UPSC NCERT Notes on the Indian Economy’s Demographic Profile provide a comprehensive understanding of the vital aspects shaping India’s population landscape, which is crucial for aspirants preparing for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examinations. Delving into demographic parameters such as population growth, age distribution, literacy rates, workforce composition, and migration trends, these notes offer a nuanced insight into the socio-economic fabric of the nation. By elucidating key concepts, statistical data, and trends, these notes equip aspirants with the requisite knowledge to comprehend and analyze the demographic dynamics influencing India’s development trajectory. Understanding the demographic profile is imperative not only for answering specific questions in the examination but also for grasping the broader implications of demographic trends on various socio-economic dimensions, policymaking, and sustainable development agendas.
Demography
- In terms of population size, India ranks second globally, following China, but it stands seventh in terms of land area, covering only 2.4% of the world’s total. As of April 2023, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) estimates India’s population to be 1.43 billion, surpassing China’s population. Despite this demographic significance, India accounts for only 18% of the world’s income, emphasizing the disproportionate burden of population within the country.
Important Principles Related to Demography
- Several fundamental principles guide the study of demography, with one notable theory being the Population Theory of Malthus.
- Thomas Robert Malthus, an early economist, formulated this theory in his work “Essay on the Principle of Population” (1798). Malthus contended that while food production increases in arithmetic progression (1, 2, 3, 4, 5…), human populations experience exponential growth (1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 16…).
- thus, he predicted a future when humans would не по resources to survive on.
Population Growth
- “Malthus said that if there was no restriction on the source of subsistence, the population would double every 25 years. If this ratio continues, then in double ears, the population will increase 256 times, but the wing capacity will increase only 9 times, In such a situation, the problem of food supply will arise”
- Malthus advocated for both preventive and positive checks to control population growth. Positive checks encompassed factors like famine, earthquakes, epidemics, and wars. On the other hand, preventive measures such as late marriage and self-control not only curbed population growth but also averted the catastrophic consequences of positive checks. However, contemporary economists diverge from Malthus, emphasizing the potential contributions of technology and the positive correlation between a larger population and breakthroughs in technology.
Optimum Theory of Population
- The Optimum Theory of Population posits that each country has an optimal population level, maximizing income per capita. If the population surpasses this optimum level, overpopulation becomes a concern.
- The term “population optimum” was introduced by British economist Edwin Cannan, who defined it as the population size that yields the highest per capita income given available resources, capital, and technology.
- The correlation between population and resources is represented by the formula A – O = M, where A is the actual population, O is the optimum population, and M indicates maladjustment.
- A positive M signifies overpopulation, while a negative M indicates underpopulation. When M equals O, an ideal and optimum relationship between population and resources is achieved.
Theory of Demographic Transition
- The Demographic Transition Theory, credited to Frank W. Notestein, describes the evolving patterns of mortality, fertility, and growth rates during the shift from one demographic regime to another. Notestein’s original three-stage theory was later expanded to four stages. The stages are as follows:
- First Stage: High birth and death rates, resulting in slow and fluctuating population growth.
- Second Stage (Early Expanding): High birth rates persist, but the death rate decreases, leading to a rapid rise in population.
- Third Stage (Late Expanding): Characterized by a decline in birth rate, low death rate, and a decrease in population growth, as birth and death rates continue to fall.
- Fourth Stage of demographic transition, characterized by a low birth rate and low death rate, the population reaches a stationary or declining phase, often referred to as a stage of a stationary population.
- Both birth and death rates are low, resulting in a steady or decreasing population, as observed in many Western European nations.
India experienced rapid population growth
- India experienced rapid population growth in the post-independence period. Between 1951 and 1961, the population increased by over 7.82 crore or nearly 21.6%, surpassing the growth rate of the previous 40 years. This surge is termed population explosion. Since 1951, the population has consistently increased, with growth rates of 24.8% between 1971-81 and 23.8% between 1981-91. However, there has been a deceleration in India’s population growth rate to 17.64% in the decade 2001-2011, the slowest rate in the past century.
- The study of India’s population growth can be divided into four periods:
- Period of Stable Population (1891 to 1921): Low growth due to calamities and epidemics, with an increase of 1.26 crore in 30 years.
