Delimitation Commission Practice Questions
40 free Delimitation Commission practice questions for the Indian Polity. Tap an option to answer — you get instant feedback, the correct answer, and a detailed explanation for every question.
What is the primary function of the Delimitation Commission in India?
- A Conduct elections across the country
- B Allocate party symbols
- C Redraw boundaries of constituencies
- D Register and recognize political parties
Correct answer: Redraw boundaries of constituencies
The Delimitation Commission is responsible for redrawing the boundaries of parliamentary and assembly constituencies. This ensures equal representation based on population changes.
Which constitutional article is related to the delimitation of constituencies?
- A Article 79
- B Article 82
- C Article 356
- D Article 368
Correct answer: Article 82
Article 82 provides for the readjustment of constituencies after each census. It empowers Parliament to enact a Delimitation Act for this purpose.
The Delimitation Commission is appointed by which authority?
- A President of India
- B Prime Minister
- C Chief Justice of India
- D Parliament
Correct answer: President of India
The Delimitation Commission is appointed by the President of India. It is set up under a Delimitation Act passed by Parliament.
Which of the following is a member of the Delimitation Commission?
- A Prime Minister
- B Chief Election Commissioner
- C Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha
- D Finance Minister
Correct answer: Chief Election Commissioner
The Chief Election Commissioner is an ex-officio member of the Delimitation Commission. Other members include a retired Supreme Court judge and State Election Commissioners.
How many Delimitation Commissions have been constituted in India so far (up to 2026)?
- A Three
- B Four
- C Five
- D Six
Correct answer: Four
Four Delimitation Commissions have been set up in India in 1952, 1963, 1973, and 2002. These commissions followed respective censuses.
Which census formed the basis for the most recent delimitation exercise completed in India?
- A 1991 Census
- B 2001 Census
- C 2011 Census
- D 2021 Census
Correct answer: 2001 Census
The most recent delimitation exercise was based on the 2001 Census. It was carried out by the Delimitation Commission constituted in 2002.
Delimitation of constituencies in India is currently frozen until which year?
- A 2026
- B 2031
- C 2041
- D 2051
Correct answer: 2026
The delimitation process has been frozen until 2026 to maintain uniformity among states. This was done to encourage population control measures.
Which constitutional amendment froze the delimitation process based on population?
- A 42nd Amendment
- B 44th Amendment
- C 84th Amendment
- D 86th Amendment
Correct answer: 84th Amendment
The 84th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2001 extended the freeze on delimitation until 2026. It ensured that states are not penalized for population control.
Which of the following is NOT a function of the Delimitation Commission?
- A Fixing number of seats
- B Redrawing boundaries
- C Conducting elections
- D Reserving seats for SC/ST
Correct answer: Conducting elections
The Delimitation Commission does not conduct elections; that is the role of the Election Commission. It focuses on constituency boundaries and seat allocation.
What is the legal status of the orders issued by the Delimitation Commission?
- A Advisory in nature only
- B Subject to judicial review
- C Final and cannot be challenged in court
- D Temporary until the next census is held
Correct answer: Final and cannot be challenged in court
Orders of the Delimitation Commission have the force of law and cannot be challenged in court. This ensures finality and prevents delays in elections.
Which of the following bodies assists the Delimitation Commission at the state level?
- A State Legislature
- B Governor's Office
- C The High Court of the concerned state
- D State Election Commission
Correct answer: State Election Commission
The State Election Commissioner acts as an associate member in the Delimitation Commission. They provide local administrative support and expertise.
Which factor is primarily considered while delimiting constituencies?
- A Economic development
- B Geographical area only
- C Political party strength
- D Total population size
Correct answer: Total population size
Population is the main factor considered to ensure equal representation. Each constituency should have roughly equal population.
What is the role of public participation in the delimitation process?
- A No role at all in the process
- B Direct voting on constituency boundaries
- C Submission of objections and suggestions
- D Final decision-making authority
Correct answer: Submission of objections and suggestions
The public can submit objections and suggestions on draft proposals. The Commission considers these before finalizing boundaries.
Which body passes the Delimitation Act to set up the Commission?
- A Supreme Court
- B Election Commission
- C President
- D Parliament
Correct answer: Parliament
Parliament passes the Delimitation Act after every census. This act provides the legal framework for constituting the Commission.
Which type of seats are reserved during delimitation?
- A Minority seats
- B Women seats
- C SC/ST seats
- D General category seats
Correct answer: SC/ST seats
The Delimitation Commission reserves seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. This is done based on their population proportion in each state.
Which delimitation commission first used population as a key criterion?
- A 1952 Commission
- B 1963 Commission
- C 1973 Commission
- D 2002 Commission
Correct answer: 1952 Commission
The first Delimitation Commission in 1952 used population as the primary basis. This principle has continued in all subsequent exercises.
Why was delimitation frozen for several decades in India?
