Population, Census and Human Development Notes
Rahul Kumar
SSC Exam Expert & Content Editor
In this note
PDF Notes: Population, Census and Human Development Notes
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The census counts the population of India every ten years. SSC regularly asks the figures from Census 2011, such as sex ratio, literacy and density, and the basics of the Human Development Index.
Census 2011 Key Figures
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Total population | 121.08 crore (about 1.21 billion) |
| Sex ratio | 943 females per 1000 males |
| Child sex ratio (0 to 6 years) | 919 |
| Literacy rate | 74.04 percent (male 82.14, female 65.46) |
| Population density | 382 persons per sq. km |
| Decadal growth rate (2001 to 2011) | 17.64 percent |
State-wise Highs and Lows
| Item | State |
|---|---|
| Most populous | Uttar Pradesh |
| Least populous state | Sikkim |
| Highest sex ratio | Kerala |
| Lowest sex ratio | Haryana |
| Highest literacy | Kerala |
| Lowest literacy | Bihar |
| Highest density | Bihar (among states) |
| Lowest density | Arunachal Pradesh |
Census Facts
- The first complete census was held in 1881 under Lord Ripon. It has been held every ten years since.
- The Registrar General and Census Commissioner works under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- The Census 2021 was postponed. The next census has been announced with a reference date of 1 March 2027. Check the latest news.
Human Development Index
- HDI is published by the UNDP in the Human Development Report.
- It has three dimensions: a long and healthy life (life expectancy), knowledge (education) and a decent standard of living (GNI per capita).
- The index ranges from 0 to 1. The idea was developed by Mahbub ul Haq and Amartya Sen.
Quick Tips
- Learn the 2011 figures and the highest and lowest states.
- Kerala is the topper in sex ratio and literacy.
- HDI has three dimensions.
- Check which census is the latest before the exam.
Quick Revision Points
- Census is held every ten years.
- Population in 2011 was 121.08 crore.
- Sex ratio in 2011 was 943.
- Literacy rate was 74.04 percent.
- Kerala has the highest literacy and sex ratio.
- HDI is prepared by the UNDP.
Practice Questions With Answers
- What was the sex ratio of India in Census 2011?
Answer: 943 - Which state has the highest literacy rate?
Answer: Kerala - Which state has the lowest sex ratio?
Answer: Haryana - Which is the most populous state?
Answer: Uttar Pradesh - What was the literacy rate of India in 2011?
Answer: 74.04 percent - Which organisation publishes the Human Development Index?
Answer: UNDP - Who is called the architect of the Human Development concept along with Amartya Sen?
Answer: Mahbub ul Haq - In which year was the first complete census held?
Answer: 1881
How to Practise This Chapter
Practise 10 questions every day and write the steps on paper. Then attempt timed sets from our practice papers and the previous year papers page. See all topics on the Indian Economy notes page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often is the census held?
Every ten years.
What was India's population in 2011?
121.08 crore.
What is the sex ratio?
Number of females per 1000 males.
Which state has the highest density?
Bihar among states.
What are the HDI dimensions?
Health, education and income.
Who prepares the HDI?
UNDP.
Which state has the lowest literacy?
Bihar.
Which ministry looks after the census?
Ministry of Home Affairs.
Who started the regular census in India?
Lord Ripon in 1881.
What is the child sex ratio?
Females per 1000 males in the age group 0 to 6 years.
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Indian Agriculture and Land Reforms: Green Revolution, MSP, Crop Seasons, Revolutions and Agricultural Schemes for SSC Economy
Rahul Kumar
SSC Exam Expert & Content Editor
Rahul is a senior SSC exam strategist with 8+ years of experience helping aspirants crack CGL, CHSL and MTS exams. He writes in-depth notification breakdowns, exam pattern guides and preparation strategies.