India: Urbanization is part of Demography of India. Below are notes on 43 sub-topics, followed by practice MCQs from State PSC and UPSC papers.

Census definitions and classifications of urban areas in India

  • As per Census 2011, India's urban population was 31.1% of the total population.
  • Between 2001-2011, the growth of absolute urban population exceeded that of absolute rural population.
  • Total number of towns in 2011 was 7,935 (4,041 Statutory Towns and 3,894 Census Towns).

Statutory Towns (ST)

All places with a municipality, corporation, cantonment board, or notified town area committee.

Census Towns (CT)

Places satisfying ALL three criteria simultaneously:

    • Minimum population of 5,000.
    • Population density of at least 400 persons per sq. km.
    • At least 75% of the male main working population engaged in non-agricultural pursuits.
  • The criteria for defining a town which has varied from census to census in recent decades is 'working population' (specifically, the percentage engaged in non-agricultural pursuits and its definition).

Class I (Cities)

Population 100,000 and above.

Million Cities

Class I cities with a population of 1 million (10 lakh) and above.

Class II

Population 50,000 to 99,999.

Class III

Population 20,000 to 49,999.

Class IV

Population 10,000 to 19,999.

Class V

Population 5,000 to 9,999.

Class VI

Population less than 5,000.

Small Towns

Generally include Class IV, V, and VI towns.

Most Urbanized State

Goa (~62.17%).

Lowest Urbanized State

Himachal Pradesh (~10.03%).

Most Urbanized Union Territory

Delhi (~97.5%).

Highest Urbanization among Land-locked States

Haryana.

Top 4 Urbanized States (2011, descending order)

Goa, Mizoram, Tamil Nadu, Kerala.

Most Urbanized State

Tamil Nadu.

Uttar Pradesh Million Cities (2011)

Agra, Prayagraj, Meerut, Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi, Ghaziabad. (Moradabad is not a Million City).

Demographic profile of urban populations: Age structure, sex ratio, literacy, and employment

  • India's Urban Population (Census 2011): 31.16% of total population (also cited as 31.15% in some contexts).
  • Himachal Pradesh Urban Population (Census 2011): 10.03%.
  • The religious group with the highest urban population in India (Census 2011) is Jain.
  • Among the top four populous metropolitans (Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad) as per Census 2011, Mumbai had the highest literacy rate.
  • Urban Female Literacy Rate in Rajasthan (Census 2011): 70.73%.
  • Urban Sex Ratio in Rajasthan (Census 2011): 914 females per 1000 males.

Drivers of urbanization: Rural-to-urban migration, natural increase, and reclassification

increase,

and

Rural-to-Urban Migration

Key driver, involving in-migration to urban areas and out-migration from rural areas.

Natural Increase

Excess of births over deaths in existing urban populations.

    • Reclassification Administrative changes or growth leading to rural areas being designated as urban.
    • Urbanization involves an increase in the absolute urban population and the proportion of the total population residing in urban areas.

Dominant Reason for Rural-to-Urban Migration in India

Employment opportunities.

  • Population

Forecasting

Method

(National Growth Context) Apportionment Method is suitable for forecasting population of towns/cities whose development aligns with national growth.

Urban Population Decadal Change (2001-2011, Rajasthan)

Dausa district recorded the highest percentage decadal change in urban population among the given options (Kota, Rajsamand, Alwar).

Internet Active Users from Rural India (Approx. 2024)

Approximately 442 million.

Urban Population (2011 Census)

  • Total Urban Population: 377 million (31.16% of total population).

Highest Percentage Urban Population (2011)

  • Goa: 62.2%
  • Mizoram: 52.1%
  • Tamil Nadu: 48.4%
  • Kerala: 47.7%
  • Maharashtra: 45.2%
  • Among options, Goa is the most urbanized state by percentage.

Lowest Percentage Urban Population (2011)

  • Himachal Pradesh: 10.03% (lowest in India among major states).
  • Bihar: 11.3%
  • Assam: 14.1%

Specific State Urban Percentages (2011)

  • Uttar Pradesh: 22.28%
  • Madhya Pradesh: 27.63%
  • Tripura: 26.17%

Absolute Urban Population (2011)

  • Maharashtra (50.8 million) and Uttar Pradesh (44.5 million) together account for over onefourth of India's urban population.

