National Commissions and Committees in Indian Education (1845–2025)
50 MCQs with Detailed Solutions
Part 1: Pre-Independence Era (1845–1947)
1. Which pioneering institution was established in 1847, marking a significant step in technical education in India prior to Wood’s Despatch?
A. University of Calcutta B. Thomason College of Civil Engineering (now IIT Roorkee) C. Bethune School D. Grant Medical College
Answer: B Detailed Solution: Established in 1847 at Roorkee, the Thomason College of Civil Engineering was the first engineering college in the British Empire. It was set up to train engineers for the construction of the Ganges Canal and predates the formal university system established in 1857.
2. Which document is popularly known as the “Magna Carta of English Education in India”?
A. Macaulay’s Minute (1835) B. Charter Act of 1813 C. Wood’s Despatch (1854) D. Hunter Commission Report (1882)
Answer: C Detailed Solution: Charles Wood’s Despatch of 1854 is called the “Magna Carta” because it was the first comprehensive plan for mass education in India. It recommended a hierarchy of schools, grants-in-aid, female education, and the establishment of universities in Bombay, Calcutta, and Madras.
3. The Hunter Commission (1882) primarily focused on the expansion and improvement of:
A. University Education B. Primary and Secondary Education C. Technical Education D. Medical Education
Answer: B Detailed Solution: The Hunter Commission was appointed to review the progress of Wood’s Despatch. It specifically recommended that the State should take special care of the extension and improvement of primary education and that primary education should be imparted through the vernacular.
4. Which commission was appointed in 1902 by Lord Curzon to inquire into the condition and prospects of universities?
A. Sadler Commission B. Raleigh Commission C. Hartog Committee D. Sargent Commission
Answer: B Detailed Solution: The Indian Universities Commission (Raleigh Commission) was set up in 1902. Its recommendations led to the Indian Universities Act of 1904, which tightened government control over universities and focused on improving standards rather than expansion.
5. The Sadler Commission (1917) is also known as the:
A. Calcutta University Commission B. Bombay University Commission C. Secondary Education Commission D. University Grants Committee
Answer: A Detailed Solution: The Sadler Commission was appointed to study the problems of Calcutta University. However, its recommendations—such as the 10+2+3 structure (separating intermediate from university) and the creation of Boards of Secondary Education—were applicable to universities across India.
6. The Hartog Committee (1929) was critical of the rapid expansion of education because it led to:
A. Shortage of teachers B. Financial bankruptcy C. Wastage and Stagnation D. Lack of infrastructure
Answer: C Detailed Solution: The Hartog Committee observed that the rapid increase in the number of schools led to a dilution of quality. It coined the terms “Wastage” (students dropping out before completing a stage) and “Stagnation” (students failing and remaining in the same class).
7. Which committee was formed in 1934 to look into the problem of unemployment among educated youth in UP?
A. Sapru Committee B. Abbot-Wood Report C. Zakir Hussain Committee D. Sargent Committee
Answer: A Detailed Solution: The Sapru Committee (1934) was appointed by the United Provinces (UP) government to examine the issue of unemployment. It suggested that the education system was preparing students only for examinations and degrees, not for vocations.
8. Who chaired the committee that formulated the Wardha Scheme of Basic Education (Nai Talim) in 1937?
A. Mahatma Gandhi B. Dr. Zakir Hussain C. Jawaharlal Nehru D. Vinoba Bhave
Answer: B Detailed Solution: While the vision was Mahatma Gandhi’s, the committee that drafted the detailed syllabus for Basic Education was chaired by Dr. Zakir Hussain. The scheme emphasized learning through handicrafts and mother tongue instruction.
9. The Abbot-Wood Report (1937) is primarily associated with the introduction of:
A. Polytechnics and Vocational Education B. Adult Education C. Women’s Education D. Teacher Training
Answer: A Detailed Solution: The Abbot-Wood Report recommended a complete hierarchy of vocational institutions. It led to the establishment of polytechnics and influenced the structure of technical education in India.
10. The Sargent Plan (1944) aimed to achieve universal literacy in India within: A. 10 years B. 20 years C. 30 years D. 40 years
**Answer: D**
**Detailed Solution:** The Sargent Plan (Post-War Educational Development in India) was a bold scheme that aimed to bring Indian education to the level of England within 40 years. It was criticized by Indian leaders for being too slow a timeline.
