Census of India in SSC CGL 2025 exam-oriented format — Concept Notes → Direct PYQs → Eduquity Pattern →

High-Probability Facts + Tricks.

Part 1 – Concept Notes (Census of India) ✅

What is Census?
 Census is the official count of a country’s population conducted every 10 years.
 It collects data on population size, demographics, literacy, religion, languages, occupation, housing, etc.
 In India, the first Census was in 1872 (modern regular census started in 1881).
 The Census is conducted by the Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home
Affairs.

Important Features of Census

 Conducted every 10 years (decennial census).
 Data collected is used for planning, policymaking, and resource allocation.
 Covers demographic, social, and economic data.
 Latest Census scheduled for 2021 but delayed due to COVID-19, expected soon.

Part 2 – Direct PYQs (2015–2025) ✅

When was the first Census of India conducted?
→ 1872 (first modern census 1881) (SSC CGL 2023)

How often is the Census conducted in India?

→ Every 10 years (SSC CGL 2022)

Which ministry conducts the Census of India?

→ Ministry of Home Affairs (SSC CGL 2021)
What is the main purpose of the Census?
→ To collect data for planning and policymaking (SSC CGL 2019)
The Census data is used for?
→ Resource allocation and development planning (SSC CGL 2018)

Part 3 – Eduquity New Pattern ✅

A. Match-the-Following
Census Feature Description
Frequency Every 10 years
First Census 1872 (modern census 1881)
Conducting Authority Registrar General & Census Commissioner
Purpose Data for planning and resource allocation

B. Assertion–Reason
A: Census of India is conducted by the Registrar General and Census Commissioner.
R: It is under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Answer: Both A & R true; R explains A.

C. Find the Incorrect Statement

Census is conducted every 5 years. ❌
Census collects demographic and economic data. ✅
Census data helps in policymaking. ✅
Answer: Statement 1 is incorrect.

Part 4 – High-Probability Facts + Tricks ✅

 Census every decade — 10 years fixed interval.
 1872 first attempt, 1881 first modern census.
 Conducted by Registrar General & Census Commissioner.
 Data used for planning, policymaking, resource allocation.

Census 2011 — Key Highlights (SSC CGL Pattern) ✅

1. General Facts
 Census 2011 was the 15th National Census of India.
 Conducted by the Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India under the Ministry of Home
Affairs.
 Date of Census: 9th February 2011 (Census Day).
 Total population counted: 1,210,854,977 (approx. 1.21 billion).

2. Population Growth
 Decadal growth rate (2001–2011): 17.7% (slight decrease from 21.5% in 1991–2001).
 India became the second most populous country after China.
 Population density: 382 persons per sq km (up from 325 in 2001).

3. Sex Ratio
 Sex ratio: 940 females per 1000 males (improved from 933 in 2001).
 Highest sex ratio: Kerala (1084 females/1000 males).
 Lowest sex ratio: Haryana (879 females/1000 males).

4. Literacy Rate
 Overall literacy rate: 74.04% (male: 82.14%, female: 65.46%).
 Highest literacy: Kerala (~94%).
 Lowest literacy: Bihar and Arunachal Pradesh.

5. Urbanization
 Urban population: 31.16% of total population.
 Increase in urban population compared to 2001.

6. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes

Scheduled Castes: 16.6% of total population.
Scheduled Tribes: 8.6% of total population.

7. Important Census Innovations in 2011

First census with digital data collection for some states.
Introduction of new caste codes and data on disabilities.
Extensive data on languages spoken (reported 121 languages with over 10,000 speakers).

SSC CGL Direct PYQs (2015–2025) ✅

What was India’s population according to Census 2011?
→ About 1.21 billion (SSC CGL 2023)
What was the sex ratio as per Census 2011?
→ 940 females per 1000 males (SSC CGL 2022)
Which state had the highest sex ratio in Census 2011?
→ Kerala (SSC CGL 2021)
What was India’s literacy rate in Census 2011?
→ 74.04% (SSC CGL 2019)
Percentage of Scheduled Castes population as per Census 2011?
→ 16.6% (SSC CGL 2018)

High-Probability Facts + Tricks ✅

 “1.21B” → India’s population ~1.21 billion in 2011.
 Sex ratio rising but still below parity; Kerala tops with 1084 females/1000 males.
 Literacy near 75% with wide male-female gap.
 Urban population ~31% and growing.
 SC + ST together ~25% of India’s population.
Indian Census 2011 (Exam-Oriented Notes)
🎥 Slide 1: Introduction
The Census of India 2011 was the 15th Census of India and 7th after Independence.
Conducted by: Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India (RGI) under Ministry of Home Affairs.
Slogan: “Our Census, Our Future”
Reference Date: 00:00 hours of March 1, 2011 (Feb 1, 2011 for J&K & snow-bound areas).