Decadal Growth of Urban Population (2001-2011)

  • Highest decadal *growth rate*: Nagaland
  • Highest *absolute increase in urban population percentage*: Kerala (+21.7 percentage

Million-Plus Urban Agglomerations (UAs) / Cities (2011 Census)

  • Number of Million-plus UAs/cities: 53.

Top 4 Largest Urban Agglomerations (2011, descending order)

  • Mumbai UA: 18.4 million
  • Delhi UA: 16.3 million
  • Kolkata UA: 14.1 million
  • Chennai UA: 8.7 million

Other Major UAs (2011, descending order)

  • Bengaluru UA: 8.5 million
  • Hyderabad UA: 7.7 million
  • Ahmedabad UA: 6.3 million

Urban Agglomerations (2011, increasing order from specific options)

  • Ahmedabad-Hyderabad-Bengaluru-Chennai.

States without a Million-plus UA (2011)

  • Odisha (Bhubaneswar UA population 0.84 million).

Mega-cities (2011)

  • Definition: UAs with 10 million+ population.
  • Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata.

Census 2001 Specifics

  • Number of Million-plus UAs/cities: 35.
  • Share of Class I cities (population 1 lakh+): 65.2% of total urban population.
  • Share of Million-plus cities: Approx. 38% of total urban population.
  • States with highest *absolute* urban population: Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu.
  • State with the largest number of Million-plus UAs: Uttar Pradesh (7).
  • State with a million-plus city (among specific options): Jharkhand (Jamshedpur UA).
  • Smallest Million-plus city (UA) in India: Rajkot UA (1.003 million).
  • Ahmedabad, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad were not megacities in 2001.

Number of Towns (2011)

  • Tamil Nadu has the maximum number of towns (Statutory Towns + Census Towns) at 1097.

District-Specific (2011)

  • Lowest percentage of urban population in Rajasthan (among specific options): Rajsamand (10.98%).
  • Year 1921: Known as the 'Urban Divide' or 'Year of Great Divide' in India's demographic history.
  • Urban population percentage (2011 Census): 31.16% of total population.
  • Most populous metropolis (2011 Census): Mumbai.
  • Uttar Pradesh (2011 Census): Contained 7 million-plus cities (Lucknow, Kanpur, Ghaziabad, Agra, Varanasi, Meerut, Allahabad).
  • Kanpur became a million city: 1961 Census.
  • Lucknow became a million city: 1971 Census.
  • Highest percentage decadal growth of urbanization: 1971-81 (approx. 46.1%).
  • Decade where absolute urban population growth exceeded absolute rural population growth: 2001-2011.

Slum

demographics:

Characteristics,

population density, and health indicators

  • As per Census 2011, Maharashtra recorded the maximum number of towns/cities reporting slums in India.
  • Maharashtra accounts for the highest proportion of India's total slum population.
  • Among the listed cities, Bengaluru had the lowest percentage of slum population as per Census 2011 (approx. 8.45%), compared to Ahmedabad (approx. 10.45%), Lucknow (ap‐
  • Among the listed states, Goa had the lowest percentage of slum dwellers in its total

3. World: Population & Urbanization

Practice MCQs: India: Urbanization

Census definitions and classifications of urban areas in India

  1. As per 2011 Census, the urban population percentage to total population of India was about

    Asked in: BPSC Prelims Exam 64th

    1. 21
    2. 31
    3. 36
    4. 40
    Show answer

    Answer: B. 31

    C. between 47% to 50% D. between 50% to 53% Ans: A Headmaster (Secondary School) -2018 Work Participation Rate (WPR) is a crucial demographic indicator. It is usually defined as the percentage of the population that is economically active (employed or seeking employment). It can be calculated for the total population, or separately for males and females. It's important to know whether the rate is based on the total population or the working-age population.

  2. As per 2011 census, what is the contribution of agriculture in total employment of India?

    Asked in: State Forest Service Main Examination 2019

    1. 54.6%
    2. 50.2%
    3. 62.3 %
    4. 60.7 %
    Show answer

    Answer: B. 50.2%

    The agriculture sector remains a significant source of employment in India, despite the growth of other sectors. The 2011 Census data provides a crucial snapshot of the Indian economy's employment structure. The exact percentage of urban population in India according to the 2011 Census was 31.16%. Option B (31) is the closest value.

