The Census of India 2011 is the most comprehensive demographic, social, and economic survey conducted by the Government of India. It is the 15th National Census and the 7th census after Independence. This census plays a crucial role in governance, policy formulation, planning, and is a highly important topic for SSC JE, RRB JE, State AE/JE, Banking, UPSC and other competitive examinations.
Conducted by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India under the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Census 2011 provides deep insights into India's population growth, literacy, sex ratio, density, urbanization, and socio-economic categories.
What is Census?
A Census is the official process of collecting, recording, analyzing, and publishing statistical data related to the population of a country. It includes information about:
- Total population
- Age and sex distribution
- Literacy and education
- Occupation and economic activity
- Social categories (SC/ST)
- Housing and amenities
In India, census is conducted every 10 years (Decennial Census).
History of Census in India
- First non-synchronous census: 1872
- First complete synchronous census: 1881
- Introduced during the tenure of Lord Mayo
Global Context
The world's first modern census was conducted in Sweden in 1749.
Census of India 2011 – Key Administrative Details
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Census Number | 15th National Census |
| Independent India Census | 7th |
| Census Commissioner | C. Chandramouli |
| Conducting Authority | Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India |
| Ministry | Ministry of Home Affairs |
| Census Year | 2011 |
Phases of Census 2011
1. House Listing & Housing Census
This phase collected information related to:
- Type of house
- Household assets
- Water, sanitation & electricity
- Fuel used for cooking
2. Population Enumeration
This phase involved counting every individual and collecting personal details like:
- Age & sex
- Marital status
- Literacy & education
- Occupation
- SC/ST status
Total Population of India (Census 2011)
According to Census 2011, the total population of India is:
➡ 121 Crore (1.21 Billion)
This accounts for approximately 17.5% of the world’s total population, making India the second most populous country in the world at that time.
Decadal Population Growth (2001–2011)
The population growth rate during 2001–2011 decade was:
➡ 17.7%
Important Fact
India recorded negative population growth only once during:
- 1911–1921
Urban and Rural Population Distribution
| Area | Population (%) | Population (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Rural | 68.8% | ~83 Crore |
| Urban | 31.2% | ~37 Crore |
Himachal Pradesh has the highest percentage of rural population.
Most and Least Populated States & UTs
Most Populated States
- Uttar Pradesh – 20 Crore
- Maharashtra – 11 Crore
- Bihar – 10 Crore
Least Populated States
- Sikkim – 6 Lakh
- Mizoram – 10 Lakh
Most Populated UT
- Delhi – 1.67 Crore
Least Populated UT
- Lakshadweep – 64,000
Population Density (Census 2011)
Population density is defined as the number of persons per square kilometer.
➡ India’s Population Density: 382 persons/km²
Highest Density
- Delhi – 11,320
- Bihar – 1,106
- West Bengal – 1,028
Lowest Density
- Arunachal Pradesh – 17
- Mizoram – 52
- Andaman & Nicobar – 46
Sex Ratio – Census of India 2011
Sex ratio is the number of females per 1000 males.
➡ National Sex Ratio: 943
Highest Sex Ratio
- Kerala – 1084
- Tamil Nadu – 996
Lowest Sex Ratio
- Daman & Diu – 618
- Haryana – 879
Literacy Rate – Census 2011
Literacy rate is calculated for population aged 7 years and above.
➡ Overall Literacy Rate: 73%
| Census Year | Literacy Rate |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 64.8% |
| 2011 | 73% |
Highest Literacy Rate
- Kerala – 94%
- Mizoram – 91.3%
- Lakshadweep – 91.8%
Lowest Literacy Rate
- Bihar – 61.8%
- Arunachal Pradesh – 65.4%
Maximum Male–Female Literacy Gap
- Rajasthan – 27.1%
SC & ST Population – Census 2011
| Category | Population |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Castes (SC) | 20 Crore |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) | 10 Crore |
Highest SC Population
- Uttar Pradesh
Highest % of SC Population
- Punjab – 31.9%
Highest ST Population
- Madhya Pradesh
Highest % of ST Population
- Lakshadweep – 94.8%
Importance of Census Data
- Policy formulation
- Reservation & delimitation
- Infrastructure planning
- Education & health schemes
- Employment planning
Why Census 2011 is Important for Exams?
