Which one among the following statements correctly defines the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR)?
Show answer
Answer C (official UPSC key)IMR is the number of deaths of infants under one year old per 1000 live births in a year
- Home
- PYQ Explorer
- Geography & Environment
- Population, Settlements, Urbanisation & Tribes
Geography & Environment · Indian Geography
Population, Settlements, Urbanisation & Tribes: 77 previous year questions
UPSC has asked 77 questions on Population, Settlements, Urbanisation & Tribes between 1996 and 2026: CDS 31 · CSE 26 · CAPF 6 · Geo-Scientist 5 · NDA 5 · CISF (LDCE) 4. 51 of them came after 2015, so this is a live topic examiners keep returning to. 26 were set in Civil Services Prelims; the rest come from UPSC's other papers, which draw on the same question bank.
Tap an option to check yourself. Answers follow the official UPSC key; where the key was dropped or disputed the question is not shown.
Which among the following tribes inhabit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands? 1. Onge 2. Jarawas 3. Sentinelese Select the answer using the codes given below:
Show answer
Answer C (official UPSC key)Onge, Jarawas and Sentinelese all inhabit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Which among the following Classes of Towns in India holds the highest percentage of Urban Population as per the Census 2011?
Show answer
Answer A (official UPSC key)Census 2011: Class II towns hold the highest urban population share among Class II, III, IV and VI (key A)
Which of the following regarding gateway city is/are correct? 1. City whose physical location makes it a link between one country and others, or between one region and others 2. A gateway city exercises control over a large area because it commands the entry and exit rights and powers for a particular country or region 3. Most gateway cities are ports, many of which were formerly administrative centres for a colonial government Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Show answer
Answer D (official UPSC key)A gateway city links a country or region with others, commands its entry and exit, and is usually a port, often a former colonial administrative centre
Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists : List-I (Tribe) List-II (Dominating region) A. Gaddi 1. Rajasthan B. Munda 2. Andaman and Nicobar Islands C. Bhil 3. Jharkhand D. Jarawa 4. Himachal Pradesh
Show answer
Answer C (official UPSC key)Match (key C): Gaddi – Himachal Pradesh; Munda – Jharkhand; Bhil – Rajasthan; Jarawa – Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The total fertility rate in an economy is defined as :
Show answer
Answer D (official UPSC key)Total fertility rate is the average number of live births a woman would have by the end of her child-bearing age
Which of the following statements regarding Urban Population in India as per Census 2011 is/are correct? 1. More than 31% of the total population lives in towns. 2. The number of towns was more than 7500. Select the answer using the code given below:
Show answer
Answer C (official UPSC key)Census 2011: more than 31% of the population lives in towns, and there were more than 7500 towns
Which of the following statements is/are correct ? 1. Population ageing is the process by which the share of the older population becomes proportionately lesser. 2. In most of the developed countries, the population in higher age groups has increased. Select the correct answer using the code given below :
Show answer
Answer B (official UPSC key)In most developed countries the population in higher age groups has increased | NOT: ageing means the older share becomes lesser (it grows)
According to the 2011 census, which of the following statements is / are correct? 1. A person who can only read but Cannot write, is not literate. 2. A person aged seven years and above, who can both read and write with understanding in any language is treated as literate. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Show answer
Answer C (official UPSC key)Census 2011: a person who can only read but not write is not literate; a person aged seven years and above who can read and write with understanding in any language is literate
Which one of the following forms of settlement develops around a lake ?
Show answer
Answer C (official UPSC key)Circular settlements develop around a lake
In which year was the first All India Census attempted and from which year did the Decennial Census become a regular feature ?
Show answer
Answer C (official UPSC key)First all-India census was attempted in 1872; decennial census became regular from 1881
Damin-i-Koh is essentially associated with which of the following tribes of India ?
Show answer
Answer D (official UPSC key)Damin-i-Koh (Rajmahal foothills) is associated with the Santhals
Which one among the following States of India experienced the highest fall in population growth rate during 2001-2011 in relation to the previous decade?
