Counting — Assessment Question Bank (with answer key)

Rajasthan ULB General Election 2026 · Member (ward) posts

Every answer carries its source. If disputed, open the cited document and show it — do not argue. Tags explained in SOURCES.

Part A (everyone, 18) · Part B (counting supervisors/assistants, 12) · Part C (RO/ARO, 16) · Part D (scenario, 8). Suggested pass mark: 80%.

🔗 Every citation tag is clickable in CITATIONS — it opens the source PDF at the exact page.

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Part A — for all counting personnel

A1. When EVMs are used, counting is done on what basis? (a) Ward totals (b) Polling-station-wise (booth-wise) (c) Candidate-wise (d) Postal and EVM combined ✅ (b) · [2292 ¶1(2)]

A2. Where is counting to be done? (a) District HQ (b) Municipality headquarters (c) Divisional HQ (d) At the polling station ✅ (b) · [2292 ¶3(1)]

A3. Smoking in the counting room is — (a) permitted (b) allowed in breaks (c) totally prohibited (d) allowed with RO's permission ✅ (c) · [2292 ¶8]

A4. Under Rule 60(1), how many categories of persons may be admitted to the counting place? (a) 2 (b) 3 (c) 4 (d) 6 ✅ (c) — counting supervisors/assistants · SEC-authorised persons · public servants on duty · candidates, election agents and one counting agent per table · [2292 ¶10(1)]

A5. May a Minister enter the counting centre? (a) Yes, always (b) No, unless he/she is a candidate (c) Only with RO's permission (d) Only with police ✅ (b) — no Minister can be appointed election/polling/counting agent · [2292 ¶10(3)]

A6. What is counted first? (a) EVMs (b) Postal ballots (c) Tendered ballots (d) Both together ✅ (b) — but postal counting must finish before the EVM counting finishes · [2292 ¶11(1)]

🚨 Pause on option (c) — this is not merely a question of order. Tendered ballots are never counted at all — not first, not later. Rule 63-A(3): "No envelope containing the tendered ballot papers shall be opened and no such votes shall be counted." [Manual printed p.110] If a trainee leaves believing tendered ballots are counted "later", this question has done harm.

A6-A. When are tendered ballots counted? (a) After the postal ballots (b) After the EVMs (c) Never (d) Only on a recount ✅ (c) Never — the envelope is not even opened · [rule 63-A(3), Manual printed p.110]

A6-B. Then why do Forms 21 and 22 carry a "total number of tendered votes" row? ✅ For the record only. That figure is not added to any candidate's total and does not affect the result. If an agent in a narrowly-decided ward demands that tendered votes be counted, cite rule 63-A(3).

A7. What happens to a postal ballot envelope received after the fixed time for commencement of counting? (a) Opened and counted (b) At the RO's discretion (c) Rejected without opening, kept separately in a sealed envelope with particulars written (d) With the candidate's consent ✅ (c) · [2292 ¶11(2)], [SO 157 ¶1]

A8. On what basis is a counting agent admitted to the counting hall? (a) The candidate's letter (b) A photo identity card / photo badge (c) Verbal permission (d) Aadhaar card ✅ (b) · [SO 151], [2292 ¶6(4)]

A9. By when must the list of counting agents with photos reach the RO? (a) Same day (b) 1 day before (c) At least 2 days before (d) 1 week before ✅ (c) · [SO 151], [2292 ¶6(5)]

A10. When does the counting agent sign the declaration in Form-19? (a) After counting (b) At least one hour before counting begins (c) On entry (d) Not required ✅ (b) — otherwise no entry · [2292 ¶6(2)]

A11. Where may a counting agent sit? (a) At any table (b) Only at the allotted table (c) At the RO's table (d) Anywhere ✅ (b) — only the candidate and their election agent may go to any table · [2292 ¶6(9)]

A12. If someone leaves the counting room in the middle of counting — (a) they may re-enter (b) re-entry will not be allowed (c) the RO decides (d) one exit is allowed ✅ (b) · [2292 ¶6(3)]

