In this guide
Bihar has about 2.9 per cent of India's land and around 8.6 per cent of its people (Census 2011). That single ratio — a large population on a small, flat, flood-prone area — shapes almost everything about the state: land pressure, migration, the importance of agriculture, and the challenge of providing schools, hospitals and jobs.
Census 2011: the key numbers
The most recent completed Census is 2011; the next has been scheduled with a reference date in 2027.
| Indicator | Bihar | India |
|---|---|---|
| Population | About 10.41 crore — third after Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra | About 121 crore |
| Share of India's population | About 8.6% | — |
| Density | About 1,106 persons per sq km — the highest among states | 382 |
| Decadal growth (2001–11) | About 25.4% — among the highest | 17.7% |
| Sex ratio | 918 | 943 |
| Child sex ratio (0–6) | 935 | 919 |
| Literacy | About 61.8% — the lowest among states | About 73% |
| Male / female literacy | About 71.2% / 51.5% | About 80.9% / 64.6% |
| Urban population | About 11.3% — among the lowest | About 31.2% |
| Scheduled Castes | About 15.9% | 16.6% |
| Scheduled Tribes | About 1.3% | 8.6% |
Note an interesting contrast: Bihar's child sex ratio (935) was higher than the national figure (919) and higher than its own overall sex ratio — partly because male out-migration affects the adult sex ratio.
District extremes (Census 2011)
| Indicator | Highest | Lowest |
|---|---|---|
| Population | Patna | Sheikhpura |
| Density | Sheohar | Kaimur |
| Literacy | Rohtas | Purnia |
| Sex ratio | Gopalganj (above 1,000) | Around 870–880 in some districts (e.g., Munger) |
The high sex ratio of districts such as Gopalganj and Siwan reflects male out-migration — many men work outside the state.
Religion (Census 2011)
- Hindus about 82.7%; Muslims about 16.9%; smaller numbers of Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains.
- Muslim populations are relatively larger in the Seemanchal districts (Kishanganj, Katihar, Araria, Purnia).
Fertility and health trends
According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019–21):
- Bihar's total fertility rate was about 3.0 — the highest among states, though it has been falling.
- Female education strongly influences fertility — women with more schooling have fewer children.
- Indicators such as child stunting and anaemia remain high.
The Bihar caste survey (2023)
In 2023, Bihar conducted and published a state caste-based survey (the first such comprehensive count by a state in decades). Its headline findings (as released in October 2023):
| Category | Share of population |
|---|---|
| Extremely Backward Classes (EBC) | About 36% |
| Backward Classes (BC) | About 27% |
| Scheduled Castes | About 19.7% |
| Scheduled Tribes | About 1.7% |
| Unreserved / general | About 15.5% |
The survey counted Bihar's population at about 13.07 crore in 2022–23. See our guide on the caste survey for the debates it triggered.
Demographic dividend or burden?
| Opportunity | Challenge |
|---|---|
| A very young population — a large working-age population in coming decades | Jobs: limited industry and services within Bihar |
| Potential labour force for India's growth | Low education and skill levels |
| Remittances from migrants | Health and nutrition gaps |
| Consumer market | Land pressure and small holdings |
Why the numbers matter for policy
- Density explains land fragmentation and flood exposure.
- Low urbanisation reflects limited industrial growth.
- High fertility calls for girls' education and health services.
- Migration shapes the sex ratio, families and the economy.
Practice
Prelims-style:
- What was Bihar's population density in Census 2011?
- What was Bihar's literacy rate in 2011?
- Which district of Bihar had the highest literacy in 2011?
- What share of Bihar's population were EBCs according to the 2023 caste survey?
- What was Bihar's TFR in NFHS-5?
Mains-style:
- "Bihar's demographic profile is both its greatest challenge and its greatest opportunity." Discuss.
- Examine the relationship between female literacy and fertility in Bihar.
A note on dates and numbers. Exam patterns, vacancies and schedules change from year to year. Always confirm the current details in the latest notification on the Bihar Public Service Commission website .
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