The correct answer is: D. 18 years
The Directive Principles of State Policy are a set of principles enshrined in the Constitution of India. They are not enforceable by law, but the government is expected to follow them in making laws and policies.
One of the Directive Principles is that the state should provide free and compulsory education to all children up to the age of 18. This principle was included in the Constitution in 1950, but it was not until 2009 that the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act (RTE Act) was passed. The RTE Act made it mandatory for all children between the ages of 6 and 14 to attend school.
The RTE Act has been a major success in increasing access to education in India. The number of children enrolled in school has increased significantly since the Act was passed. However, there are still many challenges that need to be addressed, such as ensuring that all children have access to quality education.
The other options are incorrect because they are not the age up to which children are expected to be provided free and compulsory education under the Directive Principles of State Policy.