1. Which Article of the Indian Constitution provides for the promotion of educational and economic interests of SCs, STs, and other weaker sections?
A. Article 15
B. Article 46
C. Article 29
D. Article 21A
Answer: B. Article 46
Explanation: Article 46 directs the State to promote the educational and economic interests of the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other weaker sections.
2. What is the primary objective of providing reservation in education for SC/ST/OBC?
A. To fulfill political promises
B. To ensure social justice and equity
C. To promote religious conversion
D. To develop elite professionals
Answer: B. To ensure social justice and equity
Explanation: Reservation is aimed at correcting historical injustices and providing equal opportunities to marginalized groups.
3. The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009 provides special focus on disadvantaged groups including:
A. SCs
B. STs
C. OBCs
D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
Explanation: The RTE Act recognizes disadvantaged groups including SCs, STs, and OBCs and mandates inclusive education for all.
4. What is the percentage of reservation for SCs in central educational institutions as per current Indian policy?
A. 10%
B. 15%
C. 27%
D. 7.5%
Answer: B. 15%
Explanation: The Government of India reserves 15% of seats in educational institutions for SCs.
5. In which year was the National Policy on Education (NPE) first introduced that emphasized educational upliftment of SCs/STs?
A. 1948
B. 1968
C. 1986
D. 1992
Answer: C. 1986
Explanation: The NPE 1986 gave special emphasis on the education of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
6. What is the reservation quota for STs in educational institutions as per Indian policy?
A. 7.5%
B. 10%
C. 12%
D. 27%
Answer: A. 7.5%
Explanation: Scheduled Tribes are provided 7.5% reservation in central educational institutions.
7. The reservation for OBCs in central educational institutions was implemented following the recommendation of which Commission?
A. Kothari Commission
B. Mandal Commission
C. Radhakrishnan Commission
D. Hunter Commission
Answer: B. Mandal Commission
Explanation: The Mandal Commission (1980) recommended 27% reservation for OBCs, which was implemented in the 1990s.
8. What is the current reservation percentage for OBCs in central government educational institutions?
A. 10%
B. 15%
C. 7.5%
D. 27%
Answer: D. 27%
Explanation: As per current policy, 27% reservation is provided to OBCs in central educational institutions.
9. Which scheme provides financial assistance for SC/ST students to pursue higher studies abroad?
A. Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme
B. National Overseas Scholarship
C. Merit-cum-Means Scholarship
D. Vidya Laxmi Yojana
Answer: B. National Overseas Scholarship
Explanation: The National Overseas Scholarship supports SC/ST students pursuing Master’s or Ph.D. abroad.
10. The Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC/ST/OBC students is implemented by:
A. UGC
B. State Governments
C. Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
D. NITI Aayog
Answer: C. Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
Explanation: This Ministry implements the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SCs, STs, and OBCs.
11. Ashram Schools are specially set up for the education of:
A. Children with special needs
B. Urban poor
C. Tribal children
D. Rural girls
Answer: C. Tribal children
Explanation: Ashram Schools are residential schools established especially for Scheduled Tribe children in remote areas.
12. What is the purpose of Pre-Matric Scholarship schemes for SC/ST/OBCs?
A. Support for doctoral studies
B. Encourage students to continue education till 10th grade
C. Promote vocational training
D. Encourage sports
Answer: B. Encourage students to continue education till 10th grade
Explanation: Pre-Matric scholarships help prevent dropout among SC/ST/OBC students before secondary level.
13. Which program was launched to improve education among SC girls?
A. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
B. Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya
C. Pragati Scheme
D. National Scheme for Incentive to Girls
Answer: D. National Scheme for Incentive to Girls
Explanation: The National Scheme for Incentive to Girls aims to promote education among SC/ST girl students.
14. Which constitutional body safeguards the educational interests of SCs and STs?
A. Ministry of Education
B. National Human Rights Commission
C. National Commission for Scheduled Castes
D. Election Commission
Answer: C. National Commission for Scheduled Castes
Explanation: The NCSC monitors implementation of safeguards including educational rights for SCs.
15. Which of the following is not a problem faced by SC/ST/OBC students in education?
A. Language barrier
B. Financial burden
C. Access to online learning
D. Privileged social status
Answer: D. Privileged social status
Explanation: SC/ST/OBC groups are socially and economically disadvantaged, not privileged.