  3. In India classification of cities on the basis of size of population are in how many categories ?

    Asked in: CGPSC Prelims Exam 2024

    1. 03
    2. 04
    3. 05
    4. 06
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 06

    cgpsc 2025-2025 The six classes are: Class I: 100,000 and above Class II: 50,000 - 99,999 Class III: 20,000 - 49,999 Class IV: 10,000 - 19,999 Class V: 5,000 - 9,999 Class VI: Less than 5,000

  4. 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:

    Asked in: UPSC Geoscientist 2024

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Both 1 and 2

    - Census 2011 recorded India's urban population percentage and the number of towns. - Urban population: 31.16% of the total population. - Number of towns: 7,935.

  5. Which of the following statements are correct regarding census 2011? 1. West Bengal is the least urbanized state in India 2. The growth of absolute urban population was more than the absolute rural 3. Sikkim is the lowest population density state

    Asked in: population in India between 2001 2011 · GPSC Prelims CSP 2 2021

    1. 1, 2 and 3
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 1 and 2 only
    4. 1 and 3 only
    Show answer

    Answer: B. 2 and 3 only

    - Statement 2 regarding the absolute growth of urban vs rural population is a significant demographic finding of Census 2011. - Statement 1 is incorrect; Himachal Pradesh is the least urbanized state. - Statement 3 is incorrect; Arunachal Pradesh has the lowest population density.

  6. According to Census 2011, which one of the following is not a criterion to qualify as an urban area?

    Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 2 2022

    1. Total population of the area
    2. Population density of the area
    3. Percentage of non-agricultural occupation
    4. Industrial workforce in the area
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Industrial workforce in the area

    According to the Census of India 2011, an area is classified as urban if it meets either of the following criteria: 1. All places with a Municipality, Corporation, Cantonment Board, or Notified Town Area Committee (Statutory Towns). 2. All other places which satisfy the following three criteria simultaneously (Census Towns): a. A minimum population of 5,000. (Criterion A) b. At least 75% of the male working population engaged in non-agricultural pursuits. (Criterion C) c. A population density of at least 400 persons per sq. km. (Criterion B)

  7. For the Census 2011, Census Town should have satisfied which of the following criteria ?

    Asked in: KPSC KAS Prelims 2015

    1. Minimum population of 5000.
    2. At least 50 percent of the male main working population engaged in non- agricultural pursuits.
    3. A density of population of at least 400 per sq. km. Which of the above criteria are correct ? Select the code for the correct answer from the options given below : A. A and B only B. A and C only C. B and C only
    4. A, B and C
    Show answer

    Answer: B. At least 50 percent of the male main working population engaged in non- agricultural pursuits.

    - The Census of India defines a statutory town as one with a municipality, corporation, cantonment board, or notified town committee. - A Census Town is an urban area that does not have a statutory municipal administration but is identified as urban based on demographic criteria. - The three criteria for a Census Town in Census 2011 were: 1) Minimum population of 5,000; 2) At least 75 percent of the male main working population engaged in non- agricultural pursuits; and 3) A density of population of at least 400 per sq. km.

  8. The Census of India has classified towns into six categories on the basis of their population. Which of the following is not correctly matched ?

    Asked in: TSPSC Group 1 Prelims 2023

    1. Class II towns with 50,000 to 99,999 popula‐ tion
    2. Class III towns with 30,000 to 49,999 popula‐ tion
    3. Class V towns with 5,000 to 9,999 population
    4. Class VI towns with less than 5,000 popula‐ tion
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Class III towns with 30,000 to 49,999 popula‐ tion

    The question asks for the not correctly matched category. The population range for Class III towns listed in option B is incorrect as per the Census of India classification.

  9. An area will be described as urban if it has

    Asked in: WBPSC CS Prelims 2015

    1. High population
    2. Has towns and cities
    3. Has a high proportion of people in non agriculture pursuits
    4. All of the above
    Show answer

    Answer: D. All of the above

    Contrastingly, rural areas are typically characterized by lower population density, smaller settlements (villages), and a larger proportion of the population engaged in agriculture and related primary activities.

  10. W hich one of the following classes of towns are included in the category of small towns by the Census of India ?

    Asked in: UPPCS Prelims 2011

    1. Class VI
    2. Class V and VI
    3. Class IV, V and VI
    4. Class III, IV, V and VI
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Class IV, V and VI

    The Census of India classifies urban centers based on population size into six classes: Class I (100,000+), Class II (50,000-99,999), Class III (20,000-49,999), Class IV (10,000-19,999), Class V (5,000-9,999), and Class VI (

  11. As per the 2001 census the most urbanised State of India is

    Asked in: UPPCS Prelims 2005

    1. Gujarat
    2. Kerala
    3. Maharashtra
    4. Tamil Nadu
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Tamil Nadu

    As per the 2001 Census, Tamil Nadu was the most urbanized state in India among major states, with about 44% of its population living in urban areas. While Maharashtra and Gujarat also had high urban populations, Tamil Nadu had a higher percentage of its population residing in towns and cities. Kerala's urbanization figures are sometimes complex due to its unique settlement patterns but were generally lower than Tamil Nadu's by standard definitions in 2001.