- Period of Growth of Population (1921 to 1951): Rapid growth since 1921, marked by the Census Commissioner as the “Year of Great Divide.”
- Period of Population Explosion (1951 to 1981): High growth rates, reaching 24.8% in 1971-1981, adding 13 crore 51 lakh persons to the total population.
- Period of High Growth with Definite Signs of Slowing Down (1981 to Present): Population increased by 16 crore 90 lakhs in 1981-1991, 18.07 crore in 1991-2001, and 18.14 crore in 2001-2011.
Terminologies related to population include:
- Crude Birth Rate (CBR): The number of live births per year per 1000 mid-year population.
- CBR = (Number of live births during the year / Mid-year population) × 1,000.
- Crude Death Rate (CDR): The number of deaths in an area in a year per 1000 population counted at mid-year.
- CDR = (Number of deaths / Mid-year population) × 1,000.
- India’s crude birth rate declined from 19.3% to 18.6% between 2015 and 2018, while the crude death rate increased from 7.3 to 7.35 deaths per thousand population over the last four years.
Factors Influencing Death Rates
- Poverty
- Lack of Medical Services and Public Health Technology
- Low Educational Rates
- Natural Outbreaks such as floods, droughts, famines, etc.
- Superstition and Social Habits
Sex Ratio
- Worldwide, males outnumber females, with a sex ratio of 986 females to 1000 males. In India, according to the 2011 Census, the sex ratio was 940 females to 1000 males. In 1901, India had the highest sex ratio of 972.
Infant Mortality Rate (IMR)
- IMR refers to the number of deaths in the population during a given period, typically expressed as deaths per 1,000 live births under one year old.
- IMR = (Number of infant deaths in a year / Number of live births in a year) × 1000
Child Mortality Rate
- This rate refers to the number of deaths of children between 0-5 years per 1000 live births in a year.
- Child Mortality = (Number of deaths of children aged 0 to 5 years in a year / Number of live births in a year) × 1000
Population Growth Rate
- The natural growth rate of the population is the difference between the crude birth rate and the crude death rate during a specified period for a given country, region, or geographical area. When migration is considered, it is called the Population Growth Rate.
- Population Growth Rate = ((Number of people coming into the country – Number of people leaving the country) / Population estimated in the mid-year) × 1000
Decadal Growth Rate
- The percentage increase in population over 10 years.
- Decadal Growth Rate = ((Present population – Post population) / Post population) × 100
Literacy Rate
- The percentage of people above the age of 7 who can read and write in any language.
- Literacy Rate (2011) = 74.04%
- Male Literacy Rate (2011) = 82.14%
- Female Literacy Rate (2011) = 65.46%
- The highest literacy rate was in Kerala (93.91%), while Bihar had a lower literacy rate (63.82%).
Density of Population
- The average number of people living per square kilometer.
- Density of Population (2011) = 382 per sq km for India
Real Population Density (Physiological Density)
- A more accurate measure that considers only habitable land area in a country.
- This metric represents the country’s capacity to provide sustenance to its population.
- India’s physiological density is notably lower in comparison to many other nations, owing to the abundance of extensive arable land.
Maternal Mortality Rate
- The maternal mortality rate (MMR) can be determined by dividing recorded (or estimated) maternal deaths by the total recorded (or estimated) live births during the same period and then multiplying the result by 1 lakh. This calculation necessitates information on pregnancy status, the timing of death (during pregnancy, childbirth, or within 42 days of pregnancy termination), and the cause of death.
- MMR = (Number of maternal deaths / Number of live births) × 1000.
Total Fertility Rate (TFR)
- The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) denotes the total number of children a woman is expected to give birth to in her lifetime. India’s TFR is decreasing and currently stands at 2.2 per woman, nearing the replacement rate of 2.1.
