Critical reasoning — identify implicit assumptions Statement: The University authority decided to decentralize the conduct of terminal examinations, giving each college responsibility for its own students to avoid delays in declaring results. Assumptions to evaluate: I. Colleges are equipped to handle examination conduct and evaluation. II. There may not be uniform evaluation standards across colleges. III. Students may welcome this development.

Introduction / Context:
The University decentralizes exam administration to reduce result delays. We must decide which assumptions are necessary for this policy change to make sense. Focus on operational feasibility versus speculative reactions or side-effects.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Aim: avoid delay in result declaration.
• Action: colleges conduct exams for their own students.
• I: Colleges are capable (infrastructure, staff, processes).
• II: Evaluation standards may vary across colleges.
• III: Students may welcome the change.

Concept / Approach:
For a decentralization policy to be rational, it must at least assume feasibility at the college level (I). However, the provided options do not include “Only I”, so we must choose the option that best matches logical necessity among those available.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
A centrally coordinated moderation can still maintain uniformity, so II is optional. Students might prefer central exams yet still benefit from faster results, so III is optional.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Only I and II / Only II and III / Only I and III: each includes a nonessential claim.
• None is implicit: ignores clear feasibility assumption.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing possible consequences (non-uniformity, student sentiment) with prerequisites for the decision.

Final Answer:
None of these