Show answer
Answer B (official UPSC key)Maharashtra had the highest fall in population growth rate in 2001-2011 over the previous decade (key B)
Which one of the following statements about the Austric family of languages spoken in India is not correct?
Show answer
Answer B (official UPSC key)Not correct: the Munda group is spoken only by Munda tribes of Chota Nagpur (also Santali, Ho and others across eastern India)
Which one of the following tribes from India‘s North-East had the earliest known association with cultivation and production of tea?
Show answer
Answer C (official UPSC key)The Singpho tribe had the earliest known association with tea cultivation in North-East India
In India, the period of steady population growth refers to the decade(s) of :
Show answer
Answer C (official UPSC key)1921-1951 is the period of steady population growth in India
Which of the following variable(s) is/are displayed in population pyramids ? 1. Age-groups 2. Sex indicators (male and female) Select the correct answer using the code given below :
Show answer
Answer C (official UPSC key)Population pyramids display both age-groups and sex (male and female)
India is still a young country as the median age of its population is
Show answer
Answer B (official UPSC key)India's median age is between 25 to 30 years
Which one of the following has recorded the highest decadal (2001 - 11) growth rate of population as per Census 2011 ?
Show answer
Answer D (official UPSC key)Dadra and Nagar Haveli recorded the highest decadal growth (2001-11) among these, Census 2011
Natural population change is calculated by
Show answer
Answer B (official UPSC key)Natural population change = birth rate minus death rate
Consider the following statements on computation of density : 1. Physiological density can be computed by dividing the total population by the net cultivable area. 2. Agricultural density can be computed by dividing the total agricultural population by the net cultivable area. 3. Population density can be computed by dividing the total population by the total area. How many of the above statements is/are correct?
Show answer
Answer C (official UPSC key)All three correct: physiological density = total population / net cultivable area; agricultural density = agricultural population / net cultivable area; population density = total population / total area
Which one of the following is the largest linguistic group of India ?
Show answer
Answer C (official UPSC key)Indo-Aryan is India's largest linguistic group
Consider the following statements with respect to the adolescent population (age group of 10 to 19 years) of India, according to the 2011 Census : 1. Adolescent population comprises half the population of the country. 2. The group is regarded as youthful population with high potential. 3. In this group there are greater number of females than males. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
Show answer
Answer B (official UPSC key)Census 2011: the adolescent group (10 to 19 years) is regarded as a youthful population with high potential | NOT: half the population; more females than males
In a discussion, M from Arunachal Pradesh, J from Assam, N from Meghalaya and S from Nagaland are claiming that as per Census 2011, their State has the maximum density of population. Identify the person making the correct claim.
Show answer
Answer B (official UPSC key)Census 2011: Assam has the highest population density among Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya and Nagaland
Urban sprawl takes place when:
Show answer
Answer B (official UPSC key)Urban sprawl takes place when an urban area expands into the countryside
Natural Population Change is calculated by
Show answer
Answer A (official UPSC key)Natural population change = birth rate minus death rate
Dardic group of language belongs to which language family ?
Show answer
Answer A (official UPSC key)Dardic languages belong to the Indo-European family (Indo-Aryan branch)
The number of people per unit area of arable land is termed as
Show answer
Answer C (official UPSC key)Physiological density is the number of people per unit area of arable land
Which one of the following is the biggest cause of incidence of migration of female persons in India?
Show answer
Answer C (official UPSC key)Marriage is the biggest cause of female migration in India
According to the Census 2011, in India, what is the percentage of people (approximately) considered to be migrants (internal), i.e., now settled in a place different from their previous residence?
Show answer
Answer B (official UPSC key)Census 2011: about 35% of people were internal migrants (key B)
Nyishi tribe is found mainly in
Show answer
Answer B (official UPSC key)The Nyishi tribe is found mainly in Arunachal Pradesh
Decadal growth rate of population in percentage was highest in India in the year
Show answer
Answer B (official UPSC key)Decadal population growth rate was highest in the 1981 census (key B)
According to Census of India, 2011, which one among the following is the least populated state in India ?
