NCERT Questions & Answers
Q1. Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below:
(i) Migrations change the number, distribution and composition of the population in:
(a) The area of departure
(b) The area of arrival
(c) Both the area of departure and arrival
(d) None of the above
Answer: (c) Both the area of departure and arrival
(ii) A large proportion of children in a population is a result of:
(a) High birth rates
(b) High life expectancies
(c) High death rates
(d) More married couples
Answer: (a) High birth rates
(iii) The magnitude of population growth refers to:
(a) Total population of an area
(b) Number of persons added each year/decade
(c) Rate at which population increases
(d) Number of females per 1000 males
Answer: (b) Number of persons added each year/decade
(iv) According to the Census, a “literate” person is one who:
(a) Can read and write his/her name
(b) Can read and write any language
(c) Is 7 years old and can read and write any language with understanding
(d) Knows the 3 R’s (Reading, Writing, Arithmetic)
Answer: (c)
Q2. Answer briefly:
(i) Why is the rate of population growth in India declining since 1981?
→ Because birth rates have been declining gradually due to family planning, awareness, better healthcare, and improved literacy.
(ii) Discuss the major components of population growth.
→ Birth rate, death rate, and migration. Birth and death determine natural increase, while migration affects distribution and composition.
(iii) Define age structure, death rate and birth rate.
→ Age structure: Proportion of different age groups in population.
Birth rate: Live births per 1000 persons per year.
Death rate: Deaths per 1000 persons per year.
(iv) How is migration a determinant factor of population change?
→ Migration changes size, composition, and distribution of population. Internal migration redistributes people; international migration alters population size.
Q3. Distinguish between population growth and population change.
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Growth: Increase in number of people.
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Change: Includes growth plus changes in distribution, composition, and migration.
Q4. Relation between occupational structure and development.
→ Higher proportion in secondary/tertiary = more developed economy. Primary sector dominance = less development.
Q5. Advantages of a healthy population.
→ Greater productivity, better quality of life, lower healthcare costs, improved economic growth.
Q6. Significant features of National Population Policy 2000.
→ Universal free education up to 14 years, reduced infant mortality, universal immunisation, delayed marriage of girls, voluntary family welfare programs.
Long Answer Questions
Q1. Describe the size and distribution of India’s population.
India’s population in 2011 was 1.21 billion, about 17% of the world’s population, spread over 3.28 million sq km. This makes India the second most populous country. Population distribution is highly uneven. Uttar Pradesh has 199 million people, the highest among states, while Sikkim and Lakshadweep have less than a million. Half of India’s population lives in just five states: Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal, and Andhra Pradesh. Population density is 382 persons/sq km on average, but varies from 1,102 in Bihar to only 17 in Arunachal Pradesh. Fertile plains and coastal regions are densely populated, while deserts, mountains, and forests are sparsely populated. This unevenness shows how geography influences human settlement.
Q2. Discuss population growth trends in India since 1951.
In 1951, India had 361 million people. Since then, population has increased steadily. Growth accelerated from 1951 to 1981, with rates peaking at 2.2% per year due to high birth rates and declining death rates. From 1981 onwards, growth rate declined gradually as fertility declined, but absolute increase remained high due to a large base population. For example, in the 1990s alone, 182 million people were added despite falling growth rates. By 2011, population reached 1.21 billion, and by 2023 India overtook China as the most populous nation. This shows that even with slower growth, the absolute additions remain large because of the sheer population base.
Q3. Explain the role of migration in population change in India.
Migration significantly affects population distribution and composition. Internal migration in India is mainly rural-to-urban due to push factors like poverty and unemployment and pull factors like jobs and better facilities in cities. This increases urbanisation; urban population grew from 17% in 1951 to over 31% in 2011, and continues rising. Migration also changes age and sex composition: men often migrate first, leaving women behind, while in cities, working-age groups dominate. International migration has also shaped India—large-scale emigration to Gulf countries and Western nations brings remittances, while immigration from neighbouring countries like Nepal or Bangladesh adds to diversity. Thus, migration redistributes population and impacts economy and society.
Q4. Why is the adolescent population important for India?
