Consider the following statements regarding Performance Grading Index (PGI) methodology and state rankings:
1. The Performance Grading Index for Districts (PGI-D) evaluates the performance of school education systems across states and union territories using a weightage of 600 points.
2. The Department of School Education and Literacy introduced the PGI in 2017-18 to provide insights into the status of school education and identify areas for policy intervention.
3. The PGI methodology categorizes states and union territories into ten grades, with the highest achievable grade being Daksh, which is assigned to those scoring more than 940 points.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the PGI-D assesses district-level performance across 600 points divided into six categories. Statement 2 is correct because the Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL) launched the PGI in 2017-18 to catalyze evidence-based policy making in school education. Statement 3 is correct as the revised PGI methodology (PGI 2.0) categorizes states into ten grades, with 'Daksh' being the top-tier grade for those scoring above 940 points out of 1000.
Consider the following statements regarding Gender parity interventions through Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBV):
1. KGBV residential schools prioritize enrollment for girls belonging to SC, ST, OBC, and minority communities, with a designated 75% quota for these groups as defined in the 2004 operational guidelines.
2. The recruitment of wardens and teachers for KGBV institutions follows the state-specific guidelines, and the administrative control remains with the District Project Office under the State Implementation Society.
3. The Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan integrates the erstwhile schemes of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan, and the Teacher Education program, which collectively provide the financial architecture for KGBV operations.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the reservation quota for girls from SC, ST, OBC, and minority communities is 75%, but it is not based on 2004 guidelines; rather, it is a core feature of the current Samagra Shiksha framework. Statement 2 is incorrect because, while the District Project Office manages operations, the recruitment and administrative norms are governed by the overarching Samagra Shiksha framework guidelines issued by the Ministry of Education, not solely by state-specific discretion. Statement 3 is incorrect because, while Samagra Shiksha subsumed SSA and RMSA, it did not include the Teacher Education program; the latter remains a separate Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
Consider the following statements regarding Financial devolution mechanism through State Implementation Societies (SIS):
1. The financial devolution mechanism for the Samagra Shiksha scheme is governed by the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, which decentralizes the primary oversight of SIS audits to the local Gram Sabhas.
2. The State Implementation Society functions as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Finance, which oversees the direct disbursement of grants to district-level academic committees.
3. Under the Samagra Shiksha guidelines, the SIS is authorized to retain unspent balances from the previous fiscal year for a period of up to thirty-six months before reporting to the NITI Aayog.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
All three statements are incorrect because the Samagra Shiksha scheme is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme implemented through a registered State Implementation Society (SIS) under the Department of School Education and Literacy, not the Ministry of Finance, and it is not governed by the 74th Amendment for audit oversight. Furthermore, the SIS operates under the State Education Department, and financial devolution follows the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) where unspent balances must be reported annually to the Ministry of Education, rather than being retained for thirty-six months for NITI Aayog reporting.
Consider the following statements regarding Out-of-school children identification and mainstreaming protocols:
1. The Samagra Shiksha scheme provides for the engagement of seasonal hostels and residential camps to support the education of migrant children identified during household surveys.
2. The identification of out-of-school children is facilitated through the UDISE+ database, which captures real-time data on student enrolment and retention across districts.
3. The Ministry of Education introduced the Shagun portal in 2017 to monitor the implementation of the Samagra Shiksha scheme, which includes a dedicated module for tracking individual student migration patterns.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as Samagra Shiksha mandates seasonal hostels and residential camps to ensure continuity of education for migrant children identified via household surveys. Statement 2 is correct because UDISE+ (Unified District Information System for Education Plus) serves as the primary digital database for tracking student enrolment, retention, and transition rates. Statement 3 is incorrect because while the Shagun portal was launched in 2017 to monitor the implementation of the scheme, it functions as a repository for school-level data and best practices rather than a tracking tool for individual student migration patterns.
Consider the following statements regarding Language laboratory and multilingual education support mechanisms:
1. The Vidyanjali portal, an initiative under Samagra Shiksha, facilitates the contribution of volunteers to support language learning and remedial teaching in schools through community participation.
2. The Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan, merged into Samagra Shiksha in 2018, provides for the mandatory installation of satellite-linked language labs in every block-level model school.
3. The DIKSHA platform hosts digital resources for multilingual education, and the content development for these modules is overseen by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with state education departments.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as Vidyanjali, under Samagra Shiksha, bridges the gap between schools and volunteers to enhance learning outcomes, including language support. Statement 2 is incorrect because while Samagra Shiksha supports ICT and digital initiatives, there is no mandate for satellite-linked language labs in every block-level model school. Statement 3 is incorrect because the DIKSHA platform is managed by the Ministry of Education (formerly MHRD) in collaboration with NCERT, not the Ministry of Culture.
Consider the following statements regarding Role of School Management Committees (SMC) in decentralized governance:
1. The School Management Committee is tasked with the preparation and recommendation of the School Development Plan, which serves as the basis for the annual grants released under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan.
2. The School Management Committee is responsible for the direct auditing of the school's annual financial accounts, which are then submitted to the Comptroller and Auditor General for final certification.
3. Under the provisions of the Samagra Shiksha, the School Management Committee holds the power to alter the prescribed state syllabus to accommodate local vocational training requirements.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct because under the RTE Act and Samagra Shiksha, the SMC is mandated to prepare the School Development Plan (SDP), which forms the core basis for annual school grants and fund allocation. Statement 2 is incorrect as SMCs monitor utilization but are not responsible for direct auditing; financial audits are conducted by chartered accountants or designated state audit authorities, not the CAG. Statement 3 is incorrect because while SMCs can suggest local vocational activities, they lack the legal authority to alter the prescribed state syllabus, which remains under the jurisdiction of the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT).
Consider the following statements regarding Financial norms for recurring and non-recurring grants:
1. Under the 2018 framework, the management of school grants is decentralized to the School Management Committees, which receive funds directly from the Ministry of Finance through the Public Financial Management System.
2. Under the recurring grant provisions, the annual composite school grant ranges from ₹25,000 to ₹1,00,000 depending on the number of students enrolled in the institution.
3. The Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan encompasses the Teacher Education scheme, which allows for the utilization of recurring grants for the construction of District Institutes of Education and Training buildings.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct as the composite school grant under Samagra Shiksha is tiered based on student enrollment, ranging from ₹25,000 to ₹1,00,000. Statement 1 is incorrect because funds are transferred from the Ministry of Education to the State Implementation Societies, not directly from the Ministry of Finance to School Management Committees. Statement 3 is incorrect because the construction of District Institutes of Education and Training (DIET) buildings falls under non-recurring capital expenditure, not recurring grants.
Consider the following statements regarding Inclusion of Children with Special Needs (CwSN) through assistive technology:
1. The Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, initiated in 2001, established the first national-level grant for assistive technology, covering up to 5% of the total annual outlay for primary education.
2. The National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023 identifies assistive technology as a core component of the foundational stage, with the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment overseeing its classroom implementation.
