UPSC Prelims 1997 · General Studies
Question 12: Economy and Social Development
What is the correct sequence of the descending order of the following States in respect of female literacy rates as per the 1991 Census? I. Mizoram II. Kerala III. Goa IV. Nagaland Choose the correct answer using the codes given below:
AnswerThe answer is (b).
In the 1991 Census Kerala led the country in female literacy, at about 86 per cent. Mizoram came next at about 79 per cent, then Goa at about 67 per cent, and Nagaland at about 55 per cent. So the descending order is Kerala, Mizoram, Goa, Nagaland. Remember Mizoram as second, ahead of Goa, in 1991.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Puts Goa second and Mizoram third; Mizoram's female literacy was higher than Goa's.
- (b) Right: Kerala, Mizoram, Goa, Nagaland.
- (c) Puts Nagaland above Mizoram, but Nagaland was well below both Mizoram and Goa.
- (d) Puts Mizoram above Kerala and Nagaland above Goa, but Kerala was first and Goa ahead of Nagaland.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1997, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.