India Census 2011 - Population, Literacy, Sex Ratio

India Census 2011 - Population, Literacy, Sex Ratio

Introduction

Census 2011 was the 15th census of its kind since 1872. It was held in two phases: House listing and Housing Census (April to September, 2010) and Population Enumeration (February 9 to 28, 2011, with a Revisional round during 1st to 5th March, 2011).

Reference Date was 0.00 hours of March 1, 2011. In snowbound areas, the Population Enumeration was conducted from September 11 to 30, 2010.

The Final Population data was released on April 30, 2013.

Population of India

Total Population

• The population of India as of March 1, 2011, stood at 1,210.9 million (623.2 million males and 587.6 million females).

• India accounts for a meagre 2.4% of the world's surface area of 135.79 million sq. km.

• The population, which at the turn of the twentieth century was around 238.4 million, increased to reach 1,210.9 million by 2011.

• As recorded at each decennial census from 1901, the population has grown steadily except for a decrease during 1911-21.

Population Density

• It is defined as the number of persons per sq. kilometer. The population density of India in 2011 was 382 per sq. km – decadal growth: 17.72%.

• Among major states, Bihar is the most thickly populated state with a population density of 1,106 persons per sq. km, followed by West Bengal (1,028) and Kerala (860).

Sex Ratio

Sex ratio, defined as the number of females per thousand males, is an important social indicator to measure the extent of prevailing equality between males and females in a society at a given point in time.

• The sex ratio in the country has always remained unfavorable to females.

• It was 972 at the beginning of the twentieth century and thereafter showed continuous decline until 1941.

The sex ratio from 1901–2011 has registered a 10-point increase at Census 2011 over 2001; however, the child sex ratio has declined to 919 per thousand males.

Literacy

For Census 2011, a person aged seven and above, who can both read and write with understanding in any language, is treated as literate. A person who can only read but cannot write is not literate. In the censuses before 1991, children below five years of age were necessarily treated as illiterates.

• The results of the 2011 census reveal that there has been an increase in literacy in the country.

• The literacy rate in the country is 73.0%, 80.9% for males and 64.6% for females.

Kerala retained its position by being on top with a 94% literacy rate, closely followed by Lakshadweep (91.9%). Bihar, with a literacy rate of 61.8%, ranks last in the country.

Kerala also occupies the top spot in the country both in male literacy (96.1%) and female literacy (92.1%). On the contrary, Bihar has recorded the lowest literacy rates both in the case of males (71.2%) and females (51.5%).

Population of India, States and UTs (Census 2011)

State / UT-wise Population (Census 2011)

India - 1,21,08,54,977

Union Territories: Facts and Figures (Census 2011)

National Capital Territory / Region (Census 2011)

Final Thoughts

The Census 2011 provides a comprehensive snapshot of India’s demographic profile at the start of the second decade of the 21st century. It highlights significant population growth, with over 1.21 billion people, emphasizing the need for robust infrastructure and resource planning. The steady rise in literacy to 73% reflects educational progress, though the gender gap in literacy remains a concern.

The sex ratio, while slightly improved, still indicates ongoing social challenges. Population density trends underline the stress on land and urban systems, especially in states like Bihar and West Bengal.

Overall, Census 2011 serves as a vital tool for policymakers, researchers, and citizens to understand India’s development trajectory and prepare for the future with informed strategies.