11. The University Education Commission (1948-49) was chaired by:
A. Dr. D.S. Kothari B. Dr. S. Radhakrishnan C. Dr. A.L. Mudaliar D. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
**Answer: B**
**Detailed Solution:** This was the first education commission of independent India. Chaired by Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, it recommended the integration of general education with professional education and laid the groundwork for the University Grants Commission (UGC).
12. Which commission recommended the diversification of the curriculum and the introduction of “Multipurpose Schools”?
A. Radhakrishnan Commission B. Secondary Education Commission (Mudaliar Commission) C. Kothari Commission D. Ishwarbhai Patel Committee
**Answer: B**
**Detailed Solution:** The Secondary Education Commission (1952-53), chaired by Dr. A.L. Mudaliar, focused on secondary education. It suggested diversifying the curriculum to include vocational subjects and establishing Multipurpose Schools to offer these varied courses.
13. The National Committee on Women’s Education (1958) was chaired by:
A. Hansa Mehta B. Durgabai Deshmukh C. Sarojini Naidu D. Annie Besant
**Answer: B**
**Detailed Solution:** Durgabai Deshmukh chaired this committee, which recommended giving high priority to women's education and suggested setting up National and State Councils for Women's Education.
14. Which commission is often called the “most comprehensive” commission in Indian education history for its report “Education and National Development”?
A. Mudaliar Commission B. Kothari Commission C. Yash Pal Committee D. Chattopadhyaya Commission
**Answer: B**
**Detailed Solution:** The Kothari Commission (1964-66) covered all levels of education. It recommended the 10+2+3 pattern, the Common School System, and spending 6% of GDP on education. Its report was titled "Education and National Development."
15. The “Three Language Formula” was formalized as a policy in the:
A. National Policy on Education 1968 B. National Policy on Education 1986 C. NEP 2020 D. Mudaliar Commission Report
**Answer: A**
**Detailed Solution:** Based on the Kothari Commission's recommendations, the NPE 1968 officially adopted the Three Language Formula (Hindi, English, and a regional language) to promote national integration.
16. Which amendment to the Indian Constitution moved ‘Education’ from the State List to the Concurrent List?
A. 42nd Amendment (1976) B. 44th Amendment (1978) C. 73rd Amendment (1992) D. 86th Amendment (2002)
**Answer: A**
**Detailed Solution:** The 42nd Amendment in 1976 transferred Education from the State List to the Concurrent List, making it a joint responsibility of the Central and State governments.
17. The “Challenge of Education: A Policy Perspective” (1985) was a discussion document released prior to which policy?
A. NPE 1968 B. NPE 1986 C. POA 1992 D. Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan
**Answer: B**
**Detailed Solution:** The government released this document to initiate a nationwide debate on education, which formed the basis for drafting the National Policy on Education (NPE), 1986.
18. Operation Blackboard was a scheme launched under:
A. NPE 1968 B. NPE 1986 C. SSA 2001 D. RTE 2009
**Answer: B**
**Detailed Solution:** Operation Blackboard was a centrally sponsored scheme launched in 1987 under the NPE 1986 to provide minimum essential facilities (two rooms, two teachers, teaching aids) to all primary schools.
19. The Ramamurti Review Committee (1990) was appointed to review:
A. The 10+2+3 System B. The Examination System C. The National Policy on Education 1986 D. Teacher Education
**Answer: C**
**Detailed Solution:** Acharya Ramamurti chaired this committee to review the NPE 1986. It emphasized "Towards an Enlightened and Humane Society" and criticized the elitist nature of Navodaya Vidyalayas, recommending a Common School System instead.
20. The report “Learning Without Burden” (1993) was submitted by:
A. Janardhana Reddy Committee B. Yash Pal Committee C. Knowledge Commission D. NCF Steering Committee
**Answer: B**
**Detailed Solution:** The Yash Pal Committee (1992-93) analyzed the academic burden on school children. It famously remarked that "a lot is taught, but little is understood or learnt" and recommended reducing the weight of school bags and the curriculum load.
