CUET UG Geography Human Geography Population Distribution Density Growth Migration

Must-Know (15–20 detailed bullets)

• India’s population as per 2011 Census was 1,210.6 million.
• Density of population in India in 2011 was 382 persons per square km.
• The most densely populated state in India is Bihar (1,102 persons per sq km in 2011).
• The least densely populated state is Arunachal Pradesh (17 persons per sq km in 2011).
• Population density is calculated as total population divided by total land area.
• The most populous state in India is Uttar Pradesh (199.8 million in 2011).
• Sikkim is the least populous state (610,577 persons in 2011).
• Phase of stagnant growth of India’s population: 1901–1921; also known as the period of high birth and high death rates.
• Phase of steady growth: 1921–1951; decline in death rate due to better medical facilities.
• Phase of rapid growth: 1951–1981; post-independence development and improved health services.
• Phase of population explosion ended in 1981; growth rate peaked at 24.7% during 1971–1981.
• Decadal growth rate in India during 2001–2011 was 17.64%.
• The annual exponential growth rate of India’s population in 2011 was about 1.64%.
• The National Population Policy (NPP) 2000 aims to achieve population stabilization by 2045.
• The child sex ratio (0–6 years) in India declined from 927 in 2001 to 919 in 2011.
• Kerala has the highest literacy rate (93.91%) as per 2011 Census.
• Bihar has the lowest literacy rate (63.82%) as per 2011 Census.
• Literacy rate is defined as the percentage of literates in the population aged 7 years and above.
• The working population in India is 39.8% (as per 2011 Census); male-female disparity exists with 51.9% males and 25.6% females in main workforce.
• Migration is classified into four streams: rural to rural, rural to urban, urban to urban, urban to rural.

Difficulty Level

Intermediate — Requires memorization of census data, definitions, and trend phases; calculations like density and growth rates appear in MCQs.

Common CUET Traps (3 bullets)

• Trap: Confusing "density of population" with "total population". Students assume most populous state is also most dense. Avoid: Remember Bihar is most dense, UP is most populous.
• Trap: Assuming population growth phase names are based on calendar decades (e.g., 1950s). Avoid: Phases are defined by trend shifts, e.g., 1921 is "Year of Great Divide" due to mortality decline.
• Trap: Thinking sex ratio includes all ages; CUET often asks about child sex ratio (0–6 years). Avoid: Child sex ratio is a separate indicator; national decline from 927 (2001) to 919 (2011) reflects gender bias.

Practice MCQs (5 questions)

1. Question: What was the decadal population growth rate of India during 2001–2011?
   A) 21.54%
   B) 17.64%
   C) 14.28%
   D) 19.82%
   Answer: B
   Explanation: As per 2011 Census, decadal growth was 17.64%.
   Why others fail: Option A (21.54%) was the growth rate for 1991–2001, a common mix-up.

2. Question: Which state has the lowest population density in India as per 2011 Census?
   A) Mizoram
   B) Arunachal Pradesh
   C) Sikkim
   D) Nagaland
   Answer: B
   Explanation: Arunachal Pradesh has 17 persons per sq km, the lowest.
   Why others fail: Sikkim is small but denser (86 persons/sq km); students confuse area with density.

3. Question: The "Year of Great Divide" in India’s demographic history is:
   A) 1857
   B) 1921
   C) 1947
   D) 1951
   Answer: B
   Explanation: 1921 marked the beginning of steady population growth due to declining death rates.
   Why others fail: 1947 (Partition) affected migration but not overall demographic transition like 1921.

4. Question: Which of the following best defines the term 'population density'?
   A) Number of people per household
   B) Total population divided by total area
   C) Number of people per urban area
   D) Ratio of rural to urban population
   Answer: B
   Explanation: Population density = total population / total land area (in sq km).
   Why others fail: Option C confuses density with urban concentration, a distractor in urban geography.

5. Question: According to the 2011 Census, which state recorded the highest literacy rate in India?
   A) Tamil Nadu
   B) Kerala
   C) Maharashtra
   D) Himachal Pradesh
   Answer: B
   Explanation: Kerala has 93.91% literacy, highest in India.
   Why others fail: Himachal Pradesh (83.78%) and Tamil Nadu (80.09%) are high but not highest; Kerala consistently leads.

Last‑Minute Revision (15–20 one‑liners)

• ⚠️ India’s population in 2011: 1,210.6 million — verify from NCERT.
• ⚠️ Density of population: 382 persons/sq km (2011).
• ⚠️ Most dense state: Bihar (1,102 persons/sq km).
• ⚠️ Least dense state: Arunachal Pradesh (17 persons/sq km).
• ⚠️ Most populous state: Uttar Pradesh (199.8 million).
• ⚠️ Least populous state: Sikkim (610,577).
• ⚠️ Decadal growth (2001–2011): 17.64%.
• ⚠️ 1921 is "Year of Great Divide" — shift from stagnant to steady growth.
• ⚠️ Three phases after 1921: steady (1921–51), rapid (1951–81), slowdown (post-1981).
• ⚠️ NPP 2000 target: population stabilization by 2045.
• ⚠️ Child sex ratio (0–6): 919 (2011), down from 927 (2001).
• ⚠️ Overall sex ratio: 943 females per 1000 males (2011).
• ⚠️ Highest literacy: Kerala (93.91%).
• ⚠️ Lowest literacy: Bihar (63.82%).
• ⚠️ Literacy age group: 7 years and above.
• ⚠️ Working population: 39.8% (2011).
• ⚠️ Female workforce participation: 25.6% (main workers).
• ⚠️ Migration streams: rural-rural, rural-urban, urban-urban, urban-rural.
• ⚠️ Rural to urban migration is dominant in India.
• ⚠️ Push factors: unemployment, poor infrastructure; Pull factors: jobs, education.