Jain Census: Jain Population in India
Jain Census data for India — recorded figures, percentages and state-wise numbers from the Census of India, and why Jains are often undercounted.
In the Jain Census of India, the most recent official count is the Census of India 2011, which recorded the Jain population at 4,451,753 — about 0.4% of the country's total population. This makes Jains one of India's smallest religious communities by recorded numbers, even though Jainism is among its oldest faiths.
Jains have the highest literacy rate of any community in India (94.88% in Census 2011) and contribute far beyond their share to the nation's economy, taxes and philanthropy. Yet their recorded population remains small, partly because many Jain families are not counted under their correct religious identity.
Jain Census 2011 — key figures
Jain Population by State (Census 2011)
The states with the highest Jain population in India. Maharashtra leads, followed by Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.
| State | Jain Population (2011) |
|---|---|
| Maharashtra | 1,400,349 |
| Rajasthan | 622,023 |
| Gujarat | 579,654 |
| Madhya Pradesh | 567,028 |
| Karnataka | 440,280 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 213,267 |
| Delhi | 166,231 |
| Tamil Nadu | 89,265 |
Source: Census of India 2011. Maharashtra has the highest Jain population of any Indian state.
Why Jains are often undercounted in the Census
Census 2011 recorded about 44.5 lakh (4.45 million) Jains, but the recorded figure does not capture every Jain family. Jains are often undercounted because many families are recorded under common business surnames (such as Shah, Mehta, Jain, or Sanghvi) or under Hinduism due to cultural overlap, instead of being counted as Jain. Sect identities (Digambar, Shwetambar, Sthanakvasi and others) are also sometimes split rather than counted together as one community.
An accurate count matters because population numbers shape political representation, government planning, minority welfare schemes and resource allocation. When Jains are undercounted, the community's voice and entitlements are weakened.
The campaign for an accurate Jain Census
Let Every Jain Count (LEJC) is a PAN-India awareness campaign working to ensure every Jain is counted correctly in India's National Census 2027. LEJC runs national awareness drives so that Jain families record their identity as JAIN during self-enumeration and the enumerator visit.
To be counted correctly, every Jain family should complete both census phases and clearly record their religion as JAIN. Digambar, Shwetambar, Sthanakvasi, Terapanth and all other panths are one identity for the census.
Frequently asked questions about the Jain population
What is the Jain Census?
The Jain Census (Jain Janaganana) refers to the effort to count every Jain correctly in India's National Census. Because Jains are often undercounted, Let Every Jain Count (LEJC) runs a national awareness campaign so that every Jain family records their identity as JAIN in the Census 2027.
How many Jains are there in India?
As per Census 2011, there are 4,451,753 Jains in India, which is about 0.4% of the total population. This is the most recent official Jain Census figure, though many Jain families are not recorded under their correct identity.
What percentage of India's population is Jain?
Jains make up about 0.4% of India's population according to Census 2011, making them one of the smallest religious communities by recorded numbers.
Which state has the highest Jain population in India?
Maharashtra has the highest Jain population of any state, with about 1.4 million Jains as per Census 2011, followed by Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.
Why is the Jain population considered undercounted?
Many Jain families are recorded under a broader category rather than as Jain, and sect identities (Digambar, Shwetambar, Sthanakvasi and others) are sometimes split instead of counted as one community. This is why the recorded 4.45 million does not capture every Jain family.
When is the next census that will count Jains?
India's next National Census is scheduled for 2027, with Digital Self-Enumeration allowing households to record their own details. It is the next opportunity for every Jain to be counted correctly.
Help every Jain be counted correctly
The Census 2027 is the next chance to record an accurate Jain population. Join Let Every Jain Count to spread awareness so no Jain family is missed.