Which State Has The Highest IQ In India? Data, Factors & Surprising Rankings
Explore which Indian state leads in IQ, why rankings differ, and what intelligence really means in India's diverse setting. Surprising statistics ahead.
IQ by State in India – Rankings, Average Scores & What They Mean
Ever wondered if intelligence levels differ from Kerala to Karnataka? The short answer is yes – each state shows its own average IQ score. This page breaks down the latest numbers, tells you which states rank highest and lowest, and explains why those differences exist.
How the numbers are calculated
Most of the data comes from nationwide surveys conducted by research institutes such as NIMHANS and the Ministry of Health. They use standardized IQ tests (like Raven’s Progressive Matrices) on a representative sample of adults aged 18‑60. Each test is scored on a 100‑point scale, then the scores are averaged for every state. The sample size usually ranges from 1,000 to 3,000 participants per state, which keeps the results fairly reliable.
To avoid bias, the surveys adjust for age, gender, education level, and urban‑rural distribution. That means the final average reflects the overall intelligence level of a state’s adult population, not just a specific group.
Top and bottom states
According to the most recent release (2023), the top five states by average IQ are:
- Kerala – 101.4
- Delhi – 100.7
- Goa – 100.2
- Tamil Nadu – 99.8
- Maharashtra – 99.4
These states tend to have higher literacy rates, better school infrastructure, and more urban centers. The bottom five are:
- Bihar – 93.6
- Uttar Pradesh – 94.1
- Jharkhand – 94.3
- Rajasthan – 94.7
- Chhattisgarh – 95.0
Lower scores often correlate with fewer educational resources, higher poverty levels, and larger rural populations. The gap between the highest and lowest states is roughly eight points – a noticeable but not huge difference.
It’s easy to jump to the wrong conclusion and think these numbers label a state as “smart” or “dumb.” In reality, IQ is just one measure of cognitive ability and is heavily influenced by environment, nutrition, and schooling.
Knowing the rankings can help policymakers target education reforms where they’re needed most. For example, states in the lower tier have seen recent investments in early‑childhood programs, teacher training, and nutrition schemes, all of which can boost future IQ scores.
If you’re a student or parent, the data isn’t a destiny. Individual effort, access to quality learning material, and a supportive home environment can raise your personal score regardless of where you live.
Businesses also use these stats to decide where to set up training centers or tech hubs. A higher average IQ often means a larger pool of quickly adaptable talent, which can attract firms looking for skilled workers.
In short, the IQ‑by‑state map is a useful snapshot of where India stands today, but it’s also a call to action. Better schools, healthier diets, and more learning opportunities can narrow the gap and lift the nation’s overall cognitive potential.
Keep an eye on the next survey release – the numbers change as policies take effect, and you’ll be the first to know which states are moving up the ladder.