3. Under the Samagra Shiksha framework, the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD) collaborates on the development of accessible digital content for CwSN.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct as the Samagra Shiksha framework mandates collaboration with national institutes like NIEPVD to develop accessible digital content for CwSN. Statement 1 is incorrect because Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan did not establish a 5% grant for assistive technology; instead, Samagra Shiksha provides an annual grant of up to Rs. 3,500 per child for CwSN. Statement 2 is incorrect because while the NCF 2023 emphasizes inclusive education, the classroom implementation of assistive technology under Samagra Shiksha is overseen by the Department of School Education and Literacy (Ministry of Education), not the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Consider the following statements regarding Capacity building of Block Resource Centres (BRC) and Cluster Resource Centres (CRC):
1. The Cluster Resource Centres are tasked with the implementation of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, and they maintain the primary database for student attendance tracking under the UDISE+ portal.
2. The Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan integrates the erstwhile Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan, and it designates the District Institute of Education and Training as the sole authority for evaluating BRC performance.
3. The National Education Policy 2020 emphasizes the role of Cluster Resource Centres in facilitating the professional development of teachers through peer-learning modules and localized workshops.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct as NEP 2020 envisions CRCs as vibrant hubs for continuous professional development and collaborative teacher training. Statement 1 is incorrect because BRCs and CRCs focus on academic support and monitoring, while the Mid-Day Meal implementation and UDISE+ data management are primarily handled by school management committees and district-level administrative officials. Statement 2 is incorrect because, while Samagra Shiksha does integrate SSA and RMSA, DIETs are academic support institutions, and BRC performance is evaluated by a multi-layered monitoring framework involving the District Education Office, not solely by DIETs.
Consider the following statements regarding Alignment of Samagra Shiksha with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020:
1. The financial support for the scheme is shared between the Centre and the States in a ratio of 90:10 for the eight North-Eastern states and three Himalayan states.
2. The 2021-22 revision of the scheme introduced a vocational education component that aligns with the National Skills Qualifications Framework to enhance employability.
3. The scheme includes provisions for the establishment of 'Vidya Samiksha Kendras' to leverage data analytics for monitoring student learning outcomes and school performance.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the funding pattern for Samagra Shiksha follows the 90:10 ratio for North-Eastern and Himalayan states (J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand) and 60:40 for other states. Statement 2 is correct because the 2021-22 revision integrated vocational education with the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) to promote skill-based learning as envisioned by NEP 2020. Statement 3 is correct as the scheme mandates the establishment of Vidya Samiksha Kendras to utilize data-driven insights and analytics for tracking real-time performance and learning outcomes across schools.
Consider the following statements regarding Integration of SSA, RMSA, and Teacher Education schemes:
1. The Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan encompasses the vocationalization of education at the upper primary level and aligns with the National Curriculum Framework of 2000.
2. The funding pattern for the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan is shared in a 90:10 ratio between the Centre and the North-Eastern and Himalayan states.
3. The scheme aims to improve the National Achievement Survey (NAS) scores by focusing on learning outcomes across classes I to XII.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because Samagra Shiksha aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2005, not the NCF 2000. Statement 2 is correct as the funding pattern for the scheme is 90:10 for North-Eastern and Himalayan states, while it is 60:40 for other states and 100% for Union Territories. Statement 3 is correct because the scheme emphasizes learning outcomes from pre-primary to class XII, specifically aiming to enhance performance in the National Achievement Survey (NAS) through systemic educational reforms.
Consider the following statements regarding Alignment of Samagra Shiksha with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020:
1. The National Curriculum Framework for School Education, released in 2023, serves as the legal parent document that governs the annual budget allocation process for Samagra Shiksha.
2. The Samagra Shiksha scheme encompasses the 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' campaign as its primary funding mechanism for gender-sensitive infrastructure in secondary schools.
3. The scheme provides for the implementation of the 'Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat' initiative, which focuses on the digitisation of textbooks through the DIKSHA platform since its inception in 2016.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) provides pedagogical guidelines, not the legal framework for budget allocation, which is governed by the Samagra Shiksha scheme document itself. Statement 2 is incorrect as 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' is a separate Ministry of Women and Child Development initiative, whereas Samagra Shiksha uses its own 'Gender and Equity' component for infrastructure. Statement 3 is incorrect because while DIKSHA is a key digital platform, it was launched in 2017, and 'Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat' is a distinct cultural exchange program rather than a textbook digitisation project.
Consider the following statements regarding School safety and security guidelines under the integrated scheme:
1. The National Education Policy 2020 introduced the Samagra Shiksha framework to consolidate the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan into a single administrative structure.
2. The Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan was launched in 2018 as an overarching programme for the school education sector extending from pre-school to class 12.
3. The school safety and security guidelines issued under Samagra Shiksha incorporate the POCSO Act of 2012 to address child protection concerns within educational institutions.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because Samagra Shiksha was launched in 2018, whereas the National Education Policy was introduced later in 2020. Statement 2 is correct as the scheme was launched in 2018 to integrate three existing schemes (SSA, RMSA, and Teacher Education) into a single overarching programme covering pre-school to class 12. Statement 3 is correct because the guidelines explicitly mandate compliance with the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, to ensure a safe and secure environment for students.
Consider the following statements regarding Role of School Management Committees (SMC) in decentralized governance:
1. The National Curriculum Framework 2005 introduced the concept of School Management Committees to oversee mid-day meal procurement, which was later incorporated into the 2009 Act.
2. Under the Samagra Shiksha framework, at least 75 percent of the members of the School Management Committee consist of parents or guardians of students currently enrolled in the school.
3. The Right to Education Act 2009 provides for the constitution of School Management Committees in government and government-aided schools, excluding unaided private institutions.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009, not the NCF 2005, legally mandated the constitution of SMCs, which oversee the overall functioning of the school rather than just mid-day meal procurement. Statement 2 is correct as the Samagra Shiksha framework mandates that 75% of SMC members must be parents or guardians to ensure community participation. Statement 3 is correct because Section 21 of the RTE Act, 2009, explicitly requires the constitution of SMCs in all government and government-aided schools, specifically exempting unaided private institutions.
Consider the following statements regarding Performance Grading Index (PGI) methodology and state rankings:
1. The PGI-D framework utilizes a total of 83 indicators, and the data for these metrics is sourced from the Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) along with the National Achievement Survey.
2. The PGI methodology includes a domain on Digital Learning, which accounts for 150 points, and the assessment process involves a mandatory third-party audit conducted by the National Council of Educational Research and Training.
3. The Ministry of Education publishes the PGI report annually, and the index assigns a maximum of 1000 points to states, with the lowest grade designated as Akanshi-3 for scores below 551.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the PGI-D framework comprises 73 indicators, not 83. Statement 2 is incorrect as the PGI methodology does not assign 150 points to Digital Learning, and the third-party audit is not conducted by the NCERT. Statement 3 is incorrect because the lowest grade in the revised PGI structure is 'Akanshi-3' for scores up to 440, not 551, and the index has been restructured into PGI-States and PGI-Districts with different point weightages.
