Which one of the following dimensions is not included in Human Development Index? (a) Life Expectancy at birth (b) Mean years of schooling (c) Expected years of schooling (d) Mortality rate

The Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite statistic used by the UNDP to measure average achievement in three basic dimensions: a long and healthy life, knowledge, and a decent standard of living [1]. The health dimension is specifically assessed by life expectancy at birth [3]. The knowledge dimension is measured through two indicators: mean years of schooling for adults aged 25 and older, and expected years of schooling for children of school-entering age [4]. The standard of living is measured by Gross National Income (GNI) per capita [3]. While mortality rates (such as infant or under-five mortality) are important health indicators used in other developmental contexts, they are not direct components of the HDI calculation [4]. Therefore, mortality rate is the dimension not included in the HDI framework.

Sources

1. [1] FUNDAMENTALS OF HUMAN GEOGRAPHY, CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Human Development > MEASURING HUMAN DEVELOPMENT > p. 17
2. [2] Understanding Economic Development. Class X . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 1: DEVELOPMENT > NOTES > p. 12
3. [3] https://hdr.undp.org/sites/default/files/2025_HDR/HDR25_Statistical_Annex_Tables_1-7.pdf
4. [4] https://databank.worldbank.org/metadataglossary/africa-development-indicators/series/UNDP.HDI.XD