- A Lack of sufficiently reliable population data
- B Political instability
- C Judicial intervention
- D To promote population control
Correct answer: To promote population control
Delimitation was frozen to avoid penalizing states that implemented population control measures. This ensured balanced representation among states.
Which of the following statements about delimitation is correct?
- A It is conducted annually
- B It is done after every election
- C It is done every five years
- D It is done after every census
Correct answer: It is done after every census
Delimitation is ideally conducted after every census to reflect population changes. However, it has been frozen periodically for policy reasons.
Who usually chairs the Delimitation Commission?
- A Retired Supreme Court judge
- B Serving Supreme Court judge
- C Chief Justice of India
- D President of India
Correct answer: Retired Supreme Court judge
A retired Supreme Court judge is appointed as the chairperson of the Delimitation Commission. This ensures neutrality and judicial experience.
Which is a key objective of delimitation in a democracy?
- A Ensure equal representation
- B Increase political party campaign funding
- C Promote political parties
- D Reduce number of voters
Correct answer: Ensure equal representation
Delimitation ensures that each constituency has roughly equal population. This maintains fairness and equal representation in a democracy.
Which Article of the Indian Constitution mandates the Parliament to enact a Delimitation Act after every census?
- A Article 72
- B Article 82
- C Article 170
- D Article 324
Correct answer: Article 82
Article 82 of the Constitution provides for the readjustment of constituencies after each census by such authority and in such manner as Parliament may by law determine. Correspondingly, Article 170 deals with the readjustment of constituencies in the States.
The orders of the Delimitation Commission cannot be challenged in any court of law. This provision is intended to:
- A Grant the Commission absolute power over the President
- B Ensure that election schedules are not indefinitely delayed
- C Prevent the Election Commission from intervening
- D Allow the Parliament to indefinitely veto and revise all boundary orders
Correct answer: Ensure that election schedules are not indefinitely delayed
To prevent legal hurdles from stalling the electoral process, the Delimitation Commission Act specifies that its orders have the force of law and cannot be called into question in any court. This ensures that the boundary changes are finalized before an election cycle begins.
Who serves as an ex-officio member of the Delimitation Commission?
- A The Prime Minister
- B The Chief Election Commissioner
- C The Speaker of the Lok Sabha
- D The Union Minister for Law and Justice
Correct answer: The Chief Election Commissioner
The Commission consists of three members: a retired or serving Supreme Court judge as Chairperson, the Chief Election Commissioner (or an Election Commissioner nominated by him), and the State Election Commissioner of the concerned State.
The 84th Constitutional Amendment Act (2001) extended the freeze on the total number of seats in the Lok Sabha until:
- A 2010
- B 2021
- C 2026
- D 2031
Correct answer: 2026
The 84th Amendment froze the total number of seats in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies at the 1971 census level until the first census after 2026. This was done to encourage population stabilization measures across states.
Which Census data was used by the 2002 Delimitation Commission to readjust the boundaries of existing constituencies?
- A 1971 Census
- B 1991 Census
- C 2001 Census
- D 2011 Census
Correct answer: 2001 Census
While the 84th Amendment kept the number of seats frozen at 1971 levels, the 87th Amendment (2003) provided that the boundaries of constituencies should be readjusted based on the 2001 Census data.
What happens once the final orders of the Delimitation Commission are laid before the Lok Sabha or State Legislative Assembly?
- A The House can suggest amendments to the boundaries.
- B The House can reject the orders by a two-thirds majority.
- C The House cannot make any modifications to the orders.
- D The orders must be approved by a secret ballot.
Correct answer: The House cannot make any modifications to the orders.
When the orders are laid before the Lok Sabha or the State Legislative Assembly, they are final and no modifications are permitted by the legislative bodies. This maintains the independence of the Commission from political interference.
In which years were Delimitation Commissions constituted in India?
- A 1950, 1960, 1970, 1980
- B 1952, 1963, 1973, 2002
- C 1951, 1961, 1971, 1991
- D 1955, 1965, 1975, 2005
Correct answer: 1952, 1963, 1973, 2002
So far, four Delimitation Commissions have been constituted, in 1952, 1963, 1973, and 2002, under Delimitation Acts passed in 1952, 1962, 1972, and 2002 respectively. No Commission was constituted after the 1981 and 1991 censuses due to the freeze imposed by the 42nd Amendment.
How are 'Associate Members' of the Delimitation Commission selected?
- A They are nominated by the President of India.
- B They are MPs or MLAs nominated by the Speaker of the House.
- C They are chosen by a public lottery system.
- D They are senior civil servants from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Correct answer: They are MPs or MLAs nominated by the Speaker of the House.
The Commission is assisted by Associate Members (usually 10 for each state—5 MPs and 5 MLAs). These are nominated by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha and the Speakers of the respective State Assemblies.
While delimiting constituencies, the Commission is legally required to ensure that:
- A Every constituency has exactly the same number of voters.
