According to the Census of India 2001, what was the approximate percentage of male literacy at the national level?

Introduction / Context:
Literacy rates are important indicators of human development and social progress. The Census of India collects detailed data on literacy, including separate figures for males and females. Many general knowledge examinations ask about the literacy rates reported in specific census years. This question focuses on the male literacy rate for India as a whole according to the 2001 Census.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The question refers specifically to the Census of India 2001.
- It asks for the percentage of male literacy at the national level, not for a particular state.
- The options provide approximate values: 75.85 percent, 70 percent, 65 percent, and 60 percent.
- We assume the standard census definition of literacy, which counts persons aged seven and above who can read and write with understanding.

Concept / Approach:
The 2001 Census reported both overall literacy and separate male and female literacy rates. Overall literacy was lower than male literacy because female literacy lagged behind. The male literacy rate was significantly higher than 70 percent and is commonly quoted as around 75.85 percent. To answer the question, we need to recall or recognise this specific figure from standard exam preparation material on Indian census statistics.

Step by Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that overall literacy in India in 2001 was around the mid 60 percent range, while male literacy was higher and female literacy was lower. Step 2: Among the options, 75.85 percent stands out as a more precise value, matching commonly cited statistic for male literacy. Step 3: Options B, C, and D (70, 65, and 60 percent) are round numbers that either match approximate overall literacy or are too low for male literacy. Step 4: Therefore, the correct answer is 75.85 percent male literacy in India according to the 2001 Census.

Verification / Alternative check:
Reference tables and official summaries of the 2001 Census show that the total literacy rate in India was about 65.38 percent. The male literacy rate was higher, at approximately 75.85 percent, while the female literacy rate was about 54.16 percent. These figures are frequently cited in government economic surveys, educational reports, and competitive exam guides. The exact figure 75.85 percent appears in many reliable sources, confirming that option A is the correct choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B is wrong because 70 percent understates the actual male literacy rate and is closer to the overall literacy rate in some later census years rather than the male rate in 2001.
Option C is wrong because 65 percent roughly matches the total literacy rate for both genders combined in 2001, not specifically the male literacy rate.
Option D is wrong because 60 percent is too low and does not correspond to the male literacy figure in the 2001 Census.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes mix up overall literacy rates with male or female literacy rates, or they confuse data from different census years. Round numbers like 70 or 65 percent may look familiar and therefore tempting, but examination questions often include one option with a more precise figure, which is usually the correct one. To avoid confusion, remember that for the 2001 Census, male literacy in India was approximately 75.85 percent, female literacy was around 54.16 percent, and the overall literacy rate was about 65.38 percent.

Final Answer:
75.85 percent male literacy in India.