A13. Secrecy of votes falls under which rule, and which section is explained? ✅ Rule 61; and Section 128 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 — which also applies in municipal elections and is explained to everyone present before counting begins · [2292 ¶9]

A14. Name the four items of stationery at a counting table. ✅ A blue ink ball-point pen · a knife or blade to break the seals · Form 14-ग (Part 1 holds the account of votes) · two sheets of paper · [2292 ¶7]

A15. What is written in Part 2 of Form 14-ग? (a) List of voters (b) The result of counting (c) The paper seal account (d) Postal ballot particulars ✅ (b) · [2292 ¶7(3)]

A16. What effect do votes received by NOTA have on the result? (a) A re-poll if NOTA is highest (b) No effect; the candidate with the highest votes is elected (c) They are distributed among candidates (d) They are treated as invalid ✅ (b) · [2292 ¶22(4)]

A17. Does the postal ballot also carry a NOTA option? (a) No (b) Yes (c) Only on EVMs (d) Only for those in preventive detention ✅ (b) · [SO 156 ¶1], [SO 157 ¶10]

A18. If more than one ward is counted in one room — (a) they proceed simultaneously (b) counting of the next ward begins only after the first ward's counting is complete (c) the RO decides (d) it is not permitted ✅ (b) · [2292 ¶4(3)]

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Part B — for counting supervisors / assistants

B1. How many counting supervisors and assistants per table? (a) Two each (b) One each (c) One supervisor, two assistants (d) As required ✅ (b) · [2292 ¶5(1)]

B2. Counting supervisors shall be of what level? (a) Any employee (b) Gazetted or equivalent officers (c) Only urban body staff (d) Patwari level ✅ (b) — assistants as far as possible at Supervisory Post level · [2292 ¶5(2)]

B3. Who shall not be appointed as counting supervisor/assistant? ✅ Persons connected with any political party or candidate, and staff of urban body offices · [2292 ¶5(2)]

B4. In what order are Control Units distributed to counting tables? (a) Randomly (b) In polling-station serial order — station 1's CU → table 1 (c) In candidate order (d) In ward order ✅ (b) · [2292 ¶12(1)]

B5. The paper seal serial number is matched against what? ✅ The serial number given at item no. 9 (paper seal account) in Part I of Form 14-ग, prepared by the Presiding Officer · [2292 ¶16(1)]

B6. The paper seal serial does not match. What should the counting supervisor do? (a) Stop the counting (b) Ignore the discrepancy (c) Inform the RO/ARO — the decision is the RO's (d) Replace the machine ✅ (c) — the RO examines; if it is a clerical mistake, the discrepancy is ignored · [2292 ¶16(2)]

B7. State the correct sequence for taking the result. ✅ Power ON (green light) → remove the paper seal over the result button → press Result-1 → votes for each candidate and NOTA display automatically one by one → note in Form 14-ग Part-II · [2292 ¶18(1)]

B8. After filling Form 14-ग Part-II, which reconciliation is compulsory? ✅ The total in Part-II must equal the total shown against item 5 of Part-I of the same form · [2292 ¶20(1)]

B9. Whose signatures go on Form 14-ग? ✅ The counting supervisor's; those of candidates or their agents present at that table; and then the RO/ARO's · [2292 ¶20]

B10. Which unit is normally required for counting? (a) Both (b) Only the Control Unit (c) Only the Ballot Unit (d) The SDMM ✅ (b) — the BU goes to the counting hall only if a candidate/agent demands inspection · [2292 ¶12(2)]

B11. In which model is connecting the Ballot Unit to the CU necessary for the result? (a) MPSV (b) MPMV (c) BEL post MK-V / M3A (d) None ✅ (c) — for MPSV/MPMV only the CU is required · [2292 ¶12(2), ¶18(4), ¶19]

