CENSUS OF INDIA
The Census of India is the official enumeration of the population of India. Conducted every 10 years under the authority of the Census Act, 1948, it provides essential data on the country's demographic and socio-economic characteristics. The Census is one of the most important sources of data for planning and policy-making in India.
1. Overview of the Census of India
- First Census: The first census was conducted in 1871 during the British colonial era. However, it became a regular exercise starting from 1951.
- Frequency: Every 10 years.
- Last Census: The 2011 Census was the most recent census, and the 2021 Census was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it is expected to be completed soon.
2. Objectives of the Census of India
- Population Enumeration: To determine the size, growth, and distribution of the population.
- Demographic Data: To collect data on age, gender, literacy, fertility, etc.
- Social Indicators: Information on social and economic aspects such as education, employment, income, housing, and religion.
- Planning and Development: To provide reliable data for planning, policy formulation, and development programs at the national, state, and local levels.
- Constitutional Requirement: The census provides a basis for the allocation of parliamentary seats, state legislative seats, and government resources.
3. Census Structure and Methodology
- Decennial Census: Conducted once every 10 years.
- Two Main Phases:
- House-listing and Housing Census: The first phase involves recording all houses and households. This is also used to update administrative boundaries and prepare for the second phase.
- Population Enumeration: The second phase collects data on individual characteristics like age, sex, literacy, religion, occupation, etc.
- Census Enumerators: Trained personnel visit each household to collect data from a pre-designed questionnaire.
- Digital and Paper Methods: A mix of traditional methods (paper forms) and modern technology (online data collection and mobile apps) are used.
4. Key Features of the 2011 Census
- Total Population: 1.21 billion (1,210,854,977) – the second-most populous country in the world after China.
- Sex Ratio: 940 females per 1000 males (an increase from 933 in 2001).
- Literacy Rate: 74.04% (up from 64.83% in 2001).
- Male Literacy: 82.14%
- Female Literacy: 65.46%
- Urban Population: 31.16% of the total population lived in urban areas.
- Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs):
- SC Population: 16.6% of the total population.
- ST Population: 8.6% of the total population.
- Languages: Over 122 major languages and 1599 other languages were spoken in India. The Top 10 Languages: Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil, Urdu, Gujarati, Malayalam, Kannada, and Oriya.
- Religious Distribution:
- Hindus: 79.8%
- Muslims: 14.2%
- Christians: 2.3%
- Sikhs: 1.7%
- Other Religions: 2%
5. Important Data Collected in the Census
- Demographic Data: Population, age, sex ratio, marital status, etc.
- Housing Data: Types of houses (kuccha, pucca), availability of basic facilities like electricity, water supply, and sanitation.
- Literacy and Education: Data on literacy rates, education levels, and school attendance.
- Religion and Caste: Distribution of people based on religion, Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
- Economic Activity: Employment status, occupation, and industry of people.
- Migration Data: Internal and external migration, reasons for migration.
- Fertility Rate: Number of children born per woman, and child sex ratio.
6. Data Dissemination and Uses
- Census Data is made publicly available through the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India.
- Uses of Census Data:
- Policy Formulation: The data is used to create policies for economic, social, and developmental planning.
- Resource Allocation: For the distribution of resources, like funding to states and districts.
- Constituency Delimitation: Census data helps in the redistribution of constituencies based on population.
- Urban and Rural Planning: To aid in infrastructure development, urban planning, and rural development programs.
- Health and Education: To target specific health programs, child welfare, and education initiatives.
7. Census of India – 2021 (Expected Features and Changes)
While the 2021 Census was delayed, it was expected to incorporate the following changes:
- Digital Census: A focus on digital data collection with an emphasis on online questionnaires and mobile applications for better accuracy and efficiency.
- Improved Data Collection: Use of geospatial data, mobile apps, and modern tools to improve data accuracy.
- Caste Data: The 2021 Census was expected to collect detailed caste-wise data, including OBC categories.
- Religion-based Data: Detailed collection of religion-based data to provide insights into religious diversity.
- Special Focus on Migration: Enhanced questions related to internal migration patterns, causes, and migration trends.
8. Census Act, 1948
- Census Act, 1948: It empowers the government to collect census data and mandates compulsory participation.
- Offenses: If any person refuses or neglects to provide information during the census, it is considered a criminal offense under this Act, punishable with a fine.
9. Key Points to Remember for Competitive Exams
- Census Frequency: Every 10 years (last Census: 2011).
- Census Act, 1948: Governs the conduct of the Census.
- First Census: Conducted in 1871 (as a decennial exercise from 1951).
- Total Population (2011 Census): 1.21 billion.
