Isobars are nuclei which have the same mass number but different atomic numbers.
Let us analyze each option step by step.
Option A:
$$ {}^{3}_{1}\text{H} \quad \text{and} \quad {}^{3}_{2}\text{He} $$
Both nuclei have the same mass number $A = 3$ but different atomic numbers ($Z = 1$ and $Z = 2$). Hence, they are isobars.
Option B:
$$ {}^{198}_{80}\text{Hg} \quad \text{and} \quad {}^{197}_{79}\text{Au} $$
Mass numbers are different ($198 \neq 197$), so these are not isobars.
Option C:
$$ {}^{2}_{1}\text{H} \quad \text{and} \quad {}^{3}_{1}\text{H} $$
Atomic number is the same but mass number is different, so these are isotopes, not isobars.
Option D:
$$ {}^{236}_{92}\text{U} \quad \text{and} \quad {}^{238}_{92}\text{U} $$
Again, same atomic number but different mass numbers, hence these are isotopes.
Therefore, the correct pair of isobars is
$$ {}^{3}_{1}\text{H} \;\text{and}\; {}^{3}_{2}\text{He} $$
Updated for JEE Main 2026: This PYQ is important for JEE Mains, JEE Advanced and other competitive exams. Practice more questions from this chapter.