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{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2019}}
{{Short description|16th India Census}}{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2019}}
{{Infobox census
{{Infobox census
| name = 16th Census of India
| name = 16th Census of India
| logo = Census India 2021 Logo.png
| logo = 2021 Census of India logo.png
| image_size = 240 × 240
| logo_caption = Our Census, Our Future
| logo_caption = Our Census, Our Future
| logo_size =
| image =
| image =  
| image_caption =
| image_caption =  
| country = India
| country = India
| date = 2021
| date = 2021
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| region_type = state
| region_type = state
| most_populous =  
| most_populous =  
| least_populous =  
| least_populous =
| previous_census = 2011 Census of India
| previous_census = 2011 Census of India
| previous_year = 2011
| previous_year = 2011
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}}
}}


The '''2021 Census of India''', also the '''16th Indian Census''', will be taken in 2021. The [[2011 Census of India|15th Indian Census]] taken in 2011, attempted to estimate the population based on [[Socio_Economic_and_Caste_Census_2011#Caste_census_published_in_July_2015|Socio-Economic and Caste Status]] for the first time since 1931. However, as the enumeration was based on recording the respondents' declaration, it led to creation of hundreds of thousands of [[caste]]/subcaste categories. For the 16th Indian census, the government is instead considering enumeration based on a list of [[Other Backward Class|educationally or socially disadvantaged castes]] (known as Other Backward Class) reported by each state.<ref>{{cite news |title=Move afoot to collect OBC data afresh in Census 2021 |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=January 9, 2019 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/move-afoot-to-collect-obc-data-afresh-in-census-2021/articleshow/67446207.cms}}</ref> However, in February 2020, the BJP government rejected the demand for OBC data as part of the 2021 census.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://theprint.in/opinion/real-reason-no-govt-wants-obc-count-in-census-it-will-reveal-inconvenient-truths/635541/|title=Real reason no govt wants OBC count in Census – it will reveal inconvenient truths}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/centre-rejected-demand-for-obc-data-in-census-2021-speaker-informs-maharashtra-assembly/article30941386.ece|title=Centre rejected demand for OBC data in Census 2021, Speaker informs Maharashtra Assembly}}</ref>
The '''2021 Census of India''', also the '''16th Indian Census''', will be taken in 2021. The [[2011 Census of India|15th Indian Census]] taken in 2011, attempted to estimate the population based on [[Socio_Economic_and_Caste_Census_2011#Caste_census_published_in_July_2015|Socio-Economic and Caste Status]] for the first time since 1931. However, as the enumeration was based on recording the respondents' declaration, it led to creation of hundreds of thousands of [[caste]]/subcaste categories. For the 16th Indian census, the government is instead considering enumeration based on a list of [[Other Backward Class|educationally or socially disadvantaged castes]] (known as Other Backward Class) reported by each state.<ref>{{cite news |title=Move afoot to collect OBC data afresh in Census 2021 |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=January 9, 2019 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/move-afoot-to-collect-obc-data-afresh-in-census-2021/articleshow/67446207.cms}}</ref> However, in February 2020, the BJP government rejected the demand for OBC data as part of the 2021 census.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://theprint.in/opinion/real-reason-no-govt-wants-obc-count-in-census-it-will-reveal-inconvenient-truths/635541/|title=Real reason no govt wants OBC count in Census – it will reveal inconvenient truths}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/centre-rejected-demand-for-obc-data-in-census-2021-speaker-informs-maharashtra-assembly/article30941386.ece|title=Centre rejected demand for OBC data in Census 2021, Speaker informs Maharashtra Assembly}}</ref>  


In April 2019, a data user conference was held and it was announced that 330,000 enumerators would be enlisted and that they would be encouraged to use their own [[Smartphone|smart phones]], although a paper option will also be available, which the enumerators will then need to submit electronically. It was further announced that house listing will be conducted between April and September 2020, with actual enumeration in February 2021 and a revision round in March. The reference date will be 1 March 2021 in most of the country and 1 October 2020 for [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]] and some areas of [[Himachal Pradesh]] and [[Uttarakhand]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Census 2021 will be done via mobile app, says officials |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2019/apr/10/census-2021-will-be-done-via-mobile-app-says-officials-1962359.html |accessdate=17 July 2019 |work=[[The New Indian Express]] |date=10 April 2019}}</ref>
