Most Populated State in India 2023 - Top 10 List
by Subhashree M
Updated Mar 20, 2023
Most Populated State in India 2023
India is a country with a vast population, and its states play a significant role in shaping its demographics. In 2023, the most populated state in India is expected to be Uttar Pradesh. With a population of over 240 million people, it is the most populous state in the country and is home to several major cities like Lucknow, Kanpur, and Varanasi. The state has a diverse culture and a rich history, with many significant monuments and landmarks attracting tourists from across the world. Despite facing several challenges in terms of infrastructure and development, Uttar Pradesh continues to be a vital part of India's social and economic fabric.
Top 10 Most Populated State in India
S.No
State
Population
Population Density
1
Uttar Pradesh
199,812,341
828/km2
2
Maharashtra
112,372,972
365/km2
3
Bihar
103,804637
1,102/km2
4
West Bengal
91,347,736
1,029/km2
5
Madhya Pradesh
72,597,565
236/km2
6
Tamil Nadu
72,138,958
555/km2
7
Rajasthan
68,621,012
201/km2
8
Karnataka
61,130,704
319/km2
9
Gujarat
60,383,628
308/km2
10
Andhra Pradesh
49,386,799
303/km2
1. Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh is expected to remain the most populated state in India in 2023. Uttar Pradesh, located in the north-central part of India, is the fourth largest state and is known for being the most populous state in the country. It was given its present name, Uttar Pradesh, on January 26, 1950, when India adopted its constitution. The state's capital, Lucknow, is also known as the city of Nawabs. The population density in Uttar Pradesh is more than twice the national average, and the majority of the state's population lives in rural areas, supported by the fertile soil of the Gangatic plains. The state's population has been increasing due to a decrease in infant mortality rates and the promise of better opportunities. According to United Nations estimates, Uttar Pradesh's population in 2023 is projected to be around 244 million people.
2. Maharashtra
Maharashtra is a state located in the western and central peninsular region of India. It is the second most populated state in India and the third-most populous country subdivision in the world. Occupying a significant portion of the western and central peninsular region of India is Maharashtra, which is characterized by low hills, extensive plateaus, and river valleys. The center of India is located within this state, which is the second most populated state in India and the third-most populous country subdivision globally. Maharashtra was formed on 1 May 1960 when the bilingual Bombay state, which had existed since 1956, was split. The state is divided into 6 divisions and 36 districts, with Mumbai serving as the state capital and the most populated urban area in India.
3. Bihar
Bihar, located in the eastern part of India, was divided in November 2000 to create the state of Jharkhand, which now forms its southern and southeastern boundaries. The capital city of Bihar is Patna. Throughout the early history of India, Bihar held a significant position and served as the primary center of imperial power, as well as the main hub of Indian culture and civilization for many centuries.
4. West Bengal
Located in the eastern part of India, West Bengal is a state that, despite being small in area, boasts one of the largest populations in the country. Its capital is Kolkata, also known as Calcutta. It was in West Bengal where the seeds of nationalism were first planted, and the national movement began during the period of British rule.
5. Madhya Pradesh
The state of Madhya Pradesh, which means "center state", is situated at the heart of India and occupies a central location within the country. Despite having no coastline or international borders, the state is characterized by low hills, vast plateaus, and river valleys. Bhopal, known as the cleanest city, serves as the capital of Madhya Pradesh.
6. Tamilnadu
Tamil Nadu is a state located in the southern part of India. Ranked as the sixth-most populous state in India based on the Human Development Index in 2011 and the eleventh largest state in terms of area, Tamil Nadu boasts the second-largest state economy in India, following Maharashtra. Tamil, which is one of the oldest surviving classical languages globally, serves as the official language of Tamil Nadu, whose capital is Chennai. The state offers a range of tourist attractions that cater to various interests.
7. Rajasthan
Rajasthan, situated in the northwestern region of India, is known as the land of Rajputs. The capital city of Rajasthan, Jaipur, also called the Pink City, is located in the central-eastern part of the state. The term Rajasthan translates to "The place of the Rajas" and was formerly referred to as Rajputana, meaning "The Country of the Rajputs." Following the integration of the princely states and chiefships into India after 1947, the state came to be known as Rajasthan.
8. Karnataka
Karnataka is a state located on the western coast of the Indian subcontinent, previously known as Mysore until 1973. The state's capital, Bengaluru (Bangalore), is situated near its southeastern border. Karnataka possesses a rich cultural heritage, complemented by the contributions of successive dynasties, which have fostered various religions and philosophies that, in turn, have influenced literature, architecture, folklore, music, painting, and other arts.
9. Gujarat
Gujarat is a state located in western India, bordered by the Arabian Sea to the west. The state's capital is Gandhinagar, while the largest city is Ahmedabad. Gujarat has a rich history and cultural heritage, having been home to various civilizations and dynasties over the centuries. The state is known for its vibrant festivals, diverse cuisine, exquisite handicrafts, and scenic landscapes. It is also one of India's leading industrial hubs, with a thriving economy driven by sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, and petrochemicals. Gujarat is the seventh-largest state in India, covering an area of 75,686 square kilometers. As of the 2011 census, the state's population was approximately 60,383,628 people. The state capital of Gujarat is Gandhinagar, while other significant cities include Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot, and Bhavnagar. The state is divided into six divisions, namely Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Vadodara, Surat, Bhavnagar, and Rajkot.
10. Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh is a state located in southeastern India, bordered by Telangana to the north, Odisha to the northeast, Tamil Nadu to the south, and Karnataka to the west. The state's capital and largest city is Amaravati, with Visakhapatnam being its largest commercial city. Andhra Pradesh has a rich cultural heritage, reflected in its cuisine, art, music, dance, and festivals. The state is also home to various historic sites, temples, beaches, and nature reserves. It is one of India's leading producers of rice, and also has a growing industrial sector driven by sectors such as pharmaceuticals, textiles, and automobiles.
What are the 10 countries with the largest population?
Ten Countries with the Highest Population in the World.
S.NO
Countries in largest population
1
China
2
India
3
United States
4
Indonesia
5
Pakistan
6
Brazil
7
Nigeria
8
Bangladesh
9
Russia
10
Mexico
State-wise Population of India 2022
Rank
States
2022
1
Uttar Pradesh
23.32 Crores
2
Maharashtra
12.54 Crores
3
Bihar
12.49 Crores
4
West Bengal
9.86 Crores
5
Madhya Pradesh
8.55 Crores
7
Rajasthan
8 Crores
6
Tamil Nadu
7.66 Crores
8
Gujarat
7 Crores
9
Karnataka
6.72 Crores
10
Andhra Pradesh
5.30 Crores
Which is the most populated state in India in 2023?
Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state in India, accounting for 16.51% of the country's total population. The rural population of the state makes up 77.73% of the total population of Uttar Pradesh. Uttar Pradesh is a state located in northern India. It is the most populous state in the country, with a population of approximately 240 million people as of 2021. The state capital of Uttar Pradesh is Lucknow, while other major cities include Kanpur, Varanasi, Agra, and Allahabad. The economy of Uttar Pradesh is primarily driven by agriculture and allied industries, but the state is also home to a growing services sector.
Most Populated State in India 2023-FAQ
Uttar Pradesh is the most populated state in India in 2023
Rajasthan is the largest state in India by area
Goa is the least populated state in India.
Uttar Pradesh has a predominantly agricultural economy, with the major crops including wheat, rice, sugarcane, and pulses. Other industries include textiles, handicrafts, and tourism.
The literacy rate in Uttar Pradesh is around 68%, which is lower than the national average of around 77%.