Consider the following statements regarding Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) transition strategies:
1. State governments receive funding under the Samagra Shiksha framework for the recruitment of additional resource persons to support the transition of children from preschool to Grade 1.
2. The Ministry of Education launched the NIPUN Bharat mission in 2021 to ensure that every child in the country attains foundational literacy and numeracy by the end of Grade 3.
3. The Vidya Pravesh module, introduced as a three-month play-based school preparation program, is designed for children entering Grade 1 to bridge the gap between home and school environments.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
All three statements are correct: Under Samagra Shiksha, states receive financial support for resource persons to facilitate the transition to primary schooling; the NIPUN Bharat mission was launched in July 2021 to achieve universal foundational literacy and numeracy by Grade 3; and the Vidya Pravesh module serves as a three-month, play-based bridge program for Grade 1 entrants to ensure a smooth transition from home/preschool to formal schooling.
Consider the following statements regarding Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) data architecture:
1. The data architecture of UDISE+ facilitates the tracking of the Performance Grading Index to measure the quality of school education across states.
2. The Ministry of Education utilizes UDISE+ data to monitor the implementation of the National Education Policy 2020 objectives regarding gross enrollment ratios.
3. The School Report Card feature within UDISE+ allows stakeholders to view aggregated performance metrics at the district and state levels.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
UDISE+ is the primary source of data for the Performance Grading Index (PGI), which evaluates state-level educational quality based on indicators derived from this database. The Ministry of Education leverages UDISE+ to track key NEP 2020 targets, including Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) and dropout rates, to ensure evidence-based policy implementation. Furthermore, the portal provides a School Report Card feature that enables stakeholders to access disaggregated and aggregated performance metrics, facilitating transparency and accountability at the school, district, and state levels.
Consider the following statements regarding Inclusion of Children with Special Needs (CwSN) through assistive technology:
1. The Samagra Shiksha scheme provides an annual financial assistance of ₹3,500 per child with special needs for the procurement of assistive devices and learning materials.
2. The Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan, launched in 2009, included the initial provisions for ICT-based assistive tools, which were later subsumed under the Samagra Shiksha umbrella in 2018.
3. The Accessible India Campaign provides the technical standards for assistive software, while the Samagra Shiksha portal functions as the centralized repository for monitoring the usage of these tools by students.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the Samagra Shiksha scheme mandates an annual grant of ₹3,500 per CwSN for assistive devices and learning materials. Statement 2 is incorrect because while the ICT component was introduced in 2004 and later integrated, the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) specifically focused on secondary education infrastructure rather than being the primary vehicle for ICT-based assistive tools. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan) focuses on physical and digital accessibility infrastructure, while the monitoring of student-specific assistive tool usage is managed through the UDISE+ portal rather than a dedicated Samagra Shiksha portal.
Consider the following statements regarding Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) transition strategies:
1. The Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan integrates the erstwhile schemes of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan, and Teacher Education into a single unified framework since 2018.
2. Under the ECCE transition strategies, the National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage 2022 emphasizes the play-based learning approach for children in the age group of 3 to 8 years.
3. The Samagra Shiksha scheme provides financial assistance for the strengthening of Anganwadi centers located within primary school premises to facilitate a smooth transition to formal schooling.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Samagra Shiksha, launched in 2018, is an overarching programme for the school education sector extending from pre-school to class XII, subsuming the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan, and Teacher Education. The National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage (NCF-FS) 2022 aligns with the NEP 2020, mandating a play-based pedagogy for the 3-8 age group to ensure a seamless transition from Anganwadis to primary schools. Furthermore, the scheme actively supports the infrastructure and pedagogical strengthening of Anganwadis co-located within or near primary schools to foster better integration between early childhood care and formal schooling.
Consider the following statements regarding Monitoring and evaluation frameworks via Shagun portal:
1. The Ministry of Education utilizes the Shagun portal to host the 'Shaala Siddhi' portal, which facilitates the comprehensive school evaluation process for quality improvement.
2. The portal serves as a central repository for the Project Monitoring System (PMS) which tracks the physical and financial progress of the Samagra Shiksha scheme.
3. The School Education Shagun platform integrates the UDISE+ data to provide real-time dashboards for monitoring infrastructure development across government schools.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
The Shagun portal acts as an overarching digital initiative under Samagra Shiksha, integrating the 'Shaala Siddhi' framework for school self-evaluation, the Project Monitoring System (PMS) for real-time tracking of financial and physical progress, and UDISE+ data to provide comprehensive, data-driven insights into school infrastructure and performance. All three statements are factually correct as the platform serves as a unified repository designed to enhance transparency, accountability, and quality governance in school education across India.
Consider the following statements regarding Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) data architecture:
1. UDISE+ data serves as the primary evidence base for the allocation of funds under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan framework.
2. The UDISE+ platform operates under the administrative control of the NITI Aayog and incorporates real-time biometric attendance data for teachers as part of its annual data cycle.
3. The National Informatics Centre provides the technical infrastructure and database management support for the UDISE+ platform.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as UDISE+ is the primary database for school education in India, directly informing resource allocation and policy formulation under the Samagra Shiksha scheme. Statement 3 is correct because the National Informatics Centre (NIC) develops and maintains the digital infrastructure for UDISE+. Statement 2 is incorrect because UDISE+ is managed by the Department of School Education and Literacy (Ministry of Education), not NITI Aayog, and it collects annual school-level data rather than real-time biometric teacher attendance.
Consider the following statements regarding Public Financial Management System (PFMS) integration for fund flow transparency:
1. The 2021-22 revision of the Samagra Shiksha scheme introduced a provision for the integration of the UDISE+ database with PFMS to link financial expenditure with physical progress indicators.
2. The Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan includes provisions for the 'Shagun' portal, which serves as the primary technical interface for the PFMS to monitor the procurement of textbooks and uniforms at the district level.
3. Under the 2020 National Education Policy, the Ministry of Finance delegated the authority to states to maintain separate bank accounts for central and state shares, which are reconciled annually through the PFMS portal.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the 2021-22 revision of Samagra Shiksha mandated the integration of UDISE+ with PFMS to ensure real-time tracking of financial releases against physical outcomes. Statement 2 is incorrect because the 'Shagun' portal is an online junction for monitoring school education performance and sharing best practices, not the technical interface for PFMS procurement. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Ministry of Finance's revised procedure for Centrally Sponsored Schemes mandates a Single Nodal Agency (SNA) model, requiring a single nodal account for each scheme, explicitly prohibiting the maintenance of separate bank accounts for central and state shares.
Consider the following statements regarding Capacity building of Block Resource Centres (BRC) and Cluster Resource Centres (CRC):
1. The Cluster Resource Centres receive funding through the National Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Mission, which allocates a fixed grant of 2 lakh rupees per cluster for the procurement of digital hardware.
2. The Samagra Shiksha scheme provides for the strengthening of Block Resource Centres and Cluster Resource Centres to serve as the primary academic support institutions at the sub-district level.