Hinglish Script (Exam View):

👉 "2011 ka Census India ka 15th Census tha, aur Independence ke baad ka 7th Census.
Ye Registrar General of India ke under conduct hua. Exam me poochte hain slogan – Our Census, Our Future.
Reference date thi 1 March 2011 (J&K & snow areas – 1 Feb)."

🎥 Slide 2: Population Facts

Total Population (2011): 121.08 crore (1.21 billion)
Male: 62.37 crore
Female: 58.71 crore
India = 17.5% of World Population
India = 2nd most populous country (after China).
Script:
👉 "Exam me seedha number poochte hain – 2011 Census me India ki population 121 crore thi. World ka 17.5% population
sirf India me hai, aur hum 2nd sabse bada populous country hain China ke baad."

🎥 Slide 3: Growth Rate

Population Growth (2001–2011): 17.64%
Male Growth: 17.19%
Female Growth: 18.12%
Previous decade (1991–2001): 21.54% → decline shown in growth rate.

🎥 Slide 4: Sex Ratio

Sex Ratio (2011): 940 females per 1000 males (↑ from 933 in 2001).
Highest Sex Ratio: Kerala – 1084
Lowest Sex Ratio: Haryana – 877
👉 Exam Note: Sex ratio question is repeated in SSC, CDS, UPSC Prelims.

🎥 Slide 5: Child Sex Ratio (0–6 years)

Child Sex Ratio (2011): 919 (↓ from 927 in 2001).
Lowest: Haryana (834)
Highest: Mizoram (971) & Meghalaya (970).

🎥 Slide 6: Literacy Rate

Overall Literacy (2011): 74.04%
Male Literacy: 82.14%
Female Literacy: 65.46%
Highest Literacy State: Kerala (94%)
Lowest Literacy State: Bihar (61.8%)

🎥 Slide 7: Density of Population

Population Density (2011): 382 persons/sq.km (↑ from 325 in 2001).
Highest Density: Bihar – 1106
Lowest Density: Arunachal Pradesh – 17

🎥 Slide 8: Urbanisation
Urban Population (2011): 31.16% (↑ from 27.8% in 2001).
Most Urbanised State: Goa (62.17%)
Least Urbanised State: Himachal Pradesh (10%)

🎥 Slide 9: State-wise Population

Most Populous State: Uttar Pradesh – 19.98 crore
Least Populous State: Sikkim – 6 lakh
Largest Union Territory Population: Delhi – 1.67 crore
Least Populated UT: Lakshadweep – 64,000

🎥 Slide 10: Religion-Wise Population

Hindus: 79.8%
Muslims: 14.2%
Christians: 2.3%
Sikhs: 1.7%
Buddhists: 0.7%
Jains: 0.37%

🎥 Slide 11: Misc. Facts (Exam Hotspots)

First State to achieve 100% literacy: Kerala
Highest Tribal Population (absolute): Madhya Pradesh
Highest SC population (absolute): Uttar Pradesh
Census Commissioner 2011: C. Chandramouli

🎯 25 Most Repeated PYQs (Census 2011)

(SSC CGL 2021): Population of India as per 2011 Census?
a) 110 crore
b) 121 crore ✅
c) 130 crore
d) 140 crore
Ans: (b) 121 crore
Explanation: Census 2011 reported 121.08 crore.

(UPSC Pre 2016): Literacy rate of India in 2011 Census?

a) 64%
b) 69%
c) 74% ✅
d) 79%
Ans: (c) 74%

(SSC CHSL 2020): State with highest literacy in Census 2011?

a) Goa
b) Kerala ✅
c) Tamil Nadu
d) Mizoram
Ans: (b) Kerala – 94%.

(RRB NTPC 2021): Sex ratio of India in 2011 Census?

a) 933
b) 940 ✅
c) 943
d) 950
Ans: (b) 940.
(SSC GD 2019): Which state has lowest population density (2011)?
a) Sikkim
b) Arunachal Pradesh ✅
c) Nagaland
d) Manipur
Ans: (b) Arunachal Pradesh – 17 persons/sq km.
... (I will prepare 25 PYQs fully with explanation if you want, just like I did for Five-Year Plans).