- Replacement fertility is the TFR at which women have enough babies to maintain population levels, assuming constant mortality rates and zero net migration. While the replacement fertility rate is 2.1 births per woman for most developed countries, it can be higher, up to 3.5, in underdeveloped countries due to elevated mortality rates.
| Sex Ratio | ||
| Category | States/UT | Sex Ratio (Females per 1000 Males) |
| Sex Ratio in India | India | 943 |
| Highest Sex Ratio among State | Kerala | 1084 |
| Lowest Sex Ratio among State | Haryana | 879 |
| Highest Sex Ratio among UT | Puducherry | 1037 |
| Lowest Sex Ratio among UT | Daman and Diu | 618 |
| Child (0-6 years) Sex Ratio | ||
| Lowest Child (0-6) Sex Ratio in State | Mizoram | 971 |
| Haryana (830) |
Birth and death rates
- Birth and death rates in India surpass those of most countries globally. The birth rate signifies the number of children born per thousand individuals, while the death rate indicates the number of deaths per thousand individuals in a year. For instance, if the birth rate in India is 23, it implies that every year, 23 births occur per thousand individuals, on average. The birth rate in India remains considerably high when compared to developed nations like Japan, Germany, Canada, and the UK.
- The Rate of Natural Increase (RNI) is calculated as the birth rate minus the death rate for a specific population over a defined period, representing the natural growth rate (Birth rate – Death rate).
- Steady population conditions occur when the birth rate equals the death rate.
Life Expectancy
- Life Expectancy, indicating the average lifespan of a country’s population, has historically been relatively short in India. However, concerted efforts have led to improvements in life expectancy over time. The table below illustrates the average life expectancy.
| Expectation of Life (in years) | Years | Life Expectancy |
| 1921 | 19.4 | |
| 1971 | 52.0 | |
| 1931 | 26.9 | |
| 1981 | 54.0 | |
| 1941 | 32.0 | |
| 1991 | 59.0 | |
| 1951 | 33.0 | |
| 2001 | 64.0 | |
| 1961 | 0 | 0 |
| 2011 | 69.89 |
- In other countries of the world, the expectation of life is much longer than ours. For instance, in Australia, it is 79 years, in Japan, 82 years, in England, 77 years, in America, 78 Sweden, and in Canada, it is 80 years.
Age Structure and Population Pyramid
- The age structure of a country’s population is a critical indicator of its productivity and economic potential. The working population, aged 15-60 years, plays a pivotal role in a nation’s economic development. In India, a significant portion of the population falls within this working age group, contributing to economic growth. However, the percentage of individuals aged 0-14 years remains high, posing both opportunities and challenges for the country’s development.
The population pyramid, or age-sex
- The population pyramid, or age-sex pyramid, graphically illustrates the distribution of different age groups and the male-female ratio in a population. It typically represents the population size on the horizontal axis and age groups on the vertical axis. The shape of the pyramid is influenced by factors such as fertility and mortality rates.
- Population pyramids are categorized into three types: stationary, expansive, and constrictive. A stationary pyramid indicates a stable population, with birth and death rates balancing each other. An expansive pyramid, characterized by a wide base, signifies a rapidly growing population with high birth rates. In contrast, a constrictive pyramid, narrowing at the bottom, reflects an older population with long life expectancy, low death rates, and low birth rates.
National Population Policy (2000)
- The Government of India introduced the New National Population Policy on February 15, 2000. This policy emphasizes the voluntary consent of citizens to avail of reproductive healthcare services. The key objectives of the National Population Policy (NPP) 2000 are as follows:
- Immediate Objective: Address unmet needs for contraception, healthcare infrastructure, and personnel, providing integrated services for basic reproductive and child healthcare.
- Medium-Term Objective (By 2010): Achieve replacement levels of total fertility rate through the vigorous implementation of inter-sectoral operational strategies.
- The NPP 2000 aims to create a policy framework that caters to the reproductive and child health needs of the Indian population over the next decade, aligning with the broader goals of sustainable development.
- Population by the year 2045 is anticipated to reach a level that aligns with the demands of sustainable growth, social development, and environmental protection.
The National Population Policy of India
- The National Population Policy of India encompasses all legal, administrative programs, and governmental initiatives directed towards curbing the birth rate and enhancing the quality of life in alignment with principles of sustainable growth, social development, and environmental protection.
