UPPSC 2021 Prelims GS Paper-I · Question 137 of 150

Correct — D, Uttar Pradesh. In the 2011 Census, Uttar Pradesh recorded a population of about 199.8 million (roughly 19.98 crore) — by far the most populous State in India, accounting for about one-sixth of the country's people. Maharashtra was second (~112.4 million) and Bihar third (~104.1 million); Madhya Pradesh (~72.6 million) ranked well below. Hence Uttar Pradesh is the most populous State.

• (a)Bihar — Wrong — Bihar (~104.1 million) was the third most populous State in 2011, not the first (though it had the highest population density among large States).
• (b)Madhya Pradesh — Wrong — Madhya Pradesh (~72.6 million) was far behind the top States; it is the largest by area among these, not by population.
• (c)Maharashtra — Wrong — Maharashtra (~112.4 million) was the second most populous State, the runner-up to Uttar Pradesh, not the most populous.

The Census of India (2011) is the last completed decadal census. Uttar Pradesh emerged as India's most populous State with about 199.8 million people — roughly 16.5% of the national population — a lead so large that it also gives UP the most Lok Sabha seats (80). Knowing the population ranking of the big States (UP > Maharashtra > Bihar > West Bengal > Madhya Pradesh) is standard general-studies matter.

All four options are large Hindi-belt or Deccan States, so the question tests whether you can recall the clear No. 1. Maharashtra (economically dominant) and Bihar (very dense) are tempting distractors, but Uttar Pradesh's absolute population dwarfs them.

• Census 2011: Uttar Pradesh is India's most populous State, ~199.8 million (about 16.5% of India).
• Maharashtra ranks 2nd (~112.4 million); Bihar 3rd (~104.1 million).
• Uttar Pradesh has the largest number of Lok Sabha seats (80), reflecting its population.
• Bihar had the highest population density among large States (~1,106 persons/km²), while UP had the largest absolute population.

• Confusing 'most populous' (Uttar Pradesh) with 'most densely populated' (Bihar) or 'largest by area' (Rajasthan)
• Mixing up Census 2011 figures with Census 2001

UPPSC and UPSC ask 'as per Census 2011, which State is most populous / densest / has the highest sex ratio' — memorise the toppers for each indicator.

• practice — not a real PYQ

  According to Census 2011, which State had the highest population density?

  • (a)Uttar Pradesh
  • (b)Bihar
  • (c)West Bengal
  • (d)Kerala

  Answer(b) Bihar — about 1,106 persons per sq km, the highest among Indian States.

• practice — not a real PYQ

  As per Census 2011, which is the LEAST populous State of India?

  • (a)Sikkim
  • (b)Goa
  • (c)Mizoram
  • (d)Arunachal Pradesh

  Answer(a) Sikkim — about 6.1 lakh people, the least populous State.