3. The Block Resource Centres were originally established under the District Primary Education Programme in 1994, and they currently function as autonomous bodies under the direct administrative control of the Ministry of Education.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct because Samagra Shiksha integrates BRCs and CRCs as the primary academic support structures at the sub-district level to improve school performance. Statement 1 is incorrect because there is no such provision for a fixed 2 lakh rupee grant for digital hardware under the National Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Mission (NIPUN Bharat). Statement 3 is incorrect because while BRCs originated under the District Primary Education Programme (DPEP), they function under the administrative control of State Governments and District Education Offices, not as autonomous bodies under the Union Ministry of Education.
Consider the following statements regarding Teacher training mandates under NISHTHA integrated portal:
1. The DIKSHA platform serves as the primary digital infrastructure for hosting NISHTHA modules, supporting training content in 36 Indian languages.
2. The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) designs the core pedagogical framework for NISHTHA training programs across all states.
3. NISHTHA 3.0, introduced in 2021, focuses specifically on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) for teachers handling primary grades.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
All three statements are correct: NISHTHA leverages the DIKSHA platform to deliver training in multiple regional languages to ensure accessibility, while NCERT acts as the national academic body responsible for developing the standardized pedagogical framework. NISHTHA 3.0 was specifically launched in 2021 under the NIPUN Bharat mission to equip teachers with the necessary competencies to achieve universal Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) by Grade 3.
Consider the following statements regarding Vocationalization of secondary education under National Skills Qualifications Framework:
1. The Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan subsumed the erstwhile Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Vocationalization of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education in 2018.
2. The National Skills Qualifications Framework was notified by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in 2013 to replace the existing National Vocational Education Qualification Framework.
3. The Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan framework incorporates the 2012 National Policy on Skill Development and allocates a fixed 25 percent of the annual budget to vocational training infrastructure.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as Samagra Shiksha was launched in 2018 by subsuming three schemes, including the Vocationalization of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education. Statement 2 is incorrect because the NSQF was notified by the Ministry of Finance in 2013, not the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. Statement 3 is incorrect because the scheme does not mandate a fixed 25 percent budget allocation for vocational infrastructure, and it aligns with the National Skills Qualifications Framework rather than the 2012 Policy.
Consider the following statements regarding Vocationalization of secondary education under National Skills Qualifications Framework:
1. The vocationalization scheme under the 2020 National Education Policy includes provisions for the establishment of a National Vocational Board to certify all secondary school students by 2022.
2. The vocational education component includes provisions for industry partnerships, allowing schools to collaborate with local enterprises for internship opportunities.
3. As per the Samagra Shiksha guidelines, the vocational courses are aligned with the National Occupational Standards set by the National Skill Development Corporation.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 does not mandate a National Vocational Board for certification by 2022; instead, it emphasizes the integration of vocational education into mainstream schooling. Statement 2 is correct as the scheme promotes 'Hub and Spoke' models and industry partnerships to provide students with practical training and internships. Statement 3 is correct because vocational courses under Samagra Shiksha are mapped to the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) and aligned with the National Occupational Standards (NOS) developed by various Sector Skill Councils under the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).
Consider the following statements regarding Alignment of Samagra Shiksha with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020:
1. The scheme allows for the conversion of all existing Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas into residential model schools offering specialized coaching for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test.
2. The Samagra Shiksha scheme was launched in 2018 as an overarching programme for the school education sector extending from pre-school to class 12.
3. Under the NEP 2020 alignment, the scheme incorporates the 'NIPUN Bharat' mission, which aims to achieve foundational literacy and numeracy for all children by grade 3.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct as Samagra Shiksha was launched in 2018 by subsuming SSA, RMSA, and Teacher Education to cover pre-school to class 12, and Statement 3 is correct because NIPUN Bharat is a key component of the scheme aiming for universal foundational literacy and numeracy by Grade 3. Statement 1 is incorrect because while Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs) are being upgraded up to class 12, they are not designated as specialized coaching centers for NEET, but rather as residential schools to ensure girls' access to quality secondary education.
Consider the following statements regarding Financial devolution mechanism through State Implementation Societies (SIS):
1. The Samagra Shiksha scheme operates through a single State Implementation Society (SIS) registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, at the state or union territory level.
2. The SIS is responsible for the preparation of the Annual Work Plan and Budget (AWP&B) which serves as the primary instrument for financial allocation under the scheme.
3. Funds under the Samagra Shiksha framework are transferred from the Department of School Education and Literacy to the SIS through the Public Financial Management System (PFMS).
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
All three statements are correct. The Samagra Shiksha scheme mandates the establishment of a single State Implementation Society (SIS) under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, to ensure unified governance and administrative efficiency. The SIS is tasked with preparing the Annual Work Plan and Budget (AWP&B), which acts as the foundational document for fund approval and resource allocation based on state-specific requirements. Furthermore, to ensure transparency and real-time tracking, the Department of School Education and Literacy mandates that all financial transfers to the SIS must be executed exclusively through the Public Financial Management System (PFMS).
Consider the following statements regarding School safety and security guidelines under the integrated scheme:
1. The 2017 school safety guidelines developed by the National Disaster Management Authority are integrated into the Samagra Shiksha portal to track real-time fire safety compliance in government schools.
2. State governments utilize the District Information System for Education Plus (DISE+) to report annual safety expenditures, which are then audited by the Ministry of Finance under the 15th Finance Commission guidelines.
3. Under the financial norms of Samagra Shiksha, a composite school grant is provided to schools, a portion of which is earmarked for maintenance and safety-related activities.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct because the Samagra Shiksha scheme provides an annual composite school grant, ranging from ₹25,000 to ₹1,00,000 based on enrollment, which is mandated to be used for maintenance, repairs, and safety-related activities. Statement 1 is incorrect because while the NDMA guidelines exist, they are not integrated into a real-time tracking portal for fire safety compliance under Samagra Shiksha. Statement 2 is incorrect because while DISE+ is used for data collection, the Ministry of Education, not the Ministry of Finance, oversees the audit and monitoring of these school grants under the Samagra Shiksha framework.
Consider the following statements regarding Language laboratory and multilingual education support mechanisms:
1. Under the multilingual education component, the National Education Policy 2020 encourages the use of home languages or mother tongues as a medium of instruction until at least Grade 5, wherever possible.
2. The Samagra Shiksha scheme, launched in 2018, provides financial assistance for the establishment of language laboratories in government secondary schools to improve communicative English proficiency.
3. The Language Lab initiative was introduced as a pilot project in the 2012 Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan framework and currently covers 50 percent of primary schools in aspirational districts.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as NEP 2020 explicitly promotes mother tongue or regional language as the medium of instruction until at least Grade 5 to ensure better conceptual understanding. Statement 2 is correct because the Samagra Shiksha scheme integrates the erstwhile Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), which includes provisions for ICT and language labs to enhance English communicative skills in secondary schools. Statement 3 is incorrect because there is no such national-level pilot project originating from the 2012 Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan framework that covers 50 percent of primary schools in aspirational districts; language lab initiatives are implemented based on state-specific proposals under the Samagra Shiksha umbrella.
