50 India Population MCQs with Answers for Exam Prep
50 India Population MCQs with Answers for Exam Prep
Master India Population MCQs with this comprehensive set of 50 multiple-choice questions, designed to help you excel in exams on India’s demographics. Covering population size, distribution, density, growth, and the National Population Policy 2000, each question includes the correct answer in dark green and a detailed explanation to enhance your understanding.
India Population MCQs
1. What was India’s population as per the 2011 Census?
a) 1,028.7 million
b) 1,210.6 million
c) 846.4 million
d) 683.3 million
Correct Answer: b) 1,210.6 million
Explanation: According to the 2011 Census, India’s population was 1,210.6 million, accounting for over 17% of the world’s population.
2. Which state has the highest population in India (2011 Census)?
a) Maharashtra
b) Uttar Pradesh
c) Bihar
d) West Bengal
Correct Answer: b) Uttar Pradesh
Explanation: Uttar Pradesh, with 199 million people, is the most populous state, contributing about 16% to India’s population.
3. What is the population density of India as per the 2011 Census?
a) 382 persons per sq km
b) 1,102 persons per sq km
c) 17 persons per sq km
d) 250 persons per sq km
Correct Answer: a) 382 persons per sq km
Explanation: The 2011 Census recorded India’s average population density as 382 persons per square kilometer.
4. Which state has the lowest population density in India?
a) Sikkim
b) Arunachal Pradesh
c) Lakshadweep
d) Rajasthan
Correct Answer: b) Arunachal Pradesh
Explanation: Arunachal Pradesh has the lowest population density at 17 persons per sq km due to its rugged terrain.
5. What percentage of the world’s population does India account for?
a) 10%
b) 17%
c) 25%
d) 5%
Correct Answer: b) 17%
Explanation: India accounts for more than 17% of the world’s population, as per the 2011 Census data.
6. Which state has the smallest population in India?
a) Sikkim
b) Lakshadweep
c) Goa
d) Mizoram
Correct Answer: b) Lakshadweep
Explanation: Lakshadweep has the smallest population, with only 64,429 people as per the 2011 Census.
7. How much of India’s population lives in five states (Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh)?
a) One-third
b) Almost half
c) One-fifth
d) Two-thirds
Correct Answer: b) Almost half
Explanation: Nearly half of India’s population resides in these five states, as per the 2011 Census.
8. When was the first complete census conducted in India?
a) 1872
b) 1881
c) 1951
d) 2001
Correct Answer: b) 1881
Explanation: The first complete census in India was conducted in 1881, though the first attempt was in 1872.
9. Which country has a higher population density than India?
a) China
b) Bangladesh
c) USA
d) Brazil
Correct Answer: b) Bangladesh
Explanation: Bangladesh and Japan have higher population densities than India, as noted in the document.
10. What is the population density of Bihar as per the 2011 Census?
a) 382 persons per sq km
b) 1,102 persons per sq km
c) 17 persons per sq km
d) 250 persons per sq km
Correct Answer: b) 1,102 persons per sq km
Explanation: Bihar has the highest population density in India at 1,102 persons per sq km.
11. Which factor primarily causes sparse population in some Indian states?
a) Fertile soils
b) Rugged terrain
c) High rainfall
d) Urban opportunities
Correct Answer: b) Rugged terrain
Explanation: Rugged terrain and unfavorable climatic conditions lead to sparse populations in states like Arunachal Pradesh.
12. Which region in India has high population density due to fertile soils?
a) Northern Plains
b) Rajasthan
c) Himalayan Region
d) Deccan Plateau
Correct Answer: a) Northern Plains
Explanation: The Northern Plains and Kerala have high density due to flat plains, fertile soils, and abundant rainfall.
13. What are the three main processes of population change?
a) Births, deaths, migration
b) Education, health, employment
c) Urbanization, industrialization, migration
d) Births, marriages, deaths
Correct Answer: a) Births, deaths, migration
Explanation: Population change is driven by birth rates, death rates, and migration, as outlined in the document.
14. How is population growth measured in absolute terms?
a) Percentage change per year
b) Number of persons added each year
c) Total population of an area
d) Number of females per thousand males
Correct Answer: b) Number of persons added each year
Explanation: Absolute growth is the number of persons added each year or decade, calculated by subtracting the earlier population from the later one.
15. What was India’s population in 1951?
a) 361 million
b) 683 million
c) 846 million
d) 1,210 million
Correct Answer: a) 361 million
Explanation: India’s population in 1951 was 361 million, as per the census data provided.
16. What was the annual growth rate of India’s population in 1981?
a) 1.25%
b) 2.22%
c) 1.64%
d) 1.97%
Correct Answer: b) 2.22%
Explanation: The annual growth rate peaked at 2.22% in 1981, contributing to rapid population increase.
