NCERT Class 9 Geography Chapter 6 – Population

These NCERT Class 9 Geography Chapter 6 notes explain India’s population size, distribution, density, growth and demographic structure based on Census 2011 data. This chapter builds conceptual clarity about population as a resource and its impact on economic development.

According to Census 2011, India’s population was 1,210.6 million (121 crore), making it the second most populous country in the world at that time. India accounts for about 17.5% of the world’s population, while occupying only 2.4% of the world’s land area.

The chapter explains uneven population distribution influenced by relief, climate, soil fertility, water availability and economic activities. Regions like the Ganga Plains, Kerala and Tamil Nadu have high population density, whereas areas such as Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh and the Thar Desert have low density.

Important demographic indicators such as Population Density (382 persons per sq km), Sex Ratio (943 females per 1,000 males), and Literacy Rate (73%) are discussed in detail.

These notes strictly follow the NCERT textbook Contemporary India – I and are highly useful for CBSE exams, state board exams and BPSC foundation preparation.

For structured preparation of NCERT Class 9–12 for UPSC, BPSC and State PCS examinations, strengthen your basics with our complete NCERT Book Notes PDF for Class 9-12, available inside the NCERT foundation course level-2.

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1. Population size and distribution

• India is the second most populous country in the world (as per Census 2011 data used in the chapter), with a population of 1,210.6 million (121 crore).
• India accounts for about 17.5% of the world’s population, while occupying only 2.4% of the world’s land area.
• Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state, with a population larger than many countries of the world.
• Sikkim is the least populous state of India.
• Population distribution is highly uneven, influenced by relief, climate, soil, water availability and economic activities.
• The Northern Plains and Coastal Plains have high population density, while the Himalayas, Thar Desert and forested regions have low density.

2. Population density

• Population density refers to the number of persons per square kilometre.
• India’s average population density (Census 2011) is 382 persons per sq km.
• Bihar (1,102 persons/sq km) and West Bengal (1,029 persons/sq km) are among the most densely populated states.
• Arunachal Pradesh (17 persons/sq km) has one of the lowest densities.
• High density regions include Ganga Plains, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Punjab.
• Low density regions include Ladakh, Rajasthan Desert and Northeastern states.

3. Population growth and trends

• Population growth refers to the change in the number of inhabitants of a country during a specific period.
• The population of India was 361 million in 1951 and increased to 1,210.6 million in 2011.
• The period from 1951–1981 is called the period of population explosion due to high birth rates and declining death rates.
• The annual growth rate has shown a declining trend from 2.2% (1971–81) to 1.64% (2001–11).
• The rapid growth was due to improvements in medical facilities, sanitation and food production.
• Population growth directly impacts resources, employment, housing and environment.

4. Age composition

• Age composition refers to the distribution of population among different age groups.
• Population is divided into Children (0–14 years), Working-age group (15–59 years), and Aged (60 years and above).
• According to Census 2011, about 29% of the population is in the age group 0–14 years, around 62% in 15–59 years, and about 8% in 60 years and above.
• A large working-age population is called a Demographic Dividend if properly utilized.
• A high proportion of children indicates need for schools, healthcare and employment planning.
• An increasing aged population requires social security and healthcare support.

5. Sex ratio

• Sex ratio is defined as the number of females per 1,000 males in the population.
• The sex ratio of India (Census 2011) is 943 females per 1,000 males.
• Kerala has the highest sex ratio (1,084 females per 1,000 males).
• Haryana and Punjab have among the lowest sex ratios.
• The declining child sex ratio is a matter of concern due to gender discrimination.
• Social practices and literacy levels influence the sex ratio.

6. Literacy rate

• Literacy rate refers to the percentage of population aged 7 years and above who can read and write with understanding.
• The literacy rate of India (Census 2011) is 73%.
• Male literacy rate is about 80.9%, while female literacy rate is about 64.6%.
• Kerala has the highest literacy rate in India.
• There is a gap between male and female literacy rates due to social and economic factors.
• Literacy plays a crucial role in improving health, employment and standard of living.

7. Occupational structure

• Occupational structure refers to the distribution of population according to different types of occupations.
• Occupations are classified into Primary (agriculture), Secondary (industry), and Tertiary (services) sectors.
• A large proportion of India’s population is still engaged in the primary sector, especially agriculture.
• The share of the tertiary sector has increased in recent decades due to urbanization and economic development.
• States like Maharashtra, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu have higher industrial employment.
• Rural areas have higher agricultural dependence compared to urban areas.

8. Health and population policies

• Rapid population growth has led to pressure on healthcare, education and employment resources.
• The National Population Policy (2000) aims to achieve replacement-level fertility rate and improve health services.
• Family planning and awareness programs are promoted for sustainable development.
• Government initiatives focus on reducing infant mortality rate (IMR) and improving maternal health.
• Population stabilization is essential for economic progress and environmental sustainability.

9. Population as a resource

• Population becomes an asset when it is educated, healthy and skilled.
• Human resource development through education and skill training enhances productivity.
• India’s large youth population provides an opportunity for economic growth.
• Unplanned population growth may lead to unemployment and poverty.
• Proper planning can convert population into a demographic advantage.

10. Conclusion

• India’s population distribution reflects variations in relief, climate and economic development.
• The demographic structure influences planning in education, health and employment sectors.
• Population growth presents both challenges and opportunities.
• Sustainable development requires effective population management and human resource development.

11. Important Exam Oriented Facts

• 1,210.6 million (2011 Census) – Total population of India.
• 17.5% – Share of world population.
• 382 persons/sq km – Average population density (2011).
• 1,102 persons/sq km (Bihar) – Highest density state.
• 361 million (1951) – Population at first post-independence census.
• 2.2% (1971–81) – Highest growth rate period.
• 943 females/1,000 males – Sex ratio (2011).
• 1,084 (Kerala) – Highest sex ratio state.
• 73% – Literacy rate (2011).
• National Population Policy (2000) – Population stabilization policy.
• Demographic Dividend – Advantage of large working-age population.

Understanding NCERT Class 9 Geography Chapter 6 – Population is essential to analyse how demographic trends influence economic planning, resource use and social development in India.

The chapter clearly explains phases of population growth, especially the period of population explosion (1951–1981), when high birth rates and declining death rates led to rapid growth.

For school examinations, students must focus on key data such as Population (1,210.6 million), Density (382 persons/sq km), Sex Ratio (943), and Literacy Rate (73%) as per Census 2011.

For BPSC and civil services foundation studies, this chapter provides conceptual clarity about Age Composition (0–14, 15–59, 60+ years), Demographic Dividend, Occupational Structure (Primary, Secondary, Tertiary sectors), and the National Population Policy (2000).

This chapter completes the foundation of Class 9 Geography by linking human population patterns with physical and economic geography.

FAQs

Q1. What is NCERT Class 9 Geography Chapter 6 about?
It explains India’s population size, distribution, density, growth and demographic structure.

Q2. What was India’s population as per Census 2011?
India’s population was 1,210.6 million (121 crore) in Census 2011.

Q3. What is population density of India?
India’s population density is 382 persons per square kilometre (Census 2011).

Q4. What is demographic dividend?
Demographic dividend refers to the economic advantage that arises when a large proportion of population is in the working-age group (15–59 years).

Q5. Why is Chapter 6 important for exams?
It provides essential understanding of demographic indicators, population policies and human resource development, which are important for school exams and competitive exams like BPSC and UPSC.

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