Adolescents (10–19 years) form one-fifth of India’s population. They are the future workforce and hold the key to economic growth. Proper nutrition and education are vital for them. However, many adolescents, especially girls, suffer from anaemia, malnutrition, and lack of healthcare. If neglected, this segment can become a burden instead of a resource. The government aims to improve adolescent health through literacy, awareness, and nutrition programs. Skilled, healthy adolescents can contribute to innovation, productivity, and nation-building. Hence, investment in this group ensures long-term development and prosperity for India.
Q5. What are the objectives of National Population Policy 2000? Why is it significant?
The NPP 2000 provides a comprehensive framework for family welfare and population stabilisation. Its key objectives include: universal free education up to 14 years, reducing infant mortality below 30 per 1000, universal immunisation of children, promoting delayed marriage for girls, voluntary family planning, and making reproductive healthcare accessible. The policy recognises that smaller, healthier families improve quality of life. It also focuses on adolescent health, raising awareness among girls, and ensuring nutrition and education. The significance of NPP lies in balancing population growth with sustainable development. By empowering individuals to plan families voluntarily, it links health, education, and gender equality with demographic goals.
MCQs
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India’s population in 2011 was:
(a) 1.02 billion
(b) 1.21 billion
(c) 1.31 billion
(d) 1.11 billion
Answer: (b) -
India’s share of world population is about:
(a) 10%
(b) 12%
(c) 17%
(d) 20%
Answer: (c) -
The most populous state in 2011:
(a) Bihar
(b) Uttar Pradesh
(c) Maharashtra
(d) West Bengal
Answer: (b) -
Least populated state in 2011:
(a) Goa
(b) Sikkim
(c) Manipur
(d) Tripura
Answer: (b) -
Population density of India in 2011:
(a) 250/sq km
(b) 350/sq km
(c) 382/sq km
(d) 400/sq km
Answer: (c) -
Highest density state in 2011:
(a) West Bengal
(b) Bihar
(c) Kerala
(d) UP
Answer: (b) -
Lowest density state:
(a) Sikkim
(b) Arunachal Pradesh
(c) Mizoram
(d) Nagaland
Answer: (b) -
Census is conducted every:
(a) 5 years
(b) 10 years
(c) 15 years
(d) 20 years
Answer: (b) -
First complete census in India:
(a) 1857
(b) 1872
(c) 1881
(d) 1901
Answer: (c) -
Absolute increase in population means:
(a) Total population
(b) Number added during a period
(c) Growth rate
(d) Density
Answer: (b) -
Growth rate of population is measured in:
(a) % per decade
(b) % per annum
(c) Total headcount
(d) Births per year
Answer: (b) -
Birth rate means:
(a) Births per 100 persons
(b) Births per 1000 persons
(c) Children per family
(d) None
Answer: (b) -
Death rate means:
(a) Deaths per 100 persons
(b) Deaths per 1000 persons
(c) Life expectancy
(d) Mortality ratio
Answer: (b) -
Rural-urban migration in India is mainly due to:
(a) Cultural reasons
(b) Poverty & unemployment in villages
(c) Religious reasons
(d) Government policy
Answer: (b) -
India overtook China in population in:
(a) 2019
(b) 2020
(c) 2023
(d) 2025
Answer: (c) -
Adolescent population is defined as ages:
(a) 5–15 years
(b) 10–19 years
(c) 12–20 years
(d) 15–25 years
Answer: (b) -
Percentage of adolescent population in India:
(a) 10%
(b) 15%
(c) 20%
(d) 25%
Answer: (c) -
National Population Policy was adopted in:
(a) 1952
(b) 1980
(c) 1991
(d) 2000
Answer: (d) -
NPP 2000 aims to reduce infant mortality rate below:
(a) 40 per 1000
(b) 35 per 1000
(c) 30 per 1000
(d) 25 per 1000
Answer: (c) -
Which factor does NOT directly affect population growth?
(a) Birth rate
(b) Death rate
(c) Migration
(d) Rainfall
Answer: (d)
Fill in the Blanks
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India’s population in 2011 was 1.21 billion.
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Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state.
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Sikkim has the least population among states.
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Population density of India in 2011 was 382 persons per sq km.
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The highest density state is Bihar.
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The lowest density state is Arunachal Pradesh.
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First complete census in India was held in 1881.
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Absolute increase is the number of people added in a decade.
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Growth rate is measured in percent per annum.
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The National Population Policy was adopted in 2000.