SSC Selection Post 2025 PYQ — Question 17

Correct Answer: Uttar Pradesh

Explanation

According to the 2011 Census of India, Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state in the country. At the time of the 2011 census operations, the total population of Uttar Pradesh stood at approximately 19.98 crore (nearly 200 million people), contributing to roughly 16.5% of India's total population. If Uttar Pradesh were considered a separate country, its population size would rank it among the top five most populous nations globally.

The state features an incredibly high population density due to its location across the highly fertile Indo-Gangetic plains, which historically and geographically support intensive agriculture and large human settlements.

The other options represent runner-up populous states. According to the same 2011 official records, Maharashtra stands as the second most populous state, followed by Bihar in third place, and West Bengal in fourth place.

Key Points

Sikkim is officially recorded as the least populous state in India according to the 2011 Census database, holding a population of just over 6.1 lakh citizens.

Among Union Territories, Delhi holds the highest overall population density and population size, while Lakshadweep ranks as the least populous Union Territory.

While Bihar stands third in absolute headcount population size, it holds the record for the highest population density among all Indian states, with 1,106 people living per square kilometer.

Important Questions and Answers

Question: What was the absolute overall population figure calculated for India during the completion of the 15th National Census in 2011?

Answer: India's total population stood at approximately 1.21 billion (121.08 crore) individuals.

Question: Which Indian state holds the record for the highest growth rate of population during the decade spanning 2001 to 2011?

Answer: Meghalaya registered the highest decadal growth rate at approximately 27.95% during that census interval.