Census, Indices, Reports & Rankings MCQs for Competitive Exams
India General Knowledge
📘 MODULE 12: Census, Indices, Reports & Rankings MCQs
Topic: Census, Indices, Reports & Rankings MCQs for Competitive Exams
🔹 SUB-TOPIC 1: Indian Census – Fundamentals & History (Q1–Q10)
Q1. When was the first synchronous Census conducted in India?
A. 1865
B. 1872
C. 1881
D. 1891
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The first synchronous Census (conducted simultaneously across India) was held in 1881 during British rule. Earlier counts like 1872 were non-synchronous.
Q2. How frequently is the Census conducted in India?
A. Every 5 years
B. Every 7 years
C. Every 10 years
D. Every 15 years
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The Census of India is conducted once every 10 years, making it the world’s largest administrative exercise.
Q3. Which authority conducts the Census of India?
A. NITI Aayog
B. Ministry of Home Affairs
C. Registrar General of India
D. Planning Commission
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The Registrar General & Census Commissioner of India, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, is responsible for conducting the Census.
Q4. Census in India is conducted under which Act?
A. National Statistics Act, 2008
B. Census Act, 1948
C. Population Regulation Act, 1951
D. Civil Registration Act, 1969
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The Census Act, 1948 provides the legal framework for conducting the Census in India.
Q5. Which Census introduced the concept of literacy officially?
A. 1891
B. 1901
C. 1911
D. 1921
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The 1901 Census formally introduced literacy as a demographic parameter in India.
Q6. Which Census is known as the “Great Divide” Census?
A. 1901
B. 1911
C. 1921
D. 1931
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The 1921 Census recorded a population decline for the first time due to famines and epidemics, hence called the Great Divide.
Q7. Which was the first Census after India’s Independence?
A. 1948
B. 1951
C. 1961
D. 1971
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The 1951 Census was the first Census conducted after Independence and laid the foundation for modern demographic planning.
Q8. Which Census introduced the concept of economic activity?
A. 1931
B. 1951
C. 1961
D. 1971
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
The 1931 Census classified population based on economic activity for the first time.
Q9. Which Census included questions on household amenities extensively?
A. 1971
B. 1981
C. 1991
D. 2011
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
The 2011 Census provided detailed data on sanitation, drinking water, housing, electricity, and assets.
Q10. What was the theme of Census 2011?
A. Population Stabilisation
B. Inclusive Growth
C. Our Census, Our Future
D. Counting Every Indian
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The official theme of Census 2011 was “Our Census, Our Future.”
🔹 SUB-TOPIC 2: Demographic Indicators from Census (Q11–Q20)
Q11. Sex Ratio is defined as:
A. Number of females per 100 males
B. Number of males per 100 females
C. Number of females per 1000 males
D. Number of males per 1000 females
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Sex Ratio refers to the number of females per 1000 males in the population.
Q12. Which Indian state recorded the highest sex ratio in Census 2011?
A. Tamil Nadu
B. Kerala
C. Chhattisgarh
D. Odisha
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Kerala recorded the highest sex ratio (1084 females per 1000 males) in Census 2011.
Q13. Literacy rate refers to population aged:
A. 5 years and above
B. 6 years and above
C. 7 years and above
D. 10 years and above
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Literacy is measured for population aged 7 years and above.
Q14. Which category showed the highest literacy rate in India (2011)?
A. Rural males
B. Rural females
C. Urban males
D. Urban females
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Urban males had the highest literacy rate due to better educational access.
Q15. Population density is measured as:
A. Population per square km
B. Households per km
C. Families per km
D. Workers per km
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
Population density = Number of persons per square kilometre.
Q16. Which Union Territory had the highest population density in 2011?
A. Delhi
B. Chandigarh
C. Puducherry
D. Daman & Diu
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
Delhi recorded the highest population density among UTs.
Q17. What does “decadal growth rate” indicate?
A. Annual population increase
B. Population change in 5 years
C. Population growth over 10 years
D. Natural growth only
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
It measures population growth over a decade.
Q18. Which Census recorded the highest decadal growth rate in India?
A. 1951
B. 1961
C. 1971
D. 1981
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The 1961 Census recorded the highest decadal growth rate due to declining mortality.
Q19. Child Sex Ratio refers to age group:
A. 0–4 years
B. 0–6 years
C. 6–12 years
D. 7–14 years
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Child Sex Ratio is calculated for children aged 0–6 years.
Q20. Which Census showed a decline in Child Sex Ratio?
A. 1991
B. 2001
C. 2011
D. Both B and C
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
Both 2001 and 2011 Censuses showed a decline, raising concerns about gender imbalance.
🔹 SUB-TOPIC 3: Important Indices in India (Q21–Q35)
Q21. Human Development Index (HDI) measures:
A. Economic growth only
B. Education only
C. Health, Education & Income
D. Poverty only
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
HDI combines life expectancy, education, and per capita income.
