Previous Year Question

According to demographic projections based on Census 2011, India's average age was projected to be approximately 29 years in 2020. Based on its young population, India was considered one of the youngest countries in the world. The Government of India's Economic Survey 2014–15 also mentioned a projected age of approximately 29 years for 2020.

According to projections available at that time, India's average age was expected to be 29 years in 2020, compared with approximately 37 years in China and the United States and approximately 45 years in Western Europe. These comparisons highlighted India's relatively young population structure. However, age-related estimates may vary because of differences in the methodologies used for population projections.

Demographic Dividend refers to the potential economic benefit that a country may experience when the proportion of its Working-Age Population increases. According to census-based projections, the proportion of India's population in the working-age group of 15–59 years was expected to increase from approximately 58% in 2001 to more than 64% by 2021.

Mean Age and Median Age are different statistical indicators. Mean Age is the arithmetic average of the ages of all individuals, whereas Median Age is the age that divides a population into two equal halves. The figure of 29 years mentioned in the question represents a demographic projection available at that time, not a figure obtained from a final census conducted in 2020. The economic benefits of a young population depend on health, education, skills, employment, and productivity.