UPSC Prelims 2020— Question 39

This question tests free legal aid eligibility. The key concept is: Free legal services under the Legal Services Authorities framework are available to specified vulnerable categories, including persons below prescribed income thresholds. The precise thresholds vary by legal category and rules. The combination accepted for this question covers the first and fourth propositions under the applicable eligibility framework at the time. The verified answer for the uploaded Set-B paper is option A. Option A — 1 and 2 only: This is the correct option. It matches the verified conclusion because Free legal services under the Legal Services Authorities framework are available to specified vulnerable categories, including persons below prescribed income thresholds. The precise thresholds vary by legal category and rules. The combination accepted for this question covers the first and fourth propositions under the applicable eligibility framework at the time. The wording of the option is consistent with the governing concept tested by the question. Option B — 3 and 4 only: This is not the correct option. The option does not match the verified combination or conclusion. The decisive point is the distinction explained above: Free legal services under the Legal Services Authorities framework are available to specified vulnerable categories, including persons below prescribed income thresholds. The precise thresholds vary by legal category and rules. The combination accepted for this question covers the first and fourth propositions under the applicable eligibility framework at the time. Therefore this alternative should be eliminated even if part of its wording appears plausible in isolation. Option C — 2 and 3 only: This is not the correct option. The option does not match the verified combination or conclusion. The decisive point is the distinction explained above: Free legal services under the Legal Services Authorities framework are available to specified vulnerable categories, including persons below prescribed income thresholds. The precise thresholds vary by legal category and rules. The combination accepted for this question covers the first and fourth propositions under the applicable eligibility framework at the time. Therefore this alternative should be eliminated even if part of its wording appears plausible in isolation. Option D — 1 and 4 only: This is not the correct option. The option does not match the verified combination or conclusion. The decisive point is the distinction explained above: Free legal services under the Legal Services Authorities framework are available to specified vulnerable categories, including persons below prescribed income thresholds. The precise thresholds vary by legal category and rules. The combination accepted for this question covers the first and fourth propositions under the applicable eligibility framework at the time. Therefore this alternative should be eliminated even if part of its wording appears plausible in isolation. For UPSC-style elimination, first identify the exact proposition being tested, then evaluate each statement independently before comparing the answer codes. Avoid treating a broad or absolute statement as correct merely because its general theme is familiar. The precise qualifiers in the question—such as 'all', 'only', 'cannot', 'largest', 'always' or a specific institutional role—often determine the answer. On that basis, option A is the verified answer.