In April 2019, a data user conference was held and it was announced that 330,000 enumerators would be enlisted and that they would be encouraged to use their own [[Smartphone|smart phones]], although a paper option will also be available, which the enumerators will then need to submit electronically. It was further announced that house listing will be conducted between April and September 2020, with actual enumeration in February 2021 and a revision round in March. The reference date will be 1 March 2021 in most of the country and 1 October 2020 for [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]] and some areas of [[Himachal Pradesh]] and [[Uttarakhand]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Census 2021 will be done via mobile app, says officials |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2019/apr/10/census-2021-will-be-done-via-mobile-app-says-officials-1962359.html |accessdate=17 July 2019 |work=[[The New Indian Express]] |date=10 April 2019}}</ref>


In September 2019, Union Home Minister [[Amit Shah]] had stated that the 2021 national census would be done fully digitally through a mobile phone application.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/home-minister-amit-shah-says-mobile-app-will-be-used-in-census-2021-it-will-be-a-transformation-from-2105523|title=Digital Census In 2021; Amit Shah Proposes Idea Of Multipurpose ID Card}}</ref> 2021 census  will be carried out in 16 languages. In February 2021, Union Finance Minister [[Nirmala Sitharaman]] allocated {{INR}} 3,768 crore for the census in the [[2021 Union budget of India]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/business/budget-2021/story/budget-2021-census-to-go-digital-for-the-first-time-with-rs-3768-crore-allocation-nirmala-sitharaman-1764702-2021-02-01|title=Budget 2021: Census to go digital for the first time with Rs 3,768 crore allocation}}</ref> It has been delayed due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in India]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/government-likely-to-postpone-census-to-2022/article33710753.ece|title=Government likely to postpone census to 2022}}</ref>
In September 2019, Union Home Minister [[Amit Shah]] had stated that the 2021 national census would be done fully digitally through a mobile phone application.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/home-minister-amit-shah-says-mobile-app-will-be-used-in-census-2021-it-will-be-a-transformation-from-2105523|title=Digital Census In 2021; Amit Shah Proposes Idea Of Multipurpose ID Card}}</ref> 2021 census  will be carried out in 16 languages. In February 2021, Union Finance Minister [[Nirmala Sitharaman]] allocated {{INR}} 3,768 crore for the census in the [[2021 Union budget of India]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/business/budget-2021/story/budget-2021-census-to-go-digital-for-the-first-time-with-rs-3768-crore-allocation-nirmala-sitharaman-1764702-2021-02-01|title=Budget 2021: Census to go digital for the first time with Rs 3,768 crore allocation}}</ref> It has been delayed to 2022 due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in India]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/government-likely-to-postpone-census-to-2022/article33710753.ece|title=Government likely to postpone census to 2022}}</ref> with preliminary results expected in 2023–24.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/interim-census-data-likely-to-be-available-in-2023-24/articleshow/81537582.cms|title=Interim census data likely to be available in 2023–24}}</ref>


==Caste Enumeration in Census==
==Caste Enumeration in Census==
In September 2018, the then [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Home Minister]], [[Rajnath Singh]], announced that the 2021 census will have [[Other Backward Class]] (OBC) data, for the first time since the [[Census of India prior to independence|1931 census]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/census-2021-will-collect-data-on-obcs/articleshow/65623895.cms|title=Census 2021 to collect OBC data, first since 1931|date=2018-09-01|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2020-03-07}}</ref> Despite this announcement, the questionnaire presented in July 2019 did not have a specific OBC category.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Tripathi|first=Rahul|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/despite-promise-no-obc-category-yet-in-census-2021/articleshow/70459824.cms|title=Despite promise, no OBC category yet in census 2021|date=2019-07-31|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2020-03-07}}</ref> Several state legislative assemblies passed resolutions for collecting OBC data including the [[Maharashtra Legislative Assembly]]<ref>,{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/maharashtra-assembly-passes-resolution-seeking-caste-based-census-1634996-2020-01-08|title=Maharashtra Assembly passes resolution seeking caste-based Census|website=India Today|language=en|access-date=2020-03-07}}</ref> [[Odisha Legislative Assembly]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.republicworld.com/india-news/politics/odisha-assembly-passes-to-identify-socially-backward-classes|title=Odisha Assembly passes Amendment Bill identifying socially backward classes|last=World|first=Republic|website=Republic World|access-date=2020-03-07}}</ref> and [[Bihar Legislative Assembly]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/national-politics/bihar-assembly-passes-resolution-for-caste-based-census-in-2021-808605.html|title=Bihar assembly passes resolution for caste-based Census in 2021|date=2020-02-27|website=Deccan Herald|language=en|access-date=2020-03-07}}</ref> while the [[government of Uttar Pradesh]], rejected the opposition's demand to pass such a resolution.