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Class 12 Education Chapter 1 Post-Independence India and Secondary Education in Assam
Selected Questions-Answers
A. Short Answer Type: (Marks for each – 1)
Write True or False:
(1) The Education Commission in India was introduced during 1964–66.
Ans: False.
Note: The Education Commission (1964–66), popularly known as theKothari Commission, was appointed in 1964.
(2) “Education Challenge: A Visionary Plan” is associated with the National Policy on Education of 1968.
Ans: False.
Note: “Challenge of Education: A Policy Perspective” is associated with the National Policy on Education, 1986, not 1968.
(3) The Education Commission divided school education into three stages.
Ans: True.
(4) The Mudaliar Commission, in the first chapter of its report, gave recommendations regarding the aims of secondary education.
Ans: True.
(5) The Assam Secondary Education Act was passed in 1962.
Ans: False.
Note: The Assam Secondary Education Act was passed in 1961.
(6) The National Policy on Education was re-determined in 1992.
Ans: False.
Note: The National Policy on Education (1986) was revised in 1992.
(7) The Mudaliar Commission was formed under the chairmanship of Dr. Lakshmanswami Mudaliar.
Ans: True.
(8) The Kothari Commission was formed on 1st January 1964.
Ans: False.
Note: The Kothari Commission was appointed on 14 July 1964.
(9) The Indian Education Commission (1964–66) emphasized productivity.
Ans: True.
(10) The New National Policy on Education emphasizes the necessity of vocational education.
Ans: True.
(11) At present, the 10+2+3 educational structure has been introduced in India.
Ans: False.
Note: The 10+2+3 educational structure has already been implemented in India.
(12) Gauhati University was established in 1948.
Ans: True.
(13) The State Board of Secondary Education was formed in 1962.
Ans: True.
(14) The Assam Higher Secondary Education Council was formed in 1984. H. S. ’15
Ans: True.
(15) According to the recommendations of the National Policy on Education, 1986, at first 10 Navodaya Vidyalayas were established.
Ans: False.
Note: The Navodaya Vidyalaya Scheme was initiated in 1986, but was not restricted to only 10 schools as stated.
(16) A significant problem of secondary education in Assam is the high failure rate in English.
Ans: True.
(17) The Government of India introduced a new education policy in 1988.
Ans: False.
Note: The National Policy on Education was introduced in 1986.
(18) The Assam Secondary Education Act was passed in 1962.
Ans: False.
Note: It was passed in 1961.
19) The total number of members of the Mudaliar Commission was nine.
Ans: True.
(20) The Mudaliar Commission was formed on 23 September 1962.
Ans: False.
Note: The Secondary Education Commission (Mudaliar Commission)was appointed in 1952.
(21) Which Education Commission recommended the 10+2+3pattern of education? H. S. ’15, ’20
Ans: Kothari Commission.
B. Fill in the blanks: (Marks for each – 1)
(1) The Mudaliar Commission is also known as the —.
Ans: Secondary Education Commission.
(2) The report of the Kothari Commission was submitted on —.
Ans: 29 June 1966.
(3) The recommendation regarding “Delinking degrees from jobs” was given by —.
Ans: National Policy on Education, 1986.
(4) The final draft of the National Policy on Education, 1986, was presented in —.
Ans: May.
(5) The Assam Secondary Education Act was passed in —.
Ans: 1961.
(6) The Assam Secondary Education Act recommends the — as the Secretary of the Secondary Education Board.
Ans: Director of Education.
(7) The first secondary school in Assam was established in —.
Ans: 1835.
(8) Control of secondary education in Assam was transferred from the University of Calcutta to Gauhati University in —.
Ans: 1948.
(9) The office of the Assam Secondary Education Board is located at —.
Ans: Guwahati (Bamunimaidam).
(10) In 1969–70, the number of multipurpose schools in Assam was—.
Ans: 70.
(11) The report of the Mudaliar Commission consists of — chapters.
Ans: 15.
(12) In the second part of the third chapter of the Mudaliar Commission report, the — of secondary education have been presented.