Consider the following statements regarding Public Financial Management System (PFMS) integration for fund flow transparency:
1. The Ministry of Education utilizes the EAT (Expenditure, Advance, and Transfer) module of the PFMS to track the utilization of funds released under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan.
2. The 2018 Samagra Shiksha guidelines introduced the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) portal for students, which operates independently of the PFMS to provide real-time updates on school infrastructure grants.
3. As per the Samagra Shiksha guidelines, the Single Nodal Agency (SNA) model is implemented to ensure that interest earned on unspent balances is deposited back into the Consolidated Fund of India.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the EAT module is mandatory for tracking fund utilization under Samagra Shiksha to ensure fiscal accountability. Statement 3 is correct because the SNA model mandates that interest earned on unspent funds must be remitted to the Consolidated Fund of India to prevent idle parking of government money. Statement 2 is incorrect because the DBT portal is not independent; it is integrated with the PFMS to ensure seamless fund tracking and transparency, rather than operating as a standalone system.
Consider the following statements regarding Vocationalization of secondary education under National Skills Qualifications Framework:
1. The National Skills Qualifications Framework permits horizontal and vertical mobility between vocational education, general education, and the job market.
2. Under the vocationalization component, the Ministry of Education provides financial assistance for the introduction of vocational subjects from classes IX to XII.
3. The National Skills Qualifications Framework organizes qualifications according to a series of levels of knowledge, skills, and aptitude defined by learning outcomes.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
The National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF), notified in 2013, is a competency-based framework that organizes all qualifications into ten levels based on learning outcomes, facilitating seamless horizontal and vertical mobility between vocational and general education. Under the Samagra Shiksha scheme, the Ministry of Education provides financial support to States and UTs to integrate vocational subjects into the curriculum for classes IX to XII, aiming to enhance the employability of students. All three statements are factually correct as they accurately reflect the core objectives, structural design, and implementation mechanism of the vocationalization component under the NSQF.
Consider the following statements regarding Integration of SSA, RMSA, and Teacher Education schemes:
1. The Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan was launched by the Department of School Education and Literacy in 2018 as a centrally sponsored scheme.
2. The scheme subsumed the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan, and the Teacher Education scheme under a single administrative umbrella.
3. The Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan incorporates the Mid-Day Meal scheme as a core component to improve nutritional standards and attendance in government-aided schools.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Samagra Shiksha is a centrally sponsored scheme launched in 2018 by the Department of School Education and Literacy, which successfully subsumed the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), and Teacher Education (TE) into a single, integrated administrative framework for school education. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Mid-Day Meal scheme (now PM POSHAN) remains a separate, distinct centrally sponsored scheme and was not merged into the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan.
Consider the following statements regarding Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) data architecture:
1. The system captures indicators related to school infrastructure, teacher profiles, and student enrollment patterns across both government and private institutions.
2. The UDISE+ system was launched by the Department of School Education and Literacy in 2018-19 to upgrade the existing UDISE data collection mechanism.
3. Data collection under UDISE+ is conducted through an online portal that captures information from over 1.5 million schools across India.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
UDISE+ is a comprehensive, real-time online management information system launched by the Department of School Education and Literacy in 2018-19 to digitize and improve the accuracy of school-level data collection. It covers all recognized schools, both government and private, across India, capturing granular data on infrastructure, teacher profiles, and student enrollment to facilitate evidence-based policy making. As all three statements accurately reflect the scope, origin, and operational scale of the system, they are entirely correct.
Consider the following statements regarding Convergence of Samagra Shiksha with Mid-Day Meal (PM POSHAN):
1. The Department of School Education and Literacy oversees both schemes, allowing for the alignment of Annual Work Plan and Budget proposals to ensure better resource utilization.
2. The Samagra Shiksha portal integrates the real-time monitoring of food grain stocks, which is linked to the Public Financial Management System used for the disbursement of teacher salaries.
3. Under the Samagra Shiksha framework, the School Management Committees are tasked with monitoring the convergence of nutrition services and educational outcomes at the grassroots level.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as both schemes are administered by the Department of School Education and Literacy under the Ministry of Education, facilitating unified planning and budgetary efficiency. Statement 3 is correct because the Samagra Shiksha framework empowers School Management Committees (SMCs) to oversee school infrastructure, nutrition, and learning outcomes to ensure holistic development. Statement 2 is incorrect because, while the PM POSHAN portal tracks food grain stocks, it is not linked to the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) for teacher salary disbursements, as salary payments are processed through separate state-specific treasury systems or integrated HRMS portals.
Consider the following statements regarding Financial norms for recurring and non-recurring grants:
1. The scheme provides for a sports and physical education grant of ₹5,000 for primary schools and ₹10,000 for secondary schools, which is classified as a non-recurring expenditure item.
2. The Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan was launched in 2018 as an overarching programme for the school education sector extending from pre-school to class 12.
3. The Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan integrates the erstwhile Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan, providing a fixed 75:25 funding ratio for all Union Territories without a legislature.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct as Samagra Shiksha was launched in 2018, subsuming SSA, RMSA, and Teacher Education to cover pre-school to class 12. Statement 1 is incorrect because the sports and physical education grant is classified as a recurring, not non-recurring, expenditure item. Statement 3 is incorrect because the funding pattern for Union Territories without a legislature is 100% central funding, not a 75:25 ratio.
Consider the following statements regarding Teacher training mandates under NISHTHA integrated portal:
1. The DIKSHA portal allows for the uploading of localized content by private school associations, and it operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Skill Development.
2. The National Initiative for School Heads and Teachers Holistic Advancement is associated with the 2015 Digital India mission, and it provides for direct financial incentives upon module completion.
3. The NISHTHA integrated portal was launched in 2019 under the Samagra Shiksha scheme to provide standardized training modules for elementary school teachers.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct as NISHTHA was launched in 2019 under the Samagra Shiksha scheme to improve learning outcomes through standardized training for teachers and school heads. Statement 1 is incorrect because DIKSHA is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Education (not Skill Development) and primarily focuses on school education rather than private association content. Statement 2 is incorrect because NISHTHA is a capacity-building initiative under the National Education Policy framework rather than the 2015 Digital India mission, and it does not provide direct financial incentives for module completion.
Consider the following statements regarding Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) transition strategies:
1. The Integrated Child Development Services scheme, launched in 1975, operates under the Ministry of Women and Child Development and provides the primary administrative framework for the NIPUN Bharat mission's foundational literacy targets.
2. The National Education Policy 2020 proposes the merger of the Department of School Education and Literacy with the Ministry of Women and Child Development to oversee the implementation of the Foundational Stage curriculum.
3. The Right to Education Act 2009 encompasses the inclusion of preschool education as a fundamental right for children aged 3 to 6 years and provides for the establishment of pre-primary classes in every government school.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because while ICDS (1975) is under the MWCD, NIPUN Bharat is an initiative of the Ministry of Education, not primarily administered by ICDS. Statement 2 is incorrect as the NEP 2020 proposes a collaborative framework between the Ministry of Education and MWCD, but it does not suggest a merger of the departments. Statement 3 is incorrect because the RTE Act 2009 legally mandates free and compulsory education only for children aged 6 to 14 years (Classes 1-8), and it does not include preschool education for the 3-6 age group as a fundamental right.
