India’s population map tells a clear story about demand, markets and services. This article, List of Indian States by Population, gives you crisp facts, exact 2025 estimates and deep, actionable profiles for the top 10 Indian States by Population. Read the quick overview first, then dive into each state’s key facts. This is built to help planners and marketers to act fast.

Quick Overview of the 10 Indian States by Population

Rank	State	2025 Population (estimate)	Share of India (%)
1	Uttar Pradesh	241,265,000	17.02%
2	Bihar	131,041,000	9.24%
3	Maharashtra	128,659,000	9.08%
4	West Bengal	100,202,000	7.07%
5	Madhya Pradesh	88,985,000	6.28%
6	Rajasthan	83,060,000	5.86%
7	Tamil Nadu	77,394,000	5.46%
8	Gujarat	73,513,000	5.19%
9	Karnataka	68,679,000	4.85%
10	Andhra Pradesh	53,586,000	3.78%

1) Uttar Pradesh: scale, services, and market opportunity

Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state by a wide margin. With an estimated 241,265,000 people, it accounts for roughly 17.02% of India’s population in 2025. The state mixes large urban centres and densely populated rural districts. That mix means huge demand for education, basic health services, mass-market consumer goods and low-cost logistics. If you want volume and reach, Uttar Pradesh must be in your strategy.

Key facts of Uttar Pradesh

• Huge market reach: prioritise mass-market distribution and low-cost channels.
• Education needs: scale affordable schooling and vocational training.
• Health demand: invest in primary care and maternal-child services.
• Logistics tip: use nearby tier-2 towns as micro-distribution hubs.

2) Bihar: Dense population, young workforce and scalable programs

Bihar’s 2025 estimate of 131,041,000 people shows a state with high density and a young age profile. A large share of the population is rural today, yet urban pockets are growing. Programs that scale cheaply will work best here. For businesses, low-cost products and skill-building initiatives will find a receptive market if distribution is tuned to rural realities.

Key facts of Bihar

• Youth focus: invest in skilling and entry-level job creation.
• Cost-sensitive market: design low-price, high-volume offerings.
• Rural distribution: tie-up with local aggregators and co-ops.
• Social programs: target maternal and child health for high impact.

3) Maharashtra: Megacities, premium demand and export corridors

Maharashtra has around 128,659,000 people in 2025 estimates. Unlike many large states, Maharashtra contains major metro hubs like Mumbai and Pune that drive premium consumption and fast adoption of new products. The state also anchors export and industrial corridors. Use urban-first plays, premium positioning, and port-linked logistics in your plan.

Key facts of Maharashtra

• Urban premium: test higher-end products in metros first.
• Talent pools: hire locally for skilled roles in cities.
• Logistics advantage: leverage ports and established supply chains.
• Marketing tip: city-first digital campaigns yield quick signals.

4) West Bengal: Density, culture, and urban pressure

West Bengal’s population of about 100,202,000 mixes dense rural belts with Kolkata’s strong metro influence. High density increases land and service pressure, which makes transport, housing and public health priorities. Cultural resonance matters here; regional language and media drive engagement more than generic national campaigns.

Key facts of West Bengal

• Local language content performs better in outreach.
• Urban planning: invest in transport and housing-related services.
• Rural scale: low-cost, high-reach product strategies work.
• Cultural fit: campaigns tuned to Bengali culture see higher traction.

5) Madhya Pradesh: Central hub potential and broad rural reach

Madhya Pradesh has an estimated 88,985,000 people and sits at India’s geographic heart. The state has many mid-sized towns and a large rural base. This combination makes MP attractive for central distribution and agri-linked services. A single, centrally located logistics hub can reach much of the country efficiently from here.

Key facts of Madhya Pradesh

• Distribution play: place central warehouses for pan-India reach.
• Agri focus: invest in processing and cold chains.
• Tier-2 growth: target growing towns for next-phase demand.
• Service design: rural-friendly product formats sell well.

6) Rajasthan: area, tourism and dispersed population

Rajasthan’s 83,060,000 people are spread across a large area with lower average density. The state has strong tourism pockets and mineral resources. Water and road infrastructure are key constraints. Investors in tourism, renewables, and water-efficient farming will find long-term opportunity here.

