Kothari Commission MCQs with Explanations

1. When was the Kothari Commission appointed?

A. 1962 B. 1964 C. 1966 D. 1968

Answer: B. 1964

Explanation: The Kothari Commission, officially known as the National Education Commission, was appointed by the Government of India in July 1964 under the chairmanship of Dr. D.S. Kothari, then Chairman of UGC.

2. Who was the chairman of the Kothari Commission?

A. Dr. S. Radhakrishnan B. Dr. D.S. Kothari C. Dr. L.S. Mudaliar D. Dr. Ashok Mitra

Answer: B. Dr. D.S. Kothari
Explanation: Dr. Daulat Singh Kothari, a renowned physicist and educationist, was appointed chairman of the National Education Commission of 1964–66.

3. The Kothari Commission submitted its report in:

A. 1964 B. 1965 C. 1966 D. 1968

Answer: C. 1966

Explanation: After two years of extensive consultation, the final report was submitted in June 1966, consisting of 12 volumes.

4. The Kothari Commission is also known as:

A. Secondary Education Commission B. University Education Commission
C. National Education Commission D. Higher Secondary Reform Committee

Answer: C. National Education Commission

Explanation: It is called the National Education Commission because it was the first commission to comprehensively study all levels of education—from pre-primary to university.

5. Which education structure was recommended by the Kothari Commission?

A. 6+4+2 B. 10+2+3 C. 5+3+3+4 D. 8+2+2

Answer: B. 10+2+3

Explanation: The Commission recommended the now-familiar 10 years of schooling, followed by 2 years of higher secondary, and 3 years of college/university education.

6. How many members were there in the Kothari Commission?

A. 11 B. 15 C. 17 D. 21

Answer: C. 17

Explanation: The Commission consisted of 17 Indian and international experts, with help from UNESCO, bringing global perspectives to Indian education. The Kothari Commission (1964–66), officially known as the Education Commission, comprised 17 distinguished members under the chairmanship of Dr. D. S. Kothari, then Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC). The members included Dr. J. P. Naik (Member Secretary), Prof. M. S. Gore (Tata Institute of Social Sciences), Dr. K. G. Saiyidain (Educationist and writer), Dr. V. K. R. V. Rao (Economist), Dr. A. Lakshmanaswami Mudaliar (Former Vice-Chancellor, Madras University), Dr. S. Nurul Hasan (Historian), Prof. Humayun Kabir (Former Education Minister), Dr. P. B. Gajendragadkar (Former Chief Justice of India), Dr. Malcolm S. Adiseshiah (UNESCO expert), Prof. J. B. G. Tilak (Educational Economist), Dr. T. S. Rajan (Medical Scientist), Dr. G. S. Arundale (Educationist from Theosophical Society), and international experts such as Prof. Ivan Pavlovsky (USSR), Prof. A. M. Davies (UK), and Prof. Theodore Brameld (USA). These members brought together a wealth of experience from the fields of education, economics, history, philosophy, science, and administration, both from India and abroad, giving the Commission a broad and visionary outlook on educational reform.

7. Which Prime Minister appointed the Kothari Commission?

A. Jawaharlal Nehru B. Lal Bahadur Shastri C. Indira Gandhi D. Rajiv Gandhi

Answer: B. Lal Bahadur Shastri

Explanation: Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri appointed the commission in 1964 to reform the Indian education system.

8. The Kothari Commission covered education from:

A. Primary to secondary B. Secondary to higher education
C. Pre-primary to university D. Only teacher education

Answer: C. Pre-primary to university

Explanation: It was the first all-level education commission in India, studying every stage—pre-school, school, teacher education, and university.

9. The recommendations of the Kothari Commission led to the:

A. NPE 1986 B. NCF 2005 C. NPE 1968 D. RTE Act 2009

Answer: C. NPE 1968

Explanation: India’s first National Policy on Education (1968) was based on the recommendations of this Commission.

10. The Kothari Commission viewed education as:

A. A private good B. A welfare measure
C. A national investment D. A charity

Answer: C. A national investment

Explanation: The Commission believed education was crucial for national development and must be treated as a strategic investment in human resources.

11. The slogan “Education for National Development” is associated with:

A. Mudaliar Commission B. Radhakrishnan Commission
C. Kothari Commission D. Ramamurti Committee

Answer: C. Kothari Commission

Explanation: This slogan reflects the Commission’s central belief that education is a tool for transforming society and building the nation.

12. What percentage of GDP was recommended for education expenditure?

A. 3% B. 4% C. 6% D. 8%

Answer: C. 6%

Explanation: The Commission recommended allocating 6% of GDP to education, a goal still referenced in educational policies.

13. Which evaluation method was emphasized?

A. Rote-based exams B. Board exams only
C. Internal assessment D. Viva-only exams

Answer: C. Internal assessment

Explanation: To reduce examination pressure and assess holistic learning, the Commission advocated internal and continuous assessment.