- B The population-to-seat ratio remains roughly uniform.
- C Political party strongholds are kept intact.
- D Constituencies do not cross state borders.
Correct answer: The population-to-seat ratio remains roughly uniform.
The primary objective is to ensure that every person's vote has roughly the same value. The Commission tries to keep the population of each constituency as uniform as possible, considering geographical features and administrative units.
Who determines which specific seats in a State should be reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC) or Scheduled Tribes (ST)?
- A The Ministry of Social Justice
- B The National Commission for SCs/STs
- C The Delimitation Commission
- D The State Cabinet
Correct answer: The Delimitation Commission
The Delimitation Commission identifies and reserves seats for SCs and STs based on the concentration of their population in specific areas, following the constitutional guidelines and the latest census data.
What is the status of the 'Associate Members' during the final decision-making process of the Commission?
- A They have the right to vote on all boundary changes.
- B They have no right to vote or sign the final orders.
- C They can veto the Chairperson's decision.
- D They must approve the report before it is published in the Gazette.
Correct answer: They have no right to vote or sign the final orders.
Associate Members assist the Commission with local knowledge and participate in discussions, but they do not have the power to vote or participate in the final decision-making of the three-member Commission.
The Delimitation Commission (Amendment) Act, 2008 was specifically enacted to address delimitation in which region?
- A The National Capital Territory of Delhi
- B North-Eastern States including Assam
- C The newly formed state of Telangana
- D The Union Territory of Puducherry
Correct answer: North-Eastern States including Assam
Delimitation in these four North-Eastern states was postponed for several years due to security concerns and local opposition. The process for these states was later governed by separate provisions and deferred census data.
Under which Ministry does the Delimitation Commission functionally operate for administrative purposes?
- A Ministry of Home Affairs
- B Ministry of Law and Justice
- C Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs
- D Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
Correct answer: Ministry of Law and Justice
The Delimitation Commission works in close coordination with the Election Commission of India and falls under the administrative ambit of the Ministry of Law and Justice.
Which Constitutional Amendment first imposed a freeze on the readjustment of seats based on the 1971 census?
- A 24th Amendment
- B 42nd Amendment
- C 44th Amendment
- D 52nd Amendment
Correct answer: 42nd Amendment
The 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 froze the total number of seats in the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies as per the 1971 Census until the year 2000. This was later extended by the 84th Amendment.
Which of the following is NOT a criterion used by the Commission during the delimitation of boundaries?
- A Administrative units (districts, tehsils)
- B Physical features like rivers and mountains
- C Political party performance in previous elections
- D Communication facilities and convenience of the public
Correct answer: Political party performance in previous elections
The Commission is expected to be a neutral, non-partisan body. Its criteria are purely administrative, geographical, and demographic; considering political party performance would be against the principle of fair delimitation.
If there is a difference of opinion among the members of the Delimitation Commission, how is the decision made?
- A The Chairperson's opinion prevails.
- B The majority opinion of the three members prevails.
- C The matter is referred to the President of India.
- D The matter is referred to a full bench of the Supreme Court.
Correct answer: The majority opinion of the three members prevails.
As per the Delimitation Act, in case of a disagreement among the three members, the opinion of the majority (2 out of 3) prevails as the final decision of the Commission.
How does the Delimitation Commission ensure public transparency in its functioning?
- A By keeping all meetings strictly confidential
- B By publishing draft proposals in the Gazette and inviting objections
- C By holding a national referendum on the new boundaries
- D By allowing the Prime Minister to review the draft before publication
Correct answer: By publishing draft proposals in the Gazette and inviting objections
The Commission publishes its draft proposals in the Gazette of India and local newspapers. It holds public sittings where citizens and political parties can voice their objections and suggestions before the final report is prepared.
Who appoints the Chairperson of the Delimitation Commission?
- A The Chief Justice of India
- B The President of India
- C The Chief Election Commissioner
- D The Union Law Minister
Correct answer: The President of India
The Chairperson and the other members (excluding the ex-officio ones) are appointed by the President of India. Typically, a retired judge of the Supreme Court is appointed to head the Commission.
Which of the following Union Territories underwent a specific delimitation exercise starting in 2020?
- A Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- B Jammu and Kashmir
- C Lakshadweep
- D Chandigarh
Correct answer: Jammu and Kashmir
Following the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, a Delimitation Commission headed by Justice (Retd.) Ranjana Prakash Desai was constituted in March 2020 to redefine the constituencies of the UT of J&K.
The primary aim of 'Delimitation' is to realize which democratic principle?
- A One Person, One Vote, One Value
- B Separation of Powers among Branches
- C Rule of Law
- D Judicial Activism
Correct answer: One Person, One Vote, One Value
Delimitation ensures that the population represented by each representative remains roughly equal across constituencies, thereby upholding the principle of equal weightage for every citizen's vote.