Population Profile: Census 2011 Data

Census 2011 is the authoritative reference for all RPSC Mains questions on Rajasthan's demography. The 2021 census was postponed due to COVID-19 and has not been released as of 2026.

2.1 Basic Population Indicators

Rajasthan's total population in 2011 was 6,85,48,437 (approximately 6.86 crore). It is India's 7th most populous state despite being the largest state by area (3,42,239 sq km — 10.4% of India's land area). This paradox — largest area, relatively low population — defines its demographic character: a vast, sparsely populated desert state with concentrated population in eastern and southern districts.

Indicator	Rajasthan (2011)	India (2011)
Total Population	6.86 crore	121.0 crore
Male Population	3.56 crore	62.4 crore
Female Population	3.30 crore	58.6 crore
Decadal Growth (2001–11)	21.3%	17.7%
Population Density	200/sq km	382/sq km
Sex Ratio	928	943
Child Sex Ratio (0–6)	888	919
Literacy Rate	66.1%	74.0%
Male Literacy	79.2%	82.1%
Female Literacy	52.1%	65.5%
Urban Population %	24.9%	31.2%
Rural Population %	75.1%	68.8%
ST Population %	13.48%	8.6%
SC Population %	17.8%	16.6%

Source: Census of India 2011, Primary Census Abstract, Rajasthan

2.2 Decadal Growth Rate

At 21.3%, Rajasthan's decadal growth rate (2001–11) exceeded the national average by 3.6 percentage points. This reflects higher Total Fertility Rate (TFR) — Rajasthan's TFR stood at approximately 2.8 in 2011 (SRS estimate) against the national 2.4. The desert state's growth remains driven by rural areas: rural growth at 22.1% vs. urban growth at 18.4% during the decade.

Historically, Rajasthan's growth rate has been declining: 28.5% (1981–91) → 28.4% (1991–01) → 21.3% (2001–11). The declining trend reflects the impact of family planning programmes, increased female literacy, and urbanisation — but the absolute population addition remains large.

2.3 Population Density: District-level Extremes

The statewide average of 200 persons/sq km conceals extreme variation between eastern and western Rajasthan. The Thar Desert in western Rajasthan is among the world's most sparsely populated arid zones; eastern districts approach the density of Gangetic plains states.

Category	District	Density (persons/sq km)
Highest density	Jaipur	595
2nd highest	Bharatpur	503
3rd highest	Dausa	476
Lowest density	Jaisalmer	17
2nd lowest	Barmer	60
3rd lowest	Bikaner	78

Source: Census of India 2011, District Census Handbook, Rajasthan

Jaisalmer at 17 persons/sq km is the least densely populated district in India (among all districts of comparable area). Its 38,401 sq km area supports only 6.7 lakh people — a function of extreme aridity, negligible agricultural potential, and historically limited water availability.

---