The magnetic field near a bar magnet is

The correct answer is Option (1) → strongest at the two ends (poles) and weakest in the central region

The poles of a bar magnet lie near its two ends. The two poles are alike in strength, like the equal and opposite charges of an electric dipole. So the field is strong near both ends. It becomes weaker towards the middle of the magnet.

Option (1) strongest at the two ends (poles) and weakest in the central region — Correct. The field is most intense at the poles and least in the central region.

Option (2) strongest in the central region and weakest at the two ends (poles) — Incorrect. This puts the strong and the weak regions the wrong way round.

Option (3) strongest at the north pole and weakest at the south pole — Incorrect. Both poles of a magnet are equally strong. The field is strong near the south pole as well.

Option (4) equally strong at the two ends (poles) and in the central region — Incorrect. The field is not the same all along the magnet. It is much weaker in the central region than at the poles.

NCERT (2026-27):
Example 5.1 – “… In a bar magnet the intensity of the magnetic field is the strongest at the two ends (poles) and weakest at the central region. …”