1. The first synchronous census in India was conducted in:
A) 1861
B) 1872
C) 1881
D) 1901
Answer: C
Explanation: The first synchronous census (all regions simultaneously) was conducted in 1881 under W.C. Plowden.
2. Census in India is conducted every:
A) 5 years
B) 10 years
C) 15 years
D) 20 years
Answer: B
Explanation: Every 10 years, India conducts its decennial population census.
3. Who conducts the Census in India?
A) Ministry of Home Affairs
B) Ministry of Statistics
C) Registrar General & Census Commissioner
D) NITI Aayog
Answer: C
Explanation: The Registrar General & Census Commissioner of India conducts the census.
4. Which was the first census after Independence?
A) 1951
B) 1961
C) 1971
D) 1981
Answer: A
Explanation: The 1951 census was the first census of independent India.
5. India’s population crossed 1 billion mark in:
A) 1991
B) 1998
C) 2001
D) 2011
Answer: C
Explanation: In the 2001 Census, India’s population was reported as 1.02 billion.
6. Which census year is known as the “Demographic Divide” in India?
A) 1901
B) 1921
C) 1951
D) 1981
Answer: B
Explanation: The 1921 Census showed negative growth (–0.31%) → called “Year of Great Divide.”
7. According to 2011 Census, India’s population was:
A) 102 crore
B) 114 crore
C) 121 crore
D) 130 crore
Answer: C
Explanation: 2011 Census = 121.08 crore (1.21 billion).
8. The decadal growth rate of population (2001–2011) was:
A) 11.5%
B) 17.64%
C) 21.34%
D) 24.8%
Answer: B
Explanation: Population growth rate (2001–2011) = 17.64%.
9. Which state has the largest population in India (2011 Census)?
A) Maharashtra
B) Bihar
C) Uttar Pradesh
D) West Bengal
Answer: C
Explanation: Uttar Pradesh (19.9 crore) is India’s most populous state.
10. Which state has the least population in India (2011)?
A) Goa
B) Sikkim
C) Mizoram
D) Arunachal Pradesh
Answer: B
Explanation: Sikkim (~6 lakh) has the lowest population.
11. Which Union Territory has the highest population?
A) Delhi
B) Chandigarh
C) Puducherry
D) Jammu & Kashmir
Answer: A
Explanation: Delhi (1.68 crore, 2011) is the most populous UT.
12. Which state has the highest population density (2011)?
A) West Bengal
B) Kerala
C) Bihar
D) Uttar Pradesh
Answer: C
Explanation: Bihar (1,106 persons per sq km) has the highest density.
13. Which state has the lowest population density (2011)?
A) Arunachal Pradesh
B) Sikkim
C) Nagaland
D) Mizoram
Answer: A
Explanation: Arunachal Pradesh (17 persons/sq km) has the lowest density.
14. India’s overall population density in 2011 was:
A) 250 persons/sq km
B) 325 persons/sq km
C) 382 persons/sq km
D) 410 persons/sq km
Answer: C
Explanation: India’s average population density = 382 persons/sq km.
15. Which state recorded the highest population growth (2001–2011)?
A) Bihar
B) Uttar Pradesh
C) Rajasthan
D) Meghalaya
Answer: A
Explanation: Bihar (25.4% growth) was the highest in 2001–11.
16. Which state recorded the lowest growth rate of population (2001–2011)?
A) Kerala
B) Tamil Nadu
C) Nagaland
D) Andhra Pradesh
Answer: C
Explanation: Nagaland (–0.58%) was the only state with negative growth.
17. India’s share of world population (2011) is about:
A) 12%
B) 15%
C) 17.5%
D) 20%
Answer: C
Explanation: India accounts for 17.5% of world’s population (2011).
18. Which region of India has the highest population concentration?
A) Northern Plains
B) Peninsular Plateau
C) Desert Region
D) Himalayan Region
Answer: A
Explanation: Northern Plains (fertile land, irrigation, climate) → densest population.
19. Which region has the lowest population concentration?
A) Northern Plains
B) Peninsular Plateau
C) Himalayan Region
D) Coastal Plains
Answer: C
Explanation: Himalayan region has sparse population due to harsh climate, rugged terrain.
20. Which is the most populous metropolitan city in India (2011)?
A) Delhi
B) Mumbai
C) Kolkata
D) Bengaluru
Answer: B
Explanation: Mumbai (~1.84 crore) is India’s most populous metro city (2011).