  12. Which one of the following states is most urbanized as per 2001 Census Report?

    Asked in: UPPSC Upper Mains 2006

    1. Gujarat
    2. Karnataka
    3. Tamil Nadu
    4. West Bengal
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Tamil Nadu

    Urbanization rate is measured by the percentage of the total population residing in urban areas (statutory towns and census towns).

  13. Which one of the following classes of towns are included in the category of small towns by the Census of India ?

    Asked in: UPPSC Upper Mains 2007

    1. Class VI
    2. Class V and VI
    3. Class IV. V and VI
    4. Class III.IV. V and VI
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Class IV. V and VI

    According to the Census of India's population-based classification of towns, 'small towns' generally refer to those with smaller populations. Class IV towns have a population of 10,000-19,999, Class V have 5,000-9,999, and Class VI have less than 5,000. These categories collectively represent what are typically considered small towns or urban areas with limited population size compared to larger Class III, II, or I cities.

  14. According to Population Census 2011, which of the following states of India has lowest percentages of Urban population to its total population?

    Asked in: UPPSC Upper Mains 2012

    1. Himachal Pradesh
    2. Odisha
    3. Jharkhand
    4. Rajasthan
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Himachal Pradesh

    As per Census 2011, Himachal Pradesh had an urban population share of only 10.03%. This reflects its largely rural economy and mountainous terrain which limits the growth of large urban centers.

  15. According to Census 2011, the most urbanised State of India is

    Asked in: UPPSC Upper Mains 2012

    1. Kerala
    2. Maharashtra
    3. Tamil Nadu
    4. West Bengal
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Tamil Nadu

    As per Census 2011, Tamil Nadu had the highest percentage of urban population among the major states (excluding smaller states and Union Territorbut it is a smaller state. Among the given options, Tamil Nadu is the most urbanized.

  16. In which of the following land locked States of India, the percentage of urban population is highest as per 2011 Census?

    Asked in: UPPSC Upper Mains 2014

    1. Haryana
    2. Jammu and Kashmir
    3. Punjab
    4. Madhya Pradesh
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Punjab

    First, identify the landlocked states: Haryana, Punjab, and Madhya Pradesh are landlocked. Jammu and Kashmir (as a state in 2011) is mostly landlocked. Next, check their urban population percent‐ Madhya Pradesh ~27.6%, Jammu and Kashmir ~24.7%. Comparing these, Punjab has the highest urban population percentage among the listed landlocked states.

Demographic profile of urban populations: Age structure, sex ratio, literacy, and employment

  1. As per population census 2011, what is the percentage of urban population in Himachal Pradesh and India respectively : Ans: B Himachal Pradesh is one of the least urbanized states in India. The 2011 Census marked a significant increase in India's urban population compared to previous decades. 34. Out of total population of 121 crore, what was the level (percentage) of urbanization in 2011, census of India?

    Asked in: HPPSC HPAS Prelims 2014 · MPPSC CS Prelims 2021

    1. 33.15%
    2. 32.15%
    3. 30.15%
    4. 31.15%
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 31.15%

    According to the Census of India 2011, the urban population accounted for 31.15% of the total population.

  2. Which religious group in India has its highest urban population?

    Asked in: UPPCS Prelims 2022

    1. Hindu
    2. Bauddh
    3. Christian
    4. Jain
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Jain

    According to the Census of India data (e.g., 2011), the Jain community has the highest percentage of its population residing in urban areas compared to other major religious groups like Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, and Buddhists. This is a consistent demographic pattern observed in India.

  3. According to results of Census 2011, among the top four populous metropolitans, literacy rate is highest in

    Asked in: UPSC SO Steno 2017

    1. Mumbai
    2. Delhi
    3. Bengaluru
    4. Hyderabad
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Mumbai

    Based on data from Census 2011 for Urban Agglomerations, the literacy rates were approximately: Bengaluru (around 88.5%), and Hyderabad (around 83.2%). Comparing these figures, Mumbai recorded the highest literacy rate among the options provided.

