UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Self-Enumeration Begins in Tamil Nadu and Tripura under Phase 1 of Census 2027

Q1. With reference to the timeline of Census 2027, consider the following statements. Which of the above is/are NOT correct?

  1. Phase I (Houselisting and Housing Census) is scheduled between April and September 2026.
  2. Phase II (Population Enumeration) is scheduled for February 2027.
  3. In snow-bound non-synchronous areas such as Ladakh, Population Enumeration is advanced to September 2026.
  4. The self-enumeration window opened in Tamil Nadu and Tripura on 17 July 2026 was a 30-day window.
  • A. 1 and 2
  • B. 3 only
  • C. 4 only
  • D. 2 and 4

Q2. With reference to the reference dates and field schedule of Census 2027, consider the following statements. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The reference date for Population Enumeration is 1 March 2027 (00:00 hours).
  2. For snow-bound areas, the reference date is 1 October 2026.
  3. In Tamil Nadu, Houselisting field operations are scheduled from 1 to 30 August 2026.
  4. Population Enumeration (Phase II) is conducted before the Houselisting and Housing Census (Phase I).
  • A. 1 and 3 only
  • B. 1, 2 and 3
  • C. 2 and 4 only
  • D. 1 and 4 only

Q3. With reference to the Self-Enumeration facility under Census 2027, consider the following statements. Which of the above is/are NOT correct?

  1. The self-enumeration facility is available in 16 languages.
  2. Self-enumeration data is collected through a dedicated online portal before door-to-door enumeration.
  3. Self-enumeration is a mandatory step that every household must complete before the enumerator's visit.
  4. Census 2027 retains traditional door-to-door enumeration alongside the digital self-enumeration facility.
  • A. 1 and 2
  • B. 3 only
  • C. 4 only
  • D. 2 and 3

Q4. In the context of Census 2027, what is the 'Self-Enumeration ID (SE ID)'?

  • A. A unique identifier generated after a household completes online self-enumeration, to be shared with the enumerator for verification
  • B. The login credential issued to census enumerators to access the offline mobile application
  • C. A household's permanent census registration number linked to Aadhaar
  • D. The code assigned to each Houselisting Block for geo-referencing on satellite imagery

Q5. Under the Census Act, 1948, the confidentiality of individual census data means that such data:

  • A. can be used as evidence in court proceedings but not shared with private institutions
  • B. cannot be disclosed under the Right to Information Act, used in court proceedings, or shared with external institutions
  • C. may be disclosed to any government department for administrative purposes
  • D. becomes publicly accessible after a period of ten years

Q6. Census 2027 is conducted under the overall charge of which one of the following authorities?

  • A. National Statistical Commission
  • B. Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India
  • C. National Sample Survey Office
  • D. Unique Identification Authority of India

Q7. The 'Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC)', referred to in the context of caste enumeration, is best described as:

  • A. a survey conducted in place of a caste census, rather than a census conducted under the Census Act, 1948
  • B. the caste column that has been part of every decennial census since 1951
  • C. a constitutional body established to enumerate socially and educationally backward classes
  • D. the caste enumeration component of Census 2027's Population Enumeration phase

Q8. Which one of the following correctly describes the status of caste enumeration in Census 2027?

  • A. It will be the first time caste is enumerated in a regular decennial Census since Independence
  • B. It will be the first caste enumeration ever conducted in any census of India
  • C. It continues caste enumeration that has been carried out in every census since 1951
  • D. It is the first caste enumeration to be conducted entirely outside the Census framework

Q9. The scheme for the Conduct of Census of India 2027 — described as the largest census exercise in the world, with an outlay of ₹11,718.24 crore — was approved by which one of the following?

  • A. The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister
  • B. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs
  • C. NITI Aayog
  • D. The Ministry of Home Affairs acting on its own authority

Q10. The census funded by the ₹11,718.24 crore outlay for Census 2027 is conducted under the provisions of which one of the following?

  • A. The Census Act, 1948 and the Census Rules, 1990
  • B. The Census Act, 1948 and the Census Rules, 1948
  • C. The Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969
  • D. The Collection of Statistics Act, 2008

Q11. With reference to the sequencing of Census 2027 field operations across States, consider the following statements. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Field operations for the Houselisting and Housing Census commenced in Himachal Pradesh ahead of Tamil Nadu and Tripura.
  2. The Self-Enumeration facility opened in Kerala and Nagaland before it opened in Tamil Nadu and Tripura.
  3. Tamil Nadu and Tripura were the first States/UTs in the country to begin Census 2027 field operations.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q12. In the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, the subject of 'Census' appears at which entry number of the Union List?

  • A. 45
  • B. 69
  • C. 82
  • D. 97