Key facts of Rajasthan

• Infrastructure needs: water projects and road upgrades are priorities.
• Tourism plays: local hospitality and experience-led products scale.
• Renewable energy: solar and water-saving tech have high potential.
• Rural outreach: consider decentralized models to reach remote areas.

7) Tamil Nadu: industrial strength, exports and steady urban growth

Tamil Nadu’s population is about 77,394,000 in 2025. The state blends strong manufacturing with high human development markers. Cities like Chennai and Coimbatore are manufacturing and export hubs. For B2B and tech-enabled manufacturing, Tamil Nadu offers an experienced workforce and quicker adoption curves.

Key facts of Tamil Nadu

• Manufacturing focus: consider supplier networks and export linkages.
• Skilled talent: recruit locally for engineering and production roles.
• Consumer adoption: faster uptake of tech-enabled products in cities.
• Policy angle: leverage industrial corridors for site selection.

8) Gujarat: ports, industry clusters and export-led demand

Gujarat, with about 73,513,000 people, is an industrial leader with strong port access. The state’s cluster-based industry model supports efficient logistics and export-oriented manufacturing. For businesses focused on supply chains or heavy manufacturing, Gujarat is a strategic base.

Key facts of Gujarat

• Port access: reduce transit time for exports.
• Cluster benefits: co-locate with industry parks for supply efficiencies.
• Industrial demand: target B2B services and heavy logistics.
• Policy environment: explore incentives for large-scale projects.

9) Karnataka: Tech-led urban growth and rising tier-2 demand

Karnataka’s estimated 68,679,000 people include a large tech-driven urban population centered in Bengaluru. That creates a strong demand for skilled services, startups and premium consumer choices. The rest of the state balances agriculture and industry, creating a mix of urban pockets and rural markets.

Key facts of Karnataka

• Tech demand: partner with startups and tech parks for pilots.
• Talent pools: recruit for high-skill roles from urban centres.
• Tier-2 opportunities: expand into mid-sized cities as they grow.
• Hybrid offers: blend premium urban products with rural adaptations.

10) Andhra Pradesh: coastal growth, ports and agri opportunities

Andhra Pradesh’s population of about 53,586,000 is concentrated along the coast and growing around new infrastructure projects. Port and road investments are strengthening logistics. The state’s agri base also offers raw material and processing opportunities for value-added industries.

Key facts of Andhra Pradesh

• Coastal logistics: leverage port improvements for exports.
• Agri-processing: invest in value addition and cold chain.
• Urbanizing pockets: select new cities for pilot programs.
• Infrastructure plays: watch road and port project timelines.

How does the population of the Indian States affect everyday life?

Population size shapes everyday services. More people usually mean larger schools, hospitals, and transit networks. It can also mean housing pressure and traffic. Businesses use these lists for market research. NGOs use them to plan outreach. Governments use them to allocate funds and seats in legislatures. Knowing which states are larger helps anyone understand where demand will rise.

Examples of impact

• Education: big states need more schools and teachers.
• Health: larger states need more primary care and hospitals.
• Transport: urban areas need better transit systems.
• Jobs: population shifts change job demand.

FAQs on the List of Indian States by Population

1. Which state tops the List of Indian States by Population?

   Uttar Pradesh tops the list with an estimated 241,265,000 people in 2025.

2. Who are the top three states by population in 2025?

   The top three are Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Maharashtra by 2025 estimates.

3. What share of India’s population do the top 10 states hold?

   The top 10 states together hold roughly 74% of India’s population in 2025 estimates.

4. Are the population figures exact counts or estimates?

   These are 2025 population estimates meant to guide planning and comparisons.

5. Which states are best for mass-market distribution strategies?

   Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra are top for reach, while Bihar and West Bengal suit high-volume, low-cost models.

6. Which states are ideal for export and industrial plays?

   Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra are best for export-led and industrial strategies.

7. How should planners use the List of Indian States by Population?

   Combine state population with urban share and per-capita income to prioritise markets and resources.

8. Which states show high density and need scalable low-cost services?

   Bihar and West Bengal show high density and favor scalable, low-cost service models.