Ans: Aims and objectives.
(13) According to the Kothari Commission, the first public examination should be held at the end of — years of schooling.
Ans: 10 years.
(14) In 1992, the — Committee revised the National Policy on Education.
Ans: Ramamurti Committee.
(15) The original name of the present Cotton Collegiate School was—.
Ans: Guwahati Seminary.
(16) The Assam Higher Secondary Education Council was formed according to the recommendation of the — Commission.
Ans: Kothari Commission (1964–66).
(17) The — Commission recommended that the pre-university course should be separated from the university and brought under the school level.
Ans: Kothari Commission.
(18) The Chairman of the Commission formed by the Government of India in 1964 was —.
Ans: D. S. Kothari.
(19) The Chairman of the Secondary Education Commission was—.
Ans: Dr. Lakshmanswami Mudaliar.
(20) The Mudaliar Commission was appointed in —.
Ans: 1952.
(21) The Mudaliar Commission is popularly known as the —.
Ans: Secondary Education Commission.
(22) “The destiny of India is now being shaped in her classrooms.”This statement was made by —.
Ans: Kothari Commission.
(23) The Assam Higher Secondary Education Council was established in —. H. S. ’15
Ans: 1984.
(24) Who patronized the adoption of the National Policy on Education? H. S. ’16
Ans: Rajiv Gandhi.
(24) The Assam Secondary Education Board was established as per the direction of the —. H. S. ’19
Ans: Kothari Commission.
(25) The name of the second largest open university in the world is—. H. S. ’19
Ans: Indira Gandhi National Open University.
(26) World Population Day is observed on —. H. S. ’19
Ans: 11 July.
(27) The Tbilisi International Conference on Environmental Education was held in —.
Ans: 1977.
C. Answer in brief: (Marks for each – 2)
(1) What do you understand by Navodaya Vidyalaya? H. S. ’19
Ans: According to the recommendations of the National Policy on Education, Navodaya Vidyalaya is a category of schools established to ensure that intellectually talented students from rural areas are not deprived of education due to financial constraints. Excellence, quality, and social justice are the ideals of Navodaya Vidyalayas. These schools are residential and provide free education.
(2) What are the objectives of Navodaya Vidyalaya?
Ans: The objectives of Navodaya Vidyalaya are mentioned below:
(i) To provide quality education to children from rural areas.
(ii) To provide free education.
(iii) To offer educational opportunities to those hindered by poverty.
(3) What is meant by ‘Operation Blackboard’?
Ans: ‘Operation Blackboard’ was a scheme through which essential teaching-learning materials were supplied to primary schools, and provision was made for appointing at least two teachers (including one woman teacher)in every school.
(4) What is meant by ECCE? H. S. ’15, ’17
Ans: ECCE means Early Childhood Care and Education. According to the National Policy on Education, it refers to providing proper care and education during early childhood so that young children can develop in a joyful environment. It includes the provision of balanced and nutritious food and emphasizes social, mental, and physical development.
(5) Write two recommendations made by the New Education Policy, 1986, for reforming the examination system.
Ans: The two recommendations for examination reform were:
(i) Introduction of Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation.
(ii) Introduction of a grading system in place of numerical marks.
(6) What is meant by the National System of Education? H. S. ’16Ans: The Kothari Commission realized that the solution to the nation’s problems and success in national development largely depend on education.
Therefore, it emphasized organizing and developing a National System of Education both qualitatively and quantitatively.
(7) What is meant by Work Experience?
Or
What is Work Experience according to the Kothari Commission? H. S. ’15
Ans: Work Experience is a subject that integrates education with work. Through it, students can participate in activities at home, school, workshops, and other places. It may be both general and vocational in nature. The Kothari Commission expressed the view that Work Experience should be an integral part of both general and vocational education.
(8) Write about the structure of primary education according to theKothari Commission (1964).
Ans: According to the Kothari Commission, the structural pattern of primary education should extend up to 7–8 years. It included 4–5 years of lower primary education and 2 years of upper primary education.