- Direct GK questions asked
- Static + analytical questions
- Repeated in SSC, RRB, State Govt. exams
Census 2011 – Important MCQs for SSC / RRB / State Exams
Q1. As per Census 2011, India’s total population is:
A) 1,331,407,513
B) 1,028,737,436
C) 1,210,854,977 (≈ 1.21 billion)
D) 1,100,000,000
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: As per final Census 2011 data, India’s population was 1,210,854,977 (121.09 crore).
Q2. All-India decadal population growth rate (2001–2011) was:
A) 21.54%
B) 19.91%
C) 15.32%
D) 17.64%
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Census 2011 recorded a decadal growth rate of 17.64%, showing a decline from the previous decade.
Q3. Population density of India as per Census 2011 is:
A) 412 persons/km²
B) 358 persons/km²
C) 382 persons/km²
D) 340 persons/km²
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The average population density of India in 2011 was 382 persons per square kilometre.
Q4. The overall sex ratio (females per 1000 males) in Census 2011 was:
A) 940
B) 948
C) 933
D) 943
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Census 2011 reported a sex ratio of 943 females per 1000 males at the national level.
Q5. The child sex ratio (0–6 years) as per Census 2011 was:
A) 914
B) 919
C) 921
D) 905
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Child sex ratio declined to 919 in 2011, indicating gender imbalance in the 0–6 age group.
Q6. Overall literacy rate (7+ age group) in Census 2011 was:
A) 72.98%
B) 76.15%
C) 70.04%
D) 74.04%
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Census 2011 recorded an overall literacy rate of 74.04%.
Q7. Male and female literacy rates in Census 2011 were:
A) 84.11% and 67.01%
B) 79.78% and 64.00%
C) 82.14% and 65.46%
D) 80.12% and 62.34%
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Male literacy stood at 82.14% while female literacy was 65.46%.
Q8. Which state had the highest literacy rate as per Census 2011?
A) Goa
B) Mizoram
C) Himachal Pradesh
D) Kerala
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Kerala topped the literacy ranking with a literacy rate of 93.91%.
Q9. Which state had the lowest literacy rate in Census 2011?
A) Jharkhand
B) Rajasthan
C) Bihar
D) Arunachal Pradesh
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Bihar recorded the lowest literacy rate among states at 63.82%.
Q10. Which was the most populous state according to Census 2011?
A) Maharashtra
B) Bihar
C) West Bengal
D) Uttar Pradesh
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Uttar Pradesh had the highest population (~19.98 crore) among all Indian states.
Q11. Which was the least populous state in Census 2011?
A) Goa
B) Tripura
C) Arunachal Pradesh
D) Sikkim
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Sikkim was the least populous state in India as per Census 2011.
Q12. Which state had the highest population density in Census 2011?
A) West Bengal
B) Kerala
C) Bihar
D) Punjab
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Bihar recorded the highest population density among states at about 1106 persons/km².
Q13. Which state had the lowest population density in Census 2011?
A) Sikkim
B) Nagaland
C) Mizoram
D) Arunachal Pradesh
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Arunachal Pradesh had the lowest density of around 17 persons per km².
Q14. Which state had the highest sex ratio as per Census 2011?
A) Tamil Nadu
B) Meghalaya
C) Chhattisgarh
D) Kerala
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Kerala had the highest sex ratio of 1084 females per 1000 males.
Q15. Which state had the lowest sex ratio in Census 2011?
A) Punjab
B) Rajasthan
C) Haryana
D) Delhi
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Haryana recorded the lowest sex ratio among states at 879.