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/2020/state-editions/up-govt-rejects-demand-for-caste-based-census.html|title=UP govt rejects demand for caste-based census|last=Pioneer|first=The|website=The Pioneer|language=en|access-date=2020-03-07}}</ref> On 29 February 2020, central government refused to conduct caste census despite demands from states.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/govt-rebuffs-plea-on-census-caste-data/articleshow/74409727.cms|title=Govt rebuffs plea on Census caste data|last=Ghildiyal|first=Subodh|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2020-03-07}}</ref> Despite Centre's rejection, [[Maharashtra]] legislators were adamant for caste based census at least in the state.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/despite-centres-rejection-maharashtra-legislators-unite-to-press-for-separate-census-for-obcs|title=Despite Centre's rejection, Maharashtra legislators unite to press for separate census for OBCs|website=Free Press Journal|language=en|access-date=2020-03-07}}</ref> Protest march in support of OBC census was carried out in [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/protest-rally-taken-out-for-implementation-of-central-reservation-policy/|title=Protest rally taken out for implementation of central reservation policy|date=2020-03-04|work=Daily Excelsior}}</ref> [[Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment|Minister of State Social Justice and Empowerment]], [[Ramdas Athawale]] also demanded carrying of census counting every single caste in India.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nashik/athawale-calls-for-caste-based-census/articleshow/74448408.cms|title=Athawale calls for caste-based census|last=Botekar|first=Abhilash|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2020-03-07}}</ref>
In September 2018, the then [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Home Minister]], [[Rajnath Singh]], announced that the 2021 census would have [[Other Backward Class]] (OBC) data.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Tripathi|first=Rahul|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/despite-promise-no-obc-category-yet-in-census-2021/articleshow/70459824.cms|title=Despite promise, no OBC category yet in census 2021|date=2019-07-31|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2020-03-07}}</ref> Several state legislative assemblies passed resolutions for collecting OBC data including the [[Maharashtra Legislative Assembly]]<ref>,{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/maharashtra-assembly-passes-resolution-seeking-caste-based-census-1634996-2020-01-08|title=Maharashtra Assembly passes resolution seeking caste-based Census|website=India Today|language=en|access-date=2020-03-07}}</ref> [[Odisha Legislative Assembly]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.republicworld.com/india-news/politics/odisha-assembly-passes-to-identify-socially-backward-classes|title=Odisha Assembly passes Amendment Bill identifying socially backward classes|last=World|first=Republic|website=Republic World|access-date=2020-03-07}}</ref> and [[Bihar Legislative Assembly]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/national-politics/bihar-assembly-passes-resolution-for-caste-based-census-in-2021-808605.html|title=Bihar assembly passes resolution for caste-based Census in 2021|date=2020-02-27|website=Deccan Herald|language=en|access-date=2020-03-07}}</ref> while the [[government of Uttar Pradesh]], rejected the opposition's demand to pass such a resolution.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/2020/state-editions/up-govt-rejects-demand-for-caste-based-census.html|title=UP govt rejects demand for caste-based census|last=Pioneer|first=The|website=The Pioneer|language=en|access-date=2020-03-07}}</ref> On 29 February 2020, central government refused to conduct caste census despite demands from states.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/govt-rebuffs-plea-on-census-caste-data/articleshow/74409727.cms|title=Govt rebuffs plea on Census caste data|last=Ghildiyal|first=Subodh|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2020-03-07}}</ref> Despite Centre's rejection, [[Maharashtra]] legislators were adamant for caste based census at least in the state.