Consider the following statements regarding Convergence of Samagra Shiksha with Mid-Day Meal (PM POSHAN):
1. The Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan incorporates the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme, which provides for the direct transfer of nutrition subsidies to the bank accounts of secondary school students.
2. The PM POSHAN guidelines allow for the inclusion of vocational training modules within the midday meal preparation process, funded under the Samagra Shiksha vocational education component.
3. The 2021 cabinet approval for PM POSHAN includes provisions for the establishment of school nutrition gardens, which are managed by the Ministry of Agriculture under the Samagra Shiksha portal.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) provides scholarships to prevent dropouts, not nutrition subsidies. Statement 2 is incorrect as PM POSHAN focuses on nutritional support and does not integrate vocational training modules into meal preparation. Statement 3 is incorrect because while school nutrition gardens are encouraged under PM POSHAN, they are managed by the Ministry of Education in coordination with local schools, not the Ministry of Agriculture via the Samagra Shiksha portal.
Consider the following statements regarding Teacher training mandates under NISHTHA integrated portal:
1. The NISHTHA 2.0 initiative refers to secondary level teacher development, and it is linked to the 2017 Right to Education amendment regarding teacher qualifications.
2. The Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan encompasses the merger of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan, which occurred during the 2016 budget session.
3. The NISHTHA portal includes provisions for real-time classroom observation by district officials, and it was established following the 2018 National Education Policy framework.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because NISHTHA 2.0 focuses on secondary level teachers but is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, not the 2017 RTE amendment. Statement 2 is incorrect as the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan was launched in 2018, not during the 2016 budget session. Statement 3 is incorrect because NISHTHA is a capacity-building program for teachers and school heads launched in 2019, and it does not include provisions for real-time classroom observation by district officials.
Consider the following statements regarding Digital infrastructure deployment via ICT and Smart Classrooms:
1. The Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing (DIKSHA) platform was launched in 2017 to provide for open-source learning materials, and it functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
2. The National Initiative for School Heads and Teachers for Holistic Advancement (NISHTHA) operates under the Samagra Shiksha framework and utilizes the SWAYAM Prabha DTH channels for primary school curriculum delivery.
3. The Samagra Shiksha scheme incorporates the 2012 Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan guidelines, which provide for the establishment of computer labs in all government-aided schools with an enrollment exceeding 500 students.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because DIKSHA is under the Ministry of Education, not the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. Statement 2 is incorrect as NISHTHA is a capacity-building program for teachers and school heads, not a curriculum delivery platform for primary students via SWAYAM Prabha. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Samagra Shiksha scheme subsumed the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) in 2018, and there is no universal mandate under these guidelines to establish computer labs specifically for schools with over 500 students.
Consider the following statements regarding Gender parity interventions through Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBV):
1. Monitoring of the KGBV program is conducted through the UDISE+ portal, which tracks student retention rates and infrastructure development across all operational residential schools in the country.
2. The 2018-19 budget announcement introduced the 'School as a Hub' initiative, which includes the upgradation of existing KGBVs to include vocational training modules for girls in classes 9 to 12.
3. The National Education Policy 2020 emphasizes the role of KGBVs in addressing gender gaps, proposing the conversion of these residential schools into 'Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya Plus' centers with enhanced digital learning facilities.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because while UDISE+ collects data, the monitoring of KGBVs is primarily managed through the PRABANDH portal under Samagra Shiksha. Statement 2 is incorrect because the expansion of KGBVs to include classes 9-12 was part of the Samagra Shiksha framework, not a specific 'School as a Hub' budget initiative. Statement 3 is incorrect because the NEP 2020 does not propose a 'Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya Plus' initiative; instead, it focuses on the 'Gender Inclusion Fund' to build the nation's capacity to provide equitable quality education for all girls.
Consider the following statements regarding Convergence of Samagra Shiksha with Mid-Day Meal (PM POSHAN):
1. Convergence between Samagra Shiksha and PM POSHAN is facilitated through the utilization of school infrastructure for cooking and serving hot-cooked meals to eligible children.
2. The Samagra Shiksha scheme was launched in 2018 as an overarching programme for the school education sector extending from pre-school to class 12.
3. The PM POSHAN scheme, formerly known as the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, was renamed in September 2021 to include the provision of supplementary nutrition for Balvatika students.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the convergence leverages school infrastructure, such as kitchen sheds and storage facilities, to ensure the efficient delivery of hot-cooked meals. Statement 2 is correct because Samagra Shiksha was launched in 2018 by subsuming Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan, and Teacher Education to cover the entire spectrum from pre-school to class 12. Statement 3 is correct as the PM POSHAN scheme was renamed in September 2021, extending nutritional support to children in Balvatika (pre-school) in addition to students in classes 1-8.
Consider the following statements regarding Performance Grading Index (PGI) methodology and state rankings:
1. States are assessed on the implementation of the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, and the PGI score is linked to the release of central grants, with a 10 percent reduction for states falling into the bottom three grades.
2. The PGI framework is structured into two categories, namely Outcomes and Governance Management, which are further subdivided into five domains.
3. Under the PGI 2.0, the indicators are aligned with the National Education Policy 2020 to track the progress of foundational literacy and numeracy across the country.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct as the PGI 2.0 framework is structured into two categories: Outcomes and Governance Management, further divided into five domains including Learning Outcomes and Access. Statement 3 is correct because PGI 2.0 was specifically revised to align with the National Education Policy 2020, emphasizing foundational literacy and numeracy. Statement 1 is incorrect because, while PGI is used for performance monitoring, there is no provision for a mandatory 10 percent reduction in central grants for states in the bottom three grades.
Consider the following statements regarding Role of School Management Committees (SMC) in decentralized governance:
1. The Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, launched in 2001, established the current structure of School Management Committees to replace the Village Education Committees that existed under the District Primary Education Programme.
2. The Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan guidelines of 2018 designate the District Magistrate as the ex-officio chairperson of the School Management Committee to ensure administrative accountability.
3. Section 21 of the Right to Education Act specifies that the School Management Committee possesses the authority to terminate the services of permanent teachers appointed by the State Education Department.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because SMCs were formally mandated by the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009, not the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan. Statement 2 is incorrect as the RTE Act mandates that the SMC chairperson must be an elected parent or guardian of a student enrolled in the school, not the District Magistrate. Statement 3 is incorrect because, while the SMC monitors school functioning and teacher attendance, it lacks the legal authority to terminate the services of permanent government teachers, which remains a function of the state education department under established service rules.
Consider the following statements regarding Language laboratory and multilingual education support mechanisms:
1. Under the Samagra Shiksha guidelines, the recruitment of language teachers is centralized at the national level, with specific quotas reserved for multilingual instructors in tribal-dominated blocks.
2. The National Curriculum Framework 2005 suggests the introduction of a third language in the primary stage, which is funded by the Samagra Shiksha budget allocation for digital infrastructure.