  4. As per census 2011, female literacy rate in urban areas of Rajasthan was :

    Asked in: Sr. Teacher (Sanskrit Edu.) Comp. Exam 2022

    1. 70.73%
    2. 79.61%
    3. 72.52%
    4. 67.91%
    Show answer

    Answer: C. 72.52%

    a-2022 This question requires specific data from the Census 2011 regarding the literacy rates in Rajasthan, differentiating between male/female and urban/rural populations.

  5. As per census 2011, Urban Sex Ratio in Rajasthan is -

    Asked in: Superintendent Garden 2021

    1. 890 Females per 1000 males
    2. 914 Females per 1000 males
    3. 917 Females per 1000 males
    4. 928 Females per 1000 males
    Show answer

    Answer: C. 917 Females per 1000 males

    Urban Sex Ratio in Rajasthan (Census 2011) is 917 females per 1000 males.

Drivers of urbanization: Rural-to-urban migration, natural increase, and reclassification

  1. Consider the following statements about urbanization: 1. Urbanization is a ratio concept. 2. It takes place on account of in- migration factors. 3. It is a result of out-migration factors. 4. Increase in urban population is urbanization. Select the correct answer from the codes given below: Codes:

    Asked in: UPPSC Upper Mains 2014

    1. 1 and 2
    2. 2, 3 and 4
    3. 1, 2 and 3
    4. All the four
    Show answer

    Answer: A. 1 and 2

    - Statement 1: Urbanization is typically measured as the percentage of the total population living in urban areas, which is a ratio (urban population / total population). Hence, it is a ratio concept. This statement is correct. - Statement 2: A major driver of urbanization is migration of people from rural areas to urban areas (in-migration to urban areas). This statement is correct. - Statement 3: Out- migration factors typically refer to movement away from a place. Out-migration from rural areas is a factor causing urbanization elsewhere (in urban destinations), but stating urbanization is a result of "out-migration factors" is imprecise and potentially misleading, especially concerning out-migration from urban areas which would counteract urbanization. - Statement 4: While an increase in the absolute urban population is a consequence of urbanization, urbanization specifically refers to the increase in the proportion of people living in urban areas. An increase in absolute urban numbers without a proportional increase relative to the total population (including rural growth) doesn't fully capture the concept of urbanization. Therefore, this statement is not a precise definition. Based on the analysis, only statements 1 and 2 are accurate descriptions of urbanization.

  2. Which one of the following reasons dominates in Rural to Urban migration in India?

    Asked in: WBCS Main Paper 3 2021

    1. Marriage
    2. Education
    3. Family movement
    4. Employment
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Employment

    Rural areas often have limited job opportunities, especially in the non-agricultural sector, and urban areas are perceived to offer better prospects, higher wages, and a wider variety of jobs, driving people to migrate for economic reasons.

  3. Which of the following method is suitable for forecasting the population of those towns and cities whose development is likely to place according to the national growth of country?

    Asked in: Local Self Government Dept. Exam 2022

    1. The Master Plan Method
    2. The Apportionment Method
    3. The Comparative Graphical Method
    4. The Logistic Curve Method
    Show answer

    Answer: B. The Apportionment Method

    - Apportionment Method This method assumes that the growth of a specific area (town, city) will be proportional to the growth of the larger region it belongs to (state, country). It is useful when the development of the area is expected to mirror the overall national growth. - Master Plan Method This is a planning document that outlines the long-term vision for a city's development, including land use, infrastructure, and zoning. It is not primarily a population forecasting method. - Comparative Graphical Method This method involves plotting the population growth curves of similar cities and extrapolating the curve of the city in question based on the trends of the others. It is useful for cities with similar development patterns. - Logistic Curve Method (S-curve) This method assumes that population growth follows an S-shaped curve, with an initial slow growth, followed by rapid growth, and then a slowing down as it approaches a saturation point. It is useful for cities that are expected to follow a pattern of rapid growth and then stabilization.

  4. Which one of the following districts has the highest percentage of decadal change (2001-2011) in Urban population ? (1) Kota (2) Rajsamand (3) Alwar (4) Dausa (5) Question not attempted

    Asked in: Sr. Teacher (Sec. Edu.) Comp. Exam 2024 group b 2024

    1. Kota
    2. Rajsamand
    3. Alwar
    4. Dausa
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Rajsamand

    This question requires knowledge of demographic trends in Rajasthan, specifically the growth of urban populations in different districts between the 2001 and 2011 censuses.