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/despite-centres-rejection-maharashtra-legislators-unite-to-press-for-separate-census-for-obcs|title=Despite Centre's rejection, Maharashtra legislators unite to press for separate census for OBCs|website=Free Press Journal|language=en|access-date=2020-03-07}}</ref> Protest march in support of OBC census was carried out in [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/protest-rally-taken-out-for-implementation-of-central-reservation-policy/|title=Protest rally taken out for implementation of central reservation policy|date=2020-03-04|work=Daily Excelsior}}</ref> [[Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment|Minister of State Social Justice and Empowerment]], [[Ramdas Athawale]] also demanded carrying of census counting every single caste in India.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nashik/athawale-calls-for-caste-based-census/articleshow/74448408.cms|title=Athawale calls for caste-based census|last=Botekar|first=Abhilash|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2020-03-07}}</ref>
 
==Demography==
It is believed that [[COVID-19 pandemic in India]] will have huge impact on the 2021 census data.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/interim-census-data-likely-to-be-available-in-2023-24/articleshow/81537582.cms|title=Interim census data likely to be available in 2023–24}}</ref>


==Information==
==Information==
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==NPR==
==NPR==
[[National_Register_of_Citizens#National_Population_Register|National Population Register]] will be linked to this census with preparations beginning from April 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/preparations-for-census-2021-npr-update-to-begin-from-april-1-ministry/article30999139.ece|title=Preparations for census 2021, NPR update to begin from April 1: Ministry|last=Awasthi|first=Prashasti|website=The Hindu Business Line|language=en|access-date=2020-03-07}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/no-training-being-imparted-for-npr-exercise-punjab-govt/article31010879.ece|title=No training being imparted for NPR exercise: Punjab government|date=2020-03-07|work=The Hindu|access-date=2020-03-07|others=Special Correspondent|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> NPR will be conducted along with the first phase of Census between April to September 2020.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Singh|first=Vijaita|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/34-queries-in-census-2020-form/article30965877.ece|title=34 queries in Census 2020 form|date=2020-03-02|work=The Hindu|access-date=2020-03-07|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Sudhi|first=K. s|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/census-authorities-for-updating-npr-in-state/article30924009.ece|title=Census authorities for updating NPR in State|date=2020-02-26|work=The Hindu|access-date=2020-03-07|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> On December 24, 2019, the Central Government approved {{INR}} 3,941 crore for updating the NPR across India.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/cabinet-approves-conduct-of-census-2021-and-npr-119122400704_1.html|title=Cabinet approves Rs 3,941 crore for NPR, Rs 8,754 crore for Census 2021}}</ref>
[[National_Register_of_Citizens#National_Population_Register|National Population Register]] will be linked to this census with preparations beginning from April 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/preparations-for-census-2021-npr-update-to-begin-from-april-1-ministry/article30999139.ece|title=Preparations for census 2021, NPR update to begin from April 1: Ministry|last=Awasthi|first=Prashasti|website=The Hindu Business Line|language=en|access-date=2020-03-07}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/no-training-being-imparted-for-npr-exercise-punjab-govt/article31010879.ece|title=No training being imparted for NPR exercise: Punjab government|date=2020-03-07|work=The Hindu|access-date=2020-03-07|others=Special Correspondent|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> NPR will be conducted along with the first phase of Census between April to September 2020.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Singh|first=Vijaita|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/34-queries-in-census-2020-form/article30965877.ece|title=34 queries in Census 2020 form|date=2020-03-02|work=The Hindu|access-date=2020-03-07|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Sudhi|first=K. s|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/census-authorities-for-updating-npr-in-state/article30924009.ece|title=Census authorities for updating NPR in State|date=2020-02-26|work=The Hindu|access-date=2020-03-07|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> On December 24, 2019, the Central Government approved {{INR}} 3,941 crore for updating the NPR across India.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/cabinet-approves-conduct-of-census-2021-and-npr-119122400704_1.html|title=Cabinet approves Rs 3,941 crore for NPR, Rs 8,754 crore for Census 2021}}</ref>
==Religious demographics==
