Rajasthan: Population and administration

Rajasthan is India’s largest state by geographical area, covering 3,42,239 square kilometers. It is the sixth most populous state, with a projected population of 8.33 crore as on 1st October, 2025. It has a unicameral legislature, the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly, with 200 members. Figures below are from the Economic Review 2025-26 (Census 2011 data) and the Assembly's own pages.

Geographical Profile and Population Overview

• Area: Rajasthan covers 3,42,239 sq km, accounting for 10.41 per cent of India’s total geographical area. It is the largest state in India.
• Shape: The state has a distinctive rhomboid shape, stretching 869 km from west to east and 826 km from north to south.
• Location: Situated in the northwestern part of India, it is surrounded by Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat. It shares a long international boundary with Pakistan.
• Projected Population: As on 1st October, 2025, the projected population is 8.33 crore. This makes Rajasthan the sixth most populous state in India.
• Capital: Jaipur, known as the "Pink City," is the capital and the most populous city in the state.

Census 2011 Demographic Data

• Total Population: The total population in 2011 was 685 lakh (6.85 crore), comprising 355 lakh males and 330 lakh females; Jaipur was the most populous district (6626178 people).
• Decadal Growth: The decadal growth rate for 2001-2011 was 21.3 per cent, higher than the national average of 17.7 per cent.
• Density: The population density in 2011 was 200 persons per sq km, compared to the national average of 382.
• Urban vs. Rural: In 2011, the urban population was 24.9 per cent and the rural population was 75.1 per cent of the total.
• Projections: The total population is expected to reach 872 lakh by 2031. The urban population is projected to rise from 170 lakh in 2011 to 242 lakh by 2031.

Sex Ratio and Literacy Rates

• Sex Ratio (2011): The overall sex ratio was 928 females per 1,000 males; the overall child (0-6) sex ratio was 888.
  • Urban: 914 females per 1,000 males (up from 890 in 2001).
  • Rural: 933 females per 1,000 males (up from 930 in 2001).
• Child Sex Ratio (0-6 years, 2011):
  • Urban: 874 girls per 1,000 boys (down from 887 in 2001).
  • Rural: 892 girls per 1,000 boys (down from 914 in 2001).
• Literacy Rate (2011): The overall literacy rate was 66.11 per cent, rising from 60.40 per cent in 2001.
  • Urban: 79.70 per cent.
  • Rural: 61.40 per cent.
• District Literacy (Urban, 2011):
  • Highest: Udaipur (87.5 per cent), Banswara (85.2 per cent), and Pratapgarh (84.8 per cent).
  • Lowest: Nagaur (70.6 per cent), Jalore (71.1 per cent), and Churu (72.6 per cent).

Urbanization and Major Cities

• Urbanization Trend: The urban population share rose from 16.28 per cent in 1961 to 24.87 per cent in 2011. It is projected to reach 27.74 per cent by 2031.
• Major Cities (Population 1 lakh+, 2011):
  • Jaipur: 30.46 lakh (Largest).
  • Jodhpur: 11.38 lakh.
  • Kota: 10.02 lakh.
  • Bikaner: 6.44 lakh.
  • Banswara: 1.01 lakh (Smallest among listed).
• Urban Population Share by District (2011):
  • Most urbanised: Kota (60.31 per cent), Jaipur (52.40 per cent), Ajmer (40.08 per cent), Jodhpur (34.30 per cent), Bikaner (33.86 per cent).
  • Least urbanised: Dungarpur (6.39 per cent), Barmer (6.98 per cent), Banswara (7.10 per cent), Pratapgarh (8.27 per cent), Jalore (8.30 per cent).
• Slum Population: In 2011, slum dwellers numbered 20.68 lakh, constituting 12.13 per cent of the urban population. Jaipur Municipal Corporation had the most slum dwellers (3.23 lakh).

Legislative Assembly

• Structure: Under Article 168, Rajasthan opted for a unicameral legislature, the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly.
• Origin: It is the outcome of the merger of 22 princely states of the erstwhile Rajputana with the Union of India.
• First Election: The assembly was first elected by adult franchise in 1952.
• Current Strength: The strength is 200 members, determined by the Delimitation Commission. It was 160 members in 1952.
• Continuity: Elected rule has continued since 1952 except in 1967, 1977, 1980 and 1992, when President's Rule was in force; the Assembly is in its Sixteenth term.