Demography and Census 2011
~10 min read
- Population: Census 2011: 1,210.6 million (1.21 billion). Decadal growth: 17.7%. India became world's most populous country (~1.41 billion, 2023 UN estimate).
- States: Most populous: UP (~199 million, 2011). Least: Sikkim. Densest: Bihar (1,106/km²). Sparsest: Arunachal Pradesh.
- Literacy: 74.04% (Male 82.14%, Female 65.46%). Highest: Kerala (94%). Lowest: Bihar (~63%).
Census 2011 was India's 15th decennial census. It catalogued every aspect — population, density, literacy, sex ratio, urbanisation. NDA tests the key 2011 figures and state-wise extremes.
Census 2011 Basics
- 15th census of India (decennial since 1872).
- Conducted by Registrar General & Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs.
- Reference date: 1 March 2011.
- Slogan: "Our Census, Our Future".
- Population: 1,210.6 million (1.21 billion).
- Decadal growth rate (2001-2011): 17.7% (down from 21.5% in 1991-2001 — fertility decline).
State-Wise Highlights (2011)
| Metric | Highest | Lowest |
|---|---|---|
| Population | UP (199 million) | Sikkim (0.61 million) |
| Density (per km²) | Bihar (1,106) | Arunachal Pradesh (17) |
| Sex ratio (women per 1000 men) | Kerala (1,084) | Haryana (879) |
| Literacy rate | Kerala (94.0%) | Bihar (61.8%) |
| Child sex ratio (0-6) | Mizoram, Meghalaya, AP (~970) | Haryana (834) |
| Decadal growth | Meghalaya (27.9%) | Nagaland (-0.6%, only state to decline) |
| Urbanisation | Goa (62%), Mizoram (52%) | Himachal Pradesh (~10%) |
Among UTs: Delhi most populous (16.8 million), Lakshadweep least (~64,000). NCT Delhi has highest density (~11,300/km²).
Demographic Trends
- Population growth slowing: Decadal rate fell from 21.5% (1991-2001) to 17.7% (2001-2011). Most southern states near or below replacement-level fertility.
- Sex ratio improving: 933 (2001) → 940 (2011). But child sex ratio fell from 927 to 919 — concerning sign of female foeticide.
- Literacy gap closing: Female literacy rose faster than male in 2001-2011.
- Urban share: 27.8% (2001) → 31.2% (2011). Megacities (Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad) have populations > 5 million each.
- Religion: Hindus 79.8%, Muslims 14.2%, Christians 2.3%, Sikhs 1.7%, Buddhists 0.7%, Jains 0.4%.
Key Demographic Concepts
- Density = population per km².
- Sex ratio = females per 1,000 males.
- Total Fertility Rate (TFR) = avg children per woman; replacement level ~2.1.
- Demographic dividend = working-age population (15-64) larger than dependent (0-14, 65+). India is in this phase, expected to last till ~2055.
- Census town = settlement with 5,000+ population, density ≥ 400/km², and 75%+ non-agricultural male workforce.
- Statutory town = settlement with a municipality, corporation or cantonment board.
NDA PYQ Examples
Q: As per Census 2011, which is India's most populous state?
(a) Maharashtra (b) Uttar Pradesh (c) Bihar (d) West Bengal
Answer: (b) Uttar Pradesh — ~199 million.
Q: Which state had the highest sex ratio in Census 2011?
(a) Tamil Nadu (b) Kerala (c) Goa (d) Karnataka
Answer: (b) Kerala — 1,084 females per 1,000 males.
Q: India's overall literacy rate as per Census 2011 is:
(a) 65.4% (b) 70.0% (c) 74.0% (d) 80.5%
Answer: (c) 74.04% — Male 82.14%, Female 65.46%.
Q: Which state had the highest population density in Census 2011?
(a) Kerala (b) Bihar (c) West Bengal (d) Uttar Pradesh
Answer: (b) Bihar — 1,106/km².
Drill Demography and Census 2011 for NDA
NDA-pattern items on Demography and Census 2011 with answer keys and explanations.
Start Free Mock TestFrequently Asked Questions
When is the next Indian census?
Census 2021 was postponed due to COVID-19 and remains pending as of 2024. When conducted, it will be the 16th decennial census.
What is demographic dividend?
A period when the working-age population (15-64) is large relative to the young (0-14) and elderly (65+) populations. Lower dependency ratio → higher savings, higher growth potential. India is in this phase, expected to last till ~2055.
Why is Kerala's literacy so high?
Multi-generational reasons — early missionary education, princely state's investment in schooling, land reforms reducing rural inequality, women's empowerment, and a culture that values education. Kerala approached universal literacy decades before national averages.
Why has the child sex ratio fallen despite the overall sex ratio improving?
Sex-selective abortion, particularly in northern states (Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, parts of Gujarat and UP). The trend reflects son preference combined with availability of prenatal sex determination — despite the PCPNDT Act 1994 banning the practice.
What is the difference between census town and statutory town?
Statutory town has a formal municipal body (corporation, council, board). Census town meets size and economic criteria (5,000+ pop, 400/km² density, 75%+ non-agricultural male workforce) but doesn't have a municipal body — often unrecognised urbanising areas.