14. What was the Commission’s recommendation on curriculum content?

A. Local and international mix B. Rigid textbook content
C. Moral and spiritual education D. Purely academic

Answer: C. Moral and spiritual education

Explanation: The report emphasized the integration of values like honesty, discipline, and responsibility within the curriculum.

15. The term “Work Experience” was introduced to link education with:

A. Employment only B. Physical activity
C. Productive work and life skills D. Manual labor

Answer: C. Productive work and life skills

Explanation: “Work Experience” aimed to make students appreciate the dignity of labor and relate education to real-life situations.

16. The 10+2+3 structure refers to:

A. 10 years school, 2 years pre-college, 3 years graduation
B. 10 years primary, 2 years vocational, 3 years job
C. 10 years play, 2 years middle, 3 years post-secondary
D. None of the above

Answer: A. 10 years school, 2 years pre-college, 3 years graduation

Explanation: This became the national standard, followed by most boards and universities.

17. Common School System was proposed to ensure:

A. Only rural development
B. Fee-based schooling
C. Equality in education
D. International standards

Answer: C. Equality in education

Explanation: The Common School System aimed to reduce social and economic disparities in education access and quality.

18. Education should be related to the life of the people, especially through:

A. Competitive tests B. Work Experience
C. Theoretical classes D. Online learning

Answer: B. Work Experience

Explanation: The Commission wanted to make learning practical, hands-on, and community-oriented.

19. The Commission emphasized development of:

A. Memory power only B. Job-specific skills only
C. Head, heart, and hand (3H development) D. IQ only

Answer: C. Head, heart, and hand

Explanation: This referred to intellectual, emotional, and practical development – a holistic education model.

20. Kothari Commission was assisted by which international organization?

A. WHO B. UNICEF C. UNESCO D. World Bank

Answer: C. UNESCO

Explanation: UNESCO provided support and guidance during the drafting of the Commission’s report, bringing global experience.

21. The Commission encouraged instruction in:

A. Hindi only B. Sanskrit only C. English only D. Mother tongue

Answer: D. Mother tongue

Explanation: Primary education in mother tongue was recommended to help children grasp concepts easily and preserve cultural identity.

22. Which group was given priority in free education initiatives?

A. Urban middle class B. SC/ST and girls
C. Upper castes D. NRI students

Answer: B. SC/ST and girls

Explanation: The Commission strongly advocated for universal access and equity, especially for marginalized groups.

23. Kothari Commission’s report led to the establishment of:

A. DIETs (District Institutes of Education and Training)
B. Central Universities
C. NIOS
D. IGNOU

Answer: A. DIETs

Explanation: DIETs were established based on the Commission’s recommendation to improve teacher education at the grassroots level.

24. What did the Commission say about education and productivity?

A. Education must focus only on theory
B. Education must contribute to national productivity
C. Productivity is irrelevant
D. Exams should be the only priority

Answer: B. Education must contribute to national productivity

Explanation: The Commission viewed education as a tool to boost economic and social development, not just for academic learning.

25. One of the goals of education, according to the Commission, is:

A. National disintegration
B. Political propaganda
C. National integration
D. Technocratic elitism

Answer: C. National integration

Explanation: The Commission saw education as a means to promote unity, secularism, and democratic values in a diverse country.

26. What does the Kothari Commission recommend as the “core curriculum”?
A. Vocational education
B. Moral and spiritual values
C. Higher education reforms
D. Research-based learning

Answer: B. Moral and spiritual values

Explanation: Kothari Commission emphasized a core curriculum centered on national integration and moral/spiritual values, including subjects like languages, science, and social studies, to develop common citizenship and character.

27. How many working groups and task forces assisted the Kothari Commission?
A. 5
B. 12
C. 14
D. 21

Answer: C. 14

Explanation: The commission formed 14 task forces and 21 working groups to study different aspects of education in detail.

28. Which article of the Indian Constitution is most aligned with Kothari Commission’s recommendation of Free and Compulsory Education?
A. Article 45
B. Article 21
C. Article 14
D. Article 32

Answer: A. Article 45

Explanation: Article 45 of the Constitution initially directed the State to provide free and compulsory education for children up to age 14, a goal reinforced by the Kothari Commission.

29. The Commission viewed education as an instrument of:
A. Personal wealth
B. Political power
C. Social change
D. Business expansion

Answer: C. Social change

Explanation: Kothari Commission’s central theme was that education is a powerful instrument of social change, development, and modernization.

30. Which modern principle in Indian education was greatly promoted by the Kothari Commission?
A. Teaching in foreign languages
B. Privatization of education
C. Equalization of educational opportunity
D. Rote learning techniques

Answer: C. Equalization of educational opportunity

Explanation: A major emphasis was on providing equal access to quality education regardless of caste, gender, or region.

31. According to the Commission, what percentage of GDP should be allocated to education by 1985?
A. 3%
B. 4%
C. 6%
D. 7%

Answer: C. 6%

Explanation: The Kothari Commission recommended that 6% of GDP should be devoted to education to meet national goals.

