SSC Stenographer 2026 PYQ — Question 163

SSC Stenographer - 11 Sep 2026 - Shift 1 • English • Q163

In the following question, some of the words in the passage have been left out. Read the passage carefully and choose the correct answer to each question out of the four alternatives and fill in the blanks.
An education loan, or student loan, is the amount of money borrowed by a student from a bank, specifically to pay for (1)_____ education. It helps them to cover tuition fees, books, laptops, and living expenses at national or international universities. The process of how they work is (2)_____. First, you apply to a lender by providing proof of college admission, a co-applicant (usually a parent), and (3)_____ if borrowing a large amount. Once approved, the bank pays the money directly to your college each semester. The biggest advantage is the moratorium period, which is a repayment holiday. Lenders do not force you to repay the loan while you are still studying. Instead, repayment begins six months to a year after graduation, giving you time to secure a (4)_____. Once this grace period ends, you repay the total borrowed amount plus interest through (5)_____ monthly payments over several years. Knowing these terms and conditions helps you to choose a loan with competitive interest rates and flexible repayment schedules, preventing heavy financial stress at the outset of your career.
What should come in Blank 1?

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A

Explanation

Correct Answer: Higher
Explanation
• The passage mentions attending "national or international universities" and providing "proof of college admission."
• In standard English and education terminology, post-secondary or college/university-level study is referred to as higher education.
• Terms like primary or basic refer to elementary schooling, which does not align with the context of university admissions, degrees, and career starts.