Indian Census & Demographic Indicators MCQs
India General Knowledge
📘 MODULE 12: Census, Indices, Reports & Rankings MCQs
Topic: Indian Census & Demographic Indicators MCQs
🔹 SUB-TOPIC 1: Indian Census – Basics & Evolution (Q1–Q10)
Q1. What is the primary objective of conducting the Census in India?
A. Tax collection
B. Electoral reforms
C. Collection of comprehensive demographic data
D. Economic planning only
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The Census aims to collect complete demographic, social, and economic data of the population, which supports governance, planning, and policy formulation.
Q2. The first complete synchronous Census of India was conducted in:
A. 1872
B. 1881
C. 1891
D. 1901
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The 1881 Census was the first synchronous Census conducted uniformly across British India.
Q3. Census in India is conducted at an interval of:
A. 5 years
B. 7 years
C. 10 years
D. 15 years
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The Indian Census follows a decennial (10-year) cycle, one of the largest such exercises in the world.
Q4. Census operations in India are conducted under which legislation?
A. Statistical Act, 1935
B. Census Act, 1948
C. Population Control Act, 1951
D. Data Protection Act, 2000
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The Census Act, 1948 provides the legal framework for conducting population enumeration in India.
Q5. Which was the first Census conducted after India’s Independence?
A. 1948
B. 1950
C. 1951
D. 1961
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The 1951 Census was the first post-Independence Census and laid the foundation for modern demographic planning.
Q6. The Census of 1921 is known as the “Great Divide” because:
A. Population doubled
B. Literacy declined sharply
C. Population declined for the first time
D. Migration increased
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The 1921 Census recorded a population decline due to famines, epidemics, and war, hence termed the “Great Divide.”
Q7. Which Census first included data on economic classification of population?
A. 1901
B. 1911
C. 1921
D. 1931
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
The 1931 Census classified population based on economic activity for the first time.
Q8. 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 indicator.
Q9. Census data in India is considered:
A. Public and editable
B. Confidential and protected
C. Temporary and non-binding
D. Only academic in nature
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Individual Census data is confidential and protected under the Census Act, 1948.
Q10. Which Census provided the most detailed data on household amenities?
A. 1981
B. 1991
C. 2001
D. 2011
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
The 2011 Census collected extensive data on housing, sanitation, drinking water, electricity, and assets.
🔹 SUB-TOPIC 2: Population Growth & Distribution (Q11–Q20)
Q11. Population density is defined as:
A. Population per village
B. Population per household
C. Population per square kilometre
D. Population per district
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Population density measures the number of persons per square kilometre of land area.
Q12. Which Census recorded the highest decadal population growth rate in India?
A. 1951–61
B. 1961–71
C. 1971–81
D. 1981–91
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
The 1951–61 decade recorded the highest growth due to reduced mortality and improved healthcare.
Q13. Decadal growth rate refers to:
A. Annual population increase
B. Population change over 5 years
C. Population change over 10 years
D. Natural growth rate only
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Decadal growth rate measures population increase over a 10-year period.
Q14. Which state has the highest population in India as per Census 2011?
A. Maharashtra
B. Bihar
C. Uttar Pradesh
D. West Bengal
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state according to Census 2011.
Q15. Which Union Territory has the highest population density?
A. Chandigarh
B. Puducherry
C. Delhi
D. Dadra & Nagar Haveli
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Delhi recorded the highest population density among all UTs.
Q16. Urban population growth is primarily due to:
A. Natural increase only
B. Rural-to-urban migration
C. Decline in rural population
D. Increase in birth rate
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Urbanisation in India is largely driven by migration from rural areas.
Q17. Which Census recorded a declining population growth rate?
A. 1961
B. 1971
C. 1991
D. 2011
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
The 2011 Census showed a decline in growth rate, indicating demographic transition.
Q18. Population distribution in India is highly uneven due to:
A. Climate only
B. Economic factors only
C. Historical reasons only
D. Combination of physical and human factors
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
Relief, climate, resources, and economic development all influence population distribution.
Q19. Which region of India is sparsely populated?
A. Indo-Gangetic Plain
B. Coastal Plains
C. Thar Desert
D. Deltaic regions
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Harsh climatic conditions make the Thar Desert sparsely populated.
Q20. Census data on population is crucial for:
A. Defence planning
B. Electoral delimitation
C. Judicial reforms
D. Foreign policy
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Population data is essential for delimiting parliamentary and assembly constituencies.
🔹 SUB-TOPIC 3: Sex Ratio & Child Sex Ratio (Q21–Q30)
Q21. Sex ratio is defined as:
A. Females per 100 males
B. Males per 100 females
C. Females per 1000 males
D. Males per 1000 females
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Sex ratio indicates the number of females per 1000 males.