The religious data on India Census 2011 was released by the Government of India on 25 August 2015.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/indias-population-121-09-crores-hindus-79-8-pc-muslims-14-2-pc-census/| title= Census 2011: Muslims record decadal growth of 24.6 pc, Hindus 16.8 pc | author= Abantika Ghosh, Vijaita Singh | work=The Indian Express| date= 24 January 2015| access-date= 27 January 2015}}</ref><ref name="Muslim population growth slows">{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Muslim-population-growth-slows/article10336665.ece|title=Muslim population growth slows|first1=Rukmini|last1=S|first2=Vijaita|last2=Singh|date=25 August 2015|work=The Hindu}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/c-01.html |title=India Census 2011 |publisher=Censusindia.gov.in |access-date=25 August 2015}}</ref> Hindus are 79.8% (966.3 million) while Sikhs are 20.8 million comprising 1.72% of the population,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/religious-communities-census-2011-what-the-numbers-say/article7582284.ece|title=India's religions by numbers|date=26 August 2015|work=The Hindu}}</ref> Muslims are 14.23% (172.2 million) in India.<ref name="Muslim population growth slows"/><ref name="auto1">{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Muslim-representation-on-decline/articleshow/48737293.cms |title=Muslim representation on decline |work=The Times of India|date=31 August 2015|access-date=31 August 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Hindu-population-declined-Muslims-increased-Census-2011/articleshow/48671407.cms |title=Muslim share of population up 0.8%, Hindus' down 0.7% between 2001 and 2011|work=The Times of India |publisher=Timesofindia.indiatimes.com |date=26 August 2015 |access-date=24 July 2016}}</ref> and Christians are 2.30% (28.7 million). According to the 2011 Census of India, there are 57,264 Parsis in India.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/life-style/where-we-belong-the-fight-of-parsi-women-in-interfaith-marriages-4900480/|title=Where we belong: The fight of Parsi women in interfaith marriages|date=24 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/Parsi-population-dips-by-22-per-cent-between-2001-2011-study/article14508859.ece|title=Parsi population dips by 22 per cent between 2001–2011: study|date=26 July 2016|work=The Hindu}}</ref> For the first time, a "No religion" category was added in the 2011 census.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailyo.in/lifestyle/lokayata-hinduism-atheist-india-religion-narendra-dabholkar/story/1/5954.html|title=Why a Tinder date is better than 72 virgins in paradise|website=dailyo.in}}</ref> 2.87 million were classified as people belonging to "No Religion" in India in the 2011 census<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/against-all-gods-meet-the-league-of-atheists-from-rural-uttar-pradesh/|title=Against All Gods: Meet the league of atheists from rural Uttar Pradesh|date=6 September 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://scroll.in/article/753475/people-without-religion-have-risen-in-census-2011-but-atheists-have-nothing-to-cheer-about|title=People without religion have risen in Census 2011, but atheists have nothing to cheer about|first=Shoaib|last=Daniyal|website=Scroll.in}}</ref> 0.24% of India's population of 1.21 billion.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/2-87-million-Indians-have-no-faith-census-reveals-for-first-time/articleshow/48689278.cms|title=2.87 million Indians have no faith, census reveals for first time &#124; India News|website=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-188-lakh-people-in-tamil-nadu-state-no-religion-in-2011-census-2118958|title=1.88 lakh people in Tamil Nadu state 'no religion' in 2011 census|first=DNA Web|last=Team|date=27 August 2015|website=DNA India}}</ref> Given below is the decade-by-decade religious composition of India until the 2011 census.<ref name="censusindia2011">{{cite web| url=http://www.livemint.com/Home-Page/hxXBcoatDPlDVgcjecQDfJ/Muslim-politics-At-a-crossroads.html| website=livemint.com | publisher=Livemint | title=Muslim politics:At a crossroads | access-date=28 October 2014}}</ref><ref name="census1">{{cite web| url=http://www.milligazette.com/news/6953-demographic-dividend-and-indian-muslims-i | title= Demographic Dividend and Indian Muslims – i| author= Aariz Mohammed | date= 1–15 May 2013 | work= Milli Gazette| access-date= 15 May 2013}}</ref><ref name="census2">{{cite web | url= http://www.milligazette.com/print/issue/1-15-may-2013/11 | title= Demographic Dividend and Indian Muslims – i | author= Aariz Mohammed | date= 1–15 May 2013 | work= Milli Gazette | access-date= 15 May 2013 | archive-date= 12 August 2018 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180812115038/http://www.milligazette.com/print/issue/1-15-may-2013/11 | url-status= dead }}</ref> There are six religions in India that have been awarded "National Minority" status – Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists and Parsis.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1140121/jsp/nation/story_17847192.jsp|title=National minority status for Jains}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-jains-become-sixth-minority-community-1954568|title=Jains become sixth minority community|first=dna|last=Correspondent|date=21 January 2014|website=DNA India}}</ref> Sunnis, Shias, Bohras, Agakhanis and [[Ahmadiyya]]s were identified as sects of Islam in India.