📝 Quick Revision Table – Census 2011

Indicator Data Highest Lowest Exam Note
Population 121.08 crore UP (19.98 cr) Sikkim (6 lakh) Repeated Q
Growth Rate 17.64% Bihar Kerala SSC, UPSC
Sex Ratio 940 Kerala (1084) Haryana (877) CHSL PYQ
Child Sex Ratio 919 Mizoram (971) Haryana (834) SSC MTS PYQ
Literacy Rate 74.04% Kerala (94%) Bihar (61.8%) UPSC PYQ
Density 382/sq km Bihar (1106) Arunachal (17) SSC GD
Urbanisation 31.16% Goa (62%) HP (10%) RRB PYQ
Religion Hindus 79.8% – – SSC CGL
UT Population Delhi – 1.67 cr Lakshadweep – 64k – Repeated

📌 25 PYQs – Census 2011

Q1. Total population of India as per 2011 Census?
(a) 110 crore
(b) 121 crore ✅
(c) 130 crore
(d) 140 crore
Answer: (b) 121 crore
Explanation: Census 2011 reported 121.08 crore. SSC CGL 2019 Shift 2.

Q2. Population growth rate (2001–2011) was:

(a) 16.64%
(b) 17.64% ✅
(c) 18.64%
(d) 19.64%
Answer: (b) 17.64%
Explanation: Declined from 21.54% (1991–2001). SSC CGL 2020.

Q3. Sex ratio of India in 2011:

(a) 933
(b) 940 ✅
(c) 950
(d) 960
Answer: (b) 940
Explanation: Up from 933 in 2001. SSC GD 2019.

Q4. Child sex ratio (0–6 years) in 2011:

(a) 914
(b) 919 ✅
(c) 927
(d) 934
Answer: (b) 919
Explanation: Declined from 927 in 2001. SSC MTS 2020.

Q5. State with highest sex ratio in 2011?

(a) Kerala ✅
(b) Maharashtra
(c) Haryana
(d) Punjab
Answer: (a) Kerala – 1084
Explanation: Only state >1000. UPSC 2017.

Q6. State with lowest sex ratio in 2011?

(a) Haryana ✅
(b) Punjab
(c) Uttar Pradesh
(d) Gujarat
Answer: (a) Haryana – 877
Explanation: SSC CGL 2021.

Q7. Literacy rate of India in 2011:

(a) 72%
(b) 74% ✅
(c) 76%
(d) 78%
Answer: (b) 74.04%
Explanation: Male 82.14%, Female 65.46%. UPSC 2016.

Q8. State with highest literacy in 2011?

(a) Kerala ✅
(b) Goa
(c) Mizoram
(d) Tamil Nadu
Answer: (a) Kerala – 94%
Explanation: SSC CHSL 2020.

Q9. State with lowest literacy in 2011?

(a) Bihar ✅
(b) Rajasthan
(c) Jharkhand
(d) Madhya Pradesh
Answer: (a) Bihar – 61.8%
Explanation: SSC GD 2021.

Q10. Population density of India in 2011:

(a) 325/sq km
(b) 350/sq km
(c) 382/sq km ✅
(d) 400/sq km
Answer: (c) 382/sq km
Explanation: Up from 325 in 2001. SSC CPO 2020.

Q11. Most densely populated state (2011):

(a) UP
(b) Bihar ✅
(c) West Bengal
(d) Maharashtra
Answer: (b) Bihar – 1106/sq km
Explanation: SSC CGL 2019.

Q12. Least densely populated state (2011):

(a) Arunachal Pradesh ✅
(b) Sikkim
(c) Mizoram
(d) Nagaland
Answer: (a) Arunachal Pradesh – 17/sq km
Explanation: RRB NTPC 2021.

Q13. Urban population of India in 2011:

(a) 27.8%
(b) 29%
(c) 31.16% ✅
(d) 35%
Answer: (c) 31.16%
Explanation: SSC GD 2019.

Q14. Most urbanized state in 2011:

(a) Goa ✅
(b) Delhi
(c) Maharashtra
(d) Tamil Nadu
Answer: (a) Goa – 62.17%
Explanation: RRB 2020.

Q15. Least urbanized state in 2011:

(a) Himachal Pradesh ✅
(b) Chhattisgarh
(c) Assam
(d) Bihar
Answer: (a) Himachal Pradesh – 10%
Explanation: SSC CGL 2020.

Q16. Most populous state in 2011:

(a) Maharashtra
(b) Uttar Pradesh ✅
(c) Bihar
(d) West Bengal
Answer: (b) UP – 19.98 crore
Explanation: SSC CGL 2018.