- Sex Ratio (2011): 940 females per 1000 males.
- Literacy Rate (2011): 74.04% (Male: 82.14%, Female: 65.46%).
- Urban Population (2011): 31.16% of the total population.
- Scheduled Castes (SCs): 16.6% of the total population.
- Scheduled Tribes (STs): 8.6% of the total population.
- Language: Over 122 major languages spoken in India.
- Religion: 79.8% Hindus, 14.2% Muslims.
- Next Census: 2021 Census, delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conclusion
The Census of India is an essential tool for understanding the demographic and socio-economic landscape of the country. It helps in policy-making, resource allocation, and development planning. The 2021 Census will incorporate technological advancements to improve data accuracy and efficiency, making it an important subject for competitive exams, particularly in the areas of Indian Economy, Geography, and Current Affairs.
Magme’s Quecafe
Census of India – Objective Questions
- When was the first Census of India conducted?
- A) 1861
- B) 1871
- C) 1881
- D) 1901
- Answer: C) 1881
- Who is responsible for conducting the Census of India?
- A) Ministry of Home Affairs
- B) National Statistical Office (NSO)
- C) Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India
- D) Planning Commission of India
- Answer: C) Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India
- What is the official date of reference for the Census of India?
- A) 1st January
- B) 31st March
- C) 1st March
- D) 1st April
- Answer: C) 1st March
- Which Census is the most recent?
- A) 2011 Census
- B) 2001 Census
- C) 2021 Census
- D) 1991 Census
- Answer: A) 2011 Census
- What is the primary objective of the Census of India?
- A) To calculate the GDP of India
- B) To determine the population of India
- C) To assess the literacy rate
- D) To identify social issues
- Answer: B) To determine the population of India
- The Census of India 2011 recorded a population of:
- A) 1.21 billion
- B) 1.39 billion
- C) 1.35 billion
- D) 1.45 billion
- Answer: A) 1.21 billion
- The Census of India is conducted every:
- A) 3 years
- B) 5 years
- C) 10 years
- D) 15 years
- Answer: C) 10 years
- Which of the following is NOT a part of the Census of India?
- A) Population
- B) Literacy rate
- C) Occupation
- D) Income tax data
- Answer: D) Income tax data
- Which of the following is the most populated state according to the 2011 Census of India?
- A) Maharashtra
- B) Uttar Pradesh
- C) West Bengal
- D) Tamil Nadu
- Answer: B) Uttar Pradesh
- What was the literacy rate according to the Census of India 2011?
- A) 74.04%
- B) 80.85%
- C) 68.12%
- D) 70.90%
- Answer: A) 74.04%
- What is the name of the system used for data collection in the Census of India?
- A) Digital India Program
- B) Census Data Collection System (CDCS)
- C) House Listing and Population Enumeration
- D) Population Information System
- Answer: C) House Listing and Population Enumeration
- Which of the following is the least populated state according to the 2011 Census of India?
- A) Sikkim
- B) Nagaland
- C) Goa
- D) Arunachal Pradesh
- Answer: A) Sikkim
- Which district had the highest population according to the 2011 Census of India?
- A) Delhi
- B) Mumbai
- C) Bengaluru
- D) Kolkata
- Answer: B) Mumbai
- Which language was recognized as a "Scheduled Language" for the first time in the Census of India 2011?
- A) English
- B) Bodo
- C) Sindhi
- D) Punjabi
- Answer: B) Bodo
- The total number of languages recorded in the Census of India 2011 was:
- A) 122
- B) 150
- C) 136
- D) 122 languages and 1599 dialects
- Answer: D) 122 languages and 1599 dialects
- What is the population density of India as per the 2011 Census?
- A) 350 persons per sq. km
- B) 382 persons per sq. km
- C) 400 persons per sq. km
- D) 250 persons per sq. km
- Answer: B) 382 persons per sq. km
- The 2021 Census of India was postponed due to:
- A) Natural disaster
- B) COVID-19 pandemic
- C) Financial constraints
- D) Administrative challenges
- Answer: B) COVID-19 pandemic
- What is the term used for the first stage of the Census of India?
- A) Population Enumeration
- B) House Listing
- C) Data Verification
- D) Registration
- Answer: B) House Listing
- Which of the following states has the highest female literacy rate according to the 2011 Census of India?
- A) Kerala
- B) Goa
- C) Tamil Nadu
- D) Delhi
- Answer: A) Kerala
- Who is the head of the Census of India?
- A) President of India
- B) Prime Minister of India
- C) Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India
- D) Union Home Minister
- Answer: C) Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India
MCQs on Census of India
- In which year was the first Census of India conducted?