Q22. Which state recorded the highest sex ratio in Census 2011?
A. Tamil Nadu
B. Kerala
C. Odisha
D. Chhattisgarh
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Kerala recorded the highest sex ratio (1084).
Q23. Child Sex Ratio is calculated for which 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 covers children aged 0–6 years.
Q24. Declining Child Sex Ratio mainly indicates:
A. Low fertility
B. Gender-biased practices
C. Migration
D. High mortality
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
A declining Child Sex Ratio reflects gender discrimination and sex-selective practices.
Q25. Which Census first highlighted serious concern over Child Sex Ratio?
A. 1981
B. 1991
C. 2001
D. 2011
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The 2001 Census showed a sharp decline in Child Sex Ratio.
Q26. Sex ratio is an important indicator of:
A. Economic growth
B. Gender equality
C. Industrialisation
D. Urbanisation
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Sex ratio reflects the status of women and gender balance in society.
Q27. Which region generally has a higher sex ratio in India?
A. Northern plains
B. Central India
C. Southern India
D. Western India
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Southern states traditionally show higher sex ratios due to better social indicators.
Q28. Improvement in sex ratio is linked to:
A. Population explosion
B. Female education
C. Industrial growth
D. Urban migration
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Education and empowerment of women positively impact sex ratio.
Q29. Census sex ratio data is used to design:
A. Defence policy
B. Gender welfare schemes
C. Trade policy
D. Foreign relations
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Sex ratio data supports women-centric welfare and social schemes.
Q30. Which Census showed improvement in overall sex ratio compared to previous decade?
A. 1991
B. 2001
C. 2011
D. 1981
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The 2011 Census recorded an improvement in overall sex ratio.
🔹 SUB-TOPIC 4: Literacy & Educational Indicators (Q31–Q45)
Q31. Literacy rate in India is calculated for 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.
Q32. Which Census recorded the highest literacy rate in India?
A. 1991
B. 2001
C. 2011
D. 1981
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The 2011 Census recorded the highest literacy rate (74.04%).
Q33. Which group has the highest literacy rate?
A. Rural females
B. Rural males
C. Urban females
D. Urban males
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
Urban males show the highest literacy due to better access to education.
Q34. Literacy rate is an indicator of:
A. Political stability
B. Social development
C. Defence preparedness
D. Population density
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Literacy reflects human capital and social development.
Q35. Which state has the highest literacy rate as per Census 2011?
A. Kerala
B. Mizoram
C. Goa
D. Himachal Pradesh
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
Kerala leads India in literacy.
Q36. Gender gap in literacy refers to:
A. Urban-rural difference
B. Male-female literacy difference
C. State-wise difference
D. Regional difference
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
It measures the difference between male and female literacy rates.
Q37. Improvement in literacy contributes directly to:
A. Higher fertility
B. Better health outcomes
C. Higher population growth
D. Migration
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Literacy improves awareness, health, and quality of life.
Q38. Which Census first provided detailed literacy data?
A. 1901
B. 1911
C. 1921
D. 1931
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
The 1901 Census systematically recorded literacy data.
Q39. Literacy rate is lower in rural areas mainly due to:
A. Climate
B. Lack of schools
C. Limited access and awareness
D. Population density
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Accessibility and socio-economic factors affect rural literacy.
Q40. Literacy data helps in planning:
A. Industrial corridors
B. Educational policies
C. Defence recruitment
D. Trade routes
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Literacy statistics guide education-related planning and reforms.
Q41. Which Census recorded a major jump in female literacy?
A. 1981
B. 1991
C. 2001
D. 2011
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
The 2011 Census showed significant improvement in female literacy.
Q42. Literacy rate does NOT measure:
A. Ability to read
B. Ability to write
C. Level of education
D. Basic understanding
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Literacy measures basic reading and writing, not educational attainment level.
Q43. Which demographic indicator is most influenced by education?
A. Population density
B. Sex ratio
C. Literacy rate
D. Migration
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Literacy is directly linked to education policies.
Q44. Census literacy data is important for:
A. Welfare schemes
B. Infrastructure planning
C. Defence strategy
D. Foreign policy
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
Literacy data supports education and social welfare programmes.
Q45. Literacy improvement reflects:
A. Economic slowdown
B. Demographic transition
C. Social progress
D. Population explosion
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Higher literacy indicates positive social transformation.
🔹 SUB-TOPIC 5: Other Key Demographic Indicators (Q46–Q60)
Q46. Dependency ratio measures:
A. Working population only
B. Non-working population only
C. Ratio of dependents to working population
D. Urban-rural population ratio
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
It compares dependent population (children + elderly) with working-age population.
