Special Purpose Diodes question from JEE Main 2025 (7 Apr, Shift 1)

Answer: (c)

1. Check the Zener: without it, the $400\ \Omega$ branch would get $12 \times \frac{400}{500} = 9.6$ V $> 4$ V, so it breaks down.
2. Voltage across the load branch is held at $4$ V.
3. Ammeter reading: $I = \frac{4}{400} = 10$ mA
4. So the answer is (c) $10$ mA.