3. The multilingual education support mechanism includes the 'Bhasha Sangam' mobile app, which is designed to assess student proficiency in regional dialects through standardized quarterly examinations.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because recruitment of teachers remains a state subject under the Samagra Shiksha framework, not a centralized national process. Statement 2 is incorrect as the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, not NCF 2005, emphasizes the three-language formula, and Samagra Shiksha funds for digital infrastructure are not specifically earmarked for this purpose. Statement 3 is incorrect because the 'Bhasha Sangam' initiative is designed to foster linguistic harmony and promote basic conversational skills in Indian languages, not to conduct standardized proficiency examinations.
Consider the following statements regarding Monitoring and evaluation frameworks via Shagun portal:
1. The portal hosts the 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' module, which tracks the inter-state student exchange programs and manages the disbursement of direct benefit transfer funds for school uniforms.
2. The Shagun portal provides a public interface for the 'Vidyanjali' volunteer program, and it serves as the official portal for registering private schools under the Right to Education Act.
3. The Shagun portal was established following the 2020 National Education Policy, and it serves as the primary platform for conducting the National Achievement Survey (NAS) for primary grades.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
The Shagun portal is an integrated online junction for school education, but it does not manage DBT for uniforms, nor does it serve as the registration portal for private schools under the RTE Act or the platform for the National Achievement Survey (NAS). Statement 1 is false as DBT for uniforms is handled through the PRABANDH portal, Statement 2 is false because Vidyanjali is a separate initiative and private school registration is a state-specific process, and Statement 3 is false because the portal was launched in 2019, predating the 2020 NEP, and NAS is conducted by the NCERT via a dedicated portal.
Consider the following statements regarding Integration of SSA, RMSA, and Teacher Education schemes:
1. The Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan was initiated in 2009 to universalize secondary education and is currently managed by the Ministry of Skill Development.
2. The Teacher Education component of the scheme focuses on the establishment of District Institutes of Education and Training to facilitate the implementation of the Right to Education Act 2005.
3. The administrative framework of the scheme provides for the direct transfer of funds to the School Management Committees based on the 2011 Census population data.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because RMSA was launched by the Ministry of Education (formerly MHRD), not the Ministry of Skill Development. Statement 2 is incorrect as the Right to Education Act was enacted in 2009, not 2005, and the scheme aims to strengthen DIETs for overall teacher quality rather than solely for RTE implementation. Statement 3 is incorrect because funds under Samagra Shiksha are typically routed through the State Implementation Societies (SIS) rather than direct transfers to School Management Committees based on 2011 Census data.
Consider the following statements regarding Monitoring and evaluation frameworks via Shagun portal:
1. The portal incorporates the 'Padhe Bharat' initiative, which provides a digital interface for students to access NCERT textbooks and submit their monthly assessment scores directly to the Ministry.
2. The Shagun portal functions under the administrative control of the NITI Aayog, and it utilizes the National Data and Analytics Platform to publish annual state-wise literacy rankings.
3. The Shagun portal was launched in 2017 to capture and showcase innovations and success stories from various states and union territories under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct as the Shagun portal was launched in 2017 by the Ministry of Education to act as a repository for best practices and success stories in school education. Statement 1 is incorrect because 'Padhe Bharat' is a 100-day reading campaign, and the portal does not facilitate direct submission of student assessment scores to the Ministry. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Shagun portal is under the administrative control of the Department of School Education and Literacy (Ministry of Education), not NITI Aayog, and it does not publish annual state-wise literacy rankings.
Consider the following statements regarding Public Financial Management System (PFMS) integration for fund flow transparency:
1. The Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan functions under the Department of School Education and Literacy, which established the National Education Mission in 2015 to oversee the centralized PFMS dashboard for all state-level disbursements.
2. Under the Samagra Shiksha framework, the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) facilitates the direct transfer of funds from the State Implementing Society to the accounts of individual schools.
3. The Samagra Shiksha scheme was launched in 2018 by subsuming the erstwhile Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan, and Teacher Education schemes.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the National Education Mission was established in 2018, not 2015, to implement the Samagra Shiksha scheme. Statement 2 is correct as the PFMS integration ensures end-to-end tracking of funds from the State Implementing Society directly to school-level accounts to enhance transparency and accountability. Statement 3 is correct because Samagra Shiksha was launched in 2018 as an overarching programme for the school education sector, effectively subsuming the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan, and Teacher Education schemes.
Consider the following statements regarding Capacity building of Block Resource Centres (BRC) and Cluster Resource Centres (CRC):
1. The recruitment process for Block Resource Centre coordinators is governed by the 2012 Right to Education Rules, which prescribe a minimum of ten years of teaching experience for all candidates.
2. The Cluster Resource Centre coordinators are designated to conduct regular school visits, with a target of visiting each school under their jurisdiction at least once every month.
3. Under the Samagra Shiksha framework, the annual financial support for a Block Resource Centre is capped at 5 lakh rupees per annum for meeting recurring contingencies and academic activities.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the recruitment criteria for BRC coordinators are determined by state-specific guidelines under the Samagra Shiksha framework rather than a uniform 10-year mandate in the 2012 RTE Rules. Statement 2 is correct as CRCs are mandated to conduct regular school visits, with the framework specifically targeting at least one visit per school every month to provide academic support. Statement 3 is correct because the Samagra Shiksha scheme provides an annual composite grant of up to 5 lakh rupees for BRCs and 2 lakh rupees for CRCs to cover recurring contingencies and academic activities.
Consider the following statements regarding Gender parity interventions through Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBV):
1. The Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya scheme was launched in 2004 under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and currently functions as a central sector scheme with 100% funding from the Union Ministry of Education.
2. Under the Samagra Shiksha framework, KGBVs are established in educationally backward blocks where the female rural literacy rate is below the national average of 65.46% as per the 2011 Census.
3. The expansion of KGBVs to the senior secondary level was approved in 2018, allowing for the continuation of education for girls from classes 6 to 12 in residential facilities.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because KGBVs are implemented as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) with a cost-sharing ratio between the Centre and States, not 100% Union funding. Statement 2 is incorrect because the criteria for establishing KGBVs is based on an Educationally Backward Block (EBB) having a female rural literacy rate below the national average of 46.13% (as per 2001 Census), not 65.46%. Statement 3 is incorrect because while the expansion to senior secondary level was approved under Samagra Shiksha, it covers classes 6 to 12, but the scheme is not exclusively for residential facilities at all levels, as the expansion includes non-residential components in specific scenarios.
Consider the following statements regarding Out-of-school children identification and mainstreaming protocols:
1. The Right to Education Act 2009 provides for the creation of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, which oversees the annual state-level household surveys for out-of-school children.
2. The Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan encompasses the erstwhile Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan, and it incorporates the 2012 mid-day meal scheme transition protocols.
