Comprehension : Comprehension

Q 70 / 466

UPSC CSE Prelims 2024

Conventional classrooms, by emphasizing fixed duration over learning effectiveness, resign themselves to variable outcomes. The tyranny of the classroom is that every learner is subjected to the same set of lectures in the same way for the same duration. In the end, a few learners shine, some survive, and the rest are left behind. After the fixed duration, the classroom model moves on, with not a thought spared for those left behind. This is how we end up with 10 percent employability in our graduates after a decade and half of formal education. Repeating the same ineffectual script in the realm of skill education will not produce different results.
Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:

  1. As a large number of workers in our country are employed in unorganized sector, India does not need change to its present conventional classroom system of education.
  2. Even with its present conventional classroom system of education, India produces sufficient number of skilled workers to fully realize the benefits of demographic dividend.

Which of the assumptions given above is/are valid?

EXPLANATION

Correct Option (4)

The passage critically assesses the conventional classroom system, stating that its emphasis on fixed duration over learning effectiveness leads to "variable outcomes" and "10 percent employability in our graduates." It concludes that "repeating the same ineffectual script... will not produce different results," implying a strong need for educational reform.

Assumption 1 posits that India does not require changes to its conventional classroom system due to the large number of workers in the unorganized sector. This directly contradicts the passage's central argument for systemic change and introduces an external factor (the unorganized sector) that is not mentioned or discussed within the provided text as a justification for maintaining the status quo.

Assumption 2 suggests that the current conventional classroom system produces a sufficient number of skilled workers to fully realize the benefits of the demographic dividend. This directly contradicts the passage's assertion of low employability among graduates and the failure of the system to adequately prepare most learners, indicating an insufficiency of skilled individuals rather than sufficiency.

Since both assumptions are either directly contradicted by the passage or introduce elements not supported by its arguments, neither assumption is valid.

Incorrect Options:

Option 1 (1 only) is incorrect because Assumption 1 is invalid. The passage advocates for a change in the education system, not its continuation, and does not use the unorganized sector as a rationale.

Option 2 (2 only) is incorrect because Assumption 2 is invalid. The passage explicitly highlights the low employability of graduates, which contradicts the notion of producing sufficient skilled workers.

Option 3 (Both 1 and 2) is incorrect as both Assumption 1 and Assumption 2 are invalid based on the arguments presented in the passage.