India, with its vast and diverse geography, is divided into states and union territories (UTs) that vary greatly in size, population, and density. Knowing the largest and smallest states and UTs — both by area and population — is important for understanding India’s administrative structure and for scoring well in competitive exams.

Rajasthan is the largest state by area, while Uttar Pradesh tops the list in terms of population. Similarly, Goa and Sikkim feature among the smallest states, and union territories like Lakshadweep and Ladakh are notable for their size and population characteristics.

For aspirants preparing for Banking, SSC, Railway, UPSC, Defence, Insurance, and State PCS exams, this information is frequently tested in the General Awareness, Geography, and Static GK sections.

This article provides a complete list of India’s largest and smallest states and UTs (2025), along with key facts and a downloadable PDF (English & Hindi) to help you revise easily and prepare effectively for your exams.

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Click the link below to download the largest states in India by area and population PDF in English and Hindi.

Download Largest States in India By Area & Population PDF in English

Download Largest States in India By Area & Population PDF in Hindi

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Which is the Largest State in India?

• By Area: Rajasthan is the largest state in India by area.

• The total area covered by Rajasthan is 342,249 sq. kilometers.

• According to the 2011 census, Rajasthan was ranked eighth in terms of population.

• The capital of Rajasthan is Jaipur, and it has a total of 50 districts.

• Rajasthan is a dry region, mainly composed of an arid climate because the Thar desert, which is also called the Great Indian Desert situated in the Northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent.

• Rajasthan has a habitat of tigers, lions, leopards, and elephants, and the Thar desert comprises several large mammals like the blue bull, blackbuck, and Indian gazelle or chinkara.

• Rajasthan has the most popular tourist destinations with 41 forts, 39 palaces, 24 wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, 25 monuments, and so on.

• These places make Rajasthan more attractive.

• Rajasthan is the largest state of India by area.

By Area, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra are considered the 2nd largest state and 3rd largest states in India by area.

Which is the Smallest State in India?

Goa is the smallest state in India by area. While Sikkim is the 2nd smallest state in India by area.

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Here we have provided the largest States in India by area, in ascending order from the smallest to the biggest in land area. Check the table given below for complete information about the largest and smallest states in India, area-wise.

Largest Union Territory of India by Area

• The largest Union Territory of India by area is Ladakh with an area of 59,136 sq. km.

• Union Territory of Ladakh is situated in the Northern part of India.

• Ladakh consists of two districts, Leh and Kargil.

• District Leh is one of the largest districts in the country, has an area of 45100 sq. km, and District Ladakh has 14036 sq. km.

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Here we have provided the largest Union Territory in India by area.

Which is the Largest State of India by Population?

• By Population, Uttar Pradesh is one of the largest states in India by population, as per the Census of 2011.

• The total population of Uttar Pradesh is 199,812,341, and Uttar Pradesh is the 4th largest state by area with 240,928 sq. km.

• Uttar Pradesh is followed by Maharashtra, and Bihar is considered the second and third-largest state in India by population. 

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Which is the Smallest State in India by population?

• Sikkim is the smallest state in India by population.

• According to the Census 2011, Sikkim is followed by Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, and Goa. 

Here we provided the list of Indian states from the largest to and smallest by population.

Largest Union Territory of India by Population

Delhi is the largest Union Territory of India by population, and Lakshadweep is the smallest Union Territory of India by population. (as per Census 2011)

Here we have provided the largest Union Territory in India by area.

FAQs

Q. Which is the largest state in India by area?

A. Rajasthan is the largest state in India by area, covering about 342,239 sq km, known for its desert landscape and cultural heritage.

Q. Which state has the highest population in India?

A. Uttar Pradesh ranks first in terms of population, making it the most populous state in the country.

Q. What is the smallest state by area in India?

A. Goa is the smallest state by area, known for its coastal beauty and tourism.

Q. Which is the least populated state in India?

A. Sikkim is the least populated state, noted for its rich biodiversity and mountainous terrain.

Q. Which is the largest Union Territory by area?

A. Ladakh is the largest Union Territory by area, featuring high-altitude deserts and unique landscapes.

Q. Which is the smallest Union Territory by population?

A. Lakshadweep is the smallest UT by population, comprising a group of islands in the Arabian Sea.

Q. Why is it important to know this for competitive exams?

A. Questions about state/UT area and population rankings are common in Banking, SSC, UPSC, Railways, and State PCS exams, particularly in Static GK and Geography sections.

Q. Is the list provided in a downloadable PDF format?

A. Yes! A PDF in English and Hindi is included to help candidates revise the key facts about India’s largest and smallest states and UTs quickly and easily.

Q. Are the area and population rankings of states/UTs static or do they change?

A. The area of states and UTs remains constant, as it is based on geographical boundaries. However, population rankings can change over time due to census updates and demographic shifts. The latest rankings are based on the most recent government data.

Q. Will I get map-based questions on this topic in exams?

A. Yes! Some exams, especially SSC, UPSC, and State PCS, may include map-based or match-the-following questions on the largest/smallest states and UTs. Knowing their location and key facts helps in answering these accurately.