3. The National Education Policy 2020 sets a target to achieve 100% Gross Enrolment Ratio in preschool to secondary level by 2030.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct as NEP 2020 aims to achieve 100% Gross Enrolment Ratio in school education from preschool to secondary level by 2030. Statement 1 is incorrect because the RTE Act 2009 mandates local authorities to identify out-of-school children, not the NCPCR, which is a statutory body for child rights protection. Statement 2 is incorrect because while Samagra Shiksha subsumed Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan, it does not incorporate the Mid-Day Meal Scheme (now PM POSHAN), which remains a separate centrally sponsored scheme.
Consider the following statements regarding Digital infrastructure deployment via ICT and Smart Classrooms:
1. The scheme facilitates the procurement of ICT equipment, including interactive boards and projectors, with a central share of 60 percent for most states and union territories.
2. The Performance Grading Index (PGI) introduced under the Samagra Shiksha umbrella evaluates the digital infrastructure status of states based on data reported through the UDISE+ platform.
3. The DIKSHA portal, integrated under the Samagra Shiksha framework, serves as the national digital infrastructure for teachers to access curated e-content and training modules.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the Samagra Shiksha scheme follows a funding pattern of 60:40 between the Centre and States (90:10 for NE and Himalayan states) for ICT interventions. Statement 2 is correct because the Performance Grading Index (PGI) utilizes data from the Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) to assess educational outcomes and infrastructure, including digital penetration. Statement 3 is correct as DIKSHA (Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing) acts as the national platform under Samagra Shiksha to provide teachers with high-quality e-content, training, and resources to bridge the digital divide.
Consider the following statements regarding School safety and security guidelines under the integrated scheme:
1. The guidelines for school safety emphasize the formation of a School Management Committee (SMC) to conduct periodic safety audits of the physical infrastructure.
2. The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative provides the budgetary allocation for the installation of separate sanitation facilities in schools, which is monitored under the Samagra Shiksha school safety framework.
3. The Rashtriya Avishkar Abhiyan serves as the primary funding mechanism for the procurement of CCTV surveillance systems in schools located in aspirational districts identified by NITI Aayog.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the Samagra Shiksha framework mandates School Management Committees (SMCs) to conduct periodic safety audits to ensure a secure learning environment. Statement 2 is incorrect because the provision for separate sanitation facilities is funded directly under the Samagra Shiksha scheme's infrastructure component, not through the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Rashtriya Avishkar Abhiyan focuses on promoting science and mathematics learning, and there is no provision within it for funding CCTV surveillance systems.
Consider the following statements regarding Digital infrastructure deployment via ICT and Smart Classrooms:
1. The Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan was launched in 2018 as an overarching programme for the school education sector extending from pre-school to class 12.
2. The ICT component of Samagra Shiksha is governed by the 2004 National Policy on ICT in Schools, which provides for the direct transfer of funds to individual school management committees for software procurement.
3. Under the ICT and Digital Initiatives component, the scheme provides financial assistance for the establishment of smart classrooms in government secondary and higher secondary schools.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as Samagra Shiksha was launched in 2018 by subsuming SSA, RMSA, and Teacher Education to cover pre-school to class 12. Statement 3 is correct because the scheme provides financial support for ICT labs and smart classrooms in government secondary and higher secondary schools to enhance digital learning. Statement 2 is incorrect because the ICT component is currently guided by the Samagra Shiksha framework rather than the 2004 policy, and funds are typically released to State/UT governments rather than directly to individual school management committees for software procurement.
Consider the following statements regarding Inclusion of Children with Special Needs (CwSN) through assistive technology:
1. The Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan serves as the primary funding mechanism for the procurement of high-end assistive devices, while Samagra Shiksha manages the distribution logistics for rural schools.
2. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, introduced the specific budgetary allocation for assistive technology, which was subsequently integrated into the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan in 2018.
3. The National Education Policy 2020 proposes the establishment of a dedicated CwSN Technology Hub in every district, which operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because Samagra Shiksha itself provides financial assistance for assistive devices under its 'Inclusive Education' component, not Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan. Statement 2 is incorrect as the RPWD Act, 2016, mandates accessibility and rights but did not introduce a specific budgetary line item for assistive technology that was later integrated into Samagra Shiksha in 2018. Statement 3 is incorrect because while NEP 2020 emphasizes technology for CwSN, it does not mandate a district-level hub under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology; instead, it focuses on leveraging existing educational infrastructure under the Ministry of Education.
Consider the following statements regarding Financial devolution mechanism through State Implementation Societies (SIS):
1. The funding pattern for Samagra Shiksha is shared between the Centre and the States in the ratio of 90:10 for the eight North-Eastern states and three Himalayan states.
2. The Governing Council of the State Implementation Society is typically chaired by the Chief Minister or the Minister of Education of the respective State or Union Territory.
3. The SIS maintains separate bank accounts for the three components of the scheme, namely Elementary Education, Secondary Education, and Teacher Education, to ensure financial transparency.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the funding ratio for Samagra Shiksha is 90:10 for North-Eastern and Himalayan states (J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand) and 60:40 for other states. Statement 2 is correct because the Governing Council of the State Implementation Society (SIS) is headed by the Chief Minister or Education Minister to ensure high-level oversight and coordination. Statement 3 is correct as the scheme mandates the SIS to maintain separate bank accounts for Elementary, Secondary, and Teacher Education components to facilitate transparent fund flow and auditability under the Public Financial Management System (PFMS).
Consider the following statements regarding Out-of-school children identification and mainstreaming protocols:
1. The PRABANDH portal serves as the digital platform for states to submit their Annual Work Plan and Budget for the identification of out-of-school children.
2. Under the Samagra Shiksha framework, a financial assistance of Rs. 2000 per child per annum is provided for the mainstreaming of out-of-school children in the age group of 16-19 years.
3. The Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan was launched in 2018 as an overarching programme for the school education sector extending from pre-school to class 12.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the PRABANDH (Project Appraisal, Budgeting, Achievements and Data Handling) portal is the integrated digital platform used for the planning and monitoring of Samagra Shiksha. Statement 2 is correct because the Samagra Shiksha framework provides financial support of Rs. 2000 per child per annum specifically for the mainstreaming of out-of-school children in the 16-19 age group through open schooling. Statement 3 is correct as the scheme was launched in 2018 by subsuming the erstwhile Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan, and Teacher Education to provide a holistic approach to school education from pre-school to class 12.
Consider the following statements regarding Financial norms for recurring and non-recurring grants:
1. The non-recurring grant component includes provisions for the construction of additional classrooms and the establishment of ICT labs in government schools.
2. The library grant provided under the scheme is categorized as a recurring grant, with allocations varying between ₹5,000 and ₹20,000 based on the school level.
3. The funding pattern for the Samagra Shiksha scheme is shared between the Centre and States in the ratio of 90:10 for the eight North-Eastern States and three Himalayan States.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as Samagra Shiksha provides non-recurring grants for infrastructure development, including classrooms and ICT labs. Statement 2 is correct because library grants are recurring annual provisions, ranging from ₹5,000 for primary schools to ₹20,000 for senior secondary schools. Statement 3 is correct as the funding ratio for the North-Eastern and Himalayan states (Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and J&K) is fixed at 90:10, while the ratio is 60:40 for other states and 100% for Union Territories without legislatures.