The Census of India 2011 is one of the most important resources for competitive exams, providing key demographic, social, and economic data. This data is often asked in exams like UPSC, SSC, IBPS, State PSCs, and others.
Understanding and memorizing the essential figures from the Census can give you a significant edge in the General Studies and Current Affairs sections of your exams. In this post, we break down the most crucial data from the Census of India 2011, organized into easy-to-understand sections with tables, bullet points, and visual aids.

The Census of India 2011 is the 15th national census conducted by the Census Organization of India, with Mr. C. Chandramouli serving as the Commissioner & Registrar General. It is crucial for competitive exams and banking exams. Here's a detailed summary of essential facts about the 2011 Census that are frequently asked in various government exams.
Key Points to Remember:
-
What is a Census?
- A census is the official count of people living in a country and the collection of information about them for statistical purposes.
-
History of Census in India:
- The first census in India was introduced by Lord Mayo in 1872, but it officially began in 1881. The first-ever census in the world was conducted in Sweden in 1749.
- India’s 15th Census was conducted in 2011, and it was the 7th census for Independent India.
- The first census of Independent India was conducted in 1951, which was the seventh census in its continuous series. Henry Walter is known as the father of the Indian Census.
- Negative Growth Rate has been recorded for India during the period between 1911-1921.
-
Key Responsibilities:
- The Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, is responsible for conducting the decennial census.
- Census 2011 Commissioner: C. Chandramouli
-
Census Phases:
-
The 2011 Census was conducted in
two phases:
- House Listing: Collecting information about houses.
- Population Enumeration: Collecting data on the population.
-
The 2011 Census was conducted in
two phases:
-
Geographical Coverage:
-
The 2011 Census covered all 28 states and
7 Union Territories, including:
- 640 districts
- 497 cities
- 5,767 tehsils
- Over 6 lakh villages
-
The 2011 Census covered all 28 states and
7 Union Territories, including:
Important Census 2011 Statistics:
Census 2011 at a Glance
Total Population | 1.21 Billion (121 Crore) |
Global Share | 17.5% of the world’s population |
Growth (2001-2011) | 17.7% increase in total population |
Urban Population | 31.2% (~37 Crore) |
Rural Population | 68.8% (~84 Crore) |
Sex Ratio | 943 females per 1000 males |
Child Sex Ratio | 919 females per 1000 males |
Population Density | 382 people per square km |
Literacy Rate | 74.04% (Male: 82.14%, Female: 65.46%) |
Population Growth Rate (2001-2011) | 17.7% |
- India has the largest youth population in the world. By 2020, the average age of Indians was expected to be 29 years.
- The target year for India to reach population stability has been shifted from 2045 to 2070.
- According to the Census Analytical Report, India has the highest youth population, with a growing younger population contributing to the country’s demographic strength.
Top Populated Regions (States & UTs)
Category | Region | Population |
---|---|---|
Most Populated States | Uttar Pradesh | 20 Crore (200 million) |
Maharashtra | 11 Crore (110 million) | |
Bihar | 10 Crore (100 million) | |
Most Populated Union Territory | Delhi | 1.67 Crore (16.7 million) |
Least Populated States | Sikkim | 6 Lakh (600,000) |
Mizoram | 10 Lakh (1 million) | |
Least Populated Union Territory | Lakshadweep | 64,000 |
Population Growth Rate (2001-2011)
Category | Region | Growth Rate |
---|---|---|
States with Highest Growth Rate | Meghalaya | +27.9% |
Arunachal Pradesh | +26% | |
States with Lowest Growth Rate | Nagaland | -0.6% |
Kerala | +4.9% | |
Union Territories with Highest Growth Rate | Dadar & Nagar Haveli | +55.9% |
Union Territories with Lowest Growth Rate | Lakshadweep | -6.3% |
Population Density (Per Square Kilometer)
Category | Region | Population Density (per km²) |
---|---|---|
States with Highest Density | Bihar | 1,106 |
West Bengal | 1,028 | |
States with Lowest Density | Arunachal Pradesh | 17 |
Mizoram | 52 | |
Union Territories with Highest Density | Delhi | 11,320 |
Union Territories with Lowest Density | Andaman & Nicobar | 46 |
Sex Ratio (Females per 1000 Males)
- National Sex Ratio: 940 females per 1,000 males
- Rural Sex Ratio: 949 females per 1,000 males
- Urban Sex Ratio: 929 females per 1,000 males
Category | Region | Sex Ratio (Females per 1000 Males) |
---|---|---|
States with Highest Sex Ratio | Kerala | 1084 |
Tamil Nadu | 996 | |
States with Lowest Sex Ratio | Haryana | 879 |
Jammu & Kashmir | 889 | |
Union Territories with Highest Sex Ratio | Puducherry | 1037 |
Union Territories with Lowest Sex Ratio | Daman & Diu | 618 |
Literacy Rate Insights (Census 2011)
- National Literacy Rate: 73% (an increase from 64.8% in 2001)
-
Maximum Difference in Literacy rate of Females & Males:
Rajasthan (27.1%)
- Male Literacy Rate for Rajasthan : 79.2%
- Female Literacy Rate for Rajasthan : 52.1%
Category | Region | Literacy Rate |
---|---|---|
States with Highest Literacy Rate (Females & Males) | Kerala | 94% |
Mizoram | 91.3% | |
Union Territories with Highest Literacy Rate | Lakshadweep | 91.8% |
States with Lowest Literacy Rate (Females) | Bihar | 61.8% |
Arunachal Pradesh | 65.4% | |
States with Lowest Literacy Rate (Males) | Bihar | 61.8% |
Rajasthan | 79.2% | |
Union Territories with Lowest Literacy Rate | Dadar & Nagar Haveli | 76.2% |
Scheduled Castes (SC) & Scheduled Tribes (ST)
- Scheduled Castes (SC): 20 Crore (16.6% of India's total population)
-
Scheduled Tribes (ST): 10 Crore (8.6% of India's total population)
-
Top States & UTs with High SC Population:
- Uttar Pradesh has the highest SC population.
- Punjab had the highest percentage (%) of SC population among states, at 28.9%. Himachal Pradesh and West Bengal followed with 25.2% and 23.5% of the population belonging to the SC Community.
- Chandigarh had the highest percentage of Scheduled Caste (SC) population among the union territories of India, at 17.5%
-
Top States & UTs with High ST Population:
- Madhya Pradesh has the highest ST population.
- Lakshadweep is a Union Territory of India with the highest tribal population.
- Total ST Population is 8.6% (Rural: 11.3% and Urban: 2.8%)
To Practice the MCQ questions, visit the Page 2 from below!
Top Repeated MCQs from Census 2011 for Competitive Exams
Census 2011 remains a significant topic for competitive exams like RPF SI, SSC CGL, SSC CHSL, and various other government job exams in 2024. Many questions from this census have been frequently asked in previous exams, making it crucial for aspirants to understand the key statistics and trends.
Here, we highlight the most repeated questions from Census 2011, helping you focus on essential areas and better prepare for your exams.
Report Card
Total Questions Attempted: 0
Correct Answers: 0
Wrong Answers: 0
Keep Practicing!
This breakdown of Census 2011 data will give you an edge in your preparation for General Studies, Current Affairs, and Social and Economic Development questions in exams. Understanding this data in-depth is crucial for tackling questions on Indian demographics and policy planning.
By regularly reviewing and internalizing these key figures, you’ll not only enhance your General Knowledge but also increase your chances of acing competitive exams. Stay updated and all the best for your preparation!