Which is the most populated state in india Top 5, 10, 20 population state in India
Which is the most populated state in india Top 5, 10, 20 population state in India : Uttar Pradesh, the most populous state in India with a population of over 200 million as per Census and comprises approximately 16-17% of India’s overall population. It has over 240 million people in its demographic as of estimates for 2024–2025, followed by Maharashtra and Bihar.
Top 3 Most Populous States (Approx. Data):
Uttar Pradesh: 200–240+ million
Maharashtra: 112–124 million
Bihar: 104–121 million
Uttar Pradesh is the most populous country subdivision in the world.
Uttar Pradesh happens to be the most populous state in India. As of early 2026, its population is given as about 243 million (24.3 crore). To give that some perspective, if Uttar Pradesh were a country it would be the 6th biggest in population terms globally, approximately the same number of people as Nigeria. 5 States with Highest Population (Provisional 2026)Although the census of 2021 is still awaited, the latest estimates used to project population circa as per National Commission on Population there are now only two additions and minor changes among the five most populated states compared to last reported numbers:
Top 5 Most Populated States
| Rank | State | Estimated Population (2026) |
| 1 | Uttar Pradesh | 243.4 Million |
| 2 | Bihar | 132.8 Million |
| 3 | Maharashtra | 129.5 Million |
| 4 | West Bengal | 100.6 Million |
| 5 | Madhya Pradesh | 89.9 Million |
Key Facts:
Key Facts:
National share: Uttar Pradesh contributes nearly 17 per cent of the population to Rest of India.
Density: It is also one of the most densely populated areas, with over 1,000 individuals density per square kilometers in most places.
Growth: Uttar Pradesh has India’s largest population by numbers, but Bihar today has the most explosive growth rate of any Indian state.
Top 10 Most Populated States
These 10 states alone house nearly 75% of India’s total population.
| Rank | State | Estimated Population (2026) | Global Comparison (Approx.) |
| 1 | Uttar Pradesh | 24.35 Crore (243.5M) | Nigeria |
| 2 | Bihar | 13.28 Crore (132.8M) | Mexico |
| 3 | Maharashtra | 12.96 Crore (129.6M) | Mexico |
| 4 | West Bengal | 10.06 Crore (100.6M) | Vietnam |
| 5 | Madhya Pradesh | 8.99 Crore (89.9M) | Türkiye |
| 6 | Rajasthan | 8.38 Crore (83.8M) | Germany |
| 7 | Tamil Nadu | 7.76 Crore (77.6M) | Thailand |
| 8 | Gujarat | 7.43 Crore (74.3M) | Thailand |
| 9 | Karnataka | 6.91 Crore (69.1M) | United Kingdom |
| 10 | Andhra Pradesh | 5.37 Crore (53.7M) | Colombia |
States Ranked 11 to 20
These states represent the mid-sized demographic engines of the country, with several showing rapid urban growth.
| Rank | State | Estimated Population (2026) |
| 11 | Odisha | 4.72 Crore |
| 12 | Jharkhand | 4.11 Crore |
| 13 | Telangana | 3.86 Crore |
| 14 | Assam | 3.68 Crore |
| 15 | Kerala | 3.62 Crore |
| 16 | Haryana | 3.14 Crore |
| 17 | Punjab | 3.13 Crore |
| 18 | Chhattisgarh | 3.13 Crore |
| 19 | Uttarakhand | 1.20 Crore |
| 20 | Himachal Pradesh | 0.76 Crore |
Notable Observations:
The Big Shift: For the first time in modern projections, Bihar is expected to surpass Maharashtra to be the 2nd most populous state because of higher birth rates.
The “Country” States: Uttar Pradesh is still so big that if it were a sovereign country, it would be the sixth most populous in the world.
Union Territory Exemption: NCT of Delhi is not a state, however it will be around 2.26 Crore (22.6M) in numbers by the year 2026 and when it will be accorded to a rank with respect to states, it will fall between Chhattisgarh and Uttarakhand if we talk about huge number population.
Slowest Growth: Southern states such as Tamil Nadu and Kerala have had substantially slower population growth than their Northern or Eastern counterparts, in line with fertility rates and demographic transition narratives.
