In the Constitution of India, which group of Articles specifically deals with the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs)?

Introduction / Context:
Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) form an important part of the Indian Constitution. They provide guidelines for the State in making laws and pursuing social and economic policies, with the goal of achieving justice and welfare for all citizens. Although they are not directly enforceable in courts, they are fundamental in the governance of the country. This question checks whether you can recall the correct range of Articles that contain the DPSPs.

Given Data / Assumptions:

The question explicitly references the Directive Principles of State Policy.
You must select the correct range of Articles from four overlapping ranges of article numbers.
It is assumed that you know the broad structure of Part III (Fundamental Rights) and Part IV (Directive Principles) of the Constitution.

Concept / Approach:
The Constitution is divided into Parts and Articles. Fundamental Rights are mainly contained in Part III (Articles 12–35). The DPSPs are contained in Part IV of the Constitution, which spans from Article 36 to Article 51. Knowing these numbers is a standard requirement in competitive exams. Therefore, the correct approach is to identify the range that exactly matches Articles 36 to 51 as belonging to DPSPs, while recognising that other ranges in the options are incorrect or partially overlapping.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Part IV of the Constitution, titled Directive Principles of State Policy, begins at Article 36. Step 2: Note that this Part continues sequentially up to Article 51. Step 3: Compare the given options: 26–41, 30–45, 36–51 and 40–55. Step 4: Only option (c) exactly matches the known range of Articles 36 to 51 that make up the DPSPs. Step 5: Therefore, Articles 36 to 51 is the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard constitutional summaries list Part IV – Directive Principles of State Policy – as comprising Articles 36 through 51. These articles include provisions on social and economic justice, organisation of village panchayats, equal pay for equal work, living wages, organisation of agriculture and animal husbandry, environment, international peace and more. Since these articles are clearly numbered and widely taught, there is little scope for ambiguity about the range.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Articles 26 to 41: Article 26 falls within the Fundamental Rights dealing with freedom of religion, not DPSPs, so this range incorrectly overlaps Part III and Part IV. Articles 30 to 45: Article 30 deals with cultural and educational rights of minorities as a Fundamental Right, not a Directive Principle. The starting point is therefore wrong. Articles 40 to 55: Although some DPSPs fall within 40–51, the range 40–55 extends beyond DPSPs into other constitutional provisions and omits the initial DPSP articles (36–39).

Common Pitfalls:
Candidates sometimes confuse the article numbers for DPSPs with those for Fundamental Rights or mix up where Part III ends and Part IV begins. Another error is to remember the general content of Directive Principles but forget the exact article range. To avoid this, fix the key numbers in your memory: Part IV, Articles 36–51, and Part III, Articles 12–35. These anchors help you eliminate incorrect ranges quickly in the exam.

Final Answer:
The Directive Principles of State Policy are contained in Articles 36 to 51 of the Constitution of India.