UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Urbanisation is about the growing share of people residing in towns and cities, not just absolute population growth. This change can result from natural increase in urban areas, migration from rural regions and reclassification of settlements. As the proportion of urban population rises, social and environmental patterns also change. Thus, defining urbanisation as an increase in the proportion of people living in urban areas over time is conceptually accurate.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because the total national population can increase while the share of urban population remains the same or even falls. Urbanisation specifically concerns the urban share, not overall population size.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect since movement between rural areas does not necessarily increase the urban proportion. Rural-to-rural migration may alter local demographics but does not drive urbanisation.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect as reducing industrial activities does not define urbanisation. Cities may still grow in population even if some industries relocate, or they may specialise in services instead.

Option D:
Option D is correct because it focuses on the relative growth of the urban population. This indicator is widely used in census and planning documents to track urbanisation trends.