21. The Janardhana Reddy Committee (1992) is associated with:
A. Drafting a new policy B. Detailed Programme of Action (POA) for NPE 1986 C. Reviewing the Kothari Commission D. Introducing ICT in schools
**Answer: B**
**Detailed Solution:** This committee reviewed the implementation of NPE 1986 (after the Ramamurti review) and submitted the Revised Programme of Action (POA) 1992, which retained the core of NPE 1986 with minor modifications.
22. Which committee recommended the establishment of the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) as a statutory body?
A. Kothari Commission B. NPE 1986 C. Chattopadhyaya Commission D. Yash Pal Committee
**Answer: B**
**Detailed Solution:** While the importance of teacher education was highlighted earlier, the NPE 1986 specifically mandated giving statutory status to the NCTE to regulate standards in teacher education. The NCTE Act was passed in 1993.
Part 3: 2000 to 2019
23. The National Knowledge Commission (NKC), constituted in 2005, was headed by:
A. Prof. Yash Pal B. Sam Pitroda C. Dr. Manmohan Singh D. Montek Singh Ahluwalia
**Answer: B**
**Detailed Solution:** Sam Pitroda chaired the NKC. The commission focused on libraries, knowledge networks, e-governance, and recommended the expansion of higher education universities to 1500 to increase Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER).
24. The 86th Constitutional Amendment Act (2002) inserted which Article to make education a fundamental right for children aged 6-14?
A. Article 21 B. Article 21A C. Article 45 D. Article 51A(k)
**Answer: B**
**Detailed Solution:** Article 21A was inserted to make free and compulsory education a Fundamental Right for children between 6 and 14 years. This paved the way for the RTE Act, 2009.
25. The Justice Verma Committee (2012) was appointed by the Supreme Court to improve:
A. Legal Education B. Teacher Education C. Medical Education D. Primary Education
**Answer: B**
**Detailed Solution:** The Justice J.S. Verma Commission was appointed to review the capacity and quality of teacher education. It recommended stricter regulation of private teacher training institutes and the introduction of integrated B.Ed. courses.
26. The T.S.R. Subramanian Committee (2016) was tasked with:
A. Reviewing the UGC Act B. Drafting a New Education Policy C. Audit of Central Universities D. Promoting Sanskrit
**Answer: B**
**Detailed Solution:** The committee was formed to evolve a "New Education Policy". It submitted the "Report of the Committee for Evolution of the New Education Policy" in May 2016, which served as a significant input for the eventual NEP 2020.
27. The Lyngdoh Committee (2006) dealt with which aspect of the education system? .
A. Fee Structure in Private Colleges B. Student Union Elections in Universities C. Ragging in Campuses D. Sexual Harassment Policies
**Answer: B**
**Detailed Solution:** The J.M. Lyngdoh Committee was appointed by the Supreme Court to frame guidelines on students' union elections in colleges and universities to curb money and muscle power.
28. The “Committee to Draft the National Education Policy” (2017-2019) was chaired by: A. Dr. K. Kasturirangan B. Dr. Vasudha Kamat C. K.J. Alphonse D. Manjul Bhargava
**Answer: A**
**Detailed Solution:** Former ISRO chief Dr. K. Kasturirangan chaired the committee that produced the Draft NEP 2019. This draft was finalized and approved by the Cabinet as NEP 2020.
29. Which committee recommended the scrapping of the UGC and AICTE and replacing them with a single regulator (HECI)?.
A. Yash Pal Committee (2009) B. Sharma Committee C. Hari Gautam Committee D. Both A and C
**Answer: D**
**Detailed Solution:** The Yash Pal Committee (2009) ("Report on Renovation and Rejuvenation of Higher Education") recommended a National Commission for Higher Education and Research (NCHER). Later, the Hari Gautam Committee also suggested scrapping UGC. This idea evolved into the HECI proposed in NEP 2020.
Part 4: NEP 2020 and Beyond (2020–2025)
30. Under NEP 2020, the current 10+2 system is to be replaced by which curricular structure?
A. 5+3+3+4 B. 5+3+2+2 C. 3+5+3+4 D. 5+4+3+3
**Answer: A**
**Detailed Solution:** The new structure comprises: Foundational (5 years: 3 years Anganwadi + Class 1-2), Preparatory (3 years: Class 3-5), Middle (3 years: Class 6-8), and Secondary (4 years: Class 9-12).
