Largest States and UT of India 2026 – By Area & Population, Top List & Key Facts

Know the largest states and Union Territories of India in 2026 by area and population. Rajasthan is the largest by area, Uttar Pradesh by population, and Ladakh is the largest UT, along with key facts and rankings.

Largest States and UT of India 2026 – By Area & Population, Top List & Key Facts

Largest States and UT of India 2026, the term can be interpreted in two ways: by area and by population. While Rajasthan is the largest state in India by area, Uttar Pradesh holds the distinction of being the largest state in India by population. Each state has unique cultural, geographical, and demographic characteristics that contribute to India’s diversity.

Maps of the largest state in India provide visual insight into their vast boundaries. They help understand the distribution of land, population density, and administrative divisions. Studying the largest state in India is also essential for governance, development planning, and resource management. Therefore, let’s delve into gathering the complete details related to largest state in India. 

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Largest State in India by Area in 2026?

Rajasthan is the largest state in India by area. Covering approximately 342,239 square kilometers, it accounts for around 10.4% of the country’s total land area. Rajasthan is located in the northwestern part of India, bordering Pakistan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana.

Largest State in India

Rajasthan’s geographical landscape includes the Thar Desert, the Aravalli Hills, and several rivers like the Chambal and the Luni. The vast area of Rajasthan makes it the largest state in India by area. Thereby making it a significant contributor to agriculture and mineral resources.

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List of Largest State in India by Area 2026

Provided here is the list of largest state in India by Area. Check the table below to get the complete list of the largest state in India. It clear view of states that have extensive land areas. Rajasthan leads by a significant margin, establishing itself as the largest state in India by area.

List of Largest State in India by Area 2026
Rank State Area (sq. km)
1 Rajasthan 342,239
2 Madhya Pradesh 308,350
3 Maharashtra 307,713
4 Uttar Pradesh 243,286
5 Gujarat 196,024
6 Karnataka 191,791
7 Andhra Pradesh 162,968
8 Odisha 155,707
9 Chhattisgarh 135,192
10 Tamil Nadu 130,058

Largest State in India by Population in 2026 

Uttar Pradesh is the largest state in India by population. According to estimates for 2026, the state has a population exceeding 24 crore people. Uttar Pradesh is located in northern India and shares borders with Uttarakhand, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Nepal.

Largest State in India

The state plays a crucial role in politics, economy, and culture due to its high population density. Major cities like Lucknow, Kanpur, and Varanasi serve as administrative and cultural centers. The large population of Uttar Pradesh makes it the largest state in India by population. 

List of Largest State in India by Population 2026

Here is a list of the largest states in India by population as of 2026. It will highlight states with high population figures. Uttar Pradesh remains the most populous, making it the largest state in India by population.

List of Largest State in India by Population 2026
Rank State Population (in crore)
1 Uttar Pradesh 24.3
2 Maharashtra 13.7
3 Bihar 13.1
4 West Bengal 10.2
5 Madhya Pradesh 9.7
6 Tamil Nadu 8.0
7 Rajasthan 7.9
8 Karnataka 7.8
9 Gujarat 6.9
10 Andhra Pradesh 5.3

Largest Union Territory of India in 2026 

Ladakh is the largest union territory of India by area. After the reorganization in 2019, it became a union territory with an area of 59,146* square kilometers. Ladakh shares international borders with China (east), Pakistan (west/north), and Afghanistan (north). Domestically, it shares borders with the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir to the west and the state of Himachal Pradesh to the south.

Largest State in India

The union territory has a diverse range, including mountains, valleys, and rivers. Jammu and Kashmir is known for its natural beauty and tourist destinations. Its size makes it the largest union territory of India by area.

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List of Largest Union Territory of India in 2026

Here is a list of the largest union territories in India by area as of 2026. Refer to the table below get complete details:

List of Largest Union Territory of India in 2026
Rank Union Territory Area (sq. km)
1 Ladakh 59,146*
2 Jammu and Kashmir 55,535
3 Delhi 1,484
4 Puducherry 479
5 Chandigarh 114
6 Andaman & Nicobar 8,249
7 Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu 603

*Note: Ladakh is administratively separate but geographically larger. Jammu and Kashmir is the largest in terms of administrative significance 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the largest state in India by area in 2026?

Rajasthan is the largest state in India by area, covering about 342,239 sq. km.

Which is the largest state in India by population in 2026?

Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state, with over 24 crore people.

Which is the largest Union Territory of India by area?

Ladakh is the largest Union Territory by area.

. Why is studying the largest states of India important?

It helps in understanding governance, resource distribution, and population planning.

What are the top 3 largest states in India by area?

The top three are Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra.

Largest States and UT of India 2026 – By Area & Population, Top List & Key Facts

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Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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