Census of India 2011 Study Notes and Objective Questions

Census of India 2011 Overview

• • Organized in two stages: House listing and Housing Census, followed by Population Enumeration.
  • Population increased by over 181 million from 2001 to 2011.
  • The total population reached 1.21 billion, with 51.54% males and 48.46% females.
• Census Initiation:
  • The 15th Census of India and 7th Census of Independent India started on April 1, 2010.
  • President of India was the first citizen to be enumerated, followed by the Vice President.
  • Slogan: ‘Our Census, Our Future.’
  • Census Commissioner: C. Chandramouli.
• Census Stages:
  • 1. House Listing & Housing Census: Conducted from April to September 2010.
  • 2. Population Enumeration: Carried out from 9th to 28th February 2011.
• Population Breakdown:
  • Total Population: 1210.19 million.
  • Males: 623.7 million (51.54%).
  • Females: 586.46 million (48.46%).
• State Highlight:
  • Uttar Pradesh: Most populous state, surpassing the population of Brazil.

Census of India 2011 – Key Data

• Highest Population Density:
  • Bihar
• Lowest Population Density:
  • Arunachal Pradesh
• Union Territory with Least Population:
  • Lakshadweep
• Highest Population:
  • Uttar Pradesh
• Lowest Population:
  • Sikkim
• Highest Sex Ratio:
  • Kerala
• Lowest Sex Ratio:
  • Haryana
• Highest Literacy Rate:
  • Kerala
• Lowest Literacy Rate:
  • Bihar

Literacy Rate in India (Category) – Census 2011:

• Males: 82.14%
• Females: 65.46%
• Overall Literacy: 74%

Questions

1. What were the two stages in which the Census of India 2011 was organized?
2. How much did the population of India increase from 2001 to 2011?
3. What was the total population of India according to the Census of India 2011?
4. Who was the first citizen to be enumerated in the 15th Census of India and the 7th Census of Independent India?
5. What was the slogan for Census 2011?
6. Who served as the Census Commissioner for Census 2011?
7. During which months was the House Listing & Housing Census conducted in 2010?
8. When was the Population Enumeration phase carried out during Census 2011?
9. Provide the breakdown of the total population into males and females according to the Census of India 2011.
10. Which state surpassed the population of Brazil and became the most populous state in India?
11. Which state had the highest population density according to Census 2011?
12. Name the Union Territory with the least population.
13. What was the literacy rate for males, females, and overall literacy rate in India according to the Census 2011?

Answers

1. The two stages were House listing and Housing Census, followed by Population Enumeration.
2. The population of India increased by over 181 million from 2001 to 2011.
3. The total population of India according to the Census of India 2011 was 1.21 billion.
4. The President of India was the first citizen to be enumerated.
5. The slogan for Census 2011 was ‘Our Census, Our Future.’
6. C. Chandramouli served as the Census Commissioner for Census 2011.
7. The House Listing & Housing Census was conducted from April to September 2010.
8. The Population Enumeration phase was carried out from 9th to 28th February 2011.
9. The total population was 1210.19 million, with 51.54% males and 48.46% females.
10. Uttar Pradesh became the most populous state, surpassing the population of Brazil.
11. Bihar had the highest population density according to Census 2011.
12. Lakshadweep was the Union Territory with the least population.
13. Males: 82.14%, Females: 65.46%, Overall Literacy: 74%.

Census of India 2011 Important Points

Introduction of Census:

• Definition: Counting the number of people in a country and collecting information for official purposes.
• Introduced in India during Lord Mayo’s era in 1872, enforced from 1881.
• First-ever Census conducted in Sweden in 1749.

Responsibility and Authority:

• Responsibility rests with the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India.
• Highest post: Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India.

Census in India (2011):

• 15th Census in 2011, 7th Census of Independent India.
• Analytical Report: India has the highest youth population.
• Projected average age of Indians in 2020: 29 years.

Population Data (2011):

• Indian population: 121 crore, 17.5% of the world’s population.
• Decade (2001-2011): Population increased by 17.7%.

Urban and Rural Distribution (2011):

• Urban population: 31.2% (around 37 crores).
• Rural population: 68.8%.
• Himachal Pradesh has the highest percentage of rural population.

