Updated On: Aug 11, 2025
- Primary education
- Intermediate education
- Higher education
- Entire education system
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The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
The passage primarily discusses the role, current status, and challenges of higher education in India. While it acknowledges the importance of primary education, the bulk of the discussion centers on higher education, its weaknesses, and the need for expansion and quality improvement.
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Question: 2
The style of the passage can be best described as:
The style of the passage can be best described as:
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Critical and analytical writing evaluates a subject by weighing both positives and negatives with evidence.
Updated On: Aug 11, 2025
- Academic
- Critical and analytical
- Comparative
- None of the above
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
The author presents both strengths and weaknesses of higher education in India and analyzes its challenges while suggesting solutions. This balanced evaluation makes the style critical and analytical rather than purely academic or comparative.
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Question: 3
What kind of society can provide the foundation for a knowledge society?
What kind of society can provide the foundation for a knowledge society?
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A knowledge society thrives on inclusivity, ensuring equal access to education and opportunities.
Updated On: Aug 11, 2025
- Elite society
- Contracted society
- Exclusive society
- Inclusive society
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The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
The passage clearly states that “only an inclusive society can provide the foundations for a knowledge society,” emphasizing the need for social inclusion to achieve educational and knowledge-based goals.
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Question: 4
According to the passage, which one of the following is INCORRECT?
According to the passage, which one of the following is INCORRECT?
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When asked for incorrect information, verify each statement against the text’s factual content.
Updated On: Aug 11, 2025
- There are no quality institutes providing excellent professional education in India
- Not many people go for higher education in India
- Education is the basis of success
- All the above options are correct
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
The passage mentions that there are “islands of excellence” like IITs and IIMs, which contradicts statement (a). Hence, (a) is incorrect. The other points align with the passage’s content.
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Question: 5
According to the passage, the current state of affairs of higher education in India is:
According to the passage, the current state of affairs of higher education in India is:
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Look for key evaluative phrases like “quiet crisis” to determine the author’s judgment.
Updated On: Aug 11, 2025
- Satisfactory
- Excellent, and there is no need of any expansion of opportunities for higher education
- Not good enough, and there is a need of expansion of opportunities for higher education, besides creating institutions and universities that are models of excellence
- Not explained in the passage
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The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
The author describes higher education as facing a “quiet crisis” and lacking adequate opportunities and quality. Therefore, option (c) matches the passage’s critical assessment.
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Question: 6
According to the passage, which of the following is NOT a challenge that confronts higher education in India?
According to the passage, which of the following is NOT a challenge that confronts higher education in India?
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Eliminate options not explicitly or implicitly stated as challenges in the text.
Updated On: Aug 11, 2025
- Expanding opportunities for higher education
- Creating institutions and universities that are exemplars of excellence
- Substantial improvement in the quality of higher education in most of our universities
- Getting into World University Rankings
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The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
The passage lists challenges such as expanding access, improving quality, and creating world-class institutions, but does not specifically mention achieving positions in world rankings.
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Question: 7
According to the passage, which of the following is CORRECT?
According to the passage, which of the following is CORRECT?
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For “all correct” options, ensure each individual statement is supported by the text.
Updated On: Aug 11, 2025
- Primary education is very important
- Universities are the life-blood of higher education
- Transformation of economy and society in the 21st century would depend, in significant part, on the spread and quality of higher education
- All the above propositions are correct
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The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
The passage affirms each of these points: primary education builds the base, universities are crucial to higher education, and transformation depends on higher education. Hence, all are correct.
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Question: 8
Should the entire university system in India be modeled on premier institutes, such as IITs and IIMs, providing professional education?
Should the entire university system in India be modeled on premier institutes, such as IITs and IIMs, providing professional education?
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If the passage does not directly address a question, the safest answer is “silent.”
Updated On: Aug 11, 2025
- Yes
- For sure
- No
- The passage is silent on this question
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The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
The passage mentions that IITs and IIMs are valuable but cannot replace universities. It does not state whether the whole system should be modeled after them.
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Question: 9
What is the antonym of the expression ‘cutting edge’?
What is the antonym of the expression ‘cutting edge’?
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Opposites of innovation often relate to tradition or established norms.
Updated On: Aug 11, 2025
- Conventional
- Avant-garde
- Advanced
- Contemporary
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
“Cutting edge” means innovative or pioneering. The opposite is “conventional,” which refers to traditional and established practices.
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Question: 10
What is the meaning of the word ‘discernible’?
What is the meaning of the word ‘discernible’?
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To “discern” something is to detect or notice it — link the word to sensory perception.
Updated On: Aug 11, 2025
- Unobtrusive
- Noticeable
- Unremarkable
- Inconspicuous
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
“Discernible” means capable of being perceived or noticed. Hence, “noticeable” is the closest synonym among the options.
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