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/ahmadiyyas-islam-sects-islam-ahmadiyyas-sect-ahmadiyyas-islam-islamic-sects-islam-india-ahmadiyya-legal-status-2011-census-india-population-india-news-2952701/|title=Ahmadiyyas find place as Islam sect in census|date=4 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Protest-against-inclusion-of-Ahmediyyas-in-Muslim-census/articleshow/53645457.cms|title=Protest against inclusion of Ahmediyyas in Muslim census &#124; Hyderabad News|work=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/ahmadiyya-community-census-india-muslims-2954285/|title=Minority in a minority|date=5 August 2016}}</ref> As per 2011 census, six major faiths- Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains make up over 99.4% of India's 1.21 billion population, while "other religions, persuasions" (ORP) count is 8.2 million. Among the ORP faiths, six faiths- 4.957 million-strong [[Sarnaism]], 1.026 million-strong [[Gondi people|Gond]], 506,000-strong [[Sari]], [[Donyi-Polo]] (302,000) in Arunachal Pradesh, [[Sanamahism]] (222,000) in Manipur, [[Khasi people|Khasi]] (138,000) in Meghalaya dominate.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/india-religion-census-fewer-minor-faiths-in-india-now-finds-census-number-of-their-adherents-up-2946824/|title=Fewer minor faiths in India now, finds Census; number of their adherents up|date=1 August 2016}}</ref> Maharashtra is having the highest number of atheists in the country with 9,652 such people, followed by Kerala.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/Opinion/o9Soxay5xhcsCiVJl7pTCM/God-versus-Atheism-Bengal-vouches-for-believers.html|title=God versus Atheism, Bengal vouches for believers|first=Soumonty|last=Kanungo|date=10 August 2016|website=Mint}}</ref>
;Population trends for major religious groups in India (1951–2021)
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="margin:auto;"
|- style="text-align: center;"
! Religious<br/>group
! Population <br/>% '''1951'''
! Population <br/>% '''1961'''
! Population <br/>% '''1971'''
! Population <br/>% '''1981'''
! Population <br/>% '''1991'''
! Population <br/>% '''2001'''
! Population <br/>% '''2011'''
! Population <br/>% '''2021'''
|-
! style="background:orange;"| [[Hinduism]]
| 84.1% || 83.45% || 82.73% || 82.30% || 81.53% || 80.46% || 79.80%|| TBD
|-
! style="background:Green;"| [[Islam]]
| 9.8% || 10.69% || 11.21% || 11.75% || 12.61% || 13.43% ||14.23%|| TBD
|-
! style="background:DodgerBlue;"| [[Christianity]]
| 2.3% || 2.44% || 2.60% || 2.44% || 2.32% || 2.34% || 2.30%|| TBD
|-
! style="background:greenyellow;"| [[Sikhism]]
| 1.79% || 1.79% || 1.89% || 1.92% || 1.94% || 1.87% || 1.72%|| TBD
|-
! style="background:Gold;"| [[Buddhism]]
| 0.74% || 0.74% || 0.70% || 0.70% || 0.77% || 0.77% || 0.70%|| TBD
|-
! style="background:Brown;"| [[Jainism]]
| 0.46% || 0.46% || 0.48% || 0.47% || 0.40% || 0.41% || 0.37%|| TBD
|-
! style="background:Wheat;"| [[Zoroastrianism]]
| 0.13% || 0.09% || 0.09% || 0.09% || 0.08% || 0.06% || n/a|| TBD
|-
! style="background:Yellow;"| Other religions / No religion
| 0.8% || 0.8% || 0.41% || 0.42% || 0.44% || 0.8% || 0.9% || TBD
|}
{{Clear}}
==Language demographics==
{{Main|Languages of India}}
[[Hindi]] is the most widely spoken language in northern parts of India.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/hindi-the-first-choice-of-people-in-only-12-states/article27459774.ece|title=Hindi the first choice of people in only 12 States|first=Sumant|last=Sen|date=4 June 2019|work=The Hindu}}</ref> The Indian census takes the widest possible definition of "Hindi" as a broad variety of "[[Hindi languages]]".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011Census/C-16_25062018_NEW.pdf|title=Abstract speakers languages India 2011}}</ref> According to 2011 Census, 57.1% of Indian population know Hindi,<ref name="fulllangdatacensus 2011"/> in which 43.63% of Indian people have declared Hindi as their native language or mother tongue.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/what-india-speaks-south-indian-languages-are-growing-not-fast-hindi-83823|title=What India speaks: South Indian languages are growing, but not as fast as Hindi|date=28 June 2018|website=The News Minute}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://scroll.in/article/884754/surging-hindi-shrinking-south-indian-languages-nine-charts-that-explain-the-2011-language-census|title=Surging Hindi, shrinking South Indian languages: Nine charts that explain the 2011 language census|first=Shoaib|last=Daniyal|website=Scroll.in}}</ref> The language data was released on 26 June 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/hindi-mother-tongue-of-44-in-india-bangla-second-most-spoken/articleshow/64755458.cms|title=Hindi mother tongue of 44% in India, Bangla second most spoken &#124; India News|website=The Times of India}}</ref> Bhili/Bhilodi was the most spoken unscheduled language with 10.4 million speakers, followed by Gondi with 2.9 million speakers. 96.71% of India's population speaks one of the 22 scheduled languages as their mother tongue in the 2011 census.
