“Planning requires logical and systematic thinking rather than guess work or wishful thinking”. The feature of planning highlighted in the aforesaid statement is:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Planning is a mental exercise
Option (1) Planning is futuristic — Incorrect. This feature says planning looks ahead and is based on forecasts. The statement is about the kind of thinking, not about time.
Option (2) Planning involves decision making — Incorrect. This feature says planning chooses the best among several alternatives.
Option (3) Planning is a mental exercise — Correct. Planning needs foresight, imagination and sound judgement. It is an intellectual activity of thinking rather than doing, and the thinking must be orderly and based on facts, not on guesses.
Option (4) Planning helps in promoting creativity — Incorrect. This is not a feature of planning at all. Planning is even said to reduce creativity, since people must follow the plan.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “(vii) Planning is a mental exercise: Planning requires application of the mind involving foresight, intelligent imagination and sound judgement. It is basically an intellectual activity of thinking rather than doing, because planning determines the action to be taken. However, planning requires logical and systematic thinking rather than guess work or wishful thinking.” |
Note: The same/similar question has been asked in different years by NTA as per the details given below:
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
| 07-06 S2 | 24-05 S1 | – | – | – |