Uttar Pradesh Population by Religion 2026 | Caste wise Population

The population of Uttar Pradesh is composed of several broad caste and community groups. Other Backward Classes (OBCs) form the largest segment at around 40% of the population. Scheduled Castes (Dalits) account for roughly 20–21%, while forward castes—including Brahmins, Rajputs, Vaishyas, Kayasthas, and Jats—together make up about 18–20%.  Scheduled Tribes (STs) form a very small portion of the population at about 0.5–0.6%. Other smaller communities together account for roughly 1% of the population.

Within these broader categories, some large caste groups stand out. Among Scheduled Castes, the most prominent communities include Jatav (around 10–11%), and Pasi (about 3–4%), while other SC groups, such as Kori, Balmiki, Khatik, and others, together account for roughly 3–4%. In the OBC category, major communities include Yadav (around 8–10%), Kurmi (3–4%), and Kahar (around 2%), while several other OBC groups—such as Maurya/Kushwaha, Kumhar, Teli, Gadaria, Lodha, Nai, Kachhi, Lohar, Bhoi, Mallah/Nishad and similar castes—each generally form around 1-2% individually, but together account for roughly 8–10% of the population.

Among forward castes, the largest groups are Brahmins (7–8%), Rajputs (4–5%), Vaishya/Bania/Agarwal (3–4%), while Kayasthas, Jats, and a few other smaller forward caste groups together make up roughly 3–4%.

It is important to note that these figures are only estimates, as the Government of India has not released detailed caste-wise population data in recent censuses, except for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the 2011 Census. Therefore, most caste distribution estimates are based on independent studies, surveys, and media reports, and the actual proportions may vary across different regions of Uttar Pradesh.