  5. As of 2024 internet active users from rural part of India is (approximate)

    Asked in: Mining Inspector (Geology) Exam 2023

    1. 820 million
    2. 442 million
    3. 242 million
    4. 342 million
    Show answer

    Answer: C. 242 million

    The digital penetration in rural India has been steadily increasing, driven by initiatives like BharatNet and affordable data plans. While urban internet usage is higher, the rural segment is growing rapidly and is crucial for digital inclusion.

Growth and distribution of urban settlements: Mega-cities, metropolitan areas, and smaller towns

  1. Find the correct arrangement of the following urban agglomerations in descending order as per their population size according to Census 2011.

    Asked in: UPSC CDS 1 2019

    1. Delhi-Mumbai-Kolkata-Chennai
    2. Mumbai-Delhi-Kolkata-Chennai
    3. Mumbai-Kolkata-Delhi-Chennai
    4. Kolkata-Chennai-Mumbai-Delhi
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Mumbai-Delhi-Kolkata-Chennai

    According to Census 2011 data, the Urban Agglomeration (UA) population sizes in descending order were: Mumbai, followed by Delhi, Kolkata, and Chennai.

  2. Which one of the following is the correct ascending sequence of States with regard to percentage of urban population (2011)?

    Asked in: UPSC CDS 2 2018

    1. Tamil Nadu—Mizoram—Goa—Maharashtra
    2. Goa—Mizoram—Maharashtra—Kerala
    3. Maharashtra—Kerala—Mizoram—Goa
    4. Mizoram—Goa—Maharashtra—Kerala
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Maharashtra—Kerala—Mizoram—Goa

    Based on the 2011 Census of India data for the percentage of urban population, the approximate percentages for the states listed are: Maharashtra states given in option C in ascending order of urban population percentage gives Maharashtra (45.2%)

  3. Number of cities in India having population 10 lac and above

    Asked in: CGPSC Prelims Exam 2014

    1. 50
    2. 60
    3. 100
    4. 80
    Show answer

    Answer: A. 50

    The question asks for the number of cities with a population of 10 lac and above, which refers to million-plus cities or urban agglomerations.

  4. In which State of India the highest percent (2011) of urban population ?

    Asked in: CGPSC Prelims Exam 2019

    1. Goa
    2. Maharashtra
    3. Kerala
    4. Mizoram
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Goa

    According to the Census of India 2011, the percentage of urban population in Goa was 62.17%, which was the highest among the states listed.

  5. Which one of the following states of India is most urbanized as per 2011 census ?

    Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 2 2017

    1. Gujarat
    2. Kerala
    3. Tamil Nadu
    4. Maharashtra
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Tamil Nadu

    - The 2011 Census of India data is the basis for determining the level of urbanization in Indian states. - Among the large states (those with a population over one crore), Tamil Nadu had the highest percentage of urban population, standing at 48.4%. - The urbanization rates for the other states in the options were: Maharashtra (45.2%), Kerala ler states like Goa and Mizoram had higher overall urbanization percentages, among the frequently listed major states, Tamil Nadu ranked highest in 2011.

  6. Which Indian city has the highest population according to 2011 Census ?

    Asked in: HPPSC HPAS Prelims 2011

    1. Kolkata
    2. New Delhi
    3. Chennai
    4. Mumbai
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Mumbai

    Census data is a crucial source of information for understanding India's demographics, including population distribution in urban areas. Population figures for major cities are frequently asked in competitive exams.

  7. On the basis of population size, which of the following is the increasing order of urban agglomerations?

    Asked in: JPSC CS Prelims 2024

    1. Chennai-Bengaluru-Ahmedabad-Hyderabad
    2. Bengaluru-Hyderabad-Ahmedabad-Chennai
    3. Ahmedabad-Hyderabad-Bengaluru-Chennai
    4. Hyderabad-Chennai-Bengaluru-Ahmedabad
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Ahmedabad-Hyderabad-Bengaluru-Chennai

    - Urban Agglomeration (UA) includes the core city and its contiguous urban areas. - Population figures for cities/UAs are based on the decadal census. - For 2011, among the given options, Ahmedabad had the smallest UA population, followed by Hyderabad, then Bengaluru, and finally Chennai as the largest.

