UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Census 2027: World's largest census exercise begins with Houselisting and Housing Census (HLO)

Q1. Which one of the following is the nodal authority responsible for conducting the Census of India 2027?

  • A. Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner of India (ORGI)
  • B. National Statistical Office (NSO)
  • C. Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)
  • D. National Sample Survey Office (NSSO)

Q2. The following were among the States/Union Territories where the first phase of Census 2027 Self-Enumeration commenced. Which of the above is/are NOT correctly identified?

  1. Sikkim
  2. Lakshadweep
  3. Manipur
  4. Goa
  • A. 3 only
  • B. 1 and 4
  • C. 2 and 3
  • D. 3 and 4

Q3. Since which year has the decennial Population Census been conducted in India synchronously and without a break?

  • A. 1872
  • B. 1881
  • C. 1865
  • D. 1891

Q4. In the context of the Indian Census, the term 'synchronous census' most precisely refers to which one of the following?

  • A. Enumeration of the entire population with reference to a single common moment of time
  • B. A census conducted simultaneously with the updation of the National Population Register
  • C. Counting completed nationwide within a single day by door-to-door visit
  • D. A census whose field operations are synchronised with the schedule of general elections

Q5. With reference to caste enumeration in Census 2027, consider the following statements. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Caste was last fully enumerated in an Indian Census in 1931.
  2. The Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011 was a statutory exercise conducted under the Census Act, 1948.
  3. The decision to include caste enumeration in Census 2027 was taken by the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs in April 2025.
  4. In Census 2027, caste data will be captured during the Population Enumeration phase.
  • A. 1, 3 and 4
  • B. 1, 2 and 3
  • C. 2 and 4 only
  • D. 1 and 2 only

Q6. The Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011 is best described as which one of the following?

  • A. A non-statutory exercise conducted separately from the decennial population census
  • B. The only caste count ever carried out under statutory census authority since Independence
  • C. A component fully integrated into the 2011 Census schedule under the Census Act, 1948
  • D. The single source whose individual records are always protected under Section 15 of the Census Act

Q7. In Census 2027, the term 'Self-Enumeration' refers to which one of the following?

  • A. A facility enabling household members to submit their details online via a secure web portal before the enumerator's visit
  • B. Enumeration of the census functionaries themselves before field operations begin
  • C. Automatic generation of household data by linking Aadhaar and ration-card databases
  • D. A door-to-door count in which respondents fill paper schedules without an enumerator

Q8. The Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner of India, which operationalises Census 2027, functions under which Union Ministry?

  • A. Ministry of Home Affairs
  • B. Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
  • C. Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
  • D. Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

Q9. Which one of the following is the reference date/moment fixed for the Population Enumeration phase of Census 2027 for most of India?

  • A. 00:00 hours of 1 March 2027
  • B. 00:00 hours of 1 October 2026
  • C. 00:00 hours of 1 April 2026
  • D. 00:00 hours of 1 February 2027

Q10. Under which Article of the Constitution of India is the readjustment (delimitation) of the allocation of Lok Sabha seats mandated after each census?

  • A. Article 82
  • B. Article 81
  • C. Article 170
  • D. Article 330

Q11. The Houselisting and Housing Census (Phase I) of Census 2027 primarily collects information on which one of the following?

  • A. The condition of buildings/housing, household amenities and assets possessed
  • B. Individual demographic details such as age, sex, caste and religion of each person
  • C. Biometric and Aadhaar particulars for updating the National Population Register
  • D. Migration and employment histories of every working member of the household

Q12. With reference to the Census 2027 and comparative census practice, consider the following statements. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The United Nations recommends that a population census be conducted at least once every ten years.
  2. The United States conducted its 2020 decennial census as its first census to offer an online self-response option.
  3. China postponed its once-a-decade census in 2020 owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3