Arrange the following stages of demographic transition theory in corr…

The correct answer is Option (1) → (C), (B), (D), (A)

(C) High Fluctuating — first. In stage I, both fertility and mortality are high, so the population grows slowly.

(B) Early Expanding — second. At the beginning of stage II, better sanitation and health care bring the death rate down, but the birth rate stays high. The population grows fast.

(D) Late Expanding — third. Later in stage II, the birth rate also starts to fall, and growth slows down.

(A) Low Fluctuating — last. In stage III, both fertility and mortality are low, and the population is stable or grows slowly.

Note 1: The given answer is as per the official NTA Answer Key. NCERT shows only three stages of demographic transition: high fluctuating, expanding and low fluctuating. The words ‘early expanding’ and ‘late expanding’ are not in the book. NTA split the expanding stage into two parts. Early expanding is its beginning, when the death rate falls but the birth rate is still high. Late expanding is its end, when the birth rate also starts to fall. With this, the answer can be worked out from the book.

Note 2: The book draws three stages, and NTA cut the middle one into two. Learn the stages well, and the order still falls into place.

Note 3: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2025 on 16-05-2025 (Slot 1).