- Following independence, the Government of India established a national policy on population with the primary goal of restraining the increase in the birth rate and elevating the standard of living for its citizens. This policy has undergone periodic revisions, expanding its scope and proving highly effective in implementing measures for population control.
| Particular | Target (2016-17) |
| Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) | 25 per 1000 |
| Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) | 100 per 100,000 |
| Total Fertility Rate | 2.1 |
| Sex Ratio for 0-6 years Age Group | from 914 to 950 |
Census 2011 Overview
- The Census 2011 marks the 15th National Census Survey conducted by the Office of Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs. Mr. C Chandramouli serves as the Commissioner and Registrar General for the Indian 2011 Census, conducted under the provisions of the Census Act, of 1948. It is a Union subject as per Article 246 of the Indian Constitution.
- The 2011 Census took place in two phases – House listing and Population, covering all 28 States, 7 Union Territories, 640 districts, 497 cities, 5767 Tehsils, and over 6 lakh villages.
Rural-Urban Population Dynamics
- The ratio of the urban population to the total population serves as an index of a country’s industrialization level. In India, being primarily an agricultural country, the urban population ratio is lower than the rural population.
Notable facts related to rural/urban population from the 2011 Census include:
- Over the decade from 2001 to 2011, the rural population increased by 90.47 million, while the urban population increased by 91 million, marking the first time urban growth outpaced rural growth.
- Percentage-wise, rural and urban populations increased by 12.18% and 31.80%, respectively.
- Himachal Pradesh boasts the highest proportion of rural population (89.96%), while Delhi has the highest proportion of urban population (97.5%).
- The overall sex ratio in the country improved from 933 in 2001 to 940 in 2011. Kerala leads with the highest sex ratio in total (1084), rural (1077), and urban (1091) populations.
- The child sex ratio (0-6 age group) saw a decline of 13 points between 2001 and 2011 (927 to 914). The fall was higher in rural areas (15 points) than in urban areas (4 points).
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands have the highest child sex ratio in rural areas (975), while Nagaland tops in urban areas (979).
- The literacy rate for the country was 74.04%, with rural areas at 68.91% and urban areas at 84.98%. The overall literacy rates increased by 9.21 points (total), 10.17 points (rural), and 5.06 points (urban).
- Rural life in India is often marked by challenges such as limited employment opportunities, low-income levels, inadequate educational and training facilities, and insufficient healthcare access.
- In pursuit of better prospects, people migrate to urban areas seeking improved living standards and enhanced opportunities.
Industrialization Revolution Effect:
- The Industrial Revolution introduced new production techniques, leading to increased job opportunities in urban areas.
- Urbanization is propelled by the growth of manufacturing sectors, creating employment opportunities and attracting individuals from rural settings.
Demographic Dividend:
- Demographic dividend refers to the advantage a country gains when it has a high share of the population aged between 15 and 64, contributing to economic growth.
- This demographic stage is characterized by lower fertility rates, reducing the dependent population below 15 years and above 64 years.
- The resulting lower dependency ratio boosts economic growth as a larger working population contributes to higher savings, investment, and overall economic development.
- Effective utilization of demographic dividends requires supportive national policies addressing literacy, employment, and healthcare.
Demographic Dividend in India (1961-2011):
| Population Group/Year | 0-14 (%) | 15-64 (%) | 65 and above (%) |
| 1961 | 41.2 | 55.5 | 3.3 |
| 1971 | 34.3 | 37.7 | 39.5 |
| 1991 | 30.2 | 58.4 | 11.5 |
| 2001 | 3.5 | 61.4 | 35.1 |
| 2011 | 3.9 | 64.8 | 31.3 |
Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC):
- Conducted in 2011, SECC identifies poor households based on automatic inclusion criteria, exclusion criteria, and deprivation indicators.
- Aims to address socio-economic disparities and improve targeted service delivery.
Census 2011 – Old Age Population:
- India has the world’s second-largest population of older (60+) individuals, expected to reach 173 million by 2026.
- Challenges in service delivery are prominent as 80% of the elderly population resides in rural areas.
Salient Features of Census 2011:
- India’s population in 2011 was 1,210,854,977, contributing 17.5% to the global population on 2.4% of the world’s surface area.
- The growth rate was 17.7% during 2001-11, with a density increase from 325 to 382 per sq km.
