NLNET Law 058
UGC NET PAPER 1 · CODE 00 · UNIT 07

UGC NET Paper 1 Unit 7: Data Interpretation Notes and MCQs

Data Interpretation tests whether you can read a table or chart and do small calculations without losing the units. The arithmetic is usually simple: percentages, averages and angles in a pie chart. These notes list the data types, chart types and formulas you need, whatever your subject.

  • Types of data
  • Charts
  • Mean median mode
  • Percentages
  • Data and governance
  • 6 syllabus topics
  • 350+ free MCQs
  • No sign-up
  • Updated 11 October 2026

NET Law 058 is an independent study aid, not affiliated with UGC or NTA. Always check the official UGC NET syllabus and the latest official sources for any data.

What Unit 7 covers

Most Data Interpretation marks come from simple arithmetic done carefully, so accuracy matters more than speed here. The official syllabus lists 6 topics for this unit. Each is explained below with the points examiners most often use.

1Sources, acquisition and classification of data

  • Primary data is collected first-hand by the researcher through surveys, interviews, observation or experiments. Secondary data comes from existing sources such as reports, journals and the Census.
  • Official sources in India include the Census (every 10 years), the National Sample Survey and government statistical reports.
  • Classification groups data by time (chronological), place (geographical), quality (qualitative) or size (quantitative), for example into class intervals.
  • Check the source, date, sample size and units before using any data set.

2Quantitative and qualitative data

  • Quantitative data is numerical and measurable. It can be discrete (countable whole numbers, such as number of students) or continuous (any value in a range, such as height).
  • Qualitative (categorical) data describes quality or category, such as gender, religion or caste. It may be nominal (no order) or ordinal (ordered, such as grades).
  • Mean is the sum divided by the number of items. It is affected by extreme values.
  • Median is the middle value of ordered data and is least affected by extreme values. Mode is the most frequent value. Range is largest minus smallest.

3Data representation: tables, bar charts, histograms, pie charts and line charts

  • A table arranges data in rows and columns. A bar chart compares categories, and its bars are separated.
  • A histogram shows a continuous frequency distribution with bars that touch. A frequency polygon is drawn by joining the mid-points of the tops of histogram bars.
  • A pie chart shows parts of a whole. A sector angle equals percentage times 360 divided by 100, so 25% is 90 degrees.
  • A line chart shows change over time. A scatter plot shows the relationship between two variables.

4Mapping of data

  • Data can be shown on maps to display geographical patterns, for example population density or rainfall by state.
  • A choropleth map uses shades or colours for regions according to a value. Dot maps and symbol maps show counts and locations.
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS) store and analyse data linked to location.
  • Read the legend and scale first, because they decide what a colour or symbol means.

5Data interpretation and analysis

  • Percentage change is change divided by the old value, times 100. Example: 100 rising to 120 is a 20 percent increase.
  • Ratio, average and percentage share are the most common calculations in questions.
  • Check axes, scales, units (thousand, lakh, crore) and the base year before comparing values.
  • Cumulative frequency is a running total, and its graph is called an ogive. It is used to find the median.

6Data and governance

  • Governments use data for planning, targeting of schemes, monitoring and accountability.
  • Examples in India are the Census, the AISHE survey on higher education, NIRF data and the Open Government Data (data.gov.in) portal.
  • Evidence-based policy uses data to design and evaluate programmes. Good governance data should be accurate, timely and accessible.
  • Privacy and protection of personal data are important concerns when governments collect large data sets.

Quick reference tables

Which chart to use
ChartBest used for
Bar chartComparing values across categories
HistogramFrequency of a continuous variable in class intervals
Pie chartShare of each part in a whole
Line chartTrend or change over time
Scatter plotRelationship between two variables
Frequency polygonShape of a frequency distribution
OgiveCumulative frequency and median
Quick formulas
MeasureFormula or rule
MeanSum of values / number of values
MedianMiddle value of ordered data (average of two middle values if the count is even)
ModeMost frequent value
RangeLargest value minus smallest value
Percentage change(New - Old) / Old x 100
Pie sector anglePercentage x 360 / 100

Key terms and facts to remember

Primary data

Collected first-hand by the researcher.

Secondary data

Taken from existing sources such as reports and the Census.

Discrete data

Countable whole numbers, such as number of students.

Continuous data

Can take any value in a range, such as height.

Qualitative data

Categories or descriptions, such as gender or religion.

Histogram

Touching bars for continuous frequency data.

Pie chart angle

Full circle is 360 degrees, so 25% equals 90 degrees.

Median

Least affected by extreme values.

Ogive

Graph of cumulative frequency; used to find the median.

Census

Conducted every 10 years in India.

Open Government Data

data.gov.in is the national open data portal.

Practise Data Interpretation MCQs topic by topic

Beyond the six samples, all 364 questions for this unit are on their own pages, grouped by syllabus topic, with the answer key on the page.

See all 21 topic sets (364 MCQs) →

Try 6 sample questions

Tap “Show answer” after you have tried each one. These come from the 350+ MCQs in this unit.

1Sales rose from 100 in 2021 to 120 in 2022. The percentage increase is:

  1. 10%
  2. 15%
  3. 20%
  4. 25%
Show answer and explanation

Answer: C. 20%

Increase 20 on 100 = 20%.

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2In a pie chart of 360°, 30% corresponds to:

  1. 90°
  2. 100°
  3. 108°
  4. 120°
Show answer and explanation

Answer: C. 108°

0.3 × 360.

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3The range of 12, 18, 25, 30 is:

  1. 12
  2. 16
  3. 18
  4. 20
Show answer and explanation

Answer: C. 18

30 − 12.

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4Which measure is least affected by extreme values?

  1. Median
  2. Mean
  3. Sum
  4. Range
Show answer and explanation

Answer: A. Median

Median depends on position.

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5Height measured in centimetres is:

  1. Nominal data
  2. Qualitative data
  3. Discrete data
  4. Continuous data
Show answer and explanation

Answer: D. Continuous data

Can take any value in a range.

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6Consider the statements: 1. The mean is affected by outliers. 2. The median is the middle value of ordered data.

  1. Only statement 1 is correct
  2. Only statement 2 is correct
  3. Both statements are correct
  4. Neither statement is correct
Show answer and explanation

Answer: C. Both statements are correct

Both are correct.

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Practise all 350+ Unit 7 MCQsTake a free mock test

How to study this unit

  • Practise three calculations until they are automatic: percentage change, pie-chart angles and averages. They cover most numerical questions.
  • Before any calculation, read the title, axis labels and units. Many wrong answers come from misreading thousand, lakh or percent.
  • Learn which chart suits which data. Definition questions on histogram, ogive and frequency polygon are easy marks.

Planning your time? See the UGC NET Law preparation plans for 6 months, 3 months, 1 month or 2 weeks, or check the cut-off trend to set a target score.

← Unit 6: Logical ReasoningUnit 8: ICT →

Last updated: . Notes are a revision aid. Check official sources for the latest figures. Spotted a mistake? Write to netlawverse@gmail.com.