By total geographical area India ranks as which numbered largest country in the world?

Introduction / Context:
Apart from population, countries are also compared by their total geographical area. Knowing India relative position in terms of land area helps place the country size in a global context. This is a standard fact tested in geography and general studies exams.

Given Data / Assumptions:

- The question concerns India rank when countries are ordered by total area. - The options provided are 3rd, 5th, 7th and 9th. - We use commonly accepted area figures including land and inland waters, excluding Antarctic claims. - We assume no major redefinitions of country boundaries.

Concept / Approach:
When ranked by area, the largest countries in the world are, in order, Russia, Canada, the United States of America, China, Brazil, Australia and India. This places India at number seven in terms of total area. While India ranks second in population, it is seventh in land area, which is an important distinction for exam questions.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the standard list of the largest countries by area Russia, Canada, United States, China, Brazil, Australia and India. Step 2: Count the positions Russia is 1st, Canada 2nd, United States 3rd, China 4th, Brazil 5th, Australia 6th and India 7th. Step 3: Confirm that no other country has a greater area than India after these six. Step 4: Compare this rank with the options and see that 7th matches the position just determined. Step 5: Therefore, choose 7th as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Any atlas or global statistical compendium listing countries by area shows the top seven as Russia, Canada, United States, China, Brazil, Australia and India in that order. These rankings are also repeated in school textbooks and competitive exam guides, which summarise the fact with statements such as India is the seventh largest country in the world by area. This cross checking confirms the correctness of the 7th position.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
3rd would incorrectly place India ahead of China and Brazil in area, which is not supported by standard measurements. 5th would suggest that only four countries have greater area than India, but in reality six countries do Russia, Canada, United States, China, Brazil and Australia. 9th is too low a rank, as there are not eight countries with larger area than India in accepted listings.

Common Pitfalls:
Students often confuse population rank with area rank, knowing that India is second in population and therefore mistakenly assuming it must also be near the top in area. Others misremember the sequence of large countries, especially when deciding where to place Australia and Brazil. To prevent such errors, it is useful to memorise a short phrase or mental picture of the seven largest countries by area, ensuring that India is fixed in your mind at number seven.

Final Answer:
By total geographical area, India is the 7th largest country in the world.