Q22. Which organisation releases HDI?
A. World Bank
B. IMF
C. UNDP
D. WHO
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) releases HDI annually.
Q23. Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) includes:
A. Income only
B. Health only
C. Education only
D. Multiple deprivations
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
MPI measures multiple deprivations across health, education, and living standards.
Q24. Which Indian body releases National MPI?
A. RBI
B. NITI Aayog
C. CSO
D. Planning Commission
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
NITI Aayog publishes India’s National Multidimensional Poverty Index.
Q25. Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures:
A. Wholesale inflation
B. Retail inflation
C. Asset prices
D. Stock market trends
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
CPI reflects retail inflation experienced by consumers.
Q26. Wholesale Price Index (WPI) excludes:
A. Food items
B. Fuel
C. Manufactured goods
D. Services
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
WPI measures price changes at wholesale level and does not include services.
Q27. Ease of Doing Business Index was released by:
A. UNDP
B. IMF
C. World Bank
D. OECD
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The World Bank released this index until it was discontinued in 2021.
Q28. India’s first Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index was released in:
A. 2015
B. 2016
C. 2018
D. 2020
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
India’s first SDG Index was released in 2018.
Q29. Which state topped the SDG Index 2020–21?
A. Tamil Nadu
B. Kerala
C. Himachal Pradesh
D. Gujarat
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Kerala consistently performs well in SDG rankings.
Q30. Gender Development Index compares:
A. Male vs female income
B. Male vs female HDI
C. Male vs female literacy
D. Male vs female employment
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
GDI compares HDI values of males and females.
Q31. Which index measures hunger levels?
A. HDI
B. MPI
C. Global Hunger Index
D. SDG Index
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The Global Hunger Index (GHI) measures hunger based on nutrition indicators.
Q32. Which index assesses corruption perception?
A. Global Competitiveness Index
B. Corruption Perceptions Index
C. Ease of Doing Business
D. Democracy Index
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) ranks countries by perceived corruption levels.
Q33. Logistics Performance Index is released by:
A. WTO
B. IMF
C. World Bank
D. OECD
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The World Bank releases the Logistics Performance Index.
Q34. Which index measures happiness?
A. HDI
B. World Happiness Report
C. SDG Index
D. GHI
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The World Happiness Report ranks countries based on happiness indicators.
Q35. Which index evaluates innovation capacity?
A. Global Innovation Index
B. HDI
C. SDG Index
D. MPI
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
The Global Innovation Index measures innovation ecosystems of countries.
🔹 SUB-TOPIC 4: Important Reports & Rankings (Q36–Q50)
Q36. Economic Survey of India is released by:
A. RBI
B. NITI Aayog
C. Ministry of Finance
D. Planning Commission
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The Economic Survey is released annually by the Ministry of Finance.
Q37. National Family Health Survey (NFHS) focuses on:
A. Industrial growth
B. Health & nutrition
C. Banking sector
D. Agriculture output
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
NFHS provides data on health, nutrition, fertility, and family welfare.
Q38. Which report assesses school education outcomes in India?
A. ASER
B. NFHS
C. NSSO
D. PLFS
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) evaluates learning outcomes.
Q39. Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) is released by:
A. RBI
B. CSO
C. NSSO
D. Ministry of Labour
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
PLFS is conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO) under NSSO.
Q40. Which report measures poverty in India officially?
A. NFHS
B. PLFS
C. NSS Consumption Survey
D. Economic Survey
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Poverty estimates are derived from NSS Consumption Expenditure Surveys.
Q41. India State of Forest Report is released by:
A. NITI Aayog
B. MoEFCC
C. FSI
D. WWF
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The Forest Survey of India (FSI) releases this report biennially.
Q42. Which report provides inflation outlook?
A. Economic Survey
B. RBI Monetary Policy Report
C. NFHS
D. SDG Report
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The RBI Monetary Policy Report provides inflation projections.
Q43. National Crime Records Bureau publishes:
A. Crime in India Report
B. Law Index
C. Justice Report
D. Prison Statistics
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
NCRB releases the annual Crime in India Report.
Q44. Which ranking assesses cities on cleanliness?
A. Swachh Survekshan
B. Ease of Living Index
C. AMRUT Index
D. Smart City Index
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
Swachh Survekshan ranks cities based on cleanliness and sanitation.
Q45. Ease of Living Index evaluates:
A. Rural development
B. Urban quality of life
C. Industrial growth
D. Agricultural productivity
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
It measures urban quality of life, sustainability, and economic ability.
Q46. National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) ranks:
A. Hospitals
B. Universities
C. Banks
D. Industries
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
NIRF ranks higher educational institutions in India.
Q47. Which ministry releases NIRF rankings?
A. Ministry of Education
B. Ministry of HRD
C. UGC
D. AICTE
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
NIRF is released by the Ministry of Education.
Q48. Which report tracks climate change risks globally?