16. The Navodaya Vidyalaya Scheme gives preference to:
A. Only SCs
B. Only OBCs
C. Rural and disadvantaged children including SC/ST
D. Only urban middle class
Answer: C. Rural and disadvantaged children including SC/ST
Explanation: Navodaya schools promote quality education in rural areas, prioritizing SC/ST students.
17. Which constitutional amendment made education a Fundamental Right for all children including SC/ST/OBC?
A. 42nd Amendment
B. 86th Amendment
C. 61st Amendment
D. 73rd Amendment
Answer: B. 86th Amendment
Explanation: The 86th Amendment (2002) added Article 21A, making free and compulsory education a fundamental right for children aged 6–14.
18. What is the main challenge in the implementation of inclusive education for SC/ST/OBC?
A. Lack of interest
B. Language diversity
C. Social discrimination and prejudice
D. Lack of ICT tools
Answer: C. Social discrimination and prejudice
Explanation: Social exclusion and caste-based discrimination often prevent effective inclusive education for SC/ST/OBC students.
19. “Education for All” (Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan) includes SC/ST/OBC children under which category?
A. General
B. Disadvantaged group
C. Gifted group
D. Non-resident group
Answer: B. Disadvantaged group
Explanation: SC/ST/OBC students are considered part of the disadvantaged group under SSA to ensure inclusive learning.
20. Which policy document emphasized the removal of disparities and equalizing educational opportunities for SCs/STs?
A. NEP 1968
B. NPE 1986
C. RTE 2009
D. SSA 2001
Answer: B. NPE 1986
Explanation: The National Policy on Education, 1986 emphasized equity and access in education for SCs and STs.
21. What role do residential schools play in tribal education?
A. They promote sports activities only
B. They remove access barriers in remote areas
C. They teach religious texts
D. They focus only on technical education
Answer: B. They remove access barriers in remote areas
Explanation: Residential schools like Ashram Schools help tribal children from remote areas access education.
22. Which of the following centrally sponsored schemes provides hostels for SC/ST students?
A. Samagra Shiksha
B. National Scholarship Portal
C. Scheme for Construction of Hostels
D. Vidya Samiksha Kendra
Answer: C. Scheme for Construction of Hostels
Explanation: This scheme builds hostels for SC/ST boys and girls, especially in educationally backward areas.
23. What is the dropout trend among SC/ST students compared to general category students?
A. Lower
B. Equal
C. Higher
D. Not studied
Answer: C. Higher
Explanation: Dropout rates are significantly higher among SC/ST students due to poverty, discrimination, and lack of support.
24. What is the purpose of the Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS)?
A. Promote Sanskrit learning
B. Provide higher education in urban areas
C. Deliver quality education to tribal students
D. Train teachers
Answer: C. Deliver quality education to tribal students
Explanation: EMRS are residential schools meant to provide CBSE-standard education to ST students in remote areas.
25. What is the role of Mid-Day Meal Scheme in promoting SC/ST/OBC education?
A. It teaches hygiene
B. It provides financial aid
C. It reduces dropout by incentivizing attendance
D. It conducts entrance exams
Answer: C. It reduces dropout by incentivizing attendance
Explanation: The Mid-Day Meal Scheme improves enrolment and retention, especially among SC/ST children.
26. Which body is responsible for monitoring SC/ST/OBC students’ representation in higher education?
A. NCERT
B. UGC
C. CBSE
D. IGNOU
Answer: B. UGC
Explanation: The University Grants Commission (UGC) monitors reservation and welfare measures for SC/ST/OBC students in universities.
27. Which level of education shows the lowest enrollment rate among ST children?
A. Primary
B. Upper Primary
C. Secondary
D. Higher Education
Answer: D. Higher Education
Explanation: Due to socio-economic barriers, tribal students have the lowest representation in higher education.
28. The Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) is aimed at:
A. Legal support
B. Cultural preservation
C. Welfare and education of tribal population
D. Rural employment
Answer: C. Welfare and education of tribal population
Explanation: The TSP strategy channels resources for the socio-economic and educational development of tribal communities.