17. Why has India’s population growth rate declined since 1981?
a) Increased death rates
b) Declining birth rates
c) Reduced migration
d) Urbanization
Correct Answer: b) Declining birth rates
Explanation: Since 1981, declining birth rates have led to a gradual reduction in the population growth rate.
18. What is the definition of birth rate?
a) Number of deaths per 1,000 persons
b) Number of live births per 1,000 persons
c) Number of migrants per 1,000 persons
d) Number of marriages per 1,000 persons
Correct Answer: b) Number of live births per 1,000 persons
Explanation: Birth rate is defined as the number of live births per 1,000 persons in a year.
19. What is the definition of death rate?
a) Number of deaths per 1,000 persons
b) Number of live births per 1,000 persons
c) Number of migrants per 1,000 persons
d) Number of marriages per 1,000 persons
Correct Answer: a) Number of deaths per 1,000 persons
Explanation: Death rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 persons in a year.
20. How does internal migration affect population size?
a) Increases total population
b) Decreases total population
c) Does not change total population
d) Only affects urban areas
Correct Answer: c) Does not change total population
Explanation: Internal migration affects distribution but not the total population size of a country.
21. What is a major reason for rural-to-urban migration in India?
a) Better climate
b) Push factors like poverty
c) Lack of education
d) Low birth rates
Correct Answer: b) Push factors like poverty
Explanation: Rural-to-urban migration is driven by push factors like poverty and unemployment and pull factors like better opportunities in cities.
22. What was the urban population percentage in India in 2011?
a) 17.29%
b) 31.80%
c) 50%
d) 25%
Correct Answer: b) 31.80%
Explanation: The urban population increased to 31.80% in 2011 from 17.29% in 1951.
23. How many million-plus cities were there in India in 2023?
a) 35
b) 53
c) 59
d) 20
Correct Answer: c) 59
Explanation: The number of million-plus cities in India increased to 59 by 2023.
24. What is the age group for adolescents in India?
a) 5–15 years
b) 10–19 years
c) 15–25 years
d) 20–30 years
Correct Answer: b) 10–19 years
Explanation: Adolescents are grouped in the age range of 10–19 years, constituting one-fifth of India’s population.
25. What health issue is common among adolescent girls in India?
a) Obesity
b) Anaemia
c) Diabetes
d) Hypertension
Correct Answer: b) Anaemia
Explanation: A large number of adolescent girls in India suffer from anaemia due to inadequate nutrition.
26. When was the Family Planning Programme initiated in India?
a) 1952
b) 1961
c) 1981
d) 2000
Correct Answer: a) 1952
Explanation: The Family Planning Programme was launched in 1952 to promote responsible parenthood.
27. What is a key goal of the National Population Policy 2000?
a) Increase birth rates
b) Reduce infant mortality
c) Promote early marriage
d) Decrease education
Correct Answer: b) Reduce infant mortality
Explanation: The NPP 2000 aims to reduce infant mortality to below 30 per 1,000 live births.
28. What does the NPP 2000 promote for girls?
a) Early marriage
b) Delayed marriage
c) Higher birth rates
d) Urban migration
Correct Answer: b) Delayed marriage
Explanation: The NPP 2000 promotes delayed marriage for girls to improve health and education outcomes.
29. What is the dependency ratio?
a) Ratio of urban to rural population
b) Ratio of dependent to economically active population
c) Ratio of males to females
d) Ratio of births to deaths
Correct Answer: b) Ratio of dependent to economically active population
Explanation: The dependency ratio compares people below 15 and above 60 years to those aged 15–59 years.
30. What is the sex ratio defined as?
a) Number of females per 1,000 males
b) Number of males per 1,000 females
c) Number of births per 1,000 females
d) Number of deaths per 1,000 males
Correct Answer: a) Number of females per 1,000 males
Explanation: Sex ratio is defined as the number of females per 1,000 males in a population.
31. Which state has moderate population density due to rocky terrain?
a) Assam
b) Uttar Pradesh
c) Bihar
d) Kerala
Correct Answer: a) Assam
Explanation: Assam and most Peninsular states have moderate density due to hilly and rocky terrain.
32. What was India’s population in 2001?
a) 1,028.7 million
b) 846.4 million
c) 683.3 million
d) 361 million
Correct Answer: a) 1,028.7 million
Explanation: India’s population in 2001 was 1,028.7 million, as per the census data.
33. What is the natural increase of population?
a) Difference between birth and death rates
b) Total population of an area
c) Number of migrants
d) Number of marriages
Correct Answer: a) Difference between birth and death rates
Explanation: The natural increase is the difference between birth rates and death rates in a population.