32. The “Common School System” was suggested to:
A. Increase private schools
B. Provide uniform quality of education
C. Promote home schooling
D. Encourage foreign universities

Answer: B. Provide uniform quality of education

Explanation: The Common School System aimed to eliminate inequality by ensuring quality education to all children, rich or poor.

33. What was the recommended structure of school education?
A. 6+4+2
B. 10+2+3
C. 5+3+3+4
D. 7+5

Answer: B. 10+2+3

Explanation: Kothari Commission proposed the 10+2+3 pattern: 10 years of general education, 2 years of higher secondary, and 3 years of college/university.

34. The Commission emphasized which of the following for national development?
A. Political centralization
B. Scientific and technological advancement
C. Religious instruction
D. Traditional rote learning

Answer: B. Scientific and technological advancement

Explanation: It viewed science and tech education as critical to India’s progress and self-reliance.

35. The Kothari Commission emphasized language education through the:
A. Bilingual formula
B. Hindi-only formula
C. Three-language formula
D. Sanskrit revival formula

Answer: C. Three-language formula

Explanation: The three-language formula recommended:

1. 1. Regional language

1. 1. Hindi

1. 1. English or a modern Indian language (for Hindi-speaking states)

36. What was the key recommendation regarding university admission?
A. Open admission to all
B. Entrance exam based
C. Quota based only
D. Admission based on caste

Answer: B. Entrance exam based

Explanation: Kothari Commission emphasized merit-based selection through entrance exams for university admissions.

37. Which area was recommended for Vocationalization at the secondary stage?
A. Only technical education
B. Humanities
C. General education
D. Education after class X

Answer: D. Education after class X

Explanation: It suggested vocational courses after Class X to meet skilled manpower needs and reduce dropout rates.

38. Kothari Commission suggested strengthening which aspect for educational improvement?
A. Coaching institutes
B. Private tutorials
C. Supervision and inspection
D. Tuition fees

Answer: C. Supervision and inspection

Explanation: Strong supervision and inspection systems were seen as essential for quality improvement.

39. What was the recommendation regarding teacher education?
A. Reduce teacher training colleges
B. Increase in-service training and orientation
C. Privatize teacher education
D. Eliminate B.Ed. courses

Answer: B. Increase in-service training and orientation

Explanation: The Commission stressed in-service teacher training, refresher courses, and quality teacher preparation.

40. For what did the Commission recommend special measures for Scheduled Castes and Tribes?
A. Political representation
B. Cultural promotion
C. Educational opportunity
D. Religious conversion

Answer: C. Educational opportunity

Explanation: It recommended hostels, scholarships, and reserved seats to promote educational inclusion of SCs and STs.

41. The Commission emphasized linking education to:
A. Jobs and productivity
B. Spirituality
C. Entertainment
D. Literature

Answer: A. Jobs and productivity

Explanation: Education should lead to productive employment and economic growth, especially via vocational training.

42. The Kothari Commission emphasized which system of teacher evaluation?
A. Political evaluation
B. Self-assessment only
C. Confidential Report (CR)
D. Performance-based appraisal

Answer: D. Performance-based appraisal

Explanation: It recommended teacher evaluation based on performance and student outcomes.

43. What was said about private institutions?
A. Should be banned
B. Should dominate the system
C. Should be encouraged under social control
D. Should be nationalized

Answer: C. Should be encouraged under social control

Explanation: Private institutions were permitted but had to function under social accountability and regulation.

44. How did the Commission view religious education in public schools?
A. Mandatory
B. Optional
C. Should be eliminated
D. Essential for all

Answer: B. Optional

Explanation: Religious instruction was to be voluntary in state-funded institutions.

45. Kothari Commission’s recommendations led to the formulation of which policy?
A. National Education Policy 1968
B. NEP 1986
C. NEP 2020
D. RTE Act 2009

Answer: A. National Education Policy 1968

Explanation: The 1968 NEP was the first National Education Policy, based directly on Kothari Commission’s recommendations.

46. What did the Commission say about education and productivity?
A. Unrelated
B. Not important
C. Education should enhance productivity
D. Education reduces work motivation

Answer: C. Education should enhance productivity

Explanation: One of the three pillars of education was its link to productivity.

47. One of the suggested means to improve student discipline was:
A. Corporal punishment
B. Character education
C. Political orientation
D. Peer punishment

Answer: B. Character education

Explanation: Moral and character education was recommended to build responsible citizenship and discipline.

48. The Kothari Commission focused primarily on what kind of planning?
A. Educational Planning
B. Political Planning
C. Economic Planning
D. Agricultural Planning

Answer: A. Educational Planning

Explanation: It introduced the idea of national-level educational planning linked to development goals.

49. One key recommendation was to raise the minimum age of admission to Class I to:
A. 4 years
B. 5 years
C. 6 years
D. 7 years

Answer: C. 6 years

Explanation: It proposed that children be admitted to Class I at age 6, aligning with cognitive development.

50. The theme of Kothari Commission can be summarized as:
A. More exams, better learning
B. Education for profit
C. Education and National Development
D. Education for entertainment

Answer: C. Education and National Development

Explanation: The central theme of the Commission was “Education and National Development.”