India has the distinction of being the birthplace of Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism, as well as the home of several indigenous and tribal religions. These indigenous faiths have persevered alongside major religions for centuries. The country’s diversity is evident in the 2011 census, which revealed that out of a population of 1.21 billion, over 966 million (79.80%) identified as Hindu, 172 million (14.23%) as Muslim, 27.8 million (2.3%) as Christian, 20.8 million (1.72%) as Sikh, 8.5 million (0.70%) as Buddhist, and 4.5 million (0.37%) as Jain. Additionally, over 8 million reported practicing other religions, including tribal faiths.

Source: Census 2011

Urban India Population Religion-wise

Source: Census 2011

Rural India Population Religion-wise

Source: Census 2011

Hindu Population in India 

At the 2011 census, out of the 1.21 billion population, a little over 966 million (79.80%) identified themselves as followers of Hinduism. In 2024, approximately 1.12 billion people, or 112 crore, follow Hinduism in India. Hinduism is the predominant religion in India, with about 94% of the world’s Hindus residing there. Along with Nepal, India is one of only two countries where Hinduism is the majority religion.

The Hindus are most numerous in 29 States/UTs except in Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Lakshadweep, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Jammu & Kashmir, and Punjab.

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Muslim population in India 

At the 2011 census, out of India’s 1.21 billion population, 172 million (14.23%) were identified as Muslims or followers of Islam. It is estimated that by 2024, there will be approximately 220 million Muslims in India. India is also home to one of the world’s largest Muslim populations, second only to Indonesia.

The Muslims professing Islam are in majority in Lakshadweep and Jammu & Kashmir. The percentage of Muslims is sizable in Assam (34.22%), West Bengal (27.01%), Kerala (26.56%), Uttar Pradesh (19.26%), and Bihar (16.87%).

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Christian Population in India 

According to the 2011 census, out of India’s 1.21 billion population, slightly over 27.8 million (2.3%) are Christians. As of 2024, approximately 3.22 crore people in India are Christians. Christianity has become the major religion in three Northeastern states: Nagaland, Mizoram, and Meghalaya.

Among other states/Uts, Manipur (41.29%), Goa (25.10%), Andaman & Nicobar Islands (21.28%), Kerala (18.38%), and Arunachal Pradesh (30.26%) have a considerable percentage of the Christian population to the total population of the State/UT.

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Sikh Population in India 

At the 2011 census, out of the 1.21 billion population, just over 20.8 million (1.72%) are Sikhs. Punjab (57%), Chandigarh (13.11%), Haryana (4.91%), Delhi (3.40%), Uttarakhand (2.34%), and Jammu & Kashmir (1.87%) are important states/UTs with Sikh populations.  In 2024 approximately 2.4 Crore people follow Sikhism in India.

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Buddhist Population in India 

At the 2011 census, India had 8.5 million Buddhists, accounting for 0.70% of the population. Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and the northeastern states have significant Buddhist populations.  In 2024 approximately 10 million or 1 Crore people are followers of Buddhism in India.

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Jain Population in India

At the 2011 census, out of the 1.21 billion population, 4.5 million or 45 lakh identified themselves as followers of the Jain religion. Jains accounted for 0.37% of India’s total population in 2011.

Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujrat, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi have reported major Jain populations. In 2024 approximately 52 Lakh people follow Jainism in India.

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Source: Census 2011