The statement is False.
In an atom, neutrons and protons do not always have to be equal in number. This distinction is important in understanding different elements and their isotopes. The number of protons in an atom determines what element it is and is known as the atomic number. Neutrons, on the other hand, contribute to the atomic mass and can vary among isotopes of the same element.
For example, carbon has 6 protons, but it can have 6, 7, or 8 neutrons, resulting in carbon-12, carbon-13, and carbon-14 isotopes, respectively. Thus, while neutrons and protons often appear in equal numbers in stable atoms, it is not a requirement for all elements.