India is a land of incredible diversity in languages, cultures, and most visibly, population. As of 2025, India’s total population is estimated at over 1.43 billion, and it’s unevenly distributed across the country. Some states are densely packed with people, while others remain relatively spacious.
In this article, we’ll explore the 10 Most Populated States of India in detail. You’ll find their estimated population, density, and key reasons why they hold so many people.
Quick Overview: Top 10 Most Populated States of India (2025 Estimates)
| Rank | State | Approx Population (2025) | Share of India’s Population | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uttar Pradesh | 241 million | 16.5% | Most populated state in India, vast rural base |
| 2 | Bihar | 131 million | 9% | High growth rate, youthful population |
| 3 | Maharashtra | 125 million | 8% | Urban hub, strong economy |
| 4 | West Bengal | 100 million | 7% | Densely packed eastern state |
| 5 | Madhya Pradesh | 90 million | 6% | Central state with mixed density |
| 6 | Tamil Nadu | 80 million | 5.5% | Urban, industrial, and highly literate |
| 7 | Rajasthan | 80 million | 5.4% | Large area, moderate population |
| 8 | Karnataka | 70 million | 4.8% | Mix of tech-driven cities and rural areas |
| 9 | Gujarat | 65 million | 4.6% | Industrial powerhouse, moderate density |
| 10 | Andhra Pradesh | 60 million | 4.3% | Coastal growth and agriculture-driven economy |
1. Uttar Pradesh – The Most Populated State of India
Uttar Pradesh continues to lead as the most populated state in India, with an estimated population of 241 million in 2025. It alone makes up about one-sixth of India’s total population. The state has both densely packed rural areas and fast-growing cities such as Lucknow, Kanpur, and Varanasi. Its high population is a result of fertile land, agricultural opportunities, and a long history of settlement. Over the past few years, urbanization has increased, yet over 70% of people still live in rural areas.
Key Highlights of Uttar Pradesh
- Capital: Lucknow
- Area: 243,000 sq km
- Population density: Around 830 per sq km
- Urban population: Around 22%
- Major cities: Lucknow, Kanpur, Ghaziabad, Varanasi
2. Bihar – The Fastest Growing Population State in India
Bihar ranks second among the Most Populated States of India with nearly 131 million residents in 2025. Despite being smaller in area, its population density is one of the highest in the country. The state’s young demographic and high birth rate contribute to its rapid growth. A large section of the population depends on agriculture, while migration to other states continues in search of jobs.
Key Highlights of Bihar
- Capital: Patna
- Area: 94,000 sq km
- Population density: 1,300 per sq km
- Rural population: Over 80%
- Major cities: Patna, Gaya, Bhagalpur, Muzaffarpur
3. Maharashtra – India’s Economic Powerhouse
Maharashtra stands third with an estimated 125 million people. It is the most urbanized large state in India, with about 45% of its population living in cities. Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur are magnets for job seekers and entrepreneurs. The state’s strong industrial base and financial growth attract migrants from all over the country.
Key Highlights of Maharashtra
- Capital: Mumbai
- Area: 308,000 sq km
- Population density: 400 per sq km
- Urban population: 45%
- Major cities: Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik
4. West Bengal – A Densely Populated Cultural Hub
West Bengal ranks fourth among the Most Populated States of India, with around 100 million residents in 2025. Despite its smaller land area, it remains one of the most densely populated states. The state’s population thrives around Kolkata, one of India’s oldest metropolitan cities. Agriculture, services, and trade dominate its economy, and literacy rates remain among the highest in India.
Key Highlights of West Bengal
- Capital: Kolkata
- Area: 88,000 sq km
- Population density: 1,000 per sq km
- Urban population: 38%
- Major cities: Kolkata, Howrah, Siliguri, Durgapur
5. Madhya Pradesh – The Central Heartland of India
Madhya Pradesh ranks fifth with a population of around 90 million in 2025. Despite its size, the state’s population density is moderate. It is known for its geographic diversity, forest cover, and historical cities. The urban population is rising due to growing centers like Indore and Bhopal.
Key Highlights of Madhya Pradesh
- Capital: Bhopal
- Area: 308,000 sq km
- Population density: 300 per sq km
- Urban population: 28%
- Major cities: Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Gwalior
6. Tamil Nadu – The Urban and Industrial Leader
Tamil Nadu, with about 80 million people, is one of the Most Populated States of South India. It has a high literacy rate and excellent healthcare indicators. The state is known for its balanced growth across agriculture, manufacturing, and IT. Chennai, Coimbatore, and Madurai are its major urban hubs.
Key Highlights of Tamil Nadu
- Capital: Chennai
- Area: 130,000 sq km
- Population density: 600 per sq km
- Urban population: 48%
- Major cities: Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore, Salem
7. Rajasthan – The Land of Expanding Population
Rajasthan, despite its desert regions, ranks seventh with nearly 80 million residents in 2025. The population has been increasing steadily due to improved education and infrastructure. The state’s population is unevenly distributed, concentrated around cities like Jaipur and Jodhpur, and sparse in desert areas.
