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UPSC Prelims 2003 · Indian Geography · People and Settlements
Which one among the following States has the highest female literacy rate as per the Census 2001?
- (a) Chhattisgarh
- (b) Madhya Pradesh
- (c) Orissa
- (d) Rajasthan
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: (a) Chhattisgarh
Chhattisgarh had the highest female literacy of these four (51.9%).
The idea
Female literacy rate measures the share of females aged seven and above who can read and write with understanding. It is a percentage, not the number of literate women. Compare only the listed States using Census 2001; a national leader need not be among the options.
Why the others are wrong
(b) MP was 50.3%.
(c) Odisha was 50.5%.
(d) Rajasthan was lowest (43.9%).
The trap
The figures are within 2 points — only data settles it.
Also know
Total literacy combines male and female rates using their population weights. The gender literacy gap is the male rate minus the female rate, measured in percentage points. Chhattisgarh was formed from Madhya Pradesh in 2000, so Census 2001 records the new State separately.
🔒 Female literacy 2011: Kerala highest (~92%), Rajasthan lowest (~52%).
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