Census Data 2025 : Census of India 2011 Key Facts, Highlights and Data

Indian Population Census 2011

The 2011 Census was the 15th National Census survey conducted by survey conducted by Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. It covered all 28 states and 7 Union Territories, including 640 districts, 497 cities, 5767 tehsils, and more than 6 lakh villages.

📊 Top Census Facts

Total Population
1,210,854,977

Male Population
623,724,248

Female Population
586,469,174

Literacy Rate
74.04%

Sex Ratio
940 females / 1000 males

Child Sex Ratio
914 females / 1000 males

Population Density
382 persons/km²

🚀 Quick Access

🏆 Top Performing States

📚 Literacy Rate

👩‍👧 Sex Ratio

📈 Growth Rate

🏙️ Most Populated Metro Cities (2011)

City	Population
Mumbai	18,394,912
Delhi	16,349,831
Kolkata	14,035,959
Chennai	8,653,521
Bangalore	8,520,435

🕊️ Religion-Wise Population (2011)

Religion	Population
Hindu	966,257,353
Muslim	172,245,158
Christian	27,819,588
Sikh	20,833,116
Jain	4,451,753

🧬 SC/ST Population Overview

Scheduled Castes (SC)
201,378,086

Scheduled Tribes (ST)
104,545,716

Slum Population
65,494,604

Patewari Population
Data Available

🏙️ Most Urbanized States

📍 State-Wise Population Highlights

Uttar Pradesh

Population: 199,812,341

Sex Ratio: 912

Literacy Rate: 67.68%

Maharashtra

Population: 112,374,333

Sex Ratio: 929

Literacy Rate: 82.34%

Bihar

Population: 104,099,452

Sex Ratio: 918

Literacy Rate: 61.80%

West Bengal

Population: 91,276,115

Sex Ratio: 950

Literacy Rate: 76.26%

Tamil Nadu

Population: 72,147,030

Sex Ratio: 996

Literacy Rate: 80.09%

📌 Key Highlights

🧠 Highest Literacy: Kerala – 94.00%
👩‍👧 Highest Sex Ratio: Kerala – 1084
📈 Most Populated: Uttar Pradesh – 199.8 million
🌱 Least Populated: Sikkim – 610,577
⚠️ Lowest Sex Ratio: Daman & Diu – 618

📈 India Population Growth – Census 1901 to 2011

India's population increased from 23.84 crore in 1901 to 121.09 crore in 2011. The demographic changes, and the significant milestones include the negative growth in 1921 and the highest growth rate of 24.8% in 1971.

#	Census Year	Population	Variation	Variation %	Male	Female
1	1901	23.84 Cr	—	—	12.08 Cr	11.74 Cr
2	1911	25.21 Cr	1.37 Cr	5.75%	12.84 Cr	12.37 Cr
3	1921	25.13 Cr	-7.72 Lac	-0.31%	12.85 Cr	12.28 Cr
4	1931	27.90 Cr	2.77 Cr	11.00%	14.29 Cr	13.58 Cr
5	1941	31.87 Cr	3.97 Cr	14.22%	16.37 Cr	15.47 Cr
6	1951	36.11 Cr	4.24 Cr	13.31%	18.55 Cr	17.56 Cr
7	1961	43.92 Cr	7.77 Cr	21.51%	22.63 Cr	21.29 Cr
8	1971	54.82 Cr	10.89 Cr	24.80%	28.40 Cr	26.41 Cr
9	1981	68.33 Cr	13.52 Cr	24.66%	35.34 Cr	33.00 Cr
10	1991	84.64 Cr	16.31 Cr	23.87%	43.94 Cr	40.71 Cr
11	2001	102.87 Cr	18.23 Cr	21.54%	53.22 Cr	49.65 Cr
12	2011	121.09 Cr	18.21 Cr	17.70%	62.33 Cr	58.76 Cr

📌 Key Takeaways

The population of India increased from 23.84 Cr in 1901 to 121.09 Cr in 2011.
1971 recorded the highest growth rate: 24.8%.
1921 was the only census year with negative growth (-0.31%).
The gender distribution has improved over decades.

📋 Why is the census important for a country

The Indian Census survey is conducted to gather grassroots data essential for launching welfare schemes like PMJDY, PMAY, PMFBY, PM-KISAN, MGNREGA, PMJAY, Swachh Bharat Ab, Poshan Abhiyaan, PMUY, PMMVY, Mission Shakti, PM-KUSUM, Jal Jeevan Mission, NSAP, Mid-Day Meal, etc..

📋 Frequently Asked Questions

The Census of India is a nationwide survey conducted every 10 years to collect demographic, social, and economic data. It helps the government plan policies, allocate resources, and track population trends.

The Census 2011 covered all 28 states and 7 union territories, including 640 districts and over 6 lakh villages.

1971 recorded the highest decadal growth rate at 24.8%, reflecting a post-independence population surge.

Yes, the year 1921 showed a unique negative growth of -0.31%, largely due to famine and epidemic conditions.

You can explore religion-wise population breakdowns on the Religion Data page, including Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Sikh, and Jain communities.

Census Data