- Bihar leads in population density with 1106, surpassing West Bengal’s 2001 census position.
Child Population
- The child population in the age group (0-6) years has seen an increase of 0.4% to 164.5 million in 2011 from 163.8 million in 2001.
- In 2011, the child sex ratio of the 0-6 age group stood at 919 females against 1000 males in comparison to 927 females in 2001.
- The worst performing states concerning sex ratio in the age group of 0 to 6 years are:
- Haryana (834 females), Punjab (846) Jammu and Kashmir (862), Rajasthan (888), and Gujarat (890). The best-performing states are Chhattisgarh (969), Kerala (964), Assam (962), West Bengal (956), Jharkhand (948) and Karnataka (948).
Religion-Based Census Report
- The Census 2011 data on the Population by Religious Communities, was released by the Registrar General of India on 25th August 2015.
- It showed that the percentage of Hindus dipped by 0.7 Percentage Points (PP) in the decade 2001 to 2011, pulling it for the first time below 80%.
- The distribution is the total population by six major religious communities namely, Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, and Jain besides ‘Other Religions and Persuasions’ and ‘Religion not stated’.
Religion-Based Census Report (Census 2011):
| Religion | Population |
| Hindus | 96.63 crore (79.8%) |
| Muslims | 17.22 crore (14.2%) |
| Christians | 2.78 crore (2.3%) |
| Sikhs | 2.08 crore (1.7%) |
| Buddhists | 0.84 crore (0.7%) |
| Jains | 0.45 crore (0.4%) |
| Other Religions and Persuasions | 0.79 crore (0.7%) |
| Religion not stated | 0.29 crore (0.2%) |
Language and Percentage of Speakers (Total Population):
| Language | Total Speakers (%) |
| Hindi | 57.10 |
| English | 10.60 |
| Bengali | 8.90 |
| Marathi | 8.20 |
| Telugu | 7.80 |
| Gujarati | 6.30 |
| Tamil | 5.00 |
| Urdu | 5.20 |
| Kannada | 4.94 |
| Odia | 3.56 |
| Malayalam | 3.56 |
| Punjabi | 2.80 |
| Sanskrit | 0.49 |
National Population Commission:
- Established on May 11, 2000, the National Population Commission, chaired by the Prime Minister with the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission (now NITI Aayog) as Vice-Chairman, oversees population-related matters.
National Population Council:
- The National Population Council (NPC), established by the National Population Council Act 1994, advises the government on all population matters.
Jansankhya Sthirata Kosh (JSK):
- Formerly known as the National Population Stabilisation Fund (NPSF), JSK was set up in 2004-05 with a one-time grant of 100 crores to address population stabilization, functioning under the Ministry of Health.
- Jok, also known as the National Population Commission, was constituted based on the recommendations of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. It operates under the general body of the National Population Commission. Originally established under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Jok was reconstituted in 2005 with an expanded mandate and additional focus on reproductive health initiatives.
- Jok’s primary goal is to promote and execute programs, projects, and initiatives addressing the unmet needs for contraception and reproductive health. Its overarching objective is to achieve population stabilization by 2045, aligning with the requirements of sustainable economic growth, social development, and environmental protection.
National Population Register (NPR)
- National Population Register (NPR) is a comprehensive registry initiated by the Government of India, encompassing the usual residents of the country. Mandatory for every citizen, NPR feeds into the National Register of Indian Citizens (NRIC) after citizenship verification. The collected data from NPR undergoes de-duplication and Aadhar number issuance through UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India).
- UIDAI, established in January 2009 as an attached office under the Government of India, operates as a statutory authority under the Aadhar Act 2016. On July 12, 2016, it became a statutory authority under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY). Before this, UIDAI functioned as an attached office of the Planning Commission (now NITI Aayog) and currently falls under the purview of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY).
- UIDAI was created to issue a unique identification number (Aadhar) to all residents of India and operate the Aadhar number database on an ongoing basis.
- The agency is headed by a Chairman, who holds a Cabinet rank. The first Chairman of UIDAI is Nandan Nilekani, former Co-chairman of Infosys Technologies.