Show answer
Answer D (official UPSC key)Census 2011: Punjab is the least populated of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Punjab
The speakers of major Indian languages belong to how many language families ?
Show answer
Answer C (official UPSC key)Speakers of major Indian languages belong to four language families
Which one among the following is the most populated State in India as per Census 2011?
Show answer
Answer C (official UPSC key)Of Goa, Mizoram, Meghalaya and Sikkim, Meghalaya is the most populated (Census 2011)
Find the correct arrangement of the following urban agglomerations in descending order as per their population size according to Census 2011.
Show answer
Answer B (official UPSC key)Census 2011 urban agglomerations, descending: Mumbai > Delhi > Kolkata > Chennai
Which one of the following statements regarding sex composition is not correct?
Show answer
Answer D (official UPSC key)Key D: 'In Asia, there is high sex ratio' is not correct; sex ratio is expressed as males per thousand females in some countries and females per thousand males in India; world level is about 102 males per 100 females
Who among the following has given the concept of Human Development ?
Show answer
Answer B (official UPSC key)The concept of Human Development was given by Mahbub-ul-Haq
What do you mean by ‗Demographic Dividend‘?
Show answer
Answer A (official UPSC key)Demographic dividend is a rise in economic growth due to a higher share of working-age population
The Munda language group belongs to which family ?
Show answer
Answer A (official UPSC key)The Munda language group belongs to the Austric (Austro-Asiatic) family
Which one of the following is the correct descending order of Indian States in terms of their density of population (as per 2011 Census)?
Show answer
Answer C (official UPSC key)Census 2011 descending density: Bihar > West Bengal > Kerala > Uttar Pradesh
Which one of the following is the correct ascending sequence of States in terms of their population density as per Census 2011?
Show answer
Answer B (official UPSC key)Census 2011 ascending density: Arunachal Pradesh < Mizoram < Sikkim < Himachal Pradesh
The rate of population growth during 2001-2011 decade declined over the previous decade (1991-2001) in all of the following States, except
Show answer
Answer A (official UPSC key)Population growth declined in 2001-2011 over 1991-2001 in all states except Tamil Nadu
As per Census 2011, the concentration of Scheduled Caste population (going by percentage of Scheduled Caste population to total population of the State) is the highest in the State of
Show answer
Answer C (official UPSC key)Census 2011: Punjab has the highest percentage of Scheduled Caste population
Which one of the following is the correct ascending sequence of States with regard to percentage of urban population (2011)?
Show answer
Answer C (official UPSC key)Census 2011 ascending urban share: Maharashtra < Kerala < Mizoram < Goa
Khasi language is included in
Show answer
Answer B (official UPSC key)Khasi belongs to the Mon-Khmer branch of the Austro-Asiatic sub-family
Which of the following statements related to tribes in India are correct ? 1. Tharu tribes are found in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand 2. Irula, Chenchu and Sumali tribes are found in Kerala 3. Garasia tribes are found in Goa 4. Gaddi tribes are nomadic herders of Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh Select the correct answer using the code given below :
Show answer
Answer C (official UPSC key)Key C: Tharu in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand; Irula, Chenchu and Sumali in Kerala (per official key); Gaddi are nomadic herders of J&K and Himachal Pradesh | NOT: Garasia in Goa
Which one of the following tribal groups is dominantly found in the ‗Blue Mountains‘?
Show answer
Answer D (official UPSC key)Todas live in the Nilgiri Hills ('Blue Mountains')
Who among the following geographers is related to ‘primate city’ concept?
