RAS question
Which states lead India's renewable energy capacity with approximately 44 GW each as announced in February 2026?
Correct answer: (D) Rajasthan and Gujarat.
Rajasthan and Gujarat led India's renewable power capacity in the February 2026 figures, with roughly 45.5 GW and 43.0 GW respectively, close to approximately 44 GW each.
Explanation
The CEA installed-capacity workbook and February 2026 announcement place Rajasthan and Gujarat at the top of India's renewable-power capacity rankings. The approximately 44 GW figure is a rounded reading of the CEA state subtotals: Rajasthan had 45,540.928 MW of renewable capacity and Gujarat had 42,958.200 MW. India added a record 52,537 MW of power capacity in the first 10 months of FY26, and Rajasthan and Gujarat anchored that renewable-capacity lead. The CEA workbook presents renewable capacity through Hydro and RES (MNRE), with RES covering small hydro, biomass, urban and industrial waste, solar and wind.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Maharashtra and Karnataka do have sizeable renewable capacity, but the CEA subtotals put them at about 31.7 GW and 26.1 GW respectively, not around 44 GW each.
- (B) Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh were below the required scale, at about 27.2 GW and 15.5 GW of renewable capacity respectively.
- (C) Punjab and Haryana are far smaller in the CEA subtotals, at about 6.2 GW and 5.4 GW respectively, so they were not the leading pair at the required scale.
Concept
Renewable-energy geography requires state-wise reading of official installed-capacity data. RAS often returns to Rajasthan's energy profile, especially its renewable capacity, as a Rajasthan economy and science-and-technology theme.