NCERT Class 12 Geography — Chapter 2: Human Development

mcqeasy

In the calculation of the Human Development Index (HDI), what is the weightage assigned to each of the three dimensions?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1/3 for each dimension
BWeights vary depending on the country's income level
C1/2 for resources, 1/4 for health, 1/4 for education
D50% for education, 25% for health, 25% for resources

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Solution

The correct option is 1/3 for each dimension.

Explanation

The Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite statistic used to rank countries by their level of human development. It was introduced by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to emphasize that people and their capabilities should be the ultimate criteria for assessing the development of a country, not economic growth alone.

Methodology and Weightage:

The HDI measures average achievement in three basic dimensions of human development:
1. Long and healthy life (Health): Assessed by Life Expectancy at birth.
2. Knowledge (Education): Assessed by Mean Years of Schooling and Expected Years of Schooling.
3. A decent standard of living (Resources): Assessed by Gross National Income (GNI) per capita.
To calculate the HDI, an index is created for each of these three dimensions.
The final HDI is the geometric mean of the three dimensional indices.
Mathematically, the formula is: \( HDI = (I_{Health} \times I_{Education} \times I_{Income})^{\frac{1}{3}} \).
This calculation method inherently assigns equal weight (1/3) to each of the three dimensions.

Key Takeaway: The HDI is calculated as the geometric mean of indices for Health, Education, and Standard of Living, assigning an equal weight of 1/3 to each dimension.

Your note

More from Chapter 2: Human Development

Within India, Kerala performs much better than Punjab and Gujarat in human development despite having:

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With reference to the concepts of ‘growth’ and ‘development’, consider the following statements: 1. Growth is quantitative and value-neutral, whereas development is qualitative and value-positive. 2. Development can take place even if there is no change in the existing conditions. 3. Positive growth does not always lead to development. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the concept of a "Meaningful Life" in human development, consider the following statements: 1. A meaningful life is defined primarily by its longevity. 2. It implies that people must be able to develop their talents and participate in society. 3. It requires people to be free to achieve their goals. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which of the following is NOT one of the four pillars of human development?

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With reference to the pillar of 'Equity' in human development, consider the following statements: 1. It refers to making equal access to opportunities available to everybody. 2. It ensures opportunities are equal only for those belonging to the economically weaker sections. 3. In India, school dropout rates demonstrate that choices are not limited by lack of access to knowledge. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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The correct option is 1/3 for each dimension.

Explanation

Methodology and Weightage:

The HDI measures average achievement in three basic dimensions of human development:
1. Long and healthy life (Health): Assessed by Life Expectancy at birth.
2. Knowledge (Education): Assessed by Mean Years of Schooling and Expected Years of Schooling.
3. A decent standard of living (Resources): Assessed by Gross National Income (GNI) per capita.
To calculate the HDI, an index is created for each of these three dimensions.
The final HDI is the geometric mean of the three dimensional indices.
Mathematically, the formula is: \( HDI = (I_{Health} \times I_{Education} \times I_{Income})^{\frac{1}{3}} \).
This calculation method inherently assigns equal weight (1/3) to each of the three dimensions.

Key Takeaway: The HDI is calculated as the geometric mean of indices for Health, Education, and Standard of Living, assigning an equal weight of 1/3 to each dimension.