B12. The carrying box seal is not intact. Will counting proceed? ✅ Yes — if the seals on the unit, and especially the strip seal and pink paper seal, are intact, there is no possibility of tampering · [2292 ¶13(2)]; likewise even if the inner cover seal is damaged — provided the pink paper seal is intact · [2292 ¶14, ¶16(1)]

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Part C — for Returning Officers / AROs

C1. When must notice of the date, time and place of counting be given? (a) 2 days before counting (b) At least one week before the date of poll (c) Same day (d) 24 hours before ✅ (b) — fresh written notice if it changes · [2292 ¶3(4)]

C2. What is the maximum number of counting agents? ✅ Not more than the number of tables set up for counting — including the RO/ARO's table · [2292 ¶6(1)]

C3. In which forms are counting agents appointed and revoked? ✅ Appointment in Form-19 (in duplicate); revocation in Form-20 · [2292 ¶6(1)-(2)]

C4. The person appointed has not signed Form-19. What follows? (a) The RO may accept it (b) The appointment is not valid (c) It can be signed later (d) The candidate's signature suffices ✅ (b) — signatures are necessary as consent · [2292 ¶6(1)]

C5. How many kinds of postal ballots are there? ✅ Two — (a) from persons under preventive detention (under the proviso to Section 25 of the Rajasthan Municipalities Act, 2009); (b) from election-duty staff (Rule 46-क(4)) · [2292 ¶11(3)]

C6. On opening Envelope-B, what is scrutinised first? (a) The ballot paper (b) The declaration in Form 16-क (c) Envelope-A (d) The counterfoil ✅ (b) · [SO 157 ¶2]

C7. The 16-क declaration is substantially defective, or the serial number differs. What do you do? ✅ Envelope-A (Form 16-ख) is NOT opened; after proper endorsement the ballot inside is rejected · [SO 157 ¶3]

C8. Name any four grounds for rejecting a postal ballot. ✅ (a) identifying mark/writing · (b) no vote recorded / vote on the back · (c) more than one candidate, or a candidate and NOTA · (d) spurious ballot · (e) damaged so identity cannot be established · (f) not returned in the envelope sent · (g) mark makes it doubtful to whom the vote was given · [SO 157 ¶7]

C9. What right does a candidate have before a rejection? ✅ A reasonable opportunity to inspect the postal ballot — 🚫 but they shall not be allowed to touch it · [SO 157 ¶8]

C10. A ballot is marked with "✓" instead of "X". Is it rejected? (a) Yes (b) No — marking "X" or "✓" with a ballpen or ink is sufficient (c) At the RO's discretion (d) Only on postal ballots ✅ (b) · [SO 157, Explanation I]

C11. How is Form-21 filled? ✅ By adding the candidate-wise votes recorded in the machines (including NOTA) and the candidate-wise valid votes found in postal ballots (including NOTA) · [2292 ¶21(1)]

C12. A re-poll has been held. When is the grand total struck? ✅ Not until the counting result of that re-poll has been included in the result sheet · [2292 ¶21(2)]

C13. What is the condition for accepting a recount demand? ✅ Not merely on asking — the party demanding it must prove that prima facie the particulars of votes appear incorrect and that a recount is necessary in the interest of justice · [2292 ¶22(5)]

C14. What happens in case of a tie? ✅ The RO immediately draws a lottery in the presence of the candidates/election agents; a record of proceedings is prepared and signed; kept in a separate envelope in safe custody; entries made in Form-21 and Form-22; 🚨 the entire proceedings are videographed · [2292 ¶26]

C15. What must be done the same day after declaring the result? ✅ Machines and the sealed chest go to the treasury/sub-treasury or DEO-designated place under two locks [¶32]; and the oath is administered to elected members the same day, so that they can take part in the election of the Mayor / Sabhapati / Adhyaksh · [2292, closing note]

C16. How are the valid and rejected postal ballot bundles packeted? ✅ Make separate bundles, tie and label them separately — then place both into ONE sealed packet. The packet carries the RO/ARO's seal plus the seals of willing candidates/agents, and is inscribed with the municipality · ward number · date of counting · brief description of contents. ⚠️ Basis: [SO 157 ¶11] says separate packets; [2292 ¶11(5)] says one packet. Rule adopted — the later document prevails ([2292], 09.03.2026). This is a departmental working decision, NOT an SEC ruling — see GAPS §2. Both documents agree the bundles themselves are separate.

