Top 10 Most Populated Cities in India Based on Latest Population Data

When people talk about India’s biggest cities, they often refer to size, crowds, and pace of life. However, population numbers tell only one part of the story. Each highly populated city in India has grown for specific reasons, whether it is governance, trade, industry, education, or culture. Understanding why people move to these cities also helps explain how modern urban India has taken shape. Below is a closer look at the top 10 most populous cities in India and what makes each of them distinctive.

Most Populated Cities in India

Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Surat, etc are often called crowd magnets, and they are among the top 10 most populated cities in India.

Each city has a unique history, an economic purpose, and a set of tourist attractions that immediately come to mind when people think of that place. 

Let us explore the top 10 most populated cities in India through what they are known for and the areas that define their identity.

India’s Biggest City Based on Population- An Overview

1. Delhi – Most Populated City in India (34.67 Million)

Delhi is India’s political capital and one of its most historically layered cities, blending Mughal, colonial, and modern influences. Landmarks like the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, India Gate, and Akshardham sit alongside busy markets, