Q30. Which state had the highest population density according to Census 2011?
[SSC CHSL Tier-I, 14 August 2023, Shift 4]
(A) Uttar Pradesh
(B) Bihar
(C) West Bengal
(D) Kerala
Answer: (B) Bihar
Explanation: Bihar ranked first among the states by population density in 2011, exceeding 1,100 persons per square kilometre. The fertile Gangetic plain supports large rural populations, while limited land area raises the statewide density figure.
Q29. Which were the three most populous states according to Census 2011?
[SSC CHSL Tier-I, 9 August 2023, Shift 3]
(A) Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh
(B) Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Goa
(C) Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar
(D) West Bengal, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh
Answer: (C) Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar
Explanation: The 2011 rankings placed Uttar Pradesh first, Maharashtra second and Bihar third. This order refers to total residents rather than population density, where Bihar and West Bengal occupied the first two positions.
Q28. What share of India’s population identified as Muslim in Census 2011?
[SSC CHSL Tier-I, 9 August 2023, Shift 4]
(A) 14.2%
(B) 11.9%
(C) 16.4%
(D) 18.5%
Answer: (A) 14.2%
Explanation: About 14.2% of India’s population was enumerated as Muslim in Census 2011, making Islam the second-largest religious affiliation. These figures describe the census religion distribution and not the shares of linguistic or occupational groups.
Q27. What was India’s population density according to Census 1951?
[SSC CHSL Tier-I, 8 August 2023, Shift 2]
(A) 117 persons/km²
(B) 324 persons/km²
(C) 103 persons/km²
(D) 382 persons/km²
Answer: (A) 117 persons/km²
Explanation: Population density in India stood at about 117 persons per square kilometre in 1951. The 2011 census recorded 382, illustrating how more people came to occupy the same national land area over six decades.
Q26. What percentage of Indians lived in rural areas according to Census 2011?
[SSC CHSL Tier-I, 4 August 2023, Shift 4]
(A) 65.25%
(B) 70%
(C) 69%
(D) 68.8%
Answer: (D) 68.8%
Explanation: Rural residents accounted for approximately 68.8% of India’s population in 2011, with about 31.2% classified as urban. This shows that India remained predominantly rural despite sustained growth of cities and towns.
Q25. Approximately what percentage of India’s population lived in urban areas according to Census 2011?
[SSC CHSL Tier-I, 4 August 2023, Shift 2]
(A) 25.7%
(B) 49.71%
(C) 41.72%
(D) 31.16%
Answer: (D) 31.16%
Explanation: Urban residents made up approximately 31.16% of India’s 2011 population. The census applies statutory and demographic criteria to classify settlements, meaning urbanisation measures both population changes and the evolving designation of towns.
Q24. Arrange states A. Kerala, B. Himachal Pradesh and C. Haryana in descending order of literacy rates in Census 2011.
[SSC CGL Tier-I, 26 July 2023, Shift 2]
(A) A, C, B
(B) B, A, C
(C) C, B, A
(D) A, B, C
Answer: (D) A, B, C
Explanation: Kerala had the highest literacy rate, followed by Himachal Pradesh and then Haryana. Their approximate rates were 94%, 83% and 76%, respectively, which establishes the required descending sequence A, B, C.
Q23. Which census used the slogan “Our Census, Our Future”?
[SSC CGL Tier-I, 19 July 2023, Shift 4]
(A) 1981
(B) 2011
(C) 2001
(D) 1991
Answer: (B) 2011
Explanation: The motto “Our Census, Our Future” belonged to the 2011 Indian Census. The campaign emphasised the importance of reliable population statistics for planning public services, infrastructure and future development priorities.
Q22. Which period is described as the stagnant or stationary phase of India’s population growth?
[SSC CGL Tier-I, 18 July 2023, Shift 2]
(A) 1921–1941
(B) 1901–1921
(C) 1961–1981
(D) 1941–1961
Answer: (B) 1901–1921
Explanation: Population growth was very slow between 1901 and 1921 because high birth rates were offset by high mortality, epidemics and food shortages. The 1921 census is often called the Great Divide in India’s demographic history.
Q21. Approximately how much area came under the Tribal Sub-Plan of Chhattisgarh according to Census 2011?
[CGPSC Preliminary Examination (General Studies), 2023]
(A) 78,000 km²
(B) 88,000 km²
(C) 98,000 km²
(D) 108,000 km²
Answer: (B) 88,000 km²
Explanation: The tribal sub-plan covered approximately 88,000 square kilometres in Chhattisgarh. It aimed to direct development resources to areas with substantial Scheduled Tribe populations, illustrating the geographical importance of demographic patterns for regional planning.
