Which of the following is a push factor of migration?

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 2

The correct answer is Option (2) → Unemployment

Option (1) Better job opportunities — Incorrect. It is a pull factor: pull factors make the place of destination seem more attractive than the place of origin, and more and better jobs there draw people towards it.

Option (2) Unemployment — Correct. Push factors make the place of origin seem less attractive: unemployment, poor living conditions, political turmoil, unpleasant climate, natural disasters, epidemics and socio-economic backwardness. People who find no work at home cannot earn a living there, so they leave to look for work elsewhere; the cause lies in the place of origin and drives them out.

Option (3) Peace and stability — Incorrect. Peace and stability make a destination safe to live in, so they pull people there.

Option (4) Security of life — Incorrect. Security of life and property at the destination attracts people; it is a pull factor.

Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2026 on 24-05-2026 (Slot 2), and in CUET (UG) 2023 on 10-06-2023 (Slot 1) and 05-06-2023 (Slot 2).

NCERT (2025-26): “Migration … People migrate for a better economic and social life. There are two sets of factors that influence migration. The Push factors make the place of origin seem less attractive for reasons like unemployment, poor living conditions, political turmoil, unpleasant climate, natural disasters, epidemics and socio-economic backwardness. The Pull factors make the place of destination seem more attractive than the place of origin for reasons like better job opportunities and living conditions, peace and stability, security of life and property and pleasant climate.”