RAS question
According to Census 2011, India's most populous state is:
Correct answer: (C) Uttar Pradesh.
According to Census 2011, Uttar Pradesh was India's most populous state, with a population of 19.98 crore.
Explanation
The Census 2011 Primary Census Abstract state table identifies Uttar Pradesh as the largest state by population. Its State-level Total row records a population of 199,812,341, which is 19.98 crore. The same official table places Maharashtra next at 112,374,333, Bihar at 104,099,452 and West Bengal at 91,276,115. This ordering is the key to the question: it is not asking for density, area or growth rate, but absolute population in the 2011 Census. Uttar Pradesh therefore ranks first, followed by Maharashtra, Bihar and West Bengal. Uttar Pradesh alone had more people than Brazil.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Bihar is wrong because Census 2011 records it at 10.41 crore, below Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, making it the third most populous state among the listed order.
- (B) West Bengal is wrong because its Census 2011 population was 9.13 crore, below Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Bihar.
- (D) Maharashtra is wrong because, although it ranked second with 11.24 crore people, it was still far below Uttar Pradesh's 19.98 crore.
Concept
This tests Census-based population ranking, a recurring RAS Geography theme because state-wise demographic order underpins questions on population distribution, planning and federal comparisons. The trap is confusing the top-ranked state with other high-population states.