31. The NIPUN Bharat Mission, launched in 2021, aims to ensure:
A. Universal Secondary Education B. Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) by Grade 3 C. 100% Digital Literacy D. Vocational Skills for all
**Answer: B**
**Detailed Solution:** NIPUN (National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy) Bharat aims to ensure every child attains foundational literacy and numeracy by the end of Grade 3 by the year 2026-27.
32. What is the name of the national assessment centre established in 2024 under NCERT as per NEP 2020 recommendations?
A. PARAKH B. NITI C. SHIKSHA D. SAMARTH
**Answer: A**
**Detailed Solution:** PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development) has been set up as a standard-setting body to shift assessment from rote learning to competency-based evaluation.
33. The National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage (NCF-FS), released in October 2022, is the first ever integrated curriculum for children aged:
A. 0-3 years B. 3-8 years C. 6-14 years D. 3-6 years
**Answer: B**
**Detailed Solution:** NCF-FS covers the age group of 3-8 years, bridging the gap between early childhood care (Anganwadi/Preschool) and early primary grades (Class 1-2), treating it as a single pedagogical unit.
34. The “PM-SHRI” scheme (2022) aims to:
A. Build new universities B. Upgrade over 14,500 schools as exemplar schools C. Provide free laptops to all students D. Privatize government schools
**Answer: B**
**Detailed Solution:** PM-SHRI (PM Schools for Rising India) aims to strengthen over 14,500 existing schools to showcase the implementation of NEP 2020 and emerge as exemplar schools for others.
35. As per the “Year End Review 2024” of the Ministry of Education, what is the “APAAR” ID?
A. A unified teacher ID B. A digital ID for school buildings C. The “One Nation, One Student ID” D. A scholarship portal ID
**Answer: C**
**Detailed Solution:** APAAR (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry) is the "One Nation, One Student ID" designed to track the academic journey and achievements of students throughout their life, fully rolled out by 2024-25.
36. The “Lal Bahadur Shastri National Sanskrit University Act” passed in 2020 upgraded institutions to:
A. Private Universities B. Central Universities C. Institutes of National Importance D. Deemed Universities
**Answer: B**
**Detailed Solution:** This Act established three Sanskrit universities (including Lal Bahadur Shastri Vidyapeeth) as Central Universities to promote and preserve the Sanskrit language.
37. Which committee report in 2024/2025 is associated with the “National Credit Framework” (NCrF)?
A. Dr. K. Radhakrishnan Committee B. High-Level Committee on NCrF C. Nandan Nilekani Committee D. IIT Council
**Answer: B**
**Detailed Solution:** The High-Level Committee constituted by the government finalized the NCrF. It integrates credits earned from school education, higher education, and vocational/skill education, allowing for seamless mobility between them.
38. The “Radhakrishnan Committee” constituted in late 2022/2023 focused on reforms in:
A. Assessment and Accreditation of Higher Educational Institutions B. Primary School Syllabus C. Mid-day Meal Schemes D. Teacher Transfers
**Answer: A**
**Detailed Solution:** Dr. K. Radhakrishnan (former ISRO Chairman) headed the committee to strengthen the Assessment and Accreditation of Higher Educational Institutions. It recommended a binary accreditation system (Accredited/Not Accredited) rather than grades.
39. In the context of 2025 reforms, “SQAAF” stands for:
A. School Quality Assessment and Assurance Framework B. Student Quality and Academic Forum C. Standard Quality Assurance for All Faculties D. State Quality Assessment and Accreditation Fund
**Answer: A**
**Detailed Solution:** SQAAF is the framework developed by CBSE/NCERT to measure school quality across various domains like curriculum, infrastructure, and management, mandated for school compliance.
40. Who is the chairperson of the National Steering Committee for NCFs (National Curriculum Frameworks) appointed in 2021?