The 2011 census report on [[bilingualism]] and [[trilingualism]], which provides data on the two languages in order of preference in which a person is proficient other than the mother tongue, was released in September 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-17/DDW-C17-0000.XLSX|title=C-17 POPULATION BY BILINGUALISM AND TRILINGUALISM}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/chandigarh/after-mother-tongue-city-more-proficient-in-english/662470.html|title=After mother tongue, city more proficient in English}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://censusindia.gov.in/Tables_Published/C-Series/C-Series_link/DDWC-000018.pdf|title=C-18 POPULATION BY BILINGUALISM, TRILINGUALISM, AGE AND SEX}}</ref> The number of bilingual speakers in India is 314.9 million, which is 26% of the population in 2011.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/hindi-migrants-speaking-marathi-rise-to-60-lakh/articleshow/66061624.cms|title=Hindi migrants speaking Marathi rise to 60 lakh &#124; Mumbai News|website=The Times of India}}</ref> 7% of Indian population is trilingual.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/52-of-indias-urban-youth-are-now-bilingual-18-speak-three-languages/articleshow/66530958.cms|title=52% of India's urban youth are now bilingual, 18% speak three languages &#124; India News|website=The Times of India}}</ref> Hindi, Bengali speakers are India's least multilingual groups.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/hindi-bengali-speakers-indias-least-multilingual-groups/articleshow/66612384.cms|title=Hindi, Bengali speakers India's least multilingual groups &#124; India News|website=The Times of India}}</ref>
Numbers regarding languages spoken available in the 2011 Indian Census data may not reflect actual data in India due to how the data was collected, with participants being allowed to give any response they wished for what languages they spoke. 
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+First, Second, and Third languages by number of speakers in India (2011 Census)
!Language
!First language<br/>speakers<ref name="1971-2001">{{cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011Census/C-16_25062018_NEW.pdf|title=Census of India: Comparative speaker's strength of Scheduled Languages-1951, 1961, 1971, 1981, 1991 ,2001 and 2011|last=ORGI}}</ref>
!First language<br/>speakers as a percentage of total population
!Second language<br/>speakers
!Third language<br/>speakers
!Total speakers <ref name="fulllangdatacensus 2011">{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/how-languagesintersect-in-india/story-g3nzNwFppYV7XvCumRzlYL.html|title=How languages intersect in India|work=Hindustan Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/static/iframes/language_probability_interactive/index.html|title=How many Indians can you talk to?|website=hindustantimes.com}}</ref>
!Total speakers as a percentage of total population
|-
|[[Hindi language|Hindi]]
|528,347,193
|43.63
|139,000,000
|24,000,000
|692,000,000
|57.1
|-
|[[English language|English]]
|259,678
|0.02
|83,000,000
|46,000,000
|129,000,000
|10.6
|-
|[[Bengali language|Bengali]]
|97,237,669
|8.3
|9,000,000
|1,000,000
|107,000,000
|8.9
|-
|[[Marathi language|Marathi]]
|83,026,680
|7.09
|13,000,000
|3,000,000
|99,000,000
|8.2
|-
|[[Telugu language|Telugu]]
|81,127,740
|6.93
|12,000,000
|1,000,000
|95,000,000
|7.8
|-
|[[Tamil language|Tamil]]
|69,026,881
|5.89
|7,000,000
|1,000,000
|77,000,000
|6.3
|-
|[[Gujarati language|Gujarati]]
|55,492,554
|4.74
|4,000,000
|1,000,000
|60,000,000
|5
|-
|[[Urdu]]
|50,772,631
|4.34
|11,000,000
|1,000,000
|63,000,000
|5.2
|-
|[[Kannada]]
|43,706,512
|3.73
|14,000,000
|1,000,000
|59,000,000
|4.94
|-
|[[Odia language|Odia]]
|37,521,324
|3.2
|5,000,000
|390,000
|43,000,000
|3.56
|-
|[[Malayalam]]
|34,838,819
|2.97
|500,000
|210,000
|36,000,000
|2.9
|-
|[[Punjabi language|Punjabi]]
|33,124,726
|2.83
|2,230,000
|720,000
|36,600,000
|3
|-
|[[Sanskrit]]
|24,821
|<0.01
|1,230,000
|1,960,000
|3,190,000
|0.19
|}
==Literacy==