- A) 1851
- B) 1871
- C) 1881
- D) 1901
- Answer: C) 1881
- Who is responsible for conducting the Census of India?
- A) Ministry of Home Affairs
- B) Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India
- C) National Statistical Office
- D) Planning Commission of India
- Answer: B) Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India
- Which of the following is the most recent Census of India?
- A) 2001 Census
- B) 2011 Census
- C) 2021 Census
- D) 1991 Census
- Answer: B) 2011 Census
- What is the reference date for the Census of India?
- A) 1st January
- B) 31st March
- C) 1st March
- D) 1st April
- Answer: C) 1st March
- Which Indian state had the highest population according to the 2011 Census?
- A) Uttar Pradesh
- B) Maharashtra
- C) West Bengal
- D) Tamil Nadu
- Answer: A) Uttar Pradesh
- What is the literacy rate in India as per the 2011 Census?
- A) 70.9%
- B) 74.04%
- C) 68.12%
- D) 82.3%
- Answer: B) 74.04%
- Which of the following is the least populated state according to the 2011 Census of India?
- A) Goa
- B) Sikkim
- C) Nagaland
- D) Arunachal Pradesh
- Answer: B) Sikkim
- The total number of languages recorded in the Census of India 2011 was:
- A) 122
- B) 150
- C) 136
- D) 1599
- Answer: A) 122
- What was the population density of India as per the 2011 Census?
- A) 350 persons per square km
- B) 382 persons per square km
- C) 400 persons per square km
- D) 200 persons per square km
- Answer: B) 382 persons per square km
- Which state has the highest female literacy rate according to the 2011 Census?
- A) Kerala
- B) Tamil Nadu
- C) Goa
- D) Maharashtra
- Answer: A) Kerala
- What is the main purpose of the Census of India?
- A) To estimate the country's GDP
- B) To gather information on population and demographics
- C) To assess literacy rates
- D) To determine the country's foreign relations
- Answer: B) To gather information on population and demographics
- What was the population of India according to the 2011 Census?
- A) 1.21 billion
- B) 1.39 billion
- C) 1.35 billion
- D) 1.45 billion
- Answer: A) 1.21 billion
- Which city has the highest population according to the 2011 Census?
- A) Delhi
- B) Mumbai
- C) Kolkata
- D) Bengaluru
- Answer: B) Mumbai
- Which of the following is a major challenge for the Census of India?
- A) Population data accuracy
- B) Financial constraints
- C) Urbanization and migration
- D) All of the above
- Answer: D) All of the above
- The Census of India is conducted every:
- A) 3 years
- B) 5 years
- C) 10 years
- D) 15 years
- Answer: C) 10 years
- Which language was added as a "Scheduled Language" in the 2011 Census of India?
- A) Bodo
- B) Sindhi
- C) Maithili
- D) Sanskrit
- Answer: A) Bodo
- The 2021 Census of India was postponed due to:
- A) Natural disaster
- B) COVID-19 pandemic
- C) Political instability
- D) Financial reasons
- Answer: B) COVID-19 pandemic
- Which Indian state had the highest growth rate in population according to the 2011 Census?
- A) Uttar Pradesh
- B) Kerala
- C) Bihar
- D) Maharashtra
- Answer: C) Bihar
- How many districts in India were there according to the 2011 Census?
- A) 543
- B) 635
- C) 702
- D) 740
- Answer: B) 635
- Which age group is most represented in the Indian population according to the 2011 Census?
- A) 0-14 years
- B) 15-29 years
- C) 30-44 years
- D) 45-59 years
- Answer: A) 0-14 years
Fill in the Blanks – Census of India:
- The first Census of India was conducted in the year _______.
- Answer: 1881
- The Census of India is conducted every _______ years.
- Answer: 10
- The _______ is the body responsible for conducting the Census of India.
- Answer: Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India
- The total population of India according to the 2011 Census was _______.
- Answer: 1.21 billion (or 121 crore)
- The Census of India 2011 recorded a literacy rate of _______.
- Answer: 74.04%
- The reference date for the Census of India is _______.
- Answer: 1st March
- The state with the highest literacy rate according to the 2011 Census of India is _______.
- Answer: Kerala
- The population density of India according to the 2011 Census was _______ persons per square kilometer.
- Answer: 382
- The Census of India 2011 recorded _______ languages and _______ dialects.
- Answer: 122 languages and 1599 dialects
- The Census of India 2011 recorded the highest population in the state of _______.
- Answer: Uttar Pradesh
- The Census of India 2011 recorded a sex ratio of _______ females per 1000 males.
