How to use this glossary
These are common general-awareness items and useful for understanding education-policy news (NEP, NIRF). Group the bodies, exams and policy terms.
UGC
Higher-ed regulator
NCERT
Curriculum body
NTA
Testing agency
NEP
Education policy
Bodies and councils
| Abbr. | Full form |
|---|---|
| UGC | University Grants Commission |
| NCERT | National Council of Educational Research and Training |
| CBSE | Central Board of Secondary Education |
| AICTE | All India Council for Technical Education |
| NTA | National Testing Agency |
| NIOS | National Institute of Open Schooling |
| NCTE | National Council for Teacher Education |
Exams and institutions
| Abbr. | Full form |
|---|---|
| NEET | National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (medical) |
| JEE | Joint Entrance Examination (engineering) |
| CUET | Common University Entrance Test |
| CSIR-NET / UGC-NET | National Eligibility Test |
| IIT / IIM / NIT | Indian Institute of Technology / Management / National Institute of Technology |
| AIIMS | All India Institute of Medical Sciences |
Policy and rankings
| Abbr. | Full form |
|---|---|
| NEP | National Education Policy |
| NIRF | National Institutional Ranking Framework |
| RTE | Right to Education (Act) |
| SSA | Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan |
| NAAC | National Assessment and Accreditation Council |
| GER | Gross Enrolment Ratio |
UPSC angle
Know the regulators (UGC/AICTE/NCTE), the testing agency (NTA) and the policy terms (NEP/RTE/NIRF). NEP 2020 features in current affairs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the full form of UGC?
University Grants Commission.
What does NCERT stand for?
National Council of Educational Research and Training.
What is the full form of NEET and JEE?
NEET = National Eligibility cum Entrance Test; JEE = Joint Entrance Examination.
What is the full form of NEP?
National Education Policy.