✅ Updated 23.08.2026 — this is no longer a departmental call. The original text of rule 74-A(1)(b) — "used postal ballot papers weather valid, rejected or cancelled, and counter-foils thereof" — puts valid and rejected into a single packet category, which fits [2292 ¶11(5)] exactly. Full reasoning → §9.7-A of the RO/ARO handbook.

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Part D — scenario questions

D1. A CU's paper seal serial does not match the Presiding Officer's paper seal account. What do you do? ✅ It is either a mistake in the paper seal account or prima facie a cause for suspecting tampering. Decide by examining the serial numbers of unused paper seals returned by the Presiding Officer, the complaints made by candidates/agents at the polling station, and other relevant circumstances. If it is a clerical mistake, ignore the discrepancy · [2292 ¶16(2)]

D2. You are satisfied one machine has been tampered with. Do you stop the whole count? ✅ No. Set the machine aside, do not count the votes in it, and report to the Commission — 🚨 it is not necessary to postpone the entire counting · [2292 ¶17]

D3. A postal ballot has the mark made twice, but it is clear which candidate it is for. Reject it? ✅ No. A vote shall not be rejected merely because the mark is indistinct or made more than once, if the intention clearly appears from the way the ballot is marked · [SO 157, Explanation II]

D4. A postal ballot is marked for one candidate and for NOTA. ✅ Rejected — votes given in favour of more than one candidate, or of one candidate and 'NOTA', are rejected · [SO 157 ¶7(c)]

D5. You have completed and signed the result sheet. Now a candidate demands a recount. ✅ Reject it. After the result sheet is completed and signed, no candidate has the right to demand a recount · [2292 ¶22(6)]

D6. Counting is over. Staff are about to seal the Control Unit of an ECIL MPSV. Your direction? ✅ Stop them. MPSV/MPMV EVMs made by ECIL are not to be sealed; only the SDMM and DMM used in them are sealed (per letters 705 / 826). After sealing, the machine can be re-used with a new SDMM/DMM · [2292 ¶29(1)]

D7. Counting must be suspended midway for an unavoidable reason. What do you do? ✅ Seal all machines and election papers; let candidates/agents affix their own seals if they wish; keep everything in a separate room and seal the room with your seal and the candidates' seals — alternatively candidates may also put their own locks · [2292 ¶23]

D8. A counting agent keeps moving to other tables and ignores instructions. ✅ A counting agent may sit only at the allotted table [¶6(9)]. If he does not comply, under Rule 60(2) he may be removed from the counting room, for which the help of the police officer present outside may be taken · [2292 ¶8]

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Part E — 🆕 The Rules and the newest orders (added 22.08.2026)

Every question in this part comes from the rules and orders themselves, on which this module was previously silent.

E1. A report has gone to the SEC under rule 55(1). May the RO commence counting at the appointed hour? (a) Yes, just leave out that station's votes (b) No — not until the Commission grants a clearance (c) Yes, if no reply comes within two hours (d) Yes, the DEO's permission suffices ✅ (b) — "shall not commence counting of votes till he gets a clearance to do so from the State Election Commission" · [rule 55(3), Manual printed p.97] 🚨 The bar is not confined to one polling station, and it is not "waiting" — an affirmative clearance is required.

E2. The poll at one polling station of a ward was adjourned because of a flood. What does the RO do on counting day? ✅ Stops the remaining counting of that entire ward and proceeds only on the Commission's directions — "since in municipal elections the ward is the constituency" · [order 4650 dt 04.11.2019] Rule 53(2) also bars it automatically — "shall not count the votes cast at any such election until such adjourned poll shall have been completed".