Show answer
Answer B (official UPSC key)The 'primate city' concept is associated with Mark Jefferson
The phenomenon of ‘demographic dividend’ of a country relates to
Show answer
Answer B (official UPSC key)Demographic dividend relates to an increase in working-age population
Which of the following pairs of Indian State and tribal population are correct? 1. Madhya Pradesh: Largest tribal population 2. Mizoram: Highest percentage of tribal population out of the total population of the State 3. Chhattisgarh: Second largest tribal population after Madhya Pradesh 4. Arunachal Pradesh: Second highest percentage of tribal population out of the total population of the State after Mizoram Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Show answer
Answer A (official UPSC key)Madhya Pradesh has the largest tribal population; Mizoram the highest tribal percentage | NOT: Chhattisgarh second largest; Arunachal second highest percentage
With reference to the ‗Changpa‘ community of India, consider the following statement 1. They live mainly in the State of Uttarakhand. 2. They rear the Pashmina goats that yield fine wool. 3. They are kept in the category of Scheduled Tribes. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Answer B (official UPSC key)Changpa rear Pashmina goats and are a Scheduled Tribe | NOT: they live mainly in Uttarakhand (Ladakh)
Match List I with list II and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists : List I (Festival) List II (Community / ethnic group) A. Nongkrem 1. Khasi B. Chapchar Kut 2. Mising C. Kherai Puja 3. Bodo D. Ali-Ai-Ligang 4. Mizo
Show answer
Answer A (official UPSC key)Match (key A): Nongkrem – Khasi; Chapchar Kut – Mizo; Kherai Puja – Bodo; Ali-Ai-Ligang – Mising
Consider the following statements: 1. Between Census 1951 and Census 2001, the density of the population of India has increased more than three times. 2. Between Census 1951 and Census 2001, the annual growth rate (exponential) of the population of India has doubled. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Answer D (official UPSC key)Neither: from 1951 to 2001 population density rose less than three times (117 to 324) and the annual growth rate did not double
Consider the following statements: 1. Infant mortality rate takes into account the death of infants within a month after birth. 2. Infant mortality rate is the number of infant deaths in a particular year per 100 live births during that year. Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Show answer
Answer D (official UPSC key)Neither: IMR counts deaths under one year of age (not within a month) per 1000 live births (not per 100)
In which one of the following places is the Shompen tribe found?
Show answer
Answer B (official UPSC key)The Shompen tribe lives on Great Nicobar (Nicobar Islands)
Which of the following are among the million-plus cities in India on the basis of data of the Census, 2001? 1. Ludhiana 2. Kochi 3. Surat 4. Nagpur Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Show answer
Answer D (official UPSC key)Ludhiana, Kochi, Surat and Nagpur were all million-plus cities in Census 2001
Among the following, which one has the minimum population on the basis of data of Census of India, 2001?
Show answer
Answer D (official UPSC key)Sikkim had the least population of these in Census 2001 (below Chandigarh, Mizoram, Pondicherry)
Amongst the following States, which one has the highest percentage of rural population to its total population (on the basis of the Census, 2001)?
Show answer
Answer A (official UPSC key)Himachal Pradesh had the highest share of rural population (Census 2001) among these states
What is the approximate percentage of persons above 65 years of age in India‘s current population?
Show answer
Answer D (official UPSC key)Persons above 65 years were about 5-6% of India's population (key D, at the time of the question)
As per India‘s National Population Policy, 2000, by which one of the following years is it our long-term objective to achieve population stabilization?
Show answer
Answer C (official UPSC key)NPP 2000's long-term objective is population stabilisation by 2045
Which one among the following states of India has the lowest density of population?
Show answer
Answer C (official UPSC key)Arunachal Pradesh has the lowest population density among these states
Consider the following statements: 1. Sikkim has the minimum area among the 28 Indian States (Delhi and Pondicherry not included). 2. Chandigarh has the highest literacy rate among Pondicherry, the National Capital Territory of Delhi, and other Union Territories. 3. Maharashtra has the highest population after Uttar Pradesh among the 28 Indian States (Delhi and Pondicherry not included). Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Answer D (official UPSC key)Maharashtra had the highest population after Uttar Pradesh | NOT: Sikkim smallest state by area (Goa); Chandigarh highest UT literacy
According to the census 2001, which one of the following Indian States has the maximum population in India after Uttar Pradesh?
Show answer
Answer B (official UPSC key)Census 2001: Maharashtra had the largest population after Uttar Pradesh
Which one of the following statements is true on the basis of Census - 2001?
