Study the following data carefully:



In which of the given years the number of candidates appeared from State P has maximum percentage of qualified candidates?

Let's calculate the percentage of qualified candidates from State P for each of the years given in the options:
$$\text{Percentage}=\left(\frac{\text{Qualified}}{\text{Appeared}}\right)\times 100\%$$

* For 1997:

$$\text{Percentage}=\left(\frac{780}{6400}\right)\times 100\%=\frac{78}{6.4}\approx 12.18\%$$

* For 1998:

$$\text{Percentage}=\left(\frac{1020}{8800}\right)\times 100\%=\frac{102}{8.8}\approx 11.59\%$$

* For 1999:

$$\text{Percentage}=\left(\frac{890}{7800}\right)\times 100\%=\frac{89}{7.8}\approx 11.41\%$$

* For 2001:

$$\text{Percentage}=\left(\frac{1250}{9750}\right)\times 100\%=\frac{125}{9.75}\approx 12.82\%$$

Comparing the percentages:

$$12.82\%>12.18\%>11.59\%>11.41\%$$

The maximum percentage of qualified candidates from State P is in the year $2001$.