Which one of the following Articles in Part III of the Constitution of

Which one of the following Articles in Part III of the Constitution of India is related to free and compulsory education ?

Article 19
Article 20A
Article 21
Article 21A
This question was previously asked in
UPSC Combined Section Officer – 2024
The correct answer is D, Article 21A.
Article 21A was inserted into the Constitution by the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002. It declares that the State shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of six to fourteen years in such manner as the State may, by law, determine. This makes the right to education a Fundamental Right for children in this age group.
Article 21 guarantees protection of life and personal liberty. Article 19 guarantees various freedoms like speech and expression. Article 20 provides protection in respect of conviction for offences. The 86th Amendment also amended Article 45 (Directive Principle) and added Article 51A(k) (Fundamental Duty) relating to education.