Q47. High dependency ratio indicates:
A. Economic advantage
B. Demographic burden
C. Industrial growth
D. Urbanisation
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
A high dependency ratio puts pressure on the working population.
Q48. Which Census indicator reflects ageing population?
A. Sex ratio
B. Literacy rate
C. Age composition
D. Population density
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Age structure reveals the proportion of elderly population.
Q49. Working-age population in India is generally defined as:
A. 0–14 years
B. 15–59 years
C. 15–64 years
D. 18–60 years
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The 15–64 years age group is considered economically productive.
Q50. Demographic dividend occurs when:
A. Elderly population increases
B. Child population increases
C. Working-age population increases
D. Migration increases
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
A larger working-age population creates economic growth potential.
Q51. Census data on age structure helps in planning:
A. Defence production
B. Pension schemes
C. Trade agreements
D. Foreign policy
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Age data guides social security and pension planning.
Q52. Migration data in Census helps understand:
A. Industrial output
B. Population mobility
C. Literacy trends
D. Sex ratio
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Migration data explains movement of population across regions.
Q53. Rural-urban classification in Census is based on:
A. Population size only
B. Administrative status and workforce
C. Literacy rate
D. Sex ratio
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Urban areas are defined using administrative and occupational criteria.
Q54. Census migration data is important for:
A. Urban planning
B. Defence policy
C. Monetary policy
D. Foreign trade
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
Migration data helps in urban infrastructure and housing planning.
Q55. Which indicator reflects economic participation?
A. Literacy rate
B. Sex ratio
C. Workforce participation rate
D. Population density
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Workforce participation shows engagement in economic activity.
Q56. Census workforce data classifies workers into:
A. Skilled and unskilled
B. Main and marginal workers
C. Rural and urban workers
D. Male and female workers
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Workers are classified as main (6 months or more) and marginal.
Q57. High urbanisation generally leads to:
A. Lower literacy
B. Better employment opportunities
C. Lower migration
D. Population decline
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Urbanisation increases access to jobs and services.
Q58. Census demographic indicators are essential for:
A. Academic research only
B. Policy formulation
C. Judicial reforms only
D. Defence preparedness
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
They form the statistical backbone of governance and planning.
Q59. Which indicator best reflects quality of human resources?
A. Population density
B. Literacy rate
C. Migration rate
D. Sex ratio
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Literacy indicates human capital quality.
Q60. Indian Census and demographic indicators are most relevant for:
A. Social and economic planning
B. Foreign diplomacy
C. Military strategy
D. Corporate taxation
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
Census and demographic indicators guide inclusive social and economic development.
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🔹 Indian Census & Demographic Indicators MCQs
Indian Census and demographic indicators form a core foundation of Indian General Knowledge and are frequently asked across competitive examinations. This MODULE 12 MCQ set offers systematic coverage of Census history, population growth, sex ratio, literacy, age structure, migration, workforce participation, and dependency ratio, all explained in a simple, exam-oriented manner.
With concept-clearing explanations and chronological organisation, these MCQs help aspirants strengthen both static GK and analytical understanding, making them highly effective for prelims, objective papers, and entrance examinations.
🔹 FAQ SECTION
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Why are Indian Census and demographic indicators important for exams?
They provide official population data used in planning, governance, and welfare schemes, making them a high-weightage topic in competitive exams.
Q2. Which exams include Indian Census & Demography MCQs?
UPSC, State PSCs, SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence, TET, and University entrance exams regularly ask questions from this topic.
Q3. Which Census data is most commonly asked in exams?
Census 2011 data on population, sex ratio, literacy, density, and growth rate is most frequently tested.
Q4. What is the importance of demographic indicators like sex ratio and literacy?
They reflect social development, gender balance, human capital quality, and policy effectiveness.
Q5. How should aspirants prepare Census & Demographic MCQs effectively?
By understanding concepts clearly, revising Census facts, and practising MCQs with explanations regularly.
🔹 TARGETING EXAMS
These Indian Census & Demographic Indicators MCQs are prepared in strict alignment with the India-specific General Knowledge syllabus and are highly useful for:
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UPSC Civil Services (Prelims & Objective Sections)
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State Public Service Commission (PSC) Exams
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SSC CGL, CHSL, MTS & GD
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Banking Exams (IBPS, SBI, RBI, NABARD)
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Railways (RRB NTPC, Group D)
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Defence Exams (NDA, CDS, AFCAT)
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Teaching Exams (CTET, TET, KVS, DSSSB)
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University, College & School-level Entrance Exams