Show answer
Answer D (official UPSC key)Census 2001: Pondicherry had the highest sex ratio among Union Territories (1001)
Consider the following statements: 1. India is the second country in the world to adopt a National Family Planning Programme. 2. The National Population Policy of India 2000 seeks to achieve a replacement level of fertility by 2010 with a population of 111 crores. 3. Kerala is the first state in India to achieve a replacement level of fertility. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Answer C (official UPSC key)NPP 2000 sought replacement-level fertility by 2010 with a population of 111 crores; Kerala was first to reach replacement fertility | NOT: India second to adopt family planning (first, 1952)
Which one of the following statements is not correct?
Show answer
Answer B (official UPSC key)Not correct: North-East India has a little over half of India's tribal population (bulk is in MP, Maharashtra, Odisha, Gujarat, Bihar)
Consider the following statements: 1. Area-wise, Chhattisgarh is larger than West Bengal. 2. According to the Population Census 2001, the population of West Bengal is larger than that of Chhattisgarh. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Answer C (official UPSC key)Chhattisgarh is larger in area than West Bengal, but West Bengal's population (Census 2001) is larger
In which one of the following Union Territories, do people of the Onge tribe live?
Show answer
Answer A (official UPSC key)The Onge tribe (Negrito) lives in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Which amongst the following States has the highest population density as per Census- 2001?
Show answer
Answer D (official UPSC key)West Bengal had the highest population density among states in Census 2001
India's population growth during the 20th century can be classified into four distinct phases. Match List-I (Period) with List-II (Phase) and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: List-I (Period) List-II (Phase) A. 1901-1921 1. Stagnant growth B. 1921-1951 2. Steady growth C. 1951-1981 3. Rapid high growth D. 1981-2001 4. High growth with definite signs of slowdown
Show answer
Answer B (official UPSC key)Match (key B): 1901-1921 – Stagnant growth; 1921-1951 – Steady growth; 1951-1981 – Rapid high growth; 1981-2001 – High growth with definite signs of slowdown
Assertion (A): Ganga plain is the most densely populated part of India. Reason (R): Ganga is the most harnessed river of India.
Show answer
Answer B (official UPSC key)Ganga plain is India's most densely populated part and the Ganga is the most harnessed river, but R does not explain A
Among the Indian States shown labeled 1, 2, 3, and 4 in the rough outline map given, the correct sequence in descending order of percent of scheduled tribe population to their total population is: [1998]
Show answer
Answer B (official UPSC key)Map item (key B): descending order of ST percentage is states 3, 1, 2, 4
According to the latest census figures sex ratio in India is:
Show answer
Answer C (official UPSC key)Per the latest census (2011, 940) India's sex ratio was increasing (up from 933 in 2001)
Consider the map given below: The predominant languages spoken in the areas marked A, B, C and D are respectively:
Show answer
Answer C (official UPSC key)Map item (key C): A – Brajbhasha (Mathura); B – Awadhi (Faizabad); C – Bhojpuri; D – Maithili
".....They are people of yellow complexion, oblique eyes, high cheekbones, sparse hair, and medium height." The reference here is to:
Show answer
Answer D (official UPSC key)Yellow complexion, oblique eyes, high cheekbones, sparse hair and medium height describe Mongoloids
In the Indian context, the term 'De-notified tribes' refers to
Show answer
Answer D (official UPSC key)De-notified tribes are communities earlier notified as criminal tribes under the Criminal Tribes Acts
Related topics
India: Location, States, Boundaries & Neighbours · 42Physiography: Himalayas, Plains, Plateau, Coasts & Islands · 83Drainage: Rivers, Lakes, Dams & River Projects · 153Indian Climate & Monsoon · 35Indian Soils · 51Natural Vegetation & Forests of India · 40Agriculture: Crops, Irrigation & Farming Systems · 125Minerals & Energy Resources · 71Industries & Industrial Regions · 22Transport, Ports & Communication · 71