34. Which state has high population density due to abundant rainfall?
a) Rajasthan
b) Kerala
c) Arunachal Pradesh
d) Gujarat
Correct Answer: b) Kerala
Explanation: Kerala has high population density due to fertile soils and abundant rainfall.
35. What is a literate person according to the Census?
a) Can read and write their name
b) Knows the 3 R’s
c) 7 years old and can read/write with understanding
d) Can read any language
Correct Answer: c) 7 years old and can read/write with understanding
Explanation: A literate person is defined as someone aged 7 or older who can read and write any language with understanding.
36. What was the annual growth rate in 2011?
a) 1.25%
b) 2.22%
c) 1.64%
d) 1.97%
Correct Answer: c) 1.64%
Explanation: The annual growth rate in 2011 was 1.64%, reflecting a decline from previous decades.
37. Which factor contributes to high population growth in India?
a) High death rates
b) High birth rates
c) Low migration
d) Low literacy
Correct Answer: b) High birth rates
Explanation: High birth rates have historically been a major driver of India’s population growth.
38. What is a pull factor for urban migration?
a) Poverty in rural areas
b) Better employment opportunities
c) Rugged terrain
d) Low rainfall
Correct Answer: b) Better employment opportunities
Explanation: Urban areas attract migrants due to better employment and living conditions.
39. What percentage of India’s population is adolescent?
a) One-tenth
b) One-fifth
c) One-third
d) One-half
Correct Answer: b) One-fifth
Explanation: Adolescents (10–19 years) constitute one-fifth of India’s population.
40. When did India overtake China as the most populous country?
a) 2011
b) 2023
c) 2001
d) 1981
Correct Answer: b) 2023
Explanation: India became the most populous country in 2023, surpassing China.
41. What is the purpose of the National Population Policy 2000?
a) Increase population growth
b) Promote family welfare
c) Reduce urban population
d) Encourage early marriage
Correct Answer: b) Promote family welfare
Explanation: The NPP 2000 promotes family welfare through voluntary and responsible parenthood.
42. What is the population of Maharashtra (2011 Census)?
a) 199 million
b) 112.4 million
c) 91.3 million
d) 84.6 million
Correct Answer: b) 112.4 million
Explanation: Maharashtra had a population of 112.4 million in 2011, making it the second most populous state.
43. Which state has a population of 0.6 million?
a) Sikkim
b) Goa
c) Mizoram
d) Lakshadweep
Correct Answer: a) Sikkim
Explanation: Sikkim has a population of approximately 0.6 million, as per the 2011 Census.
44. What is the annual growth rate?
a) Total population increase
b) Percentage increase per year
c) Number of births per year
d) Number of deaths per year
Correct Answer: b) Percentage increase per year
Explanation: The annual growth rate is the percentage increase in population per year.
45. Which factor does not influence population density?
a) Terrain
b) Climate
c) Soil fertility
d) Language diversity
Correct Answer: d) Language diversity
Explanation: Terrain, climate, and soil fertility influence population density, but language diversity does not.
46. What was the absolute population increase from 2001 to 2011?
a) 181.46 million
b) 182.32 million
c) 163.09 million
d) 135.17 million
Correct Answer: a) 181.46 million
Explanation: The absolute increase from 2001 to 2011 was 181.46 million, as per the census data.
47. What is a biome?
a) A type of rock
b) Plant communities in similar climates
c) A population density measure
d) A migration pattern
Correct Answer: b) Plant communities in similar climates
Explanation: A biome is defined as plant communities occurring in areas with similar climatic conditions.
48. What is a geosyncline?
a) A mountain range
b) A sediment-filled basin
c) A type of fault
d) A population growth model
Correct Answer: b) A sediment-filled basin
Explanation: A geosyncline is a basin where sediments are deposited by rivers, as per the glossary.
49. What is the Indian Standard Time meridian?
a) 82°30’E
b) 85°30’E
c) 80°E
d) 90°E
Correct Answer: a) 82°30’E
Explanation: Indian Standard Time is based on the 82°30’E meridian, as per the glossary.
50. What is a million-plus city?
a) A city with over 100,000 population
b) A city with over 1 million population
c) A city with over 10,000 population
d) A city with over 5 million population
Correct Answer: b) A city with over 1 million population
Explanation: A million-plus city has a population exceeding 1 million, as defined in the glossary.
Conclusion
These 50 India Population MCQs cover key aspects of India’s demographics, from population size and density to the National Population Policy 2000. Use this quiz to test your knowledge and prepare for competitive exams. Practice regularly to master these concepts!
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