**Core Concept**
Kuppuswamy’s socioeconomic status scale classifies individuals based on monthly family income into five categories: upper, upper lower, lower middle, middle, and lower. The classification is purely income-based and used to assess health disparities and access to healthcare services.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
According to Kuppuswamy’s scale, an income of ₹10,000 to ₹20,000 per month falls under the **upper socioeconomic class**. The individual earns ₹20,000 per month, which is within this range. This class is defined by higher income, access to better education, and improved living conditions, and is distinct from lower-middle or upper-lower classes.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
Option A: This option is identical to B and likely a typo. However, it is not correct because the income does not reach the upper upper class threshold (₹20,000+), which only applies to very high incomes.
Option C: The lower middle class is defined as ₹5,000–₹10,000 per month, which is below the given income.
Option D: The upper lower class is defined as ₹2,000–₹5,000 per month, which is significantly below the actual income.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
In Kuppuswamy’s scale, income thresholds are fixed and not adjusted for inflation or regional cost of living. Students must memorize the exact ranges: ₹20,000+ = upper class; ₹10,000–₹20,000 = upper socioeconomic class.

✓ Correct Answer: B. Upper socioeconomic class