(9) Write about the structure of secondary education according to the Kothari Commission. H. S. ’16
Ans: According to the Kothari Commission, lower secondary general education should be of 2 or 3 years’ duration and vocational education from 1to 3 years. Similarly, higher secondary general education should be of 2 years’ duration and vocational education from 1 to 3 years.
(10) Mention the aims (recommendations) of education according to the New National Policy on Education, 1986. H. S. ’15
Ans: According to the National Policy on Education, 1986, the aims of education are:
(a) Students, irrespective of caste, creed, sex, or place, should receive quality education up to a certain stage.
(b) The 10+2+3 educational structure should be introduced throughout
the country.
(c) There should be coordination between institutions of higher and technical education.
(d) Through curriculum development, cultural heritage should be preserved and equality, secularism, and a classless social order should be promoted.
(11) Write a short note on the Assam Higher Secondary Education Council.
Ans: The Assam Higher Secondary Education Council was formed in 1984 on the basis of the recommendations of the Kothari Commission. The Council bears administrative and academic responsibility at the higher secondary stage. As a result, the management, control, and administration of higher secondary education were entrusted to the Council. Note: The reference to “1984 Kothari Commission” in the original text is incorrect. The Kothari Commission functioned during 1964–66.
(12) According to the National Policy on Education, 1986, what was the name of the scheme adopted for the improvement of primary education in India? H. S. ’15
Ans: Operation Blackboard.
(13) Mention two recommendations made by the Mudaliar Commission for developing leadership qualities among students. H. S.’16
Ans: The two recommendations were:
(a) Training in discipline.
(b) Training in leadership.
(14) Mention two changes that took place in the field of secondary education in Assam according to the recommendations of the Mudaliar Commission. H. S. ’16
Ans: The two changes were:
(a) Establishment of multipurpose schools in Assam.
(b) Enforcement of the Assam Secondary Education Act.
(15) What were the recommendations of the Mudaliar Commission regarding the development of vocational competence as an aim of secondary education? H. S. ’17, ’20
Ans: The recommendations were:
(a) Students should develop respect for all kinds of work without discrimination between big and small tasks. Secondary education should impart such values.
(b) Students should be trained to develop technical skills and competence in all aspects of education so that they become skilled and qualified individuals.
(16) Write two defects of education mentioned by the Mudaliar Commission.
Ans: The two defects were:
(a) The curriculum of secondary education was not related to real life.
(b) The secondary education system did not provide scope for the full development of the learner’s personality.
(17) Mention two significant impacts of the Kothari Commission’s recommendations on secondary education in Assam. H. S. ’18
Ans: The two significant impacts were:
(a) Introduction of 12 years of schooling.
(b) Introduction of a two-year higher secondary stage.
(18) Non-formal education is called a supplement to formal education. Write two reasons. H. S. ’19
Ans: Non-formal education is considered a supplement to formal education because those who are deprived of formal education for various reasons can receive education through non-formal means. This system is flexible, low-cost, and can be accessed at any stage of life. Therefore, it helps to compensate for the lack of formal education and complements the formal system.
D. Answer the following: (Marks for each – 3)
(1) Explain the recommendations made by the Secondary Education Commission for the development of citizenship through secondary education. H. S. ’17
Ans: The chief aim of secondary education in a democratic country is to develop good citizens. At the secondary stage, students should not be confined within outdated customs and traditions; rather, they should be provided with scientific knowledge. Such knowledge helps in developing an objective outlook among learners. For the development of democratic citizenship, every citizen must possess certain qualities, such as:
(a) sound thinking,
(b) healthy social adjustment,
(c) social justice,
(d) clarity in speech and writing,
(e) tolerance, and
(f) true patriotism.
(2) Elaborately explain the necessity of leadership education in democracy as suggested by the Mudaliar Commission.
Ans: The Mudaliar Commission felt that leadership education is essential for the development of democracy. In this regard, it emphasized the following aspects:
(1) Students at the secondary level should be able to provide social, political, and cultural leadership within their respective regions and communities.