Population Stability Target:

• Target changed from 2045 to 2070 for achieving population stability.

Population Growth Calculation:

• Percentage increase in overall population growth calculated by the difference between birth and death rates.

India’s Population Overview (2001-2011):

• Total Population: India’s population stands at a staggering 1.21 billion, marking a substantial 17.7 percent increase from the previous decade.
• Gender Dynamics: The growth in the female population outpaced that of males. Specifically, the male population witnessed an increase of 90.97 million, while the female population recorded a slightly higher growth at 90.99 million females.
• Decadal Growth Rate: India’s overall population growth during the 2001-2011 decade amounted to 17.7 percent, a notable decrease from the 21.5 percent observed in the preceding decade.
• Regional Variances: Among the main states, Bihar stood out with the highest decadal growth rate, reaching a remarkable 25.4 percent. Additionally, 14 states and Union Territories experienced a substantial increase, surpassing 20 percent.

Population Statistics – States and Union Territories:

Most Populated States:

1. Uttar Pradesh: The most populated state with an extensive population of 20 crores.
2. Maharashtra: Following closely, Maharashtra ranks second with a substantial population of 11 crores.
3. Bihar: Occupying the third position, Bihar boasts a significant population of 10 crores.

Most Populated Union Territory:

1. Delhi: Among Union Territories, Delhi stands out as the most populated, housing approximately 1.67 crore residents.

Least Populated States:

1. Sikkim: The least populated state with a modest population of around 6 lakhs.
2. Mizoram: Following Sikkim, Mizoram ranks as one of the least populated states, with a population of approximately 10 lakhs.

Least Populated Union Territory:

1. Lakshadweep: Among Union Territories, Lakshadweep holds the distinction of being the least populated, with a meager population of around 64,000.

Questions

1. Which state is the most populated in India with approximately 20 crores of residents?
2. What is the population of Maharashtra, the second most populated state in India?
3. In terms of population, which state ranks third among the most populated states in India?
4. Which Union Territory has the highest population, standing at around 1.67 crores?
5. Sikkim, with a population of around 6 lakhs, is the least populated state in India. (True/False)
6. What is the population of Mizoram, one of the least populated states in India?
7. Among the Union Territories, which one has the smallest population, around 64,000?
8. Delhi, with a population of approximately 1.67 crores, is the least populated Union Territory. (True/False)

Answers

1. Uttar Pradesh
2. 11 crores
3. Bihar
4. Delhi
5. True
6. Approximately 10 lakhs
7. Lakshadweep
8. False

 Census of India 2011-Decadal Growth Rate

States with Highest Growth Rate:

1. Meghalaya: +27.9%
2. Arunachal Pradesh: +26%

Union Territories with Highest Growth Rate:

1. Nagaland: -0.6%
2. Kerala: +4.9%

States with Lowest Growth Rate:

• Dadar & Nagar Haveli: +55.9%

Union Territories with Lowest Growth Rate:

• Lakshadweep: -6.3%

Density of Population (per square km) – Census of India 2011

Population Density Trends:

• Increased from 325/sq km in 2001 to 382/sq km in 2011.

States with Highest Density of Population:

1. Bihar: 1106/sq km
2. West Bengal: 1028/sq km

Union Territories with Highest Density of Population:

1. Arunachal Pradesh: 17/sq km
2. Mizoram: 52/sq km

Union Territories with Lowest Density of Population:

• Andaman & Nicobar: 46/sq km

Questions

1. Which state recorded the highest growth rate according to the Census of India 2011?
2. What was the growth rate of Arunachal Pradesh during the Census of India 2011?
3. Among the Union Territories, which one experienced a negative growth rate?
4. Which Union Territory had a positive growth rate close to 5%?
5. Dadar & Nagar Haveli reported a growth rate of approximately __________.
6. Lakshadweep witnessed a decadal growth rate of __________.

Density of Population (per square km) – Census of India 2011:

7. How much did the population density increase from 2001 to 2011?
8. Which state had the highest population density according to the 2011 Census?
9. What was the population density of West Bengal in 2011?
10. Among the Union Territories, which one had the lowest population density?
11. Which region saw a decrease in population density?
12. What was the population density of Mizoram in 2011?

