Consider the following statements regarding the "Census of India": 1. It records the religion of each person exactly as they describe it. 2. There is no provision to record a person as having 'No Religion' or being an atheist. 3. It does not count the Other Backward Classes (OBC) separately. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is 1 and 3 only. Explanation The Census of India is a decennial exercise conducted under the provisions of the Census Act, 1948. It is organized by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India, under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The Census collects data on various demographic parameters, including religion and social groups (SC/ST). Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Correct: The Census follows the principle of self-declaration for religion. Enumerators are instructed to record the religion of each person exactly as returned by the respondent. If a person names a religion or sect that is not listed in the pre-defined codes, the enumerator must record the name in full. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: There is a provision to record 'No Religion'. If a respondent states that they have no religion or are an atheist, the enumerator records it as such. In the 2011 Census, a specific category for 'No Religion' was compiled under the broader head of 'Other Religions and Persuasions'. - Statement 3 is Correct: Since independence, the Census of India has enumerated Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) separately. However, it does not enumerate Other Backward Classes (OBCs) or other caste groups separately. The Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011 was a distinct exercise from the regular decennial Census. Key Takeaway Key Takeaway: The Census of India records religion based on self-declaration (including 'No Religion') and restricts caste-based enumeration strictly to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes; it does not count OBCs.

NCERT Class 10 Political Science — Chapter 2: Gender, Religion and Caste

mcqmedium

Consider the following statements regarding the "Census of India":

It records the religion of each person exactly as they describe it.
There is no provision to record a person as having 'No Religion' or being an atheist.
It does not count the Other Backward Classes (OBC) separately.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B1, 2 and 3
C2 only
D1 and 3 only

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

The Census of India is a decennial exercise conducted under the provisions of the Census Act, 1948. It is organized by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India, under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The Census collects data on various demographic parameters, including religion and social groups (SC/ST).

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: The Census follows the principle of self-declaration for religion. Enumerators are instructed to record the religion of each person exactly as returned by the respondent. If a person names a religion or sect that is not listed in the pre-defined codes, the enumerator must record the name in full.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: There is a provision to record 'No Religion'. If a respondent states that they have no religion or are an atheist, the enumerator records it as such. In the 2011 Census, a specific category for 'No Religion' was compiled under the broader head of 'Other Religions and Persuasions'.
Statement 3 is Correct: Since independence, the Census of India has enumerated Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) separately. However, it does not enumerate Other Backward Classes (OBCs) or other caste groups separately. The Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011 was a distinct exercise from the regular decennial Census.

Key Takeaway

Key Takeaway: The Census of India records religion based on self-declaration (including 'No Religion') and restricts caste-based enumeration strictly to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes; it does not count OBCs.

Your note

More from Chapter 2: Gender, Religion and Caste

Consider the following factors: 1. The rapid de-urbanisation of the country. 2. The increase in occupational mobility. 3. The strengthening of the traditional authority of landlords in villages. Which of the above are cited as reasons for the breaking down of old notions of caste hierarchy in modern India?

medium

Who expressed the view that "Religion can never be separated from politics" in the context of moral values?

medium

Consider the following statements regarding the "Child Sex Ratio" in India: 1. It is defined as the number of girl children per thousand boys in the age group of 0-6 years. 2. The national average improved to 950 in the Census 2011. 3. In some states, this ratio has fallen below 800. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Which of the following practices are associated with the traditional caste system? 1. The system allowed for fluid social mobility where individuals could easily change their caste. 2. Prohibition of inter-dining between caste groups. 3. Endogamy.

easy

Which region is cited as having very high rates of women's participation in public life?

medium

Keep practising Chapter 2: Gender, Religion and Caste

Work through every question from this NCERT chapter.

Browse all NCERT Class 10 Political Science chapters

The correct option is 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: The Census follows the principle of self-declaration for religion. Enumerators are instructed to record the religion of each person exactly as returned by the respondent. If a person names a religion or sect that is not listed in the pre-defined codes, the enumerator must record the name in full.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: There is a provision to record 'No Religion'. If a respondent states that they have no religion or are an atheist, the enumerator records it as such. In the 2011 Census, a specific category for 'No Religion' was compiled under the broader head of 'Other Religions and Persuasions'.
Statement 3 is Correct: Since independence, the Census of India has enumerated Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) separately. However, it does not enumerate Other Backward Classes (OBCs) or other caste groups separately. The Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011 was a distinct exercise from the regular decennial Census.