A. Dr. K. Kasturirangan B. Dharmendra Pradhan C. Prof. J.S. Rajput D. Bibek Debroy
**Answer: A**
**Detailed Solution:** Dr. K. Kasturirangan, who steered the NEP 2020, was also appointed to chair the National Steering Committee to develop the four NCFs (School Education, Early Childhood, Teacher Education, and Adult Education).
Part 5: Mixed & Comprehensive (All Eras)
41. Which was the first commission to suggest that “Primary Education should be in the mother tongue”?
A. Wood’s Despatch B. Hunter Commission C. Macaulay’s Minute D. Sargent Plan
**Answer: A**
**Detailed Solution:** While Macaulay favored English, Wood's Despatch (1854) explicitly recommended that while English should be the medium for higher studies, the vernacular languages (mother tongue) should be used for the masses at the primary level.
42. The “Rural University” concept was primarily championed by:
A. Radhakrishnan Commission B. Mudaliar Commission C. National Knowledge Commission D. Sadler Commission
**Answer: A**
**Detailed Solution:** The Radhakrishnan Commission (1948) heavily emphasized the creation of Rural Universities to bring higher education to rural India, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's vision of Gram Vidyapith.
43. Which of the following is NOT a recommendation of the NEP 2020?
A. 6% of GDP allocation to education B. M.Phil. degree to be discontinued C. Setting up of MERUs (Multidisciplinary Education and Research Universities) D. Making English compulsory till Class 8
**Answer: D**
**Detailed Solution:** NEP 2020 does **not** make English compulsory; in fact, it strongly advocates for the home language/mother tongue/regional language as the medium of instruction until at least Grade 5, and preferably till Grade 8.
44. The “Gananam Committee” (1990s) is associated with reforms in:
A. Management of Higher Education B. Primary School Nutrition C. Sports Education D. Distance Education
**Answer: A**
**Detailed Solution:** The Gnanam Committee (1993) looked into the management and governance of universities and recommended decentralization and autonomy for higher education institutions.
45. Which committee in 2011 recommended the “No Detention Policy” review?
A. Geeta Bhukkal Committee B. Anil Kakodkar Committee C. Narayana Murthy Committee D. Pitroda Committee
**Answer: A**
**Detailed Solution:** The Geeta Bhukkal Committee (a CABE sub-committee) recommended reviewing the No Detention Policy under the RTE Act, citing that it was negatively affecting learning outcomes.
46. The concept of “Navodaya Vidyalayas” (pace-setting schools) was introduced by:
A. NPE 1968 B. NPE 1986 C. NEP 2020 D. Kothari Commission
**Answer: B**
**Detailed Solution:** NPE 1986 introduced Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) to provide high-quality education to talented rural children, free of cost.
47. The “Punnayya Committee” (1992-93) was constituted by the UGC to look into:
A. Funding of Central Universities B. Ragging C. Examination Reforms D. Vocationalisation
**Answer: A**
**Detailed Solution:** Justice K. Punnayya Committee examined the financial situation of central universities and recommended that universities should generate a portion of their resources internally.
48. In 2025, the “Vidya Samiksha Kendras” (VSK) are functioning primarily as:
A. Examination Centers B. Data repositories and command control centers for schools C. Teacher Training Institutes D. Textbook printing press
**Answer: B**
**Detailed Solution:** Vidya Samiksha Kendras are data-driven command centers set up in states (scaled up post-2022) to monitor enrolment, attendance, learning outcomes, and school resource utilization in real-time.
49. The “Prof. Yash Pal Committee” of 2009 is distinct from the 1992 one because it focused on:
A. School Bag Burden B. Renovation and Rejuvenation of Higher Education C. Primary Education D. Mid-day Meals
**Answer: B**
**Detailed Solution:** While the 1992 committee focused on school education ("Learning Without Burden"), the 2009 Yash Pal Committee focused on Higher Education, recommending the creation of a super-regulator (NCHER).
50. What is the status of the M.Phil programme in the Indian education system as of 2024-25?
A. It is mandatory for Ph.D. B. It has been discontinued C. It is renamed as Pre-Ph.D. D. It is available only in Central Universities
**Answer: B**
**Detailed Solution:** In line with NEP 2020 recommendations, the M.Phil (Master of Philosophy) programme has been discontinued. Universities have stopped admitting students to M.Phil programs from the 2020-21 academic session onwards.