Answers

1. Meghalaya
2. +26%
3. Nagaland
4. Kerala
5. +55.9%
6. -6.3%
7. 57/sq km
8. Bihar
9. 1028/sq km
10. Lakshadweep
11. Andaman & Nicobar
12. 52/sq km

Sex Ratio Census Of India 2011

The sex ratio, indicating the number of females per 1000 males, is a crucial demographic indicator.

• Overall Sex Ratio (2011): The national sex ratio in 2011 is 940 females against 1000 males, reflecting a 10% improvement from the previous census.
• State Variations: There are significant variations among states. Haryana records the lowest sex ratio, with 879 females per 1000 males, emphasizing gender imbalances. In contrast, Kerala stands out with the highest sex ratio in India.
• Haryana’s Challenge: Haryana faces a critical issue with a sex ratio of 879, signaling a substantial gender gap. The states with lower ratios include Jammu and Kashmir (889) and Punjab (895).
• Top-performing States: Kerala emerges as a leader in gender equality with a remarkable sex ratio of 1,084 females, showcasing a balanced demographic structure. Other states excelling in sex ratios include Tamil Nadu (996), Andhra Pradesh (993), Chhattisgarh (991), and Odisha (979).

Sex Ratio Census Of India 2011: Important Points

The sex ratio in India, indicating the number of females per 1000 males, is a significant demographic metric.

• Highest Sex Ratio States:
  • Kerala (1084): Leads with the highest sex ratio, exemplifying gender balance.
  • Tamil Nadu (996): Exhibits a commendable sex ratio, reflecting a fair demographic structure.
• Highest Sex Ratio Union Territories:
  • Haryana (879): Faces challenges with a lower sex ratio, indicating gender imbalances.
  • Jammu & Kashmir (889): Shows room for improvement in achieving a more equitable sex ratio.
• Lowest Sex Ratio States:
  • Puducherry (1037): While higher than the national average, there is scope for enhancing gender balance.
• Lowest Sex Ratio Union Territories:
  • Daman & Diu (618): Faces a considerable gender gap, necessitating attention and corrective measures.

Questions

1. What does the sex ratio indicate in demographic terms?
2. What is the overall sex ratio in India according to the 2011 census?
3. By what percentage did the national sex ratio improve from the previous census?
4. Which state records the lowest sex ratio, highlighting gender imbalances?
5. What is the sex ratio in Haryana, and why is it considered a challenge?
6. Among Indian states, which one stands out with the highest sex ratio?
7. In terms of gender balance, which state leads with a sex ratio of 1,084 females?
8. Name two other states with commendable sex ratios, indicating a fair demographic structure.
9. Which Union Territory faces challenges with a lower sex ratio, and what is the ratio?
10. Identify the Union Territory showing room for improvement in achieving a more equitable sex ratio.
11. What is the sex ratio in Puducherry, and how does it compare to the national average?
12. Which Union Territory faces a considerable gender gap, necessitating attention and corrective measures?

Answers

1. The sex ratio indicates the number of females per 1000 males, serving as a crucial demographic indicator.
2. The overall sex ratio in India, according to the 2011 census, is 940 females against 1000 males.
3. The national sex ratio improved by 10% from the previous census.
4. Haryana records the lowest sex ratio, emphasizing gender imbalances.
5. The sex ratio in Haryana is 879, and it is considered a challenge due to a substantial gender gap.
6. Kerala stands out among Indian states with the highest sex ratio.
7. Kerala leads with a sex ratio of 1,084 females, exemplifying gender balance.
8. Tamil Nadu (996) and Andhra Pradesh (993) are two states with commendable sex ratios, indicating a fair demographic structure.
9. Haryana faces challenges with a lower sex ratio of 879.
10. Jammu & Kashmir shows room for improvement in achieving a more equitable sex ratio, with 889 females.
11. The sex ratio in Puducherry is 1037, which is higher than the national average.
12. Daman & Diu faces a considerable gender gap, with a sex ratio of 618, necessitating attention and corrective measures.

Literacy Rate Census of India 2011

The literacy rate in India witnessed a substantial increase of 8 percent in 2011, reaching 73 percent compared to 64.8 percent in 2001.