Any one above age 7 who can read and write in any language with an ability to understand was considered a literate. In censuses before 1991, children below the age 5 were treated as illiterates. The literacy rate taking the entire population into account is termed as "crude literacy rate", and taking the population from age 7 and above into account is termed as "effective literacy rate". As per the [[2011 Census of India]],the "Effective literacy rate" increased to a total of 74.04% with 82.14% of the males and 65.46% of the females being literate.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/censusinfodashboard/index.html |title= Census Provional Population Totals |access-date=14 February 2013 |publisher= [[Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India|The Registrar General & Census Commissioner]], India}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;"
|-
!  style="text-align:center; vertical-align:bottom;"|S.No.
!  style="text-align:center; vertical-align:bottom;"|Census year
!  style="text-align:center; vertical-align:bottom;"|Total (%)
!  style="text-align:center; vertical-align:bottom;"|Male (%)
!  style="text-align:center; vertical-align:bottom;"|Female (%)
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"|1 || style="text-align:center;"|1901 || style="text-align:right;"|5.35 || style="text-align:right;"|9.83 || style="text-align:right;"|0.60
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"|2 || style="text-align:center;"|1911 || style="text-align:right;"|5.92 || style="text-align:right;"|10.56 || style="text-align:right;"|1.05
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"|3 || style="text-align:center;"|1921 || style="text-align:right;"|7.16 || style="text-align:right;"|12.21 || style="text-align:right;"|1.81
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"|4 || style="text-align:center;"|1931 || style="text-align:right;"|9.50 || style="text-align:right;"|15.59 || style="text-align:right;"|2.93
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"|5 || style="text-align:center;"|1941 || style="text-align:right;"|16.10 || style="text-align:right;"|24.90 || style="text-align:right;"|7.30
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"|6 || style="text-align:center;"|1951 || style="text-align:right;"|16.67 || style="text-align:right;"|24.95 || style="text-align:right;"|9.45
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"|7 || style="text-align:center;"|1961 || style="text-align:right;"|24.02 || style="text-align:right;"|34.44 || style="text-align:right;"|12.95
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"|8 || style="text-align:center;"|1971 || style="text-align:right;"|29.45 || style="text-align:right;"|39.45 || style="text-align:right;"|18.69
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"|9 || style="text-align:center;"|1981 || style="text-align:right;"|36.23 || style="text-align:right;"|46.89 || style="text-align:right;"|24.82
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"|10 || style="text-align:center;"|1991 || style="text-align:right;"|42.84 || style="text-align:right;"|52.74 || style="text-align:right;"|32.17
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"|11 || style="text-align:center;"|2001 || style="text-align:right;"|64.83 || style="text-align:right;"|75.26 || style="text-align:right;"|53.67
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"|12 || style="text-align:center;"|2011 || style="text-align:right;"|74.04 || style="text-align:right;"|82.14 || style="text-align:right;"|65.46
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"|13 || style="text-align:center;"|2021 || style="text-align:right;"|TBD|| style="text-align:right;"|TBD|| style="text-align:right;"|TBD
|}


==See also==
==See also==
* [[Seventh National Population Census of the People's Republic of China]]
* [[Seventh National Population Census of the People's Republic of China]]
* [[2020 United States census]]


==References==
==References==
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