Aadhar
- Aadhar is a 12-digit unique number, which the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) will issue to residents of India voluntarily.
- The number will be generated randomly and will not be based on any classification. The numbers will be linked to the basic biometric information of the person, including photographs, iris, and fingerprints.
Percentage of Elderly Persons to Total Population (India):
| Years | Total Population (in million) | % of Elderly Persons |
| 2001 | 70.69 | 6.90 |
| 2006 | 83.58 | 7.50 |
| 2011 | 98.47 | 8.30 |
| 2016 | 118.10 | 9.30 |
| 2021 | 143.24 | 10.70 |
| 2026 | 84.62 | 12.40 |
Highest/Least Population States and UTs:
| Population | Name of States/UTs |
| Highest population state | Uttar Pradesh |
| Least populous state | Sikkim |
| Highest populous UT | Delhi |
| Least populous UT | Lakshadweep |
| Highest urban population (States and UT) | Maharashtra |
| Lowest urban population (State and UT) | Lakshadweep |
| Highest rural population (State and UT) | Uttar Pradesh |
| Lowest rural population | Lakshadweep |
| Highest population density (State) | Bihar |
| Lowest population density (State) | Arunachal Pradesh |
| Highest literacy rate | Kerala |
| Lowest literacy rate | Bihar |
Demographic Profile (Census):
| States/UTs | Population | Literacy Rate (%) | Growth Rate | Decadal Rate | Population Density | Sex Ratio |
| Andhra Pradesh | 9,72,77,775 | 75.8 | 13.9 | 74.04 | 602 | 972 |
| Himachal Pradesh | 68,64,602 | 82.8 | 18.8 | 67.02 | 338 | 895 |
| Punjab | 2,77,43,338 | 75.6 | 19.9 | 82.8 | 862 | 963 |
| Uttarakhand | 1,00,86,292 | 78.8 | 21.9 | 5.77 | 462 | 879 |
| Haryana | 2,53,51,462 | 66.1 | 20.2 | 103 | 829 | 928 |
| Rajasthan | 6,85,48,437 | 66.4 | 25.4 | 123 | 573 | 912 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 19,98,12,341 | 67.7 | 20.2 | 1106 | 829 | 912 |
| Bihar | 10,40,99,452 | 61.8 | 12.9 | 918 | 890 | 86 |
| Sikkim | 6,10,577 | 81.4 | -0.6 | 938 | 890 | 81.4 |
| Arunachal Pradesh | 13,83,727 | 65.4 | 14.8 | 931 | 938 | 17 |
| Nagaland | 19,78,502 | 79.6 | 19.9 | 123 | 551 | 963 |
| Manipur | 25,70,340 | 79.2 | 23.5 | 128 | 985 | 976 |
| Mizoram | 10,97,206 | 87.2 | 36.7 | 960 | 350 | 976 |
| Tripura | 36,73,917 | 87.2 | 960 | 350 | 960 | 868 |
| Meghalaya | 29,66,889 | 74.4 | 989 | 132 | 989 | 77.43 |
| Assam | 3,12,05,576 | 72.2 | 958 | 398 | 958 | 1028 |
| West Bengal | 9,12,76,115 | 76.3 | 950 | 1028 | 13.8 | 76.3 |
| Jharkhand | 3,29,88,134 | 66.4 | 949 | 414 | 949 | 22.4 |
| Odisha | 4,19,74,218 | 72.9 | 979 | 270 | 979 | 14 |
| Chhattisgarh | 2,55,45,198 | 70.3 | 991 | 189 | 991 | 22.6 |
| Madhya Pradesh | 7,26,26,809 | 69.3 | 931 | 236 | 931 | 20.3 |
| Gujarat | 6,04,39,629 | 78.0 | 919 | 308 | 919 | 19.3 |
| Maharashtra | 11,23,74,333 | 82.3 | 929 | 365 | 929 | 16 |
| Telangana | 3,52,86,757 | 76.3 | 988 | 307 | 988 | 17.87 |
| Karnataka | 6,10,95,297 | 82.3 | 973 | 317 | 973 | 15.67 |
| Goa | 14,58,545 | 88.7 | 973 | 394 | 88.7 | 1084 |
| Kerala | 3,34,06,061 | 94.0 | 1084 | 860 | 4.9 | 94.0 |
| Tamil Nadu | 7,21,47,030 | 76.3 | 996 | 94.0 | 996 | 94.0 |
| Delhi | 1,67,87,941 | 86.0 | 555 | 76.3 | 555 | 1.67 |
| Chandigarh | 11,55,450 | 86.2 | 868 | 80.1 | 868 | 11320 |
| Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu | 5,85,764 | 77.43 | 818 | 86.2 | 818 | 5.85 |
| Jammu and Kashmir | 1,26,67,032 | 82.5 | 890 | 55.1 | 890 | 1.26 |
| Ladakh | 2,74,000 | 853 | 297 | 82.5 | 853 | 2.74 |
| Lakshadweep | 64,473 | 947 | 17.2 | 70.25 | 947 | 64 |
| Puducherry | 12,47,953 | 86.0 | 2547 | 91.8 | 2547 | 76.3 |
| Andaman and Nicobar | 3,80,581 | 74.4 | 917 | 6.3 | 917 | 74.4 |