29. The Scheduled Castes Sub-Plan (SCSP) focuses on:
A. Establishing new universities
B. Economic empowerment only
C. Holistic development including education
D. Urban planning
Answer: C. Holistic development including education
Explanation: SCSP addresses multi-sectoral development, including education, to uplift SC communities.
30. Which ministry maintains the National Scholarship Portal that includes SC/ST/OBC scholarships?
A. Ministry of Home Affairs
B. Ministry of Education
C. Ministry of Tribal Affairs and Ministry of Social Justice
D. Ministry of Skill Development
Answer: C. Ministry of Tribal Affairs and Ministry of Social Justice
Explanation: Both ministries provide scholarships and schemes through the NSP platform for SC/ST/OBC students.
31. Which state in India has implemented significant tribal education reforms through “Kanya Ashram Schools”?
A. Kerala
B. Odisha
C. Rajasthan
D. Punjab
Answer: B. Odisha
Explanation: Odisha has successfully implemented Kanya Ashram schools for tribal girls to boost education.
32. What does “inclusive education” mean in the context of SC/ST/OBC learners?
A. Education only in rural areas
B. Segregation in separate schools
C. Equal learning opportunities in mainstream schools
D. Focus only on gifted children
Answer: C. Equal learning opportunities in mainstream schools
Explanation: Inclusive education means that SC/ST/OBC students learn with all other children in regular settings.
33. What is a major reason for the underachievement of SC/ST/OBC students in school?
A. Lack of intelligence
B. Poor nutritional status and family support
C. Excess screen time
D. Political engagement
Answer: B. Poor nutritional status and family support
Explanation: Malnutrition, poverty, and family illiteracy affect educational outcomes for marginalized students.
34. Who among the following was a pioneer in advocating education for Dalits in colonial India?
A. Mahatma Gandhi
B. Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
C. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
D. Rabindranath Tagore
Answer: C. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
Explanation: Dr. Ambedkar, himself a Dalit, was a strong advocate of education as a means of social uplift for the oppressed classes.
35. According to NEP 2020, how should educational institutions address the needs of SC/ST/OBC students?
A. Through reservation only
B. By ensuring scholarships
C. By providing socio-emotional and academic support
D. By organizing separate schools
Answer: C. By providing socio-emotional and academic support
Explanation: NEP 2020 emphasizes holistic support — financial, psychological, academic — for socially disadvantaged groups.
36. What does the term ‘socially disadvantaged groups’ (SDGs) in NEP 2020 include?
A. Only SCs and STs
B. Only girls
C. SCs, STs, OBCs, minorities, and differently-abled
D. Only minorities
Answer: C. SCs, STs, OBCs, minorities, and differently-abled
Explanation: NEP 2020 uses the term SDGs to broadly include all marginalized or excluded groups, including SC/ST/OBCs.
37. Which Act prohibits discrimination against SC/ST students in educational institutions?
A. UGC Act
B. Protection of Civil Rights Act
C. Right to Education Act
D. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989
Answer: D. SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989
Explanation: This Act makes discrimination in schools and colleges a punishable offense.
38. What is the significance of “education as a tool of empowerment” for SC/ST/OBC groups?
A. It promotes cultural assimilation
B. It maintains social hierarchy
C. It helps break the cycle of poverty and caste-based oppression
D. It ensures religious dominance
Answer: C. It helps break the cycle of poverty and caste-based oppression
Explanation: Education empowers marginalized communities to gain dignity, rights, and economic freedom.
39. What is one of the main goals of NEP 2020 regarding underrepresented groups like SC/ST/OBCs?
A. Ensure 100% online education
B. Increase GER (Gross Enrolment Ratio) at all levels
C. Introduce Sanskrit in all schools
D. Privatize education
Answer: B. Increase GER (Gross Enrolment Ratio) at all levels
Explanation: NEP 2020 aims to bridge the enrolment gap, especially for underrepresented and disadvantaged groups.
40. In the Indian context, affirmative action in education means:
A. Providing elite education to all
B. Imposing uniformity
C. Taking positive steps to ensure equal opportunities for SC/ST/OBC
D. Abolishing all scholarships
Answer: C. Taking positive steps to ensure equal opportunities for SC/ST/OBC
Explanation: Affirmative action includes reservations, scholarships, hostels, and support programs to uplift disadvantaged sections.