Topic Literacy
Asked 4 times across 2 UPSC exams over 31 years (1992–2023), peaking in 1992.
Key insights
- Most tested in CSE — 2 of 4 PYQs
- Most asked in 1992
- Recurs across 4 years (1992–2023)
How it travelled across exams
First appearance in each exam — the same idea, reframed.
CSE 1992 → CDS 2017
How the concept evolved
Long-running — most appearances (2 of 4) predate 2016, and it still returns.
Related concepts
Ideas UPSC tests alongside this one — keep exploring.
Sample questions
You've seen the pattern — here are a few of the actual PYQs.
CDS2023
According to the Census 2011, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- A person who can only read but cannot write, is not literate
- A person aged seven years and above, who can both read and write with understanding in any language is treated as literate
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- A 1 only
- B 2 only
- C Both 1 and 2 ✓
- D Neither 1 nor 2
✓ Correct answer: (C)
Geography › Population & Settlement
CDS2017
Which one of the following statements is correct? For the purpose of Census 2011
- A a person aged seven and above who can both read and write with understanding in any language is treated as a literate ✓
- B a person aged eight and above who can both read and write with understanding in any language is treated as a literate
- C a person aged nine and above who can both read and write with understanding in any language is treated as a literate
- D a person aged ten and above who can both read and write with understanding in any language is treated as a literate
✓ Correct answer: (A)
Geography › Population & Settlement
CSE1999
As per 1991 Census, which one of the following groups of Union Territories had the highest literacy rate?
- A Chandigarh and Dadra Nagar Haveli
- B Delhi and Andaman Nicobar Islands
- C Andaman Nicobar Islands & Pondicherry
- D Pondicherry and Delhi ✓
✓ Correct answer: (D)
Geography › Population & Settlement
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