Prelims Facts
- What was the motto used for the Census of India – “Our Census, Our Future” (UP RO/ARO (Pre) 2016)
- The Group of Ministers (GoMs) that approved the inclusion of caste in Census 2011 was led by – Pranab Mukherjee [PSC (Pre) 2011]
- According to the Census of India 2011, the percentage growth of the country’s population from 2001 to 2011 was – 17.70% [UPPSC (Mains) 2014, UPPSC (Pre) 2015]
- From which year did the regular and scientific census start in India? – 1881 [MPPSC (Pre) 2017]
- Who distinguished urban families through the mode of earning, changing value patterns, the structure of authority, urban social milieu, and social ecology? – TK Oommen [UP RO/ARO (Mains) 2014]
- What is a platform for industrial growth, modern service sector growth, and the creation of improved income opportunities? – Expansion of Urban India (UPPSC (Pre) 2015)
- Which organization released the World Population Report 2021? – United Nations Population Fund (UPPSC (Pre) 2021)
- The Dependency Ratio in India is declining because – The population of 15-59 years is relatively high [UPPSC (Pre) 2019]
- Under the Civil Registration System (CRS), it is legally mandatory to register birth and death events within how many days in India? – 21 days [UPPSC (Pre) 2019]
- Which country in the world first adopted a National Family Planning Programme (NFPP)? – India [IAS (Pre) 2005]
- As per Census 2011, which Union Territory is the least urbanized? – Andaman and Nicobar (UPPSC (Mains) 2008)
- Which criterion is not accepted to define any domicile in India as an urban center? – Physical expansion [UPPSC (Pre) 2008]
- According to Malthus, what is the most effective measure of population control? – Birth control [UP RO/ARO (Pre) 2017]
- Which is the first state in India to achieve the replacement level of fertility? – Kerala [IAS (Pre) 2005]
- The Dependency Ratio in India is declining because – The population of 15-59 years is relatively high [UPPSC (Pre) 2019]
- Which area segment of the population is not included in the scheme of inclusive development? – Persons living in semi-urban areas (UPPSC (Pre) 2016]
- What is the percentage of females in India’s population according to the provisional figures of the 2011 Census? – 48.46% [UP UDA/LDA (Pre) 2010]
UPSC NCERT Practice Questions
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Census of India.
1. Census is held in all places in India simultaneously.
2. Census 2011 shows a decline in population for the first time in the history of India.
Which of the statements) given above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
b) Only 2
c) Both 1 and 2
d) None of the above
2. India’s population growth during the 20th century can be classified into four distinct phases. Match List I (Period) with List II (Phase) and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists.
| List I (Period) | List II (Phase) |
| A. 1901 to 1921 | 1. Steady growth |
| B. 1921 to 1951 | 2. Rapid high growth |
| C. 1951 to 1981 | 3. Stagnant growth |
| D. 1981 to 2001 | 4. High growth with definite signs of slowdown |
3. Consider the following about the causes of urbanisation.
1. High rate of migration from rural to urban areas.
2. Increasing number of educational institutions in cities.
3. High rate of industrialization.
4. High standard of living in rural areas.
Codes
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 2 and 4
(d) 1, 3 and 4
4. The present demographic transition of India is indicative of
(a) high population growth potential but low actual growth
(b) high population growth potential and high actual growth.