  8. According to 2011 census how many cities in India have more than 1 million population ?

    Asked in: MPSC CS Prelims 2014

    1. 52
    2. 53
    3. 54
    4. 55
    Show answer

    Answer: B. 53

    According to the Census of India 2011, there were 53 Urban Agglomerations (UAs) or cities in India with a population of one million or more. This list included major metropolitan areas as well as other rapidly growing cities.

  9. As per the 2011 census, match the cities according to their population. Cities: a. Greater Bombay b. Delhi c. Kolkata d. Chennai Popula‐ A. a b c d III IV II I B. a b c d I II III IV C. a b c d II I IV III D. a b c d IV III II I Ans: D Matching the cities with the provided population figures (in millions): - a. Greater Bombay -> IV. d. Chennai -> I. 8.7 53. Highest urbanised state, as per census 2011, is

    Asked in: MPSC CS Prelims 2019 · WBPSC CS Prelims 2016

    1. Maharashtra
    2. Goa
    3. Tamil Nadu
    4. Kerala
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Goa

    According to the Census 2011, 62.17% of the population of Goa lives in urban areas. Comparing this with the other options provided: Maharashtra (47.70%). While Tamil Nadu and Kerala have high levels of urbanization, Goa's percentage is higher.

  10. More than one-fourth of India’s urban population lives in the two States of—

    Asked in: UPPCS Prelims 2008

    1. Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal
    2. Maharashtra and Gujarat
    3. Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu
    4. Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh

    According to the 2011 Census, Maharashtra had the largest urban population (50.8 million), followed closely by Uttar Pradesh (44.5 million). Their combined urban population (approximately 95.3 million) was greater than one-fourth of India's total urban population (377 million).

  11. As per Census 2001, the class I cities of India claim a share of the total urban population of

    Asked in: UPPCS Prelims 2010

    1. 40.40%
    2. 56.50%
    3. 65.20%
    4. 62.32%
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 62.32%

    Census 2001 classified urban centers based on population size. Class I cities/Urban Agglomerations are those with a population of 100,000 and above. These centers house the majority of India's urban population. The exact percentage can sometimes vary slightly depending on whether individual cities or Urban Agglomerations are considered, but 62.32% is a figure widely cited for Class I cities from Census 2001 data.

  12. The share of million cities to the total urban population of India (2001) is about:

    Asked in: UPPSC Upper Mains 2006

    1. 23 percent
    2. 28 percent
    3. 38 percent
    4. 43 percent
    Show answer

    Answer: C. 38 percent

    Million cities represent a significant concentration of India's urban population, highlighting the increasing urbanization and the growth of large metropolitan areas.

  13. Which one of the following states of India has a million city as per 2001 Census Report?

    Asked in: UPPSC Upper Mains 2006

    1. Assam
    2. Jharkhand
    3. Chhattisgarh
    4. Orissa
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Assam

  14. According to 2001 Census, three states housing maximum urban population of the country are:

    Asked in: UPPSC Upper Mains 2006

    1. Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Karnataka,
    2. Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu.
    3. Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal.
    4. Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu.
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu.

    Urban population refers to the total number of people residing in urban areas within a state. It is different from the percentage of the population that is urbanized.

  15. The smallest million city of India is

    Asked in: UPPSC Upper Mains 2007

    1. Amritsar
    2. Allahabad
    3. Rajkoi
    4. Vijayawada
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Rajkoi

    Based on population estimates and projections around the time this question was likely framed (prior to the 2011 Census), Rajkot was often cited as one of the smaller cities in India that had either recently crossed the one million population mark or was estimated to be just above it. While the definition of 'million city' (city municipal limit vs. urban agglomeration) and the precise year of crossing can vary, among the given options, Rajkot was considered the smallest to achieve or be near this status compared to the other, larger urban centres like Allahabad and Vijayawada which had already surpassed the million mark (UA population) in earlier censuses.

  16. As per 2001 Census which one of the following is not a Megacity of India ?

    Asked in: UPPSC Upper Mains 2005

    1. Ahmedabad
    2. Chennai
    3. Bangalore
    4. Hyderabad
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Ahmedabad

    In the context of Indian urban planning around the 2001 period, particularly concerning schemes like the Mega City Project (launched in 1993-94), cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad were specifically included. Ahmedabad was a large metro but was not initially part of this specific 'Mega City' grouping or project. Standard global definition of Megacity (>10 million population) would exclude all options except possibly parts of the wider UAs of Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad reaching higher figures combined with suburban areas, but based on city/UA population, only Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata were >10 million in

  1. Kanpur and Lucknow cities of UP became million cities as per the census of India in the year

    Asked in: UPPCS Prelims 2020

    1. 1951 and 1961 respectively
    2. 1961 and 1971 respectively
    3. 1971 and 1981 respectively
    4. 1981 and 1991 respectively
    Show answer

    Answer: C. 1971 and 1981 respectively

    A million city is defined as a city with a population of one million (10 lakh) or more according to the Census of India.