21. Which city recorded the fastest growth among metros (2001–2011)?
A) Bengaluru
B) Pune
C) Hyderabad
D) Delhi
Answer: A
Explanation: Bengaluru grew fastest due to IT boom.
22. Which state had the highest decadal population growth in 1991–2001?
A) Uttar Pradesh
B) Rajasthan
C) Bihar
D) Nagaland
Answer: D
Explanation: Nagaland (64%) had unusually high growth due to migration & enumeration issues.
23. Which state had the lowest population growth in 1991–2001?
A) Kerala
B) Tamil Nadu
C) Punjab
D) Orissa
Answer: A
Explanation: Kerala (9.4%) had the lowest growth rate.
24. Which Union Territory has the highest density of population?
A) Chandigarh
B) Delhi
C) Puducherry
D) Lakshadweep
Answer: B
Explanation: Delhi (11,297/sq km) is the most densely populated UT.
25. Which state has the highest rural population in India?
A) Bihar
B) Uttar Pradesh
C) West Bengal
D) Madhya Pradesh
Answer: B
Explanation: Uttar Pradesh (155 million rural population) is highest in India.
26. According to Census 2011, the sex ratio of India is:
A) 920 females per 1000 males
B) 940 females per 1000 males
C) 950 females per 1000 males
D) 970 females per 1000 males
Answer: B
Explanation: India’s sex ratio = 940 females/1000 males (2011).
27. Which state has the highest sex ratio in India (2011)?
A) Kerala
B) Tamil Nadu
C) Chhattisgarh
D) Andhra Pradesh
Answer: A
Explanation: Kerala (1084 females/1000 males) has the highest sex ratio.
28. Which state has the lowest sex ratio in India (2011)?
A) Punjab
B) Haryana
C) Delhi
D) Chandigarh
Answer: B
Explanation: Haryana (879 females/1000 males) has the lowest sex ratio.
29. What is the child sex ratio (0–6 years) in India (2011)?
A) 940
B) 919
C) 930
D) 950
Answer: B
Explanation: Child sex ratio in 2011 = 919 females/1000 males.
30. Which state has the highest child sex ratio (2011)?
A) Mizoram
B) Kerala
C) Chhattisgarh
D) Meghalaya
Answer: D
Explanation: Meghalaya (970 females/1000 males) had the highest child sex ratio.
31. Which state has the lowest child sex ratio (2011)?
A) Punjab
B) Haryana
C) Delhi
D) Chandigarh
Answer: C
Explanation: Delhi (871) recorded the lowest child sex ratio.
32. What was the overall literacy rate of India in 2011?
A) 68%
B) 72.9%
C) 74%
D) 77%
Answer: C
Explanation: India’s literacy rate was 74.04% in 2011 Census.
33. Which state has the highest literacy rate in India (2011)?
A) Tamil Nadu
B) Kerala
C) Mizoram
D) Goa
Answer: B
Explanation: Kerala (94%) has the highest literacy rate.
34. Which state has the lowest literacy rate in India (2011)?
A) Rajasthan
B) Jharkhand
C) Bihar
D) Arunachal Pradesh
Answer: C
Explanation: Bihar (61.8%) had the lowest literacy rate.
35. Which Union Territory has the highest literacy rate (2011)?
A) Delhi
B) Puducherry
C) Chandigarh
D) Lakshadweep
Answer: D
Explanation: Lakshadweep (91.8%) had the highest UT literacy rate.
36. Which Union Territory has the lowest literacy rate (2011)?
A) Jammu & Kashmir (erstwhile UT)
B) Dadra and Nagar Haveli
C) Daman & Diu
D) Andaman & Nicobar
Answer: B
Explanation: Dadra & Nagar Haveli (76.2%) was the lowest among UTs.
37. Male literacy rate in India (2011) was:
A) 78.8%
B) 82.1%
C) 84%
D) 86.5%
Answer: B
Explanation: Male literacy = 82.14%.
38. Female literacy rate in India (2011) was:
A) 65%
B) 68%
C) 70%
D) 74%
Answer: B
Explanation: Female literacy = 65.46%.
39. Which state showed the highest improvement in literacy between 2001–2011?
A) Bihar
B) Rajasthan
C) Chhattisgarh
D) Jharkhand
Answer: A
Explanation: Bihar (+17%) recorded the highest rise in literacy.