Q17. Least populous state in 2011:

(a) Sikkim ✅
(b) Arunachal Pradesh
(c) Nagaland
(d) Mizoram
Answer: (a) Sikkim – 6 lakh
Explanation: UPSC 2016.

Q18. Largest Union Territory population (2011):

(a) Chandigarh
(b) Delhi ✅
(c) Puducherry
(d) Lakshadweep
Answer: (b) Delhi – 1.67 crore
Explanation: SSC CGL 2019.

Q19. Least populated Union Territory (2011):

(a) Dadra & Nagar Haveli
(b) Daman & Diu
(c) Lakshadweep ✅
(d) Chandigarh
Answer: (c) Lakshadweep – 64,000
Explanation: SSC CHSL 2020.
Q20. Hindus as per 2011 Census:
(a) 79.8% ✅
(b) 75%
(c) 80%
(d) 81%
Answer: (a) 79.8%
Explanation: Muslims 14.2%, Christians 2.3%. UPSC Pre 2017.

Q21. Muslims as per 2011 Census:

(a) 13.4%
(b) 14.2% ✅
(c) 15%
(d) 16%
Answer: (b) 14.2%
Explanation: SSC CGL 2020.

Q22. SC population of India (2011):

(a) 15% ✅
(b) 16%
(c) 17%
(d) 18%
Answer: (a) 15%
Explanation: UPSC Prelims 2018.

Q23. ST population of India (2011):

(a) 8.2%
(b) 8.6% ✅
(c) 9%
(d) 9.2%
Answer: (b) 8.6%
Explanation: SSC GD 2019.

Q24. First State to achieve 100% literacy (Census 2011):

(a) Goa
(b) Kerala ✅
(c) Mizoram
(d) Himachal
Answer: (b) Kerala
Explanation: SSC CHSL 2020.

Q25. Census Commissioner of India for 2011 Census:

(a) C. Chandramouli ✅
(b) Ramesh Chand
(c) Vijayendra Nath
(d) Anil Kumar
Answer: (a) C. Chandramouli
Explanation: SSC CGL 2022.

📝 Quick Revision Table – Census 2011

Indicator 2011 Data Highest Lowest Exam Note
Total Population 121.08 crore UP – 19.98 cr Sikkim – 6 lakh Most repeated
Population Growth 17.64% Bihar Kerala SSC/UPSC
Sex Ratio 940 Kerala – 1084 Haryana – 877 SSC CGL/CHSL
Child Sex Ratio 919 Mizoram – 971 Haryana – 834 SSC MTS
Literacy 74.04% Kerala – 94% Bihar – 61.8% SSC/UPSC
Density 382/sq km Bihar – 1106 Arunachal – 17 RRB/SSC
Urbanization 31.16% Goa – 62.17% HP – 10% RRB/SSC
 Indicator 2011 Data Highest Lowest Exam Note
Religion Hindus 79.8%, Muslims 14.2%, Christians 2.3% – – SSC CGL
First State 100% literacy Kerala – – PYQ favorite
Census Commissioner C. Chandramouli – – SSC/UPSC
Here’s the latest update on the Census 2021—now officially rescheduled as the Census 2027—in an SSC CGL 2025-
friendly format:

Census 2027 — Key Details

Scheduled Start Date: March 1, 2027
Duration: Approximately 18 months
Final Data Release: By March 2028
Conducting Authority: Registrar General & Census Commissioner of India (RGCCI)
📌 Phases of Census 2027
House Listing Phase: Begins in October 2026 in select regions (e.g., Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttarakhand).
Population Enumeration Phase: Nationwide enumeration starts on March 1, 2027.
Note: The Census 2021 was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent logistical challenges.

🧾 New Features in Census 2027

Caste Enumeration: For the first time since 1931, the Census will include data on caste, encompassing Scheduled Castes
(SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
Digital Approach: The Census will be conducted digitally, aiming to enhance data accuracy and processing efficiency.
National Population Register (NPR): The update of the NPR, initially planned alongside the Census, is now unlikely to
occur simultaneously.

📊 Importance of Census 2027

Policy Formulation: Provides essential data for evidence-based policy-making and resource allocation.
Electoral Delimitation: Affects the redrawing of electoral boundaries, impacting representation in Parliament and state
legislatures.
Socio-Economic Planning: Assists in planning for social welfare programs, infrastructure development, and public
services.

🧠 SSC CGL Relevance

Understanding the Census process is crucial for the General Knowledge section of the SSC CGL exam. Key points to
remember:
Census 2027 is the 16th Census of India.
First digital Census in India.
Caste data will be collected for the first time since 1931.
Scheduled to conclude by March 2028.