• Male Literacy Rate: The male literacy rate experienced a 5.6 percent surge from the previous census, reaching 80.9 percent.
• Female Literacy Rate: The female literacy rate recorded a notable rise of 10.9 percent from the 2001 Census, reaching 64.6 percent.

Geographical Variation:

• The highest increase in literacy rate was observed in Dadra and Nagar Haveli (18.6 points), followed by Bihar (14.8 points) and Tripura (14.0 points).
• Improvement in female literacy outpaced male literacy in all states and UTs, except for Mizoram.

Urban-Rural & Gender Disparities:

• The gap between urban and rural literacy rates has consistently narrowed in every census.
• The gender gap in literacy rate decreased to 16.3 points in Census 2011.

Top 5 States & UTs with Highest Literacy Rates:

1. Kerala (94 percent)
2. Lakshadweep (91.8 percent)
3. Mizoram (91.3 percent)
4. Goa (88.7 percent)
5. Tripura (87.2 percent)

Bottom 5 States in Literacy Rates:

1. Bihar (61.8 percent)
2. Arunachal Pradesh (65.4 percent)
3. Rajasthan (66.1 percent)
4. Jharkhand (66.4 percent)
5. Andhra Pradesh (67 percent)

Maximum Difference in Literacy Rates:

• Rajasthan exhibits the highest difference between male (79.2 percent) and female (52.1 percent) literacy rates, with a significant gap of 27.1 percent.

Questions

1. What was the increase in India’s literacy rate from 2001 to 2011?
2. How much did the male literacy rate increase in the 2011 Census compared to 2001?
3. What percentage increase was observed in the female literacy rate from the 2001 Census to the 2011 Census?
4. In which Union Territory did the literacy rate witness the highest increase (18.6 points) in the 2011 Census?
5. Name the state with the second-highest increase in literacy rate from 2001 to 2011.
6. In which state did female literacy outpace male literacy in the 2011 Census?
7. What is the trend in the gap between urban and rural literacy rates in successive censuses?
8. How much did the gender gap in literacy rate decrease in the 2011 Census compared to the previous census?
9. Name two states that experienced the highest increase in literacy rate in the 2011 Census.
10. Which state had the highest literacy rate in the 2011 Census?
11. Identify the Union Territory with the lowest literacy rate among the top 5 in the 2011 Census.
12. List three states among the bottom 5 in terms of literacy rates in the 2011 Census.
13. What is the maximum difference in literacy rates between male and female populations in the 2011 Census?
14. Which state exhibits the highest difference in male and female literacy rates, and what is the percentage gap?
15. Provide the literacy rate of Rajasthan based on the 2011 Census.

Answers

1. The increase in India’s literacy rate from 2001 to 2011 was 8 percent.
2. The male literacy rate increased by 5.6 percent in the 2011 Census compared to 2001.
3. The female literacy rate observed a 10.9 percent increase from the 2001 Census to the 2011 Census.
4. The Union Territory with the highest increase in literacy rate (18.6 points) in the 2011 Census was Dadra and Nagar Haveli.
5. Bihar is the state with the second-highest increase in literacy rate from 2001 to 2011.
6. In all states and UTs, except for Mizoram, female literacy outpaced male literacy in the 2011 Census.
7. The gap between urban and rural literacy rates has consistently narrowed in every census.
8. The gender gap in literacy rate decreased to 16.3 points in the 2011 Census.
9. The states with the highest increase in literacy rate in the 2011 Census were Bihar and Tripura.
10. The state with the highest literacy rate in the 2011 Census was Kerala.
11. Among the top 5 Union Territories in literacy rate in the 2011 Census, Lakshadweep had the lowest literacy rate.
12. Among the bottom 5 states in terms of literacy rates in the 2011 Census were Bihar, Arunachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
13. The maximum difference in literacy rates between male and female populations in the 2011 Census was observed in Rajasthan.
14. Rajasthan exhibits the highest difference in male and female literacy rates, with a percentage gap of 27.1 percent.
15. The literacy rate of Rajasthan based on the 2011 Census is 66.1 percent.

Census of India 2011-Scheduled Caste & Scheduled Tribes 

The Census of India 2011 provides insights into the demographic characteristics of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), emphasizing their population changes.