(c) Partial industrialized economy.
(d) typically increasing urbanization.
5. What percentage of the total population of the world resides in India, as estimated in 2011? UPPSC (Pre) 2012
(a)15
(b) 17.5
(c) 20
(d) 22.5
6. During which decade did the population record a negative growth rate in India? UPPSC (Ore) 2012
(a) 1921-1931
(b) 1911-1921
(c) 1941-1951
(d) 1941
7. Which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. As per the 2011 Census, the population of India has more than tripled since independence.
2. India’s 2011 Census showed that the country’s population had grown by 181 million people in the prior decade.
Which of the statement(s) given below is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
8. Which of the following statements deals with the benefit of the National Population Register?
(a) Strengthen the security of the country and improve planning and prevent identity theft.
(b) Gives the basic biometric information.
(c) Estimated the community-based population.
(d) Provision for population education in an educational institution
9. Arrange the following states in decreasing order of their respective literacy rates.
1. Goa
2. Mizoram
3. Kerala
4. Lakshadweep
Codes
(a) 3, 1, 2, 4
(b) 3, 2, 1, 4
(c) 4. 3. 1, 2
(d) 3, 4, 2, 1
10. According to Malthus, which one of the following is the most effective measure of population control?
(a) War
(b) Misery
(c) Birth control
(d) Vices
11. Factors affecting population change are
(a) Births, migration, and deaths.
(b) Births and deaths only.
(c) Births, deaths, and marriage. (d) Births, deaths and life expectancy,
12. Which arrangement of the following would show the correct sequence of demographic transition as typically associated with economic development? UPPSC (Pre) 2011
1. High birth rate with high death rate.
2. Low birth rate with low death rate.
3. High birth rate with low death rate.
Codes
(a) 1, 2, 3
(b) 1, 3, 2
(c) 3, 1, 2
(d) 2, 1,3
13. According to the Census of India 2011, which one of the following Union Territories had the highest sex ratio?
(a) Chandigarh
(b) Puducherry
(c) Lakshadweep
(d) Daman and Diu
14. Which of the following causes are a major hurdle in tapping demographic dividend in India?
1. Appropriate labor policy of India.
2. Less female practice pation in the workforce.
3. Migration.
4. Low inclusiveness and less employment generation
Which of the following statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1, 2 and 4
(d) All of these
15. Which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. The share of the population of 0 to 14 years is low in 2011 but high in 1961, as a percentage of the total population.
2. According to the 2011 Census, the sex ratio in India was 940 females to 1000 males.
3. The child sex ratio (0-6 age group) has dropped in the country by 13 points between 2001 and 2011.
Which of the statement(s) given below is/are correct?
(a) Only 2
(b) 1 and 2
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 2 and 3
Know Right Answer
1 (d)
2 (b)
3 (d)
4 (b)
5 (c)
6 (a)
7 (b)
8 (b)
9 (b)
10 (c)
11 (b)
12 (a)
13 (a)
14 (c)
15 (c)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the current population of India?
A1: As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, India’s population was estimated to be over 1.3 billion people. However, for the most accurate and up-to-date population figures, it is recommended to refer to the latest census or demographic data available.
Q2: What is the distribution of age groups in the demographic profile of India?
A2: India has a diverse age structure. According to previous demographic data, a significant portion of the population is below 30 years old, indicating a youthful demographic profile. However, there has been a gradual increase in the elderly population as well. The distribution of age groups is crucial for understanding various social and economic aspects, such as workforce dynamics and healthcare needs.
Q3: How does the gender ratio in India’s demographic profile look?
A3: The gender ratio in India has been a topic of concern, with a historical preference for male children leading to a skewed sex ratio. Efforts have been made to address this imbalance through awareness campaigns and legal measures. While improvements have been observed, gender disparities persist in certain regions. Monitoring and addressing gender imbalances are essential for a more equitable and sustainable demographic future.
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