Step 1: Understanding the minimum number of directors for a public company.
Under the Companies Act, 2013, a public company is required to have at least three directors. This is a statutory requirement for the establishment of a public company in India.
Step 2: Explanation of the options.
- (a) 3: This is the correct answer, as a public company must have at least three directors.
- (b) 10: This is not a required number for directors in a public company.
- (c) 12: This number is higher than the minimum requirement.
- (d) 5: This number is also incorrect as it exceeds the minimum of three.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Thus, the correct answer is (a) 3.