2008 General Studies, all questions
UPSC Prelims 2008 · General Studies
Question 86: Economy and Social Development
What is the approximate percentage of persons above 65 years of age in India's current population?
a14–15%
b11–12%
c8–9%
d5–6%
AnswerThe answer is (d).
Persons above 65 years made up only about 5 to 6 per cent of India's population around 2001-11. Census 2001 gave about 5 per cent aged 65 and above and Census 2011 about 5.5, while those aged 60 and above were roughly 7 to 9 per cent. India has a young population, so its old-age share is far smaller than in Europe or Japan.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) 14-15% is an old-population figure like Europe's, not India's.
- (b) 11-12% is far too high for India then.
- (c) 8-9% is closer to the share aged 60 and above than 65 and above.
- (d) 5-6% matches the share of those above 65.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2008, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.