MCQs on Demography and Census 2011 of India | JKSSB Mock Test
Demography and Census 2011 of India – SSC & UPSC Notes
Introduction
Demography refers to the scientific study of the characteristics of the human population—its size, structure, distribution, and changes over time. The Census of India is the most authoritative source of demographic data and is conducted every 10 years by the Government of India.
This article covers all the important highlights from the 2011 Census of India, with a special focus on exam-relevant data for SSC, UPSC, and other competitive exams.
📌 What is Census?
A Census is the process of collecting, compiling, and publishing demographic, social, and economic data of all people in a country at a particular time. In India, it is conducted by the Registrar General and Census Commissioner under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
🗓️ First and Latest Census
- First Census in India: 1872 (incomplete)
- First Complete Census: 1881
- Latest Census: 2011
- Next Census: 2021 (Delayed due to COVID-19)
👥 Key Highlights of Census 2011
| Indicator | 2011 Value | 2001 Value |
|---|---|---|
| Total Population | 121.08 crore | 102.87 crore |
| Population Growth Rate (2001–2011) | 17.7% | 21.5% |
| Sex Ratio (Females per 1000 Males) | 940 | 933 |
| Literacy Rate (Total) | 74.04% | 64.8% |
| Male Literacy | 82.14% | 75.3% |
| Female Literacy | 65.46% | 53.7% |
🏙️ Top States by Population (2011)
- 1. Uttar Pradesh: 19.96 crore
- 2. Maharashtra: 11.23 crore
- 3. Bihar: 10.41 crore
Least Populated State:
- Sikkim: 6.07 lakh
👨👩👧 Sex Ratio & Literacy by State
- Highest Sex Ratio: Kerala (1084 females per 1000 males)
- Lowest Sex Ratio: Haryana (879 females per 1000 males)
- Highest Literacy: Kerala (93.91%)
- Lowest Literacy: Bihar (63.82%)
🌇 Urban vs Rural Population
- Rural Population: 68.84%
- Urban Population: 31.16%
🧓 Age Group Stats
- 0–6 years population: 13.1%
- Population aged 60+ years: ~8%
🔤 Language & Religion (As per Census)
- Major Religion: Hindu (79.8%), Muslim (14.2%), Christian (2.3%), Sikh (1.7%)
- Most spoken language: Hindi (approx. 43.6%)
🧠 Important Concepts in Demography (Exam-oriented)
- Dependency Ratio: Ratio of dependents (0–14 & 65+) to working-age (15–64)
- Sex Ratio: No. of females per 1000 males
- Literacy Rate: % of people aged 7+ who can read and write
📚 SSC & UPSC One-Liners
- Registrar General of India in 2011: C. Chandramouli
- Only state with population decline in 2011: Nagaland
- First state to achieve 100% literacy: Kerala
📖 FAQs – People Also Ask
Q1. What is the total population of India as per Census 2011?
Ans: 121.08 crore (1.21 billion).
Q2. Which state had the highest literacy rate in 2011?
Ans: Kerala with 93.91%.
Q3. What is the child sex ratio in Census 2011?
Ans: 919 girls per 1000 boys (age group 0–6).
Q4. When was the next Census after 2011 scheduled?
Ans: In 2021, but delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Q5. Which state had the lowest sex ratio in 2011?
Ans: Haryana (879 females per 1000 males).
📝 Final Takeaways for Exams
- Remember top 3 populous states and least populous state.
- Memorize literacy and sex ratio trends for Kerala and Bihar.
- Understand definitions of demographic terms like dependency ratio, sex ratio, literacy rate.
- Pay attention to growth trends and urban-rural divide.
Pro Tip: Questions from Census 2011 are regularly asked in SSC CGL, CHSL, UPSC Prelims, CDS, and State PSCs. Make short notes and revise frequently.
