PM-EAC Study: Hindu Population Drops 8%, Muslim Population grew by 43% in India from 1950-2015

According to a study by the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), India witnessed significant shifts in its religious demographics between 1950 and 2015. The study, titled "Share of religious minorities: A cross-country analysis," revealed that the share of India's majority Hindu population declined by 7.81 percent during this period, dropping to 78.06 percent. In contrast, the Muslim community saw a notable surge of 43.15 percent, increasing its share to 14.09 percent.

Additionally, the Christian population's share rose by 5.4 percent to 2.36 percent, while the Sikh and Buddhist populations also experienced slight increases.

The study highlights a noteworthy trend in India's religious demographic landscape, with significant implications for societal diversity and policy formulation. While the Hindu population remains the majority, its declining share suggests a growing diversity within the country's population. Conversely, the substantial increase in the Muslim community's share underscores the need for policies that promote inclusivity and minority rights.

 Additionally, the study's findings shed light on the varying trajectories of different religious groups, with some witnessing increases and others experiencing declines in their population shares over the same period. These insights provide valuable context for understanding India's evolving religious demographics and the broader societal implications of these changes.