40. Which state has the highest urban population in India (2011)?
A) Maharashtra
B) Tamil Nadu
C) Uttar Pradesh
D) Gujarat
Answer: A
Explanation: Maharashtra (50.8 million urban population) has the largest urban population.
41. Which state has the highest percentage of urban population?
A) Maharashtra
B) Goa
C) Tamil Nadu
D) Kerala
Answer: B
Explanation: Goa (62% urban) is the most urbanized state.
42. Which state has the lowest percentage of urban population?
A) Bihar
B) Odisha
C) Assam
D) Himachal Pradesh
Answer: A
Explanation: Bihar (11.3% urban) is the least urbanized state.
43. Which Union Territory is 100% urbanized?
A) Delhi
B) Chandigarh
C) Lakshadweep
D) Puducherry
Answer: B
Explanation: Chandigarh is 100% urbanized.
44. What percentage of India’s population was rural in 2011?
A) 58%
B) 62%
C) 69%
D) 72%
Answer: D
Explanation: Rural population = 68.84% (~69%).
45. What percentage of India’s population was urban in 2011?
A) 26%
B) 28%
C) 31%
D) 34%
Answer: C
Explanation: Urban population = 31.16%.
46. Which state has the maximum number of towns in India?
A) Maharashtra
B) Uttar Pradesh
C) West Bengal
D) Tamil Nadu
Answer: B
Explanation: Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of towns.
47. Which is the most literate district in India (2011)?
A) Aizawl (Mizoram)
B) Serchhip (Mizoram)
C) Kannur (Kerala)
D) Kottayam (Kerala)
Answer: D
Explanation: Kottayam (Kerala, 97.2%) is the most literate district.
48. Which is the least literate district in India (2011)?
A) Alirajpur (MP)
B) Bijapur (Chhattisgarh)
C) Dantewada (Chhattisgarh)
D) Jhabua (MP)
Answer: A
Explanation: Alirajpur (Madhya Pradesh, 37%) had the lowest literacy.
49. Which age group is called the “working-age population” in India?
A) 0–14 years
B) 15–59 years
C) 15–64 years
D) 60+ years
Answer: B
Explanation: 15–59 years is considered India’s working-age population.
50. Which age group is called the “dependent population”?
A) 0–14 & 60+
B) 15–59
C) Only 0–14
D) Only 60+
Answer: A
Explanation: Children (0–14) + Elderly (60+) = dependent population.
51. The major reason for internal migration in India (2011 Census) is:
A) Education
B) Business
C) Marriage
D) Employment
Answer: C
Explanation: Marriage accounts for ~45% of total migration in India, especially among women.
52. The major reason for male migration in India is:
A) Marriage
B) Employment
C) Education
D) Business
Answer: B
Explanation: Employment and work is the primary reason for male migration.
53. Which state received the largest number of inter-state migrants (2011)?
A) Delhi
B) Maharashtra
C) Gujarat
D) Uttar Pradesh
Answer: A
Explanation: Delhi attracted the highest share of inter-state migrants due to jobs and services.
54. Which state recorded the highest out-migration (2011 Census)?
A) Bihar
B) Uttar Pradesh
C) Odisha
D) Jharkhand
Answer: A
Explanation: Bihar has the highest out-migration, mainly for employment.
55. Which is the most common form of migration in India?
A) Inter-state
B) Intra-district
C) International
D) Urban to urban
Answer: B
Explanation: Intra-district migration (within same district) is most common (~60%).
56. The rural-to-urban migration in India is mainly caused by:
A) Industrialization
B) Educational facilities
C) Marriage
D) Tourism
Answer: A
Explanation: Industrialization & better job opportunities in cities are main drivers.
57. Which state has the highest proportion of urban migrants?
A) Delhi
B) Maharashtra
C) Tamil Nadu
D) Gujarat
Answer: A
Explanation: Delhi has the highest share of urban in-migrants.
58. Which country has the largest Indian diaspora (2020 UN data)?
A) UK
B) USA
C) Saudi Arabia
D) UAE
Answer: D
Explanation: UAE hosts the largest Indian diaspora (~3.5 million).
59. Which Indian state has the maximum number of people working abroad?
A) Kerala
B) Punjab
C) Uttar Pradesh
D) Tamil Nadu
Answer: A
Explanation: Kerala leads due to Gulf migration (remittances).
60. India receives the highest remittances from:
A) USA
B) UAE & Gulf countries
C) UK
D) Canada
Answer: B
Explanation: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar are top remittance sources.
