Patna is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Bihar. It is located on the southern bank of the Ganga River and serves as the political, educational, and administrative center of the state. Patna is also one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. As per provisional reports of Census India, the population of Patna City in 2011 was 16,84,222 (16.84 lakh).
Estimated Population of Patna in 2026: ~23 lakh (2.3 million)
Also read about: Bihar Population and Demography
Patna City – Census 2011
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 16,84,222 (16.84 lakh) |
| Male Population | 8,89,399 |
| Female Population | 7,90,823 |
| Density of Population | 6,737 per sq. km |
| Average Literacy (%) | 83.37% |
| % of Male Literates | 87.35% |
| % of Female Literates | 78.89% |
| Sex Ratio | 885 |
| Child Sex Ratio | 877 |
| Children (0–6 years) | 2,03,041 |
Source: Census 2011
Census 2011 – Key Takeaways (Patna City)
Patna City had a total population of 16.84 lakh in 2011.
The male population was 8.89 lakh, while females numbered 7.91 lakh.
The city recorded a high population density of 6,737 persons per sq. km.
The overall literacy rate stood at 83.37%, with male literacy at 87.35% and female literacy at 78.89%.
Patna’s sex ratio was 885 females per 1,000 males, below the national average.
Children aged 0–6 years accounted for about 12% of the total population.
Patna Metropolitan Area Population
Patna Metropolitan Area, also known as the Patna Urban Agglomeration, is the 18th largest urban agglomeration in India. It covers an area of around 600 sq. km and includes Patna city along with its surrounding urban areas.
As per the Census of India 2011, the population of Patna Metropolitan Area was 20,49,156 (20.49 lakh), and its estimated population in 2026 is around 30 lakh (3 million).
An urban agglomeration is a continuous urban spread consisting of a city and its adjoining outgrowths or nearby towns.
Patna Population Growth Trend (1901–2021)
As per Census 2011, Patna recorded a population growth rate of 17.66% during 2001–2011. During 2011–2021, the city was expected to grow at a rate of around 15%, reflecting steady urban expansion.
In 1901, the population of Patna was only about 1.35 lakh, which increased to nearly 20 lakh by 2021. This long-term growth highlights Patna’s transformation into a major metropolitan center in eastern India.
Decadal Population Growth of Patna
| Census Year | Population | Absolute Change | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1901 | 134,785 | – | – |
| 1911 | 136,153 | +1,368 | +1.01% |
| 1921 | 119,976 | −16,177 | −11.88% |
| 1931 | 159,690 | +39,714 | +33.10% |
| 1941 | 196,415 | +36,725 | +23.00% |
| 1951 | 283,479 | +87,064 | +44.33% |
| 1961 | 364,594 | +81,115 | +28.61% |
| 1971 | 475,300 | +110,706 | +30.36% |
| 1981 | 813,963 | +338,663 | +71.25% |
| 1991 | 956,417 | +142,454 | +17.50% |
| 2001 | 1,431,477 | +475,060 | +49.67% |
| 2011 | 1,684,222 | +252,745 | +17.66% |
| 2021 (Est.) | 1,950,000 | +265,778 | +15.78% |
Source: Census 2011
Patna District Population
Patna district is one of the 36 districts of Bihar and is the most populous district in the state. It is also among the fifteen most populous districts in India.
As per Census 2011, Patna district had a population of 5,838,465 (58.38 lakh), including 3,078,512 males and 2,759,953 females. The district recorded an average literacy rate of 70.68%, with a sex ratio of 897 females per 1,000 males.
The estimated population of Patna District in 2026 is around 74 lakh.
Patna District Quick Facts (Census 2011)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 5,838,465 (58.38 lakh) |
| District Area | 3,202 sq. km |
| Population Density | 1,800 per sq. km |
| Literacy Rate (%) | 71.92 |
| Sex Ratio | 897 |
| Child Sex Ratio | 909 |
Source: Census 2011
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