E3. How is the report of such cases sent? (a) Separately for each station (b) All stations together, in one consolidated complete report (c) Orally (d) After counting ✅ (b) — "send the complete report with all the facts in one go, so that there is no unnecessary delay in the Commission's decision" · on the Commission's model form · [order 4650]

E4. 🚨 Who may attest the Form 16-A declaration of a voter on election duty? ✅ Any gazetted officer, or the Presiding Officer of the polling station at which he is posted on duty · [rule 46-A(6)(b), Margdarsika printed p.86]

E5. 🚨 And for a voter in preventive detention? ✅ Any gazetted officer, or the officer in charge of that jail · [order 1418, item (10)] ⚠️ For this class the Presiding Officer is not an option, and the jail officer need not be gazetted. (Do not merge the two classes' rules — a valid ballot will be rejected.)

E6. From which box in Form 16-A's attestation block does the RO test competence? (a) Signature (b) Designation (c) Date (d) Address ✅ (b) Designation — 🚨 a blank designation box means competence cannot be tested at all.

E7. When are tendered ballots counted? (a) After the postal ballots (b) After the EVMs (c) Never (d) Only on a recount ✅ (c) — "No envelope containing the tendered ballot papers shall be opened and no such votes shall be counted" · [rule 63-A(3), Manual printed p.110]

E8. May a government servant act as a counting agent? (a) Yes, on leave (b) No — it is an offence (c) Yes, with the DEO's permission (d) Only if non-gazetted ✅ (b) — imprisonment up to three months, or fine, or both · [s.134A, applied by s.28 of the Act 2009] ⚠️ But the penalty falls on the servant — the section does not void the appointment. The RO states it in the ¶6(7) notice, catches it at Form-19 scrutiny, has a replacement appointed, and reports to the DEO. (Different from the Minister bar [2292 ¶10(3)], where entry itself may be refused.)

E9. After counting, which model's whole machine is sealed? (a) MPSV (b) MPMV (c) M3A (d) All three ✅ (c) BEL M3A — both CU and BU · MPSV: SDMM only; MPMV: DMM only · [order 5446 dt 04.08.2026, point 13(ii)] 🚨 Do not carry "the ECIL CU is not sealed" across to an M3A.

E10. The result will not display on the CU during counting. What now? ✅ The RO defers that machine's result (the whole count is not stopped) → calls the authorised engineer → if still unresolved, informs the SEC through the DEO · [order 5681, Part D-1]

E11. What must the DEO keep ready at the counting venue, and why? ✅ Some new batteries in reserve — "at any time during counting the CU battery may go into LOW mode" · [order 5681, Part D-2]

E12. (Scenario) During counting the RO is satisfied that a machine has in fact been tampered with. ✅ He shall not count the votes recorded in that machine and shall report to the Commission under the rule 55 procedure · [rule 62-A(4)] → and then, under order 4650, the rest of that ward's counting stops.

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Quick answer key

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⚠️ What is deliberately not asked

Because the available official documents do not answer it — see GAPS:

• The postal ballot packets — the two documents conflict; rule adopted: the later document prevails (one packet), a departmental decision and not an SEC ruling. This is now asked as C16.
• The printed formats of the forms (14-ग, 16-क/ख/ग, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
• The SDMM/DMM sealing method (letters 705 and 826)
• ~~The detailed grounds for a recount under Rule 67 (the text of the Rules is not held)~~ 🔴 This was wrong — corrected 22.08.2026. The full original text of rule 67 is now in the module — see RO/ARO handbook §12-A. The test for rejection is "frivolous and unreasonable"; a recount is done according to rule 64.
• ~~The procedure for issuing preventive-detention postal ballots (order 1418 not read)~~ 🔴 Corrected 23.08.2026 — the whole procedure is now in the module → §9.4-A.
• Chairperson / vice-chairperson counting