61. The proportion of workers to total population is called:
A) Worker ratio
B) Work participation rate
C) Employment index
D) Labour ratio
Answer: B
Explanation: Work Participation Rate (WPR) = % of workers in population.
62. According to Census 2011, India’s work participation rate was:
A) 35%
B) 39%
C) 44%
D) 50%
Answer: B
Explanation: WPR = 39.8% (2011).
63. Which state has the highest work participation rate?
A) Sikkim
B) Nagaland
C) Mizoram
D) Meghalaya
Answer: D
Explanation: Meghalaya (52.9%) recorded the highest WPR.
64. Which state has the lowest work participation rate?
A) Uttar Pradesh
B) Bihar
C) Kerala
D) West Bengal
Answer: B
Explanation: Bihar (33.4%) has the lowest WPR.
65. Which sector employs the maximum workers in India?
A) Industry
B) Services
C) Agriculture
D) Construction
Answer: C
Explanation: Agriculture employs ~54% of India’s workforce (2011).
66. The share of female workers is highest in which sector?
A) Industry
B) Services
C) Agriculture
D) Trade
Answer: C
Explanation: Majority of female workers are engaged in agriculture.
67. Which category of workers is highest in India?
A) Cultivators
B) Agricultural labourers
C) Household industry workers
D) Other workers
Answer: D
Explanation: “Other workers” (non-agriculture, 38%) form the largest category.
68. Which state has the largest female workforce participation?
A) Tamil Nadu
B) Andhra Pradesh
C) Himachal Pradesh
D) Mizoram
Answer: C
Explanation: Himachal Pradesh has a very high female work participation rate.
69. What percentage of India’s population is below 35 years (2021 est.)?
A) 45%
B) 50%
C) 60%
D) 65%
Answer: C
Explanation: ~60% of India’s population is below 35 years, making it a young country.
70. The term “Demographic Dividend” refers to:
A) High population growth
B) Declining fertility
C) High share of working-age population
D) Rising old-age population
Answer: C
Explanation: Demographic dividend = more working-age people → higher economic potential.
71. India’s demographic dividend period is expected to last till:
A) 2030
B) 2040
C) 2050
D) 2060
Answer: C
Explanation: India’s demographic dividend will last till ~2050.
72. Which state has the youngest median age population in India?
A) Bihar
B) Kerala
C) Punjab
D) Tamil Nadu
Answer: A
Explanation: Bihar (median age ~20 years) has the youngest population.
73. Which state has the oldest median age population in India?
A) Kerala
B) Tamil Nadu
C) Goa
D) Himachal Pradesh
Answer: A
Explanation: Kerala has the highest proportion of elderly population.
74. What was India’s median age in 2011 Census?
A) 22 years
B) 24 years
C) 26 years
D) 28 years
Answer: B
Explanation: India’s median age = 24 years (2011).
75. By 2030, India’s working-age population (15–59) is projected to be:
A) 750 million
B) 850 million
C) 950 million
D) 1 billion
Answer: B
Explanation: By 2030, ~850 million Indians will be in the working-age group.
76. The first National Population Policy (NPP) of India was announced in:
A) 1948
B) 1952
C) 1961
D) 1976
Answer: B
Explanation: NPP 1952 made India the first country in the world to adopt an official family planning program.
77. The revised National Population Policy was launched in:
A) 1976
B) 1983
C) 1991
D) 2000
Answer: D
Explanation: NPP 2000 aimed to achieve population stabilization by 2045.
78. The main objective of National Population Policy 2000 is:
A) Zero population growth
B) Population stabilization by 2045
C) Reducing poverty
D) Universal healthcare
Answer: B
Explanation: NPP 2000’s main goal = population stabilization by 2045.
79. The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) target of NPP 2000 was:
A) 2.5 by 2010
B) 2.1 by 2010
C) 2.3 by 2015
D) 2.1 by 2015
Answer: B
Explanation: NPP aimed to bring TFR to replacement level (2.1) by 2010 (delayed to ~2021).
80. According to NFHS-5 (2019–21), India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) is:
A) 2.4
B) 2.3
C) 2.1
D) 2.0
Answer: D
Explanation: NFHS-5 found India’s TFR = 2.0, below replacement level.
