According to the Census 2011 data for India, which of the following is the least populous state in terms of total population?

Introduction / Context:
Population based questions are very common in competitive exams, especially those that ask about the most or least populous states according to a particular census. Understanding these extremes helps you remember the demographic diversity of India. The Census 2011 is the latest officially published complete census, so many exam questions still refer to its figures.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The reference point is Census 2011 for India.
• We are comparing the total population of four states: Goa, Mizoram, Bihar, and Sikkim.
• The question asks for the least populous state among these.
• We assume standard Census 2011 data as published by the Government of India.

Concept / Approach:
The key idea is to recall which Indian states have very small populations. Among the options, Bihar is one of the most populous states in India and can be immediately ruled out. Goa and Mizoram are relatively small in area and population, but Sikkim has an even smaller population than both. By remembering approximate population figures or at least the relative order, we can identify Sikkim as the least populous state according to Census 2011.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Bihar is among the top states in India by population, so it cannot be the least populous state. Step 2: Remember that Goa, Mizoram, and Sikkim are all small states in terms of area and population, but we must identify the smallest among them. Step 3: From Census 2011 data, Sikkim has a population of roughly 6 lakh, which is lower than the populations of Goa and Mizoram. Step 4: Goa has a population of over 14 lakh and Mizoram over 10 lakh, both higher than Sikkim's population. Step 5: Therefore, Sikkim is the least populous state among the options according to Census 2011.

Verification / Alternative check:
If you check Census 2011 tables, you will find approximate population figures: Sikkim around 6 lakh, Mizoram around 10 lakh, Goa over 14 lakh, and Bihar over 10 crore. Multiple exam preparation books and GK summaries of Census 2011 explicitly mention Sikkim as the least populous state and Uttar Pradesh as the most populous. This cross verification confirms that Sikkim is the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Goa: Although small in area, Goa's population is significantly higher than that of Sikkim as per Census 2011. Mizoram: Also a small north eastern state, but its population is larger than Sikkim's and therefore it is not the least populous state. Bihar: One of the most populous states of India, with several crore people, so it is far from being the least populous.

Common Pitfalls:
Candidates often confuse small area with small population and may randomly select Goa or Mizoram. Another mistake is not paying attention to the census year mentioned in the question; data can change over time, but exams usually specify a particular census. To avoid errors, remember a simple pair: “Sikkim = least populous state, Uttar Pradesh = most populous state” as per Census 2011. Pairing these facts will help you answer population related MCQs quickly and accurately.

Final Answer:
According to Census 2011, the least populous Indian state among the given options is Sikkim.