Key Highlights of Rajasthan
- Capital: Jaipur
- Area: 342,000 sq km
- Population density: 230 per sq km
- Urban population: 25%
- Major cities: Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Kota
8. Karnataka – Technology and Migration Boost Population
Karnataka’s population stands at around 70 million in 2025. The growth has been fueled by industrialization, especially in Bengaluru, known as India’s “Silicon Valley.” Apart from urban tech hubs, Karnataka also has large agricultural areas. This balance helps stabilize its growth compared to the northern states.
Key Highlights of Karnataka
- Capital: Bengaluru
- Area: 191,000 sq km
- Population density: 370 per sq km
- Urban population: 42%
- Major cities: Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mangaluru, Hubballi
9. Gujarat – Industrial Prosperity and Population Balance
Gujarat is home to about 65 million people. Its industrial and economic progress draws migrants from surrounding states. Major cities like Ahmedabad, Surat, and Vadodara drive employment, while rural areas remain agriculturally strong. Gujarat’s population density is moderate compared to its economic size.
Key Highlights of Gujarat
- Capital: Gandhinagar
- Area: 196,000 sq km
- Population density: 330 per sq km
- Urban population: 45%
- Major cities: Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot
10. Andhra Pradesh – The Coastal Population Belt
Andhra Pradesh ranks tenth with approximately 60 million people. The state’s population has grown steadily, supported by its long coastline and fertile agricultural lands. Urbanization is moderate, with Visakhapatnam emerging as the state’s major growth center. Agriculture and fisheries still employ a large part of the population.
Key Highlights of Andhra Pradesh
- Capital: Amaravati (proposed)
- Area: 162,000 sq km
- Population density: 370 per sq km
- Urban population: 30%
- Major cities: Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Guntur, Nellore
10 Most Populated States of India with their Density, Urban Share, and Growth Comparison 2025
| State | Population (2025 millions) | Density | Urban % | Primary Driver of Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uttar Pradesh | 241 | 830 | 22 | Fertility and rural settlement |
| Bihar | 131 | 1 300 | 16 | Natural growth rate |
| Maharashtra | 125 | 400 | 45 | Migration and industry |
| West Bengal | 100 | 1 000 | 38 | Historic density |
| Madhya Pradesh | 90 | 300 | 28 | Balanced growth |
| Tamil Nadu | 80 | 600 | 48 | Urban expansion |
| Rajasthan | 80 | 230 | 25 | Area-driven spread |
| Karnataka | 70 | 370 | 42 | Technology and jobs |
| Gujarat | 65 | 330 | 45 | Industry and trade |
| Andhra Pradesh | 60 | 370 | 30 | Coastal agriculture |
Which Are the Most Densely Populated States in India 2025?
Population alone doesn’t tell the full story; density shows how tightly people live within a given space.
In 2025, Bihar, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh rank as the most densely populated states in India, with Bihar crossing over 1,300 people per square kilometer. Urbanized states like Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra also have high density due to expanding cities and migration from rural belts.
Quick Facts:
- Bihar – ~1,300 persons per sq km
- West Bengal – ~1,000 persons per sq km
- Uttar Pradesh – ~830 persons per sq km
- Tamil Nadu – ~600 persons per sq km
These numbers reflect the growing urban pressure and the need for sustainable housing and infrastructure planning in India’s largest states.
Why Are Northern Indian States More Populated Than Southern States?
Northern states historically have higher birth rates, younger populations, and slower urban transitions. Southern states, on the other hand, achieved higher literacy and healthcare access earlier, leading to lower fertility and stable population growth.
Comparison Snapshot:
| Region | Average Fertility Rate | Literacy Rate | Growth Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern India (UP, Bihar, MP) | 2.6 – 2.9 | 70–75% | Rapid growth |
| Southern India (TN, Kerala, AP, Karnataka) | 1.6 – 1.9 | 80–90% | Controlled growth |
As India’s development balances out, southern models of growth and education are expected to influence population trends in northern states as well.
Population Patterns Shaping India’s Future in 2025
The Most Populated States of India 2025 show three clear trends:
- Urban migration is accelerating. Cities in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka grow faster than ever.
- Northern states still dominate numerically. Uttar Pradesh and Bihar together hold over 25 % of India’s population.
- Southern states stabilize. Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh show controlled growth due to literacy and health awareness.
These shifts will redefine India’s workforce, economy, and future planning.
FAQs on Most Populated States of India (2025 Edition)
1. Which state has the highest population in India in 2025?
Uttar Pradesh leads with about 241 million people.
2. Which state is growing the fastest?
Bihar shows the fastest natural population growth rate.
3. Which Indian state is most urbanized among the top 10?
Tamil Nadu is India’s most urbanized state with 48 % urban population.
4. What percentage of India’s population lives in these 10 states?
Almost 75 % of the nation resides within these 10 states.
5. Why does population growth matter for policy?
It determines fund allocation, infrastructure needs, and future representation.
6. Which state has the lowest density among the top 10?
Rajasthan has the lowest density due to its vast desert terrain.
7. What makes Maharashtra a migrant destination?
Jobs in finance, IT, and manufacturing attract workers from across India.
8. Are southern states experiencing slower population growth?
Yes, better education and healthcare have lowered fertility rates in the south.
9. Which state has a balanced urban-rural distribution?
Madhya Pradesh shows a near-balanced mix of urban and rural population.
10. Will these rankings change after the next census?
Possibly, migration and regional development may alter the order by 2027.