India Population Data — Census, Growth Rate & Estimates 1951–2025
Official Census of India data from 1951 to 2011, plus UN World Population Prospects 2024 estimates for recent years — total population, decadal growth rate, urban-rural split, and density.
India Population — Census Data & UN Estimates (1951–2025)
| Year | Population (Millions) | Decadal Growth (%) | Urban Population (%) | Density (per km²) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1951 | 361.1 | 13.31% | 17.3% | 110 | Census of India 1951 |
| 1961 | 439.2 | 21.64% | 18.0% | 134 | Census of India 1961 |
| 1971 | 548.2 | 24.80% | 19.9% | 167 | Census of India 1971 |
| 1981 | 683.3 | 24.66% | 23.3% | 208 | Census of India 1981 |
| 1991 | 846.4 | 23.87% | 25.7% | 258 | Census of India 1991 |
| 2001 | 1,028.7 | 21.54% | 27.8% | 313 | Census of India 2001 |
| 2011 | 1,210.6 | 17.64% | 31.2% | 382 | Census of India 2011 |
| 2015 | ~1,310 | — | ~33% | ~399 | UN WPP 2024 (Estimate) |
| 2020 | ~1,380 | — | ~35% | ~420 | UN WPP 2024 (Estimate) |
| 2023 | ~1,428 | — | ~36% | ~435 | UN WPP 2024 (Estimate) |
| 2024 | ~1,441 | — | ~36.4% | ~439 | UN WPP 2024 (Estimate) |
| 2025 | ~1,450 | — | ~37% | ~442 | UN WPP 2024 (Projection) |
~ = Estimate or projection, not official Census data. Census figures (1951–2011) are official. Post-2011 figures are UN World Population Prospects 2024 estimates. Urban % rounded.
Key Population Facts — India
- India surpassed China to become the world’s most populous country in 2023, according to UN estimates
- India’s total fertility rate (TFR) has declined from ~5.9 (1951) to ~2.0 (2020 estimate) — approaching replacement level
- The sex ratio was 940 females per 1,000 males (Census 2011); child sex ratio (0-6 years) was 914
- India’s median age is approximately 28.4 years (2023 estimate) — a younger population compared to China (38) or the EU (44)
- Uttar Pradesh (200+ million) is India’s most populous state; Sikkim is least populous
- India has 8 Union Territories and 28 States — each with its own GSDP, literacy, and population profile
• Census of India — 1951, 1961, 1971, 1981, 1991, 2001, 2011 (censusindia.gov.in)
• UN World Population Prospects 2024 — estimates and projections for 2012–2050 (population.un.org)
• Ministry of Home Affairs — Registrar General of India
Last verified: 2024 (UN WPP 2024 release)
What is India’s population in 2024?
India’s population in 2024 is estimated at approximately 1.441 billion (UN World Population Prospects 2024). This is an estimate — India’s last official Census was in 2011 (1.21 billion). The 2021 Census has been delayed and had not been released as of June 2026.
Is India now more populous than China?
Yes, according to UN estimates. The UN’s World Population Prospects 2023 indicated that India surpassed China in population in mid-2023. China’s population is estimated at approximately 1.408 billion (2024) while India’s is approximately 1.441 billion. However, since India has not completed its 2021 Census, this comparison relies on UN estimates for both countries.
When is the next India Census?
The Census of India is conducted every 10 years. The 2021 Census was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As of June 2026, no official date for the Census fieldwork has been confirmed by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Until the 2021 Census is released, all population figures for 2012 onwards remain estimates.