UPSC Prelims 1996 · General Studies
Question 7: Economy and Social Development
As per the 1991 Census, the average size of households in terms of number of persons per household in respect of the given states follows the sequence (highest first, lowest last).
AnswerThe answer is (b).
In 1991 Uttar Pradesh had the largest households of the states listed, and Kerala the smallest of the four in the correct option. The sequence Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Gujarat, Kerala follows the census order, while the other options either open with Haryana or Gujarat, or place Tamil Nadu, whose households were smaller than Kerala's, above Kerala. Remember: Uttar Pradesh stands at the top among the large states for household size.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Opens with Haryana, but Uttar Pradesh heads the 1991 census sequence.
- (b) Right: Uttar Pradesh highest, then West Bengal and Gujarat, with Kerala lowest of the four.
- (c) Opens with Gujarat, but Uttar Pradesh had larger households than Gujarat.
- (d) Puts Tamil Nadu above Kerala; Tamil Nadu's households were the smaller.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1996, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.