India to have census in 2027 but what 2011 data tells us

It was year 2011 when India had a census -- almost 15 years ago -- and next census will be held in 2027, after a gap of 16 years.

The census was due in 2021 but multiple reasons have led to its delay. The 2011 census, seventh since independence and 15th since 1872, was a huge administrative exercise, which covered more than 1.2 billion people across the country.

Conducted in two phases -- the House Listing and Housing Census and the Population Enumeration -- this enormous exercise offered critical insights into India’s demographic, social, and economic landscape.

Population and Growth Rate

The 2011 census calculated India’s total population at 1.21 billion (1,21,08,54,977), which was an increase by 181.5 million from the 2001 census. India remained at the second position in the list of most populous countries in the world, with China on top. Although decadal growth stood at 17.64 per cent, it was still a decline from the 21.54 per cent growth observed between 1991 and 2001.

Gender Ratio

Although the sex ratio improved slightly from 933 in 2001 to 943 females per 1,000 males in 2011 census, the child sex ratio (0–6 years) dropped to 919 which was the lowest since Independence, reflecting issues like female foeticide and persistent gender bias.

Literacy Rate

Literacy rate significantly improved to 74.04 per cent in 2011. It was recorded at 64.83 per cent in 2001. On the basis of gender also, the gap in male and female literacy rate narrowed but it was still substantial. Male literacy was recorded at 82.14 per cent and female literacy stood at 65.46 per cent.

Urbanisation

According to census 2011, 31.16 per cent (over 377 million people) of country's total population was living in cities.

States and Union Territories

Talking about states, Uttar Pradesh was the most populous state with over 199 million people, followed by Maharashtra and Bihar. With over 60 million people, Karnataka was 8th on this list. Sikkim was the least populous state. Among Union Territories, Delhi had the highest population, while Lakshadweep the lowest.