Electronic Voting Machines Practice Questions
20 free Electronic Voting Machines 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.
Which authority is responsible for the deployment and management of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in India?
- A Election Commission of India
- B Supreme Court of India
- C Ministry of Home Affairs of India
- D Parliament of India
Correct answer: Election Commission of India
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is constitutionally mandated to conduct free and fair elections. It oversees the deployment, storage, and functioning of EVMs during elections.
EVMs were first introduced in India on a pilot basis in which year?
- A 1982
- B 1977
- C 1995
- D 2004
Correct answer: 1982
EVMs were first used experimentally in 1982 in a by-election in Kerala. Their use was later expanded gradually across the country.
Which two public sector companies manufacture EVMs in India?
- A BEL and HAL
- B ECIL and BEL
- C DRDO and ISRO
- D BHEL and NTPC
Correct answer: ECIL and BEL
EVMs are manufactured by Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). These are government-owned companies ensuring security and reliability.
What is the main purpose of the VVPAT system used with EVMs?
- A Speed up the overall voting process
- B Verify voter identity
- C Provide a paper audit trail
- D Count all votes automatically and instantly
Correct answer: Provide a paper audit trail
VVPAT stands for Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail. It allows voters to verify their vote through a printed slip, ensuring transparency and auditability.
How long is the VVPAT slip visible to the voter after casting a vote?
- A 2 seconds
- B 5 seconds
- C 7 seconds
- D 10 seconds
Correct answer: 7 seconds
The VVPAT slip is displayed for about 7 seconds before it is automatically cut and stored in a sealed box. This ensures voter verification without compromising secrecy.
Which component of an EVM is used by the voter to cast their vote?
- A Control Unit
- B Ballot Unit
- C VVPAT Unit
- D Counting Unit
Correct answer: Ballot Unit
The Ballot Unit is the part of the EVM where voters press the button corresponding to their chosen candidate. It is placed inside the voting compartment.
Who operates the Control Unit of an EVM during polling?
- A Voters
- B Polling Officer
- C Returning Officer
- D Political Party Agents
Correct answer: Polling Officer
The Control Unit is operated by the polling officer, who enables each voter to cast their vote. This ensures controlled and orderly voting.
What is the maximum number of candidates that can be accommodated in a single EVM?
- A 16
- B 32
- C 48
- D 64
Correct answer: 64
An EVM can accommodate up to 64 candidates using multiple ballot units. Each unit can hold up to 16 candidates.
Which constitutional article gives authority to conduct elections using EVMs?
- A Article 324
- B Article 326
- C Article 356
- D Article 370
Correct answer: Article 324
Article 324 of the Constitution empowers the Election Commission of India to supervise and conduct elections. This includes decisions regarding the use of EVMs.
Which law was amended to allow the use of EVMs in elections?
- A The Representation of the People Act, 1951
- B The Indian Penal Code, 1860
- C The Election Symbols (Reservation) Order, 1968
- D The Citizenship Act, 1955
Correct answer: The Representation of the People Act, 1951
The Representation of the People Act, 1951 was amended to include provisions for the use of EVMs. This gave legal backing to electronic voting in India.
What is the primary advantage of using EVMs over ballot papers?
- A Higher cost
- B Faster counting
- C More manpower required
- D Increased paper usage
Correct answer: Faster counting
EVMs significantly reduce the time required for counting votes. Results can be declared within hours instead of days.
Which year saw the nationwide use of EVMs in general elections?
- A 1998
- B 2001
- C 2004
- D 2009
Correct answer: 2004
EVMs were used nationwide for the first time in the 2004 Lok Sabha elections. This marked a major shift from paper ballots.
What happens if an EVM malfunctions during voting?
- A Voting stops permanently
- B Votes are cancelled
- C Machine is replaced
- D Election is postponed
Correct answer: Machine is replaced
If an EVM malfunctions, it is replaced with another machine. Votes already cast are safely stored in the control unit.
Which of the following ensures the security of EVMs during storage?
- A Open access storage
- B Private handling by parties
- C Sealed strong rooms
- D Online monitoring only
Correct answer: Sealed strong rooms
EVMs are stored in sealed strong rooms under strict security and surveillance. Political party representatives can also monitor these arrangements.
Which feature of EVMs prevents multiple voting by the same person?
- A Biometric scanning
- B Time delay mechanism between votes
- C Manual verification
- D Control unit lock system
Correct answer: Control unit lock system
The control unit ensures that only one vote is cast per activation by the polling officer. This prevents multiple voting by a single individual.
What is the role of the 'Close' button on the Control Unit?
- A Start voting
- B End voting process
- C Reset votes
- D Display the final vote results
Correct answer: End voting process
The 'Close' button is pressed at the end of polling to stop further voting. After this, no additional votes can be recorded.
When can the results of an EVM be accessed?
- A During voting
- B Immediately after each vote is cast and recorded
- C By pressing the Result button on counting day
- D Before sealing the machine after polls close
Correct answer: By pressing the Result button on counting day
Results are accessed only on counting day by pressing the 'Result' button on the control unit. This ensures confidentiality until counting.
Which of the following is NOT a component of an EVM system?
- A Ballot Unit
- B Control Unit
- C VVPAT Printer and Slip Unit
- D Fingerprint Scanner
Correct answer: Fingerprint Scanner
Fingerprint scanners are not part of the EVM system. The system consists of Ballot Unit, Control Unit, and VVPAT for verification.
Why are EVMs considered tamper-resistant?
- A They are connected to the internet
- B They rely on open-source software
- C They allow full remote access online
- D They have no network connectivity
Correct answer: They have no network connectivity
EVMs are standalone devices not connected to any network, making remote tampering extremely difficult. Their hardware and software are also secured.
Which process is used to verify EVM results with VVPAT slips?
- A Random sampling
- B Full recount
- C Manual auditing of all slips
- D Exit polls
Correct answer: Random sampling
A random sample of VVPAT slips is matched with EVM results to ensure accuracy. This enhances transparency and trust in the system.