Population of India – NDA Geography Notes

Covers onset, branches, rainfall patterns, and key NDA exam traps.

NDA • Geography • Moderate • 1–2 Questions • Factual + Conceptual

Introduction

Introduction

The Population of India NDA chapter helps you understand key demographic features like population size, density, and distribution patterns. Population studies are an integral part of NDA Geography, as they reveal the social and economic structure of India. In this article, we’ll cover all major aspects of India’s population in a simple and exam-ready format.

Census of India

FactDetail
First Census (Partial)1872
First Synchronized Census1881
Latest Census2011 (15th Census overall, 7th after independence)
Next CensusPending (2021 postponed due to COVID)
Census Head 2011Dr. C. Chandramouli

Population Growth

DecadeGrowth
1921Year of Demographic Divide (Population growth negative)
1971Highest decadal growth
2001-2011Growth rate declined from 21.59% to 17.64% (Sharpest decline since independence)

Population Size (2011)

  • India = 17.5% of World Population
  • UP = 16.49% of India’s Population
  • UP’s population > Brazil’s population

Growth Rates by State (2011 Census)

Highest Growth%
Dadra & Nagar Haveli (UT)55.5%
Daman & Diu (UT)53.45%
Meghalaya27.82%
Arunachal Pradesh25.92%
Bihar25.07%
Lowest Growth%
Nagaland0.47%
Kerala4.86%
Goa8.17%
Andaman & Nicobar (UT)6.68%
Lakshadweep (UT)6.23%

Largest & Smallest States by Population & Area (2011)

Population-wiseArea-wise
LargestUP, Maharashtra, Bihar, WB, Andhra Pradesh
SmallestSikkim, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh

Sex Ratio

World Average (2011) | 984 females/1000 males |
India (2011) | 940 females/1000 males |

Best Districts (Sex Ratio)
Mahe (Puducherry)1176
Almora (Uttarakhand)1142

Literacy Rate (2011 Census)

Category20012011
Total65.83%74.04%
Male75.85%82.14%
Female54.16%65.46%

Most Literate States (2011)

StateLiteracy %
Kerala93.91%
Mizoram91.58%
Tripura87.75%
Goa87.40%
Himachal Pradesh83.78%

Least Literate States (2011)

StateLiteracy %
Bihar63.82%
Arunachal Pradesh66.95%
Rajasthan67.06%

Most Literate Union Territories

UTLiteracy %
Lakshadweep92.28%
Daman & Diu87.07%
Puducherry86.55%

Least Literate UTs

UTLiteracy %
Dadra & Nagar Haveli77.65%
Andaman & Nicobar86.27%
NCT Delhi86.34%

Most & Least Literate Districts

Most Literate%
Serchhip (Mizoram)98.76%
Aizawl (Mizoram)98.50%
Least Literate%
Alirajpur (MP)37.22%
Bijapur (Chhattisgarh)41.58%

Population Density (2011)

Most Densely Populated StatesPersons per sq km
Bihar1102
West Bengal1029
Kerala859

Special Terms

  • Demographic Divide – 1921
  • Population Explosion in India – Post 1951
  • Mahe (Puducherry) – Best sex ratio
  • Serchhip (Mizoram) – Most literate district

Summary

  • India’s population is 2nd largest globally
  • UP = Most populous stateKerala = Best literacy, sex ratio

Conclusion:

The Population of India NDA topic is both factual and analytical, making it essential for NDA aspirants. These notes simplify the study of demographic trends, population distribution, and key indicators. If you found this helpful, share these Population of India NDA notes with your friends preparing for the NDA exam.

Also Read: Physical Division of India

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