81. Which state in India has the lowest TFR (NFHS-5)?
A) Kerala
B) Tamil Nadu
C) Delhi
D) Sikkim
Answer: D
Explanation: Sikkim (1.1) has the lowest TFR.
82. Which state has the highest TFR in India (NFHS-5)?
A) Bihar
B) Uttar Pradesh
C) Rajasthan
D) Madhya Pradesh
Answer: A
Explanation: Bihar (3.0) recorded the highest TFR.
83. India’s crude birth rate (CBR) in 2011 Census was around:
A) 18 per 1000
B) 21 per 1000
C) 23 per 1000
D) 25 per 1000
Answer: B
Explanation: India’s CBR = 21 per 1000 population (2011).
84. India’s crude death rate (CDR) in 2011 was:
A) 5 per 1000
B) 6 per 1000
C) 7 per 1000
D) 8 per 1000
Answer: B
Explanation: India’s CDR = 7 → reduced to 6 per 1000 by 2011.
85. Life expectancy in India (2011 Census) was:
A) 60 years
B) 64 years
C) 67 years
D) 70 years
Answer: C
Explanation: Life expectancy at birth ~67 years (2011–15 period).
86. Which state has the highest life expectancy?
A) Kerala
B) Punjab
C) Maharashtra
D) Himachal Pradesh
Answer: A
Explanation: Kerala (75+ years) has the highest life expectancy in India.
87. Which state has the lowest life expectancy?
A) Bihar
B) Uttar Pradesh
C) Madhya Pradesh
D) Assam
Answer: D
Explanation: Assam (65 years approx.) has one of the lowest life expectancies.
88. Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) in India (NFHS-5) is around:
A) 28 per 1000 live births
B) 32 per 1000
C) 38 per 1000
D) 40 per 1000
Answer: A
Explanation: IMR = 28 per 1000 live births (NFHS-5, 2021).
89. Which state has the lowest Infant Mortality Rate?
A) Kerala
B) Tamil Nadu
C) Maharashtra
D) Punjab
Answer: A
Explanation: Kerala (5 per 1000) has the lowest IMR in India.
90. Which state has the highest Infant Mortality Rate?
A) UP
B) MP
C) Bihar
D) Rajasthan
Answer: B
Explanation: Madhya Pradesh (~43 per 1000) has the highest IMR.
91. Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) in India (2018–20 SRS) is:
A) 80
B) 97
C) 103
D) 113
Answer: B
Explanation: India’s MMR = 97 per 100,000 live births.
92. Which state has the lowest Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR)?
A) Tamil Nadu
B) Kerala
C) Maharashtra
D) Telangana
Answer: B
Explanation: Kerala (19) has the lowest MMR.
93. Which state has the highest MMR?
A) Uttar Pradesh
B) Assam
C) Bihar
D) Madhya Pradesh
Answer: B
Explanation: Assam (195) has the highest MMR.
94. India’s population is projected to surpass China by which year?
A) 2025
B) 2027
C) 2030
D) 2035
Answer: B
Explanation: UN projects India to overtake China as most populous nation by 2027 (updated estimates say 2023).
95. According to UNFPA (2023), India’s population has already reached:
A) 1.35 billion
B) 1.42 billion
C) 1.44 billion
D) 1.50 billion
Answer: B
Explanation: UNFPA (2023) estimated India’s population at 1.42 billion, surpassing China.
96. Which ministry implements population stabilization programs?
A) Ministry of Social Justice
B) Ministry of Home Affairs
C) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
D) Ministry of Rural Development
Answer: C
Explanation: The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare implements family planning and population policies.
97. Which scheme was launched for free distribution of contraceptives & family planning services?
A) Mission Parivar Vikas
B) Janani Suraksha Yojana
C) RCH Programme
D) Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana
Answer: A
Explanation: Mission Parivar Vikas (2016) targets high fertility districts with contraceptive services.
98. Which programme launched in 1997 integrated family planning with maternal & child health?
A) ICDS
B) RCH Programme
C) Mission Indradhanush
D) NRHM
Answer: B
Explanation: Reproductive & Child Health (RCH) Programme started in 1997.
99. The National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) was launched in:
A) 2002
B) 2005
C) 2007
D) 2010
Answer: B
Explanation: NRHM (2005) integrated health & family welfare, later merged into NHM (2013).
100. India aims to achieve population stabilization by:
A) 2030
B) 2040
C) 2045
D) 2050
Answer: C
Explanation: According to NPP 2000, India’s target year for population stabilization = 2045.