  2. Which one of the following statements is not true?

    Asked in: UPPCS Prelims 2005

    1. Today nearly 28% of India's population resides in towns.
    2. The year 1921 is the urban divide in the demographic history of India
    3. Mumbai is the most populous metropolis of India.
    4. There are only 5 million cities in Uttar Pra‐ desh.
    Show answer

    Answer: D. There are only 5 million cities in Uttar Pra‐ desh.

    Let's evaluate each statement based on 2001 census data and demographic terms: A) "Today nearly 28% of India's population resides in towns." As per the 2001 Census, the urban population was 27.8%, which is nearly 28%. This statement is TRUE. B) "The year 1921 is the urban divide in the demographic history of India." 1921 is known as the "Year of Great Divide" in India's demographic history, marking the point after which India's population began to grow steadily, unlike the erratic growth before due to famines and epidemics. While this impacted overall population and indirectly urban population, the term "urban divide" specifically for 1921 is not standard demographic terminology. However, compared to statement D, it might be considered less definitively false or an unusual phrasing rather than a factual error. C) "Mumbai is the most populous metropolis of India." As per the 2001 Census, the Mumbai Urban Agglomeration was indeed the most populous urban agglomeration in India. This statement is TRUE. D) "There are only 5 million cities in Uttar Pradesh." A 'million city' typically refers to an urban agglomeration or city with a population of 1 million or more. As per the 2001 Census data, Uttar Pradesh had more than 5 such urban agglomerations/cities. The million- plus UAs/cities in UP in 2001 included Kanpur, Lucknow, Agra, Varanasi, Meerut, Allahabad, and Ghaziabad. This is a total of 7. Therefore, the statement that there are only 5 million cities is FALSE. Given that the question asks for the statement that is not true, statement D is factually incorrect based on the 2001 census figures. Statement B is also arguably not precisely true in standard terminology, but D provides a specific, verifiable incorrect number of cities.

  3. In India, the largest percentage of decadal growth of urbanization has been witnessed during

    Asked in: UPPSC Upper Mains 2009

    1. 1961-71
    2. 1971-81
    3. 1981-91
    4. 1991-2001
    Show answer

    Answer: B. 1971-81

    The decadal growth rate of India's urban population was approximately: - 1961-71: 38.2% - 1971-81: highest growth rate among these decades was 46.0% during 1971-81.

  4. During which of the following decades, the growth of the urban population was more than absolute rural population in India ? (a) 1951 – 1961 (b) 2001 – 2011 (c) 1991 – 2001 (d) 1901 – 1911

    Asked in: ASSISTANT PROSECUTION OFFICER (PRELIM.) EXAM. 2018

    1. 1951 – 1961
    2. 2001 – 2011
    3. 1991 – 2001
    4. 1901 – 1911
    Show answer

    Answer: C. 1991 – 2001

    The decade 1991-2001 saw a higher absolute increase in urban population compared to the rural population.

Slum demographics: Characteristics, population density, and health indicators

  1. In India maximum number of cities reporting slums are found in—

    Asked in: UPPCS Prelims 2011

    1. Andhra Pradesh
    2. Maharashtra
    3. Tamil Nadu
    4. Uttar Pradesh
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Maharashtra

    Maharashtra is one of India's most urbanized states and has a large number of cities, including mega- cities like Mumbai, which are known for extensive slum populations. According to the 2011 Census data on slums, Maharashtra reported the highest number of households living in slums and the largest slum population in India. Consequently, it also has the maximum number of cities reporting the presence of slums.

  2. Which of the following cities in India has the lowest percentage of slum population as per 2011 census?

    Asked in: RO ARO pre 2021

    1. Ahmedabad
    2. Jaipur
    3. Lucknow
    4. Bengaluru
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Jaipur

    The 2011 Census data on slum population provides crucial insights into urban poverty and housing conditions across Indian cities.

  3. Which of the following states has the lowest slum dwellers in the total population ?

    Asked in: ACF 2024

    1. Assam
    2. Bihar
    3. Goa
    4. Kerala
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Goa