📑 Topics on this page (Jump to Topic):
📌 1. History of the Census
- First (non-synchronous) census — 1872 (Lord Mayo); first synchronous census — 1881 (Lord Ripon). Every 10 years since.
- 2011 — 15th census (7th after independence). Basis: Census Act 1948; conducted by the Registrar General & Census Commissioner (MHA). The next (16th) census is notified with reference date 1 March 2027 (1 Oct 2026 for snow-bound areas), including caste enumeration.
- 1921 — "Year of the Great Divide": after it population rose continuously (it had fallen in 1911-21).
- Per the UN, in April 2023 India overtook China as the world's most populous country. World Population Day — 11 July.
📌 2. Census 2011: Key Figures
| Indicator | India | Highest / lowest (states) |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1.21 billion (≈ 17.5% of world) | UP (≈ 199.8 million) / Sikkim |
| Decadal growth (2001-11) | 17.7% | Meghalaya (27.9%) / Nagaland (−0.6%, negative) |
| Density | 382 persons/km² | Bihar (1,106) / Arunachal (17); UT — Delhi (11,320) |
| Sex ratio (F per 1000 M) | 943 | Kerala (1,084) / Haryana (879); UT — Puducherry (1,037) / Daman-Diu (618) |
| Child sex ratio (0–6) | 919 | Mizoram (970) / Haryana (834) |
| Literacy (age 7+) | 74.04% (M 82.14%, F 65.46%) | Kerala (94%) / Bihar (61.8%); UT — Lakshadweep (91.8%) |
| Urban population | 31.16% | Goa (62.2%) / HP (10%) |
| SC / ST | 16.6% / 8.6% | SC — Punjab (31.9%) highest %; ST — Mizoram (94.4%) highest %, MP highest number |
- District level: most populous — Thane (Maharashtra); densest — North East Delhi; highest sex ratio — Mahe (Puducherry).
- Most populous urban agglomeration — Greater Mumbai, then Delhi, Kolkata. Hindi is the most spoken language (≈ 43.6%).
- Demographic transition — India is in stage 3 (falling birth rate, low death rate). National Population Policy — 2000; NFHS-5 (2019-21) TFR 2.0 (below replacement 2.1).
📌 3. Major Tribes
| Tribe | Region |
|---|---|
| Bhil, Gond (largest groups) | MP, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, CG |
| Santhal | Jharkhand, WB, Odisha; Santhali (Ol Chiki) |
| Munda, Oraon, Ho | Jharkhand |
| Toda | Nilgiris (TN) — buffalo herders |
| Khasi, Garo | Meghalaya (matrilineal) |
| Naga, Mizo, Bodo | Nagaland, Mizoram, Assam |
| Tharu | Uttarakhand-UP Terai |
| Jarawa, Onge, Sentinelese, Shompen | Andaman-Nicobar (PVTG) |
| Gaddi | HP |
| Chenchu | AP-Telangana (Nallamala) |
- No notified STs in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Chandigarh, Puducherry. There are 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
⚠️ Exam Traps:
- Highest sex ratio Kerala, lowest Haryana; highest child sex ratio Mizoram.
- Highest density Bihar (state) — not WB (second).
- First census 1872, first synchronous 1881.
- Nagaland — the only state with negative growth in 2001-11.
📌 4. Practice MCQs
📝 Practice MCQs (prepared by SF Prep — not PYQs)
Q1. When was the first synchronous census held in India? Practice
Correct answer: (B)
In 1881 under Lord Ripon; the 1872 one was non-synchronous.
In 1881 under Lord Ripon; the 1872 one was non-synchronous.
Q2. As per Census 2011, India's sex ratio was — Practice
Correct answer: (C)
943 females per 1000 males; 919 is the child sex ratio.
943 females per 1000 males; 919 is the child sex ratio.
Q3. Which state had the highest sex ratio in Census 2011? Practice
Correct answer: (D)
Kerala — 1,084.
Kerala — 1,084.
Q4. Which state had the lowest sex ratio in Census 2011? Practice
Correct answer: (A)
Haryana — 879.
Haryana — 879.
Q5. India's population density as per Census 2011 was — Practice
Correct answer: (B)
382; 1,106 is Bihar's density.
382; 1,106 is Bihar's density.
Q6. Which state had the highest population density in 2011? Practice
Correct answer: (C)
Bihar (1,106), then WB (1,028).
Bihar (1,106), then WB (1,028).
Q7. Which state has the lowest population density? Practice
Correct answer: (D)
Arunachal Pradesh — 17 per km².
Arunachal Pradesh — 17 per km².
Q8. India's literacy rate in Census 2011 was — Practice
Correct answer: (A)
Total 74.04%; male 82.14%, female 65.46%; 64.84% was 2001.
Total 74.04%; male 82.14%, female 65.46%; 64.84% was 2001.
Q9. Which state had the lowest literacy in Census 2011? Practice
Correct answer: (B)
Bihar — 61.8%.
Bihar — 61.8%.
Q10. Which state recorded negative population growth in 2001-2011? Practice
Correct answer: (C)
Nagaland (−0.6%).
Nagaland (−0.6%).
Q11. Which year is called the "Year of the Great Divide"? Practice
Correct answer: (D)
Population grew continuously after 1921.
Population grew continuously after 1921.
Q12. The most populous state per Census 2011 is — Practice
Correct answer: (A)
UP ≈ 199.8 million.
UP ≈ 199.8 million.
Q13. The child sex ratio (0-6) in 2011 was — Practice
Correct answer: (B)
919 (927 in 2001).
919 (927 in 2001).
Q14. The urban population share in Census 2011 was — Practice
Correct answer: (C)
31.16%; 27.8% in 2001.
31.16%; 27.8% in 2001.
Q15. The most urbanised state (2011) is — Practice
Correct answer: (D)
Goa — 62.2% urban.
Goa — 62.2% urban.
Q16. The census in India is conducted under the — Practice
Correct answer: (A)
Census Act 1948; run by the Registrar General (MHA).
Census Act 1948; run by the Registrar General (MHA).
Q17. A social feature of Meghalaya's Khasi and Garo is that they are — Practice
Correct answer: (B)
Property and lineage pass through the mother.
Property and lineage pass through the mother.
Q18. The Toda tribe lives in — Practice
Correct answer: (C)
Todas are buffalo herders of the Nilgiris (TN).
Todas are buffalo herders of the Nilgiris (TN).
Q19. Which state has the highest percentage of ST population (2011)? Practice
Correct answer: (D)
Mizoram ≈ 94.4%; MP has the largest number.
Mizoram ≈ 94.4%; MP has the largest number.
Q20. According to the UN, India became the most populous country in — Practice
Correct answer: (A)
In April 2023, overtaking China.
In April 2023, overtaking China.