Among the following Indian states, which one has the lowest literacy rate according to commonly cited census data?

Introduction / Context:
This question examines knowledge of regional disparities in literacy within India. Literacy rate is a key human development indicator used in census reports and planning documents. While some states like Kerala are famous for very high literacy, others lag behind. Examinations frequently ask which state has the lowest literacy rate among a given set of options.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question asks for the state with the lowest literacy rate among the listed options.
• The options are Kerala, Rajasthan, Bihar, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh.
• We assume awareness of broad patterns in literacy from recent census data, where Bihar consistently appears near the bottom.

Concept / Approach:
According to the Indian census and related official statistics, Bihar has one of the lowest literacy rates among all states, especially when comparing with states like Kerala or Maharashtra. Although Rajasthan and some other states also have challenges, Bihar is typically highlighted in exam oriented material as having the lowest literacy rate. The correct approach is to compare the relative positions of these states rather than attempting to remember exact percentages.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Kerala has a very high literacy rate, often above ninety percent, so it cannot be the lowest. Step 2: Recognise that Maharashtra is a relatively developed state with literacy well above the national average. Step 3: Consider Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, which have moderate literacy levels but are not usually quoted as the absolute lowest. Step 4: Remember that Bihar is regularly reported as having the lowest or one of the lowest literacy rates among Indian states. Step 5: Select Bihar as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Census reports and planning documents both show Bihar with a literacy rate lower than many other large states. Exam preparation books that summarise these data often display a table where Kerala appears at the top and Bihar appears close to the bottom. Even though some smaller or newly formed states may fluctuate, within the commonly quoted major states, Bihar is consistently identified as having the lowest literacy rate. Therefore, it matches the answer expected in this question.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Kerala: Known nationwide for its near universal literacy achievements, Kerala cannot be the state with the lowest literacy rate in this list.
Rajasthan: Although literacy levels in Rajasthan have historically been lower than the national average, they are higher than those of Bihar in most recent census data.
Maharashtra: This state has strong urbanisation and educational facilities, leading to relatively high literacy compared with Bihar.
Madhya Pradesh: It has moderate literacy and faces challenges, but it is not as low as Bihar in the standard comparative rankings used in exams.

Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates may confuse low female literacy rates in certain states with overall lowest literacy, leading them to choose Rajasthan. Others might rely on outdated impressions rather than updated census data. Another pitfall is to assume that any largely rural state must have the lowest literacy without checking specific comparative figures. To avoid such errors, it is helpful to memorise a short list of states known for extremes, such as Kerala at the top and Bihar near the bottom for literacy.

Final Answer:
Among the listed states, Bihar has the lowest literacy rate.