- Answer: 940
- The first electronic Census of India was conducted in the year _______.
- Answer: 2001
- According to the 2011 Census, the urban population of India was _______.
- Answer: 31.16%
- The age group of _______ years has the highest population in India as per the 2011 Census.
- Answer: 0-14 years
- _______ is the least populated state in India according to the 2011 Census.
- Answer: Sikkim
- According to the 2011 Census, the total number of districts in India was _______.
- Answer: 640
- The Census data for India is collected through two phases: House listing and _______.
- Answer: Population Enumeration
- The official Census of India is conducted by the _______.
- Answer: Government of India
- The last Census was scheduled to take place in _______ but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Answer: 2021
- The highest number of languages recorded in the Census of India belongs to the state of _______.
- Answer: Uttar Pradesh
Assertion and Reason Questions:
- Assertion: The Census of India is conducted every 10 years.
Reason: The Census is held every decade to keep track of the changes in population and demographic patterns in India.- A) Both Assertion and Reason are correct, and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.
- B) Both Assertion and Reason are correct, but Reason is not the correct explanation for Assertion.
- C) Assertion is correct, but Reason is incorrect.
- D) Assertion is incorrect, but Reason is correct.
- Answer: A) Both Assertion and Reason are correct, and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.
- Assertion: The Census of India helps in determining the population of various states and Union Territories.
Reason: Population data from the Census helps in the equitable distribution of resources among different regions.- A) Both Assertion and Reason are correct, and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.
- B) Both Assertion and Reason are correct, but Reason is not the correct explanation for Assertion.
- C) Assertion is correct, but Reason is incorrect.
- D) Assertion is incorrect, but Reason is correct.
- Answer: A) Both Assertion and Reason are correct, and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.
- Assertion: The Census of India 2011 showed that the literacy rate in India was 74.04%.
Reason: The literacy rate in India has been consistently increasing over the years due to various government initiatives to improve education.- A) Both Assertion and Reason are correct, and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.
- B) Both Assertion and Reason are correct, but Reason is not the correct explanation for Assertion.
- C) Assertion is correct, but Reason is incorrect.
- D) Assertion is incorrect, but Reason is correct.
- Answer: A) Both Assertion and Reason are correct, and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.
- Assertion: The Census of India 2011 recorded the highest number of languages in the state of Uttar Pradesh.
Reason: Uttar Pradesh has the most linguistically diverse population in India.- A) Both Assertion and Reason are correct, and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.
- B) Both Assertion and Reason are correct, but Reason is not the correct explanation for Assertion.
- C) Assertion is correct, but Reason is incorrect.
- D) Assertion is incorrect, but Reason is correct.
- Answer: C) Assertion is correct, but Reason is incorrect.
- Assertion: Kerala has the highest literacy rate in India as per the 2011 Census.
Reason: Kerala has a strong education system, with a high emphasis on literacy and education for both men and women.- A) Both Assertion and Reason are correct, and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.
- B) Both Assertion and Reason are correct, but Reason is not the correct explanation for Assertion.
- C) Assertion is correct, but Reason is incorrect.
- D) Assertion is incorrect, but Reason is correct.
- Answer: A) Both Assertion and Reason are correct, and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.
- Assertion: The Census of India 2021 was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reason: The Census process involves large-scale movement of enumerators, which was difficult to carry out during the pandemic.- A) Both Assertion and Reason are correct, and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.
- B) Both Assertion and Reason are correct, but Reason is not the correct explanation for Assertion.
- C) Assertion is correct, but Reason is incorrect.
- D) Assertion is incorrect, but Reason is correct.
- Answer: A) Both Assertion and Reason are correct, and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.
- Assertion: According to the 2011 Census, the urban population in India was 31.16%.
Reason: India has been rapidly urbanizing, but the rural population still constitutes a large portion of the total population.- A) Both Assertion and Reason are correct, and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.
- B) Both Assertion and Reason are correct, but Reason is not the correct explanation for Assertion.
- C) Assertion is correct, but Reason is incorrect.
- D) Assertion is incorrect, but Reason is correct.
- Answer: A) Both Assertion and Reason are correct, and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.
- Assertion: The Census of India 2011 recorded a sex ratio of 940 females per 1000 males.
Reason: The sex ratio in India has improved due to better healthcare facilities and initiatives for the welfare of women.- A) Both Assertion and Reason are correct, and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.
- B) Both Assertion and Reason are correct, but Reason is not the correct explanation for Assertion.
- C) Assertion is correct, but Reason is incorrect.
- D) Assertion is incorrect, but Reason is correct.
