Sunil is 24 years old and has an IQ of about 65. He has no speech problems and understands what others say to him. He studied up to Class 5 in a supportive school and has a few close friends. He now works as a helper in a packing unit, doing simple unskilled work, and he plans to marry next year. He feeds and dresses himself and looks after his own needs. He copes well on most days, but he needs his sister's help when things become stressful.
Sunil's IQ, speech, schooling, work and adult life show which level of intellectual disability?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Mild
Option (1) Mild — Correct. Mild intellectual disability has an IQ of about 55 to 70. The person has adequate speech, learns up to the third to sixth grade, has friends, holds unskilled work, usually marries and needs help during stress. Sunil fits each point.
Option (2) Moderate — Incorrect. Moderate disability has an IQ of about 35-40 to 50-55. Language is adequate but with speech problems, schooling stops at the first or second grade, and work is sheltered, so it does not fit Sunil.
Option (3) Severe — Incorrect. Severe disability has an IQ of about 20-25 to 35-40. Expressive language is poor, there are no academic skills and generally no job, unlike Sunil.
Option (4) Profound — Incorrect. Profound disability has an IQ below 20-25. The person has no academic skills, no real friends and is always dependent on others, which is far from Sunil's life.
NCERT (2026-27): “Table 4.2 : Characteristics of Individuals with Different Levels of Intellectual Disability … “Self-help Skills Feeds and dresses self and cares for own toilet needs” “Speech and Receptive and Communication expressive language is adequate; understands communication Academics Optimal learning environment; third to sixth grade Social Skills Has friends; can learn to adjust quickly” “Vocational Can hold a job; Adjustment competitive to semicompetitive; primarily unskilled work Adult Living Usually marries, has children; needs help during stress” |