(2) Secondary education should prepare students to provide leadership at the intermediate levels of society.
(3) Training in discipline and leadership should be imparted at the secondary stage.
(4) Students should acquire civic and vocational competencies along with character qualities so that they can contribute to the improvement of national life.
(3) According to the Kothari Commission (1964), what should be the structure of primary education? Describe.
Ans: The Kothari Commission (1964) emphasized that the educational structure should be based on the 10+2+3 pattern. According to the Commission, the structure of primary education should be as follows:
(a) Where possible, pre-primary education of 1 to 3 years should be provided before primary schooling.
(b) The age of admission to Class I in primary school should generally not be below 6 years.
(c) The primary stage should extend to 7–8 years, divided into two substages: lower primary of 4–5 years and upper primary of 3 years.
(4) What recommendations did the New National Policy on Education, 1986, make regarding changes in the educational structure? H. S. ’15
Ans: The National Policy on Education, 1986, advocated a common educational structure for all. It recommended the adoption of the 10+2+3pattern throughout the country. Under this structure, the first ten years would include five years of primary education, three years of upper primary education, and two years of secondary education. After ten years of schooling, there should be a two-year higher secondary stage, followed by a three-year degree course.
(5) Mention the reasons behind the formation of the Secondary Education Commission.
Ans: After India attained independence, it was observed that secondary education merely prepared students for university education. It failed to provide the ideals, inspiration, and practical orientation necessary for life. It did not adequately develop students’ sense of social responsibility, values, or leadership qualities. In the 1948 meeting of the Central Advisory Board of Education, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad stated that the time had come to move beyond traditional methods and discover new approaches. Realizing the need for reorganization and evaluation of secondary education, the Central Advisory Board of Education recommended to the Government in 1949 the appointment of a Secondary Education Commission.
(6) According to the New National Policy on Education, 1986, what are the aims of education? H. S. ’12
Ans: According to the 1986 Policy, the aims of education are:
(a) Up to a certain stage, all students, irrespective of caste, creed, sex, or place, should receive quality education.
(b) The 10+2+3 educational structure should be adopted throughout the country.
(c) There should be coordination and exchange among institutions of higher and technical education.
(d) Through curriculum development, cultural heritage should be preserved and equality, secularism, and a classless social order should be promoted.
(7) Write the recommendations made by the New National Policy on Education regarding “Education for Equality.” H. S. ’18
Ans: The New National Policy on Education emphasized “Education for Equality” to remove disparities in education. It gave special importance to the expansion of women’s education. It also stressed providing educational opportunities for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, minorities, disadvantaged groups, and adults. The Policy declared that residential schools should be established in each district for disadvantaged groups.
(8) On what basis was the New National Policy on Education, 1986, prepared? Explain.
Ans: For the full development of the nation’s human resources, a planned and stable educational system was considered essential. To fulfill this need, anational education policy was introduced. With the objective of preparing theyounger generation for the 21st century through new ideas and a scientific outlook, the Government of India published an educational document titled“Challenge of Education” in 1985. On the basis of the principle that education plays a unique and significant role in linking the present and future of the nation, the New National Policy on Education was adopted in May 1986 in both Houses of Parliament.
(9) What is the 10+2+3 structure?
Or
Briefly write the recommendations made by the Kothari Commission regarding the organization of secondary education. H. S. ’20
Ans: The Kothari Commission emphasized that the educational structures should be based on the 10+2+3 pattern and implemented in a phased mannerwithin about twenty years. According to this scheme, higher secondary education was to be specialized from Class XI. The pre-university course was to be shifted from universities and affiliated colleges to secondary schools. The flexible structure proposed by the Commission was as follows:
(1) Pre-primary education of 1–3 years.
(2) Primary education of 7–8 years.
(3) Lower secondary or high school education of 2–3 years, with vocational education of 1–3 years.
(4) Higher secondary general education of 2 years.
(5) A three-year degree course.
(10) What do you understand by the Higher Secondary Education Council?