India All population state in India List
| Rank | State / Union Territory | Estimated Population (2026) | Share of India (%) |
| 1 | Uttar Pradesh | 24,34,66,000 | 17.03% |
| 2 | Bihar | 13,28,50,000 | 9.29% |
| 3 | Maharashtra | 12,95,84,000 | 9.07% |
| 4 | West Bengal | 10,06,31,000 | 7.04% |
| 5 | Madhya Pradesh | 8,99,65,000 | 6.29% |
| 6 | Rajasthan | 8,38,79,000 | 5.87% |
| 7 | Tamil Nadu | 7,75,82,000 | 5.43% |
| 8 | Gujarat | 7,43,43,000 | 5.20% |
| 9 | Karnataka | 6,90,74,000 | 4.83% |
| 10 | Andhra Pradesh | 5,37,40,000 | 3.76% |
| 11 | Odisha | 4,72,21,000 | 3.30% |
| 12 | Jharkhand | 4,11,08,000 | 2.88% |
| 13 | Telangana | 3,86,65,000 | 2.70% |
| 14 | Assam | 3,68,15,000 | 2.58% |
| 15 | Kerala | 3,62,39,000 | 2.54% |
| 16 | Haryana | 3,14,09,000 | 2.20% |
| 17 | Punjab | 3,13,70,000 | 2.19% |
| 18 | Chhattisgarh | 3,13,11,000 | 2.19% |
| UT1 | Delhi (NCT) | 2,26,74,000 | 1.59% |
| UT2 | Jammu & Kashmir | 1,39,27,000 | 0.97% |
| 19 | Uttarakhand | 1,20,28,000 | 0.84% |
| 20 | Himachal Pradesh | 75,88,000 | 0.53% |
| 21 | Tripura | 42,68,000 | 0.30% |
| 22 | Meghalaya | 34,47,000 | 0.24% |
| 23 | Manipur | 33,18,000 | 0.23% |
| 24 | Nagaland | 22,99,000 | 0.16% |
| UT3 | Puducherry | 17,71,000 | 0.12% |
| 25 | Arunachal Pradesh | 16,08,000 | 0.11% |
| 26 | Goa | 16,01,000 | 0.11% |
| UT4 | Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu | 15,93,000 | 0.11% |
| 27 | Mizoram | 12,75,000 | 0.09% |
| UT5 | Chandigarh | 12,70,000 | 0.09% |
| 28 | Sikkim | 7,09,000 | 0.05% |
| UT6 | Andaman & Nicobar Islands | 4,06,000 | 0.03% |
| UT7 | Ladakh | 3,06,000 | 0.02% |
| UT8 | Lakshadweep | 70,000 | 0.00% |
| TOTAL INDIA | 1,42,94,04,000 | 100% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy ready-to-move or under-construction in Gurgaon and NCR?
Ready homes have no wait, no GST and no build risk but cost more; under-construction is cheaper with a longer wait. Choose by your timeline and risk appetite.
How do I book a property in Gurgaon and NCR?
Shortlist, visit, check the papers and RERA, then pay the booking amount and sign the agreement. Read the payment plan and cancellation terms before you commit.
Do I need a lawyer to buy property in Gurgaon and NCR?
For anything beyond a simple, clean deal it helps. A lawyer vets the title, the agreement and the approvals, which is cheap insurance against a costly mistake.
What is a builder-buyer agreement?
It is the core contract between you and the developer, setting the price, payment plan, area, specifications and possession date. Read it fully before signing.
What is an occupancy certificate and why does it matter?
It certifies a building is legally fit to occupy. Never take possession of a completed home without it, since it affects loans, utilities and resale.
What is mutation and why is it important?
Mutation updates the ownership in municipal and revenue records after a sale. Without it the property tax and records still point to the old owner, so get it done.
What credit score do I need for a home loan?
Lenders prefer a healthy score, usually in the mid-700s and above, for the best rates. A lower score can still get a loan but often at a higher rate.
Can I claim tax benefits on a home loan?
Yes, home-loan principal and interest carry deductions under the income tax rules, subject to limits and conditions. Confirm the current rules or ask a tax adviser.
What is the difference between freehold and leasehold?
Freehold gives you full, permanent ownership of the property and land; leasehold runs for a fixed term from an authority. Freehold is generally simpler to resell.
How do I check a builder's track record?
Look at delivered projects, delivery delays, the RERA record and buyer reviews. A builder with a clean, on-time record lowers your risk sharply.
What red flags should I watch for when buying?
Unclear title, missing approvals or RERA, pending dues, a builder with delays, and prices far below the market. If something feels rushed, slow down and verify.
What is the difference between capital appreciation and rental yield?
Appreciation is the rise in the property value over time; rental yield is the annual rent as a share of the price. Most Indian homes give modest yield and rely on appreciation.
How much should I keep as a buffer beyond the price?
Set aside for stamp duty, registration, GST where it applies, interiors, and a contingency. A buffer of a meaningful share above the base price is prudent.
Is a home loan pre-approval useful?
Yes, a pre-approved loan tells you your budget, speeds up booking and strengthens your negotiating position with sellers. Get it before you shortlist seriously.
How do I choose between two similar projects?
Compare the builder record, RERA status, carpet area, real amenities, connectivity and total cost, not just the headline price. Visit both before deciding.
What stamp duty and registration charges apply in Gurgaon and NCR?
Stamp duty and registration vary by state and are usually a few percent of the property value, with a small rebate for women buyers in many states. Confirm the current Gurgaon and NCR rate before you budget.
