Religion in Bihar
Bihar is the third most populous state of India and has a diverse population of many religions and communities. According to a caste survey by the Bihar Government, out of the 13.07 crore population, around 10.7 crores (82%) identified themselves as followers of the Hindu religion, and 2.3 crores (17.7%) identified as Muslims or followers of Islam. Christians, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, and followers of other religions together make up less than 1% of the population, while 0.12% of people stated that they have no religion.
Religion in Bihar by Percentage 2024
| # | Religion | Population 2024 | Percentage % |
| 1 | Hindu | 107,192,958 | 82% |
| 2 | Muslim | 23,149 925 | 17.70% |
| 3 | Christian | 75,238 | 0.05% |
| 4 | Buddhist | 111,201 | 0.09% |
| 5 | Sikh | 14,753 | 0.01% |
| 6 | Jain | 12,523 | 0.01% |
| 7 | Other religions and persuasions | 166,566 | 0.12% |
| 8 | Religion not stated | 2146 | 0.002% |
| Total | 130,725,310 |
Source: Bihar Govt 2023 report
Religion in Bihar – Rural Population
| # | Religion | Rural Pop. 2011 | Percentage % |
| 1 | Hindu | 76780126 | 83.15% |
| 2 | Muslim | 15196308 | 16.46% |
| 3 | Religion not stated | 211872 | 0.23% |
| 4 | Christian | 97608 | 0.11% |
| 5 | Buddhist | 23555 | 0.03% |
| 6 | Other religions and persuasions | 12374 | 0.01% |
| 7 | Sikh | 12018 | 0.01% |
| 8 | Jain | 7575 | 0.01% |
| Total | 92,341,436 |
Source: Census 2011
Religion in Bihar – Urban Population
| # | Religion | Urban Population | Percentage % |
| 1 | Hindu | 9298560 | 79.08% |
| 2 | Muslim | 2361501 | 20.08% |
| 3 | Religion not stated | 40255 | 0.34% |
| 4 | Christian | 31639 | 0.27% |
| 5 | Sikh | 11761 | 0.10% |
| 6 | Jain | 11339 | 0.10% |
| 7 | Buddhist | 1898 | 0.02% |
| 8 | Other religions and persuasions | 1063 | 0.01% |
| Total | 11,758,016 |
Source: Census 2011