Ans: In 1984, the Assam Higher Secondary Education Council was formed on the basis of the recommendations of the Kothari Commission. The Council assumed both administrative and academic responsibilities for the higher secondary stage of education. As a result, the management, control, and administration of higher secondary education came under the authority of the Council. Earlier, the responsibilities of preparing syllabi, prescribing textbooks, and conducting examinations at the higher secondary level were under the control of Gauhati University and Dibrugarh University. These responsibilities were later transferred to the Council. Although the higher secondary classes are attached to both schools and colleges, full authority rests with the Higher Secondary Education Council.
(9) What is meant by vocationalisation of education?
Ans: Vocationalisation of education refers to an education system that enables individuals to acquire skills necessary for earning a livelihood in daily life. Through this system, efforts are made to solve the unemployment problemof the country. To make education vocational in nature, importance is givento science-based and technical education at the secondary and higher levels. In India, the Kothari Commission placed special emphasis on vocational education.
(10) What is “Work Experience” according to the Kothari Commission?
Ans: According to the Kothari Commission, work experience should be included as an integral part of both general and vocational education. Work experience helps students prepare for employment and connects education with practical life.
(11) Briefly write the recommendations of the Kothari Commission regarding the organization of secondary education.
Ans: According to the Kothari Commission:
1. The structure of education should follow the 10+2+3 pattern.
2. Secondary education should include both general and vocational streams.
3. Technical efficiency and skills should be developed among students.
4. Students should be taught to respect all forms of work, regardless of status. In Assam, two major changes were introduced:
(a) Establishment of multipurpose schools.
(b) Enforcement of the Secondary Education Act.
Long Answer Type Questions (Marks 4-5 Each)
(1) Suggest four measures to remove the problems of secondary education.
Ans: The following measures may be taken to remove the problems ofsecondary ecudation:
1. Appointment of trained teachers.
2. Preparation of curriculum relevant to real life.
3. Emphasis on vocational subjects.
4. Removal of inequalities and improvement of quality education.
(2) Under what circumstances was the Mudaliar Commission formed?
Ans: In 1949, the Central Advisory Board of Education proposed to the Government the reorganization and evaluation of secondary education. The proposal was again submitted in 1951. As a result, the Secondary Education Commission was formed on 23 September 1952 under the chairmanship of Dr. Lakshmanswami Mudaliar. Hence, it came to be known as the Mudaliar Commission.
The Commission collected information from across the country and submitted a report of about 300 pages divided into 15 chapters to the Central Government on 25 August 1953.
(3) Write about the Kothari Commission and secondary education in Assam.
Ans: On the basis of the recommendations of the Kothari Commission, structural reforms were introduced in secondary education in Assam. The 10+2+3 pattern was implemented. From 1973 onwards, the system of 10 years of secondary schooling followed by 2 years of higher secondary education was adopted. Several secondary schools were upgraded to higher secondary schools. In 1984, the Assam Higher Secondary Education Council was established. As per the Commission’s recommendations, Science and Mathematics were made compulsory subjects, while Geography and History were made optional. Work experience was also included in the curriculum.
(4) Write four provisions of the Assam Secondary Education Act, 1961.
Ans: Four provisions of the Assam Secondary Education Act, 1961 are:
i. The Act applies to the whole of Assam.
ii. All secondary educational institutions in Assam would come under the authority of the Secondary Education Board.
iii. The Government would constitute the Secondary Education Board and assign it responsibilities for development.
iv. The Director of Education would serve as the President of the Board, and the Secretary would be appointed by the Government.
(5) Describe the functions of the Assam Secondary Education Board.
Ans: The functions of the Assam Secondary Education Board are:
i. Preparation of curriculum for secondary and higher secondary levels.
ii. Conducting examinations, declaring results, awarding certificates, prizes, and scholarships.
iii. Determining teachers’ qualifications.
iv. Granting and withdrawing recognition of schools.
v. Preparing training curricula for untrained teachers and conducting their examinations.
vi. Accepting government grants.
(6) Discuss the problems of secondary education in Assam.
