The set $A=\{0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9\}$.
The relation is defined as
$$ (x,y)\in R \iff |x-y|\text{ is a multiple of }3. $$
Partition the set $A$ according to remainders modulo $3$.
$$ \{0,3,6,9\},\quad \{1,4,7\},\quad \{2,5,8\} $$
Elements within the same group differ by a multiple of $3$, hence are related.
Now count ordered pairs in each group.
First group has $4$ elements, so number of ordered pairs:
$$ 4^2=16 $$
Second group has $3$ elements:
$$ 3^2=9 $$
Third group also has $3$ elements:
$$ 3^2=9 $$
Total number of ordered pairs in $R$:
$$ n(R)=16+9+9=34 $$
Hence Statement I, which claims $n(R)=36$, is incorrect.
Now check Statement II.
For all $x\in A$, $|x-x|=0$, which is a multiple of $3$, so $R$ is reflexive.
If $|x-y|$ is a multiple of $3$, then $|y-x|$ is also a multiple of $3$, so $R$ is symmetric.
If $|x-y|$ and $|y-z|$ are multiples of $3$, then $|x-z|$ is also a multiple of $3$, so $R$ is transitive.
Thus $R$ is reflexive, symmetric and transitive.
Hence $R$ is an equivalence relation and Statement II is correct.
Therefore, the correct option is Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct.
Updated for JEE Main 2026: This PYQ is important for JEE Mains, JEE Advanced and other competitive exams. Practice more questions from this chapter.