• Scheduled Tribes (ST):
  • The number of individual ethnic groups designated as STs is 705.
  • The ST population in India has witnessed a substantial increase, reaching 104.3 million in 2011, indicating a 23.7% growth from the 2001 census.
• Scheduled Castes (SC):
  • The SC population in India has reached 201.4 million in 2011, marking a noteworthy 20% increase from the previous census.
• Category-wise Population – Census of India 2011:
  • States & Union Territory with Highest SC Population:
    • Uttar Pradesh: Notable for having a significant SC population.
  • States & Union Territory with Highest % of SC Population:
    • Punjab (31.9%): Exhibits a high percentage of SC population, reflecting demographic patterns.
  • States & Union Territory with Highest ST Population:
    • Madhya Pradesh: Stands out for having the highest ST population, indicating the concentration of tribal communities.
  • States & Union Territory with Highest % of ST Population:
    • Lakshadweep (94.8%): Represents the highest percentage of ST population, emphasizing the dominance of tribal communities in the demographic composition.

Questions

1. How many individual ethnic groups are notified as Scheduled Tribes (STs) according to the Census of India 2011?
2. What is the percentage increase in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) population in India from the 2001 census to the 2011 census?
3. What is the total population of Scheduled Tribes (ST) in India as per the 2011 census?
4. What is the percentage increase in the Scheduled Castes (SC) population in India from the previous census to the 2011 census?
5. What is the total population of Scheduled Castes (SC) in India as per the 2011 census?
6. Which state is notable for having a significant Scheduled Castes (SC) population?
7. In which state does Punjab exhibit a high percentage of Scheduled Castes (SC) population, according to the Census of India 2011?
8. Which state stands out for having the highest Scheduled Tribes (ST) population in India?
9. Which Union Territory represents the highest percentage of Scheduled Tribes (ST) population according to the 2011 census?
10. How many individual ethnic groups are designated as Scheduled Tribes (STs) in India according to the 2011 census?
11. What is the total number of individual ethnic groups designated as Scheduled Castes (SCs) in India according to the Census of India 2011?
12. What is the significance of Lakshadweep in terms of Scheduled Tribes (ST) population percentage according to the 2011 census?
13. What does the 23.7% growth in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) population from the 2001 census to the 2011 census indicate?
14. How does the 20% increase in the Scheduled Castes (SC) population from the previous census to the 2011 census reflect demographic changes?
15. Which state is notable for having a high percentage of Scheduled Castes (SC) population, emphasizing demographic patterns?

Answers

1. 705
2. 23.7%
3. 104.3 million
4. 20%
5. 201.4 million
6. Uttar Pradesh
7. Punjab
8. Madhya Pradesh
9. Lakshadweep
10. 705
11. 705
12. Lakshadweep
13. It indicates a substantial increase in the tribal population.
14. It reflects a significant growth in the population of Scheduled Castes.
15. Punjab

Insights from Census of India 2011

The Census of India 2011 offers a comprehensive view of India’s demographic landscape, providing key insights into various aspects of the population.

• Child Sex Ratio (0-6 years):
  • The child sex ratio stands at 914 females per 1,000 males, reflecting gender dynamics in the younger age group.
• Literacy Rate:
  • The overall literacy rate in India is 74.04%.
  • Males exhibit a higher literacy rate at 82.14%, while females show a literacy rate of 65.46%.
• Census Overview:
  • The 2011 census was a massive undertaking involving the participation of millions of people.
  • It serves as a valuable snapshot, capturing the population of India at a specific point in time.
• Additional Facts:
  • Average Household Size: The average household size in India is 5.5 people.
  • Language Diversity: Hindi is the most spoken language, followed by Bengali, Marathi, Telugu, Tamil, and Urdu.
  • Religious Composition: Hindus constitute the majority (80.5%), followed by Muslims (13.4%), Christians (2.3%), Sikhs (1.9%), and Jains (0.4%).
  • Urban Population: The urban population in India is 377 million, accounting for 31.2% of the total population.
  • Median Age: The median age of the Indian population is 27.2 years.
• Utility of Census Data:
  • The census data is a vital resource for understanding population growth, urbanization trends, and literacy patterns.
  • It aids government agencies in planning for the future and addressing disparities in education, healthcare, and essential services.