- Answer: A) Both Assertion and Reason are correct, and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.
- Assertion: The Census of India 2011 recorded the largest number of districts in the state of Uttar Pradesh.
Reason: Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state in India, which results in a larger number of administrative divisions.- A) Both Assertion and Reason are correct, and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.
- B) Both Assertion and Reason are correct, but Reason is not the correct explanation for Assertion.
- C) Assertion is correct, but Reason is incorrect.
- D) Assertion is incorrect, but Reason is correct.
- Answer: A) Both Assertion and Reason are correct, and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.
- Assertion: The Census of India 2011 recorded a decrease in the population growth rate as compared to the previous Census.
Reason: India’s family planning programs and awareness have been more effective in controlling population growth.- A) Both Assertion and Reason are correct, and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.
- B) Both Assertion and Reason are correct, but Reason is not the correct explanation for Assertion.
- C) Assertion is correct, but Reason is incorrect.
- D) Assertion is incorrect, but Reason is correct.
- Answer: A) Both Assertion and Reason are correct, and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.
Match the Following:
|
Column A (Census Terms) |
Column B (Facts) |
|
1. First Census of India |
A. 940 females per 1000 males |
|
2. Total Population (2011 Census) |
B. 1.21 billion (121 crore) |
|
3. Literacy Rate (2011 Census) |
C. 74.04% |
|
4. Sex Ratio (2011 Census) |
D. 1881 |
Answer:
- 1 → D. 1881 (First Census of India was conducted in 1881)
- 2 → B. 1.21 billion (2011 Census recorded a population of 1.21 billion)
- 3 → C. 74.04% (Literacy rate in 2011 Census was 74.04%)
- 4 → A. 940 females per 1000 males (Sex ratio in 2011 Census was 940 females per 1000 males)
Match the Following:
|
Column A (States/Regions) |
Column B (Facts) |
|
1. State with the highest literacy rate (2011 Census) |
A. Kerala |
|
2. State with the highest population (2011 Census) |
B. Uttar Pradesh |
|
3. State with the largest number of districts (2011 Census) |
C. Bihar |
|
4. State with the highest sex ratio (2011 Census) |
D. Haryana |
Answer:
- 1 → A. Kerala (Kerala has the highest literacy rate in India)
- 2 → B. Uttar Pradesh (Uttar Pradesh has the highest population in India)
- 3 → B. Uttar Pradesh (Uttar Pradesh has the largest number of districts)
- 4 → D. Haryana (Haryana has the highest sex ratio among Indian states)
Match the Following:
|
Column A (Census Terms) |
Column B (Facts) |
|
1. Population Growth Rate (2001-2011) |
A. 0-14 years |
|
2. Age Group with Highest Population (2011 Census) |
B. 31.16% |
|
3. Percentage of Urban Population (2011 Census) |
C. 1,622 |
|
4. Number of Languages Spoken in India (2011 Census) |
D. 17.64% |
Answer:
- 1 → D. 17.64% (Population growth rate between 2001 and 2011)
- 2 → A. 0-14 years (The highest population group was 0-14 years)
- 3 → B. 31.16% (Urban population percentage according to the 2011 Census)
- 4 → C. 1,622 (There are 1,622 languages spoken in India as per the 2011 Census)
Match the Following:
|
Column A (Census of India 2011 Features) |
Column B (Facts) |
|
1. Highest Literacy Rate |
A. Kerala |
|
2. Highest Population Density |
B. Uttar Pradesh |
|
3. State with Maximum Number of Districts |
C. 640 |
|
4. Total Number of Districts in India |
D. Bihar |
Answer:
- 1 → A. Kerala (Kerala has the highest literacy rate according to the 2011 Census)
- 2 → D. Bihar (Bihar has the highest population density according to the 2011 Census)
- 3 → B. Uttar Pradesh (Uttar Pradesh has the maximum number of districts)
- 4 → C. 640 (The total number of districts in India as per the 2011 Census)
Match the Following:
|
Column A (Facts) |
Column B (Corresponding Information) |
|
1. Total Number of Languages in Census 2011 |
A. Kerala |
|
2. Most Populous State in India (2011 Census) |
B. Uttar Pradesh |
|
3. State with the Highest Literacy Rate (2011 Census) |
C. 122 |
|
4. State with the Highest Sex Ratio (2011 Census) |
D. Puducherry |
Answer:
- 1 → C. 122 (The 2011 Census recorded 122 languages)
- 2 → B. Uttar Pradesh (Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state)
- 3 → A. Kerala (Kerala has the highest literacy rate)
- 4 → D. Puducherry (Puducherry has the highest sex ratio)