A. SDG Report
B. World Risk Report
C. Human Development Report
D. Global Hunger Report
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The World Risk Report assesses climate and disaster vulnerability.
Q49. Which report ranks countries on press freedom?
A. Democracy Index
B. World Happiness Report
C. Press Freedom Index
D. HDI
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The Press Freedom Index evaluates media freedom worldwide.
Q50. Which Indian report evaluates governance at district level?
A. NFHS
B. Aspirational Districts Ranking
C. PLFS
D. ASER
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The Aspirational Districts Programme ranks districts on governance and development.
🔹 SUB-TOPIC 5: Application & Exam-Oriented Questions (Q51–Q60)
Q51. Census data is crucial for:
A. Stock market
B. Policy planning
C. Judicial reforms
D. Defence strategy
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Census data supports policy formulation, resource allocation, and welfare planning.
Q52. Which index helps compare states’ social progress?
A. HDI
B. SDG Index
C. CPI
D. WPI
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The SDG Index compares progress of Indian states on development goals.
Q53. Reports and indices are important because they:
A. Replace laws
B. Provide empirical evidence
C. Eliminate poverty
D. Control population
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
They provide data-driven evidence for informed decision-making.
Q54. Census data is confidential under:
A. RTI Act
B. Census Act
C. Official Secrets Act
D. Data Protection Act
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Individual Census data is protected under the Census Act, 1948.
Q55. Which index is most relevant for social sector planning?
A. HDI
B. WPI
C. Ease of Doing Business
D. LPI
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
HDI reflects health, education, and income — key social indicators.
Q56. Rankings encourage:
A. Competition among states
B. Policy transparency
C. Accountability
D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
Rankings promote healthy competition, transparency, and accountability.
Q57. Which survey supplements Census data regularly?
A. NFHS
B. ASER
C. PLFS
D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
These surveys provide updated socio-economic indicators between Censuses.
Q58. Which indicator is most affected by education policy?
A. Sex ratio
B. Literacy rate
C. Population density
D. Migration
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Education policies directly impact literacy levels.
Q59. Census data helps in delimitation of:
A. Panchayats
B. Districts
C. Constituencies
D. Ministries
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Census population figures are used for electoral delimitation.
Q60. Which component is common across most development indices?
A. Defence expenditure
B. Population growth
C. Education
D. Industrial output
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Education is a core component in most national and international development indices.
✅ Exam-Focused Takeaway
This 60-question MCQ set comprehensively covers Census, Indices, Reports & Rankings, ensuring conceptual clarity, factual accuracy, and exam relevance. The systematic progression from Census fundamentals to applied rankings makes it ideal for UPSC, State PSCs, SSC, Banking, Defence, Teaching, and University-level examinations.
📌 Recommended for:
UPSC | State PSC | SSC | Banking | Railways | Defence | TET | University & College Exams
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🔹 Census, Indices, Reports & Rankings MCQs for Exams
Census, indices, reports, and rankings form a high-weightage and repeatedly asked section in Indian competitive examinations. This comprehensive MCQ set under MODULE 12 provides exam-focused coverage of Census fundamentals, demographic indicators, national and global indices, major government reports, and important rankings.
Each question is designed with clear conceptual explanations, helping aspirants not only memorise facts but also understand their application in governance, policy-making, and socio-economic analysis. Regular practice of these MCQs will significantly enhance accuracy and confidence in UPSC, State PSC, SSC, Banking, Defence, and academic examinations.
🔹 FAQ SECTION
Q1. Why are Census and Indices important for competitive exams?
Census and indices provide statistical data used in governance and policy decisions, making them frequently asked topics in UPSC, SSC, and State PSC exams.
Q2. Which exams ask questions from Census, Reports, and Rankings?
UPSC, State PSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence, TET, and University entrance exams regularly include questions from this topic.
Q3. Are HDI, SDG Index, and MPI important for prelims?
Yes, indices like HDI, SDG Index, MPI, CPI, and WPI are highly important for both prelims and mains-oriented objective papers.
Q4. How often should Census and Indices MCQs be revised?
These topics should be revised at least once every 2–3 months, especially before prelims or objective examinations.
Q5. Does Census data change frequently?
Census is conducted every 10 years, but related indicators are updated through surveys like NFHS, PLFS, and NSS.
🔹 TARGETING EXAMS
These Census, Indices, Reports & Rankings MCQs are prepared in strict alignment with the India-specific General Knowledge syllabus and are highly relevant for:
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UPSC Civil Services (Prelims & Mains Objective Sections)
-
State Public Service Commission (PSC) Exams
-
SSC CGL, CHSL, MTS & GD
-
Banking Exams (IBPS, SBI, RBI, NABARD)
-
Railways (RRB NTPC, Group D)
-
Defence Exams (CDS, NDA, AFCAT)
-
Teaching Exams (CTET, TET, KVS, DSSSB)
-
University & College Entrance Examinations
-
School-level Competitive & Olympiad Exams