Ans: The problems of secondary education in Assam are:
1. Variation in standards, facilities, and discipline among institutions(government, private, and college-based).
2. Increasing rate of failure among students.
3. Shortage of trained teachers (more than 60% untrained at the secondary level).
4. Lack of regular inspection due to an insufficient number of inspectors.
5. Curriculum not practical or suitable to students’ needs.
(7) What provisions did the National Policy on Education, 1986, make for equality in education?
Ans: The provisions the National Policy on Education, 1986, make for equality in education are:
1. Women’s Education – Emphasis on vocational, technical, and professional education for women to reduce social inequality.
2. Scheduled Castes – Scholarships, regular school attendance, teacher appointments, and necessary facilities.
3. Minorities – Provision of educational facilities as guaranteed by the Constitution.
4. Differently-abled persons – Special educational facilities to help them live with confidence and dignity.
5. Adult Education – Programs to remove illiteracy, poverty, and ignorance among adults (especially those aged 15–35) and to promote national integration and family welfare.
(8) What recommendations did the Kothari Commission make to relate education with productivity? H.S. ’16
Ans: To relate education with productivity, the Kothari Commission made the following recommendations:
(a) Vocationalisation: To develop production-oriented education, vocational tendencies at the secondary level should be strengthened. Emphasizing vocationalisation, the Commission stated that in the future it would be impossible to keep general education and vocational education completely separate.
(b) Work Experience: The Commission recommended that work experience should form an integral part of both general and vocational education. The introduction of work experience would remove the weakness of “aversion to manual work” that existed in modern education.
(c) Science-based Education: Science education should be an essential component of school education. Through the application of science, the gross national product of the country should be increased.
(d) Improvement of Science and Technical Education: According to the Commission, in order to ensure the planned development of the national economy, science and technical education must be improved. The number of students in engineering and agriculture should be increased at a higher rate. The quality of education and research in the country should also be enhanced.
(9) Write about five important recommendations of the New National Policy on Education, 1986. H.S. ’16
Or
Write the recommendations of the National Policy on Education, 1986, regarding secondary education. H.S. ’17
Ans: For the full development of the nation’s human resources, a planned and stable education system is essential. To fulfill this need, an education policy was introduced in the country. In 1985, a document titled “Challenge of Education” was published with the aim of preparing the younger generation for the 21st century through new ideas and a scientific outlook. Based on the principle that education plays a unique and significant role in linking the present and future of the nation, the New National Policy on Education was adopted by both Houses of Parliament in May 1986. The major recommendations of this policy were:
(a) Early childhood care and education.
(b) Universal enrolment.
(c) Non-formal education.
(d) Establishment of rural universities.
(10) Write the recommendations of the Mudaliar Commission regarding the aims of secondary education.
Or
According to the Mudaliar Commission, what were the aims of secondary education? H.S. ’19
Ans: After India attained independence, it was observed that secondary education mainly prepared students only for university education. It failed to develop the proper ideals and motivations among students. It also did not adequately awaken in them a sense of social responsibility, duty, values, and leadership. In the 1948 meeting of the Central Advisory Board of Education, the then Education Minister, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, stated, “The time has passed for solving educational problems through the old system. New approaches must be discovered.” Realizing the need for reorganization and evaluation of secondary education, the Central Advisory Board of Education proposed in 1949 the formation of a Secondary Education Commission. The Mudaliar Commission recommended the following aims of secondary education:
(a) Development of democratic citizenship.
(b) Improvement of vocational efficiency.
(c) Development of personality.
(d) Training for leadership.
(5) Mention the reasons behind the formation of the Secondary Education Commission.
Ans: After independence, it was found that secondary education prepared students only for university studies and failed to achieve broader educational objectives. It did not develop social responsibility, moral values, or leadership qualities among students.
In 1948, at a meeting of the Central Advisory Board of Education, Education Minister Maulana Abul Kalam Azad emphasized the need for new approaches to solve educational problems. Recognizing the need to reorganize and evaluate secondary education, the Board proposed in 1949 the formation of the Secondary Education Commission.
