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
Fact
Detail
First Census (Partial)
1872
First Synchronized Census
1881
Latest Census
2011 (15th Census overall, 7th after independence)
Next Census
Pending (2021 postponed due to COVID)
Census Head 2011
Dr. C. Chandramouli
Population Growth
Decade
Growth
1921
Year of Demographic Divide (Population growth negative)
1971
Highest decadal growth
2001-2011
Growth 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%
Meghalaya
27.82%
Arunachal Pradesh
25.92%
Bihar
25.07%
Lowest Growth
%
Nagaland
0.47%
Kerala
4.86%
Goa
8.17%
Andaman & Nicobar (UT)
6.68%
Lakshadweep (UT)
6.23%
Largest & Smallest States by Population & Area (2011)
Population-wise
Area-wise
Largest
UP, Maharashtra, Bihar, WB, Andhra Pradesh
Smallest
Sikkim, 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)
Category
2001
2011
Total
65.83%
74.04%
Male
75.85%
82.14%
Female
54.16%
65.46%
Most Literate States (2011)
State
Literacy %
Kerala
93.91%
Mizoram
91.58%
Tripura
87.75%
Goa
87.40%
Himachal Pradesh
83.78%
Least Literate States (2011)
State
Literacy %
Bihar
63.82%
Arunachal Pradesh
66.95%
Rajasthan
67.06%
Most Literate Union Territories
UT
Literacy %
Lakshadweep
92.28%
Daman & Diu
87.07%
Puducherry
86.55%
Least Literate UTs
UT
Literacy %
Dadra & Nagar Haveli
77.65%
Andaman & Nicobar
86.27%
NCT Delhi
86.34%
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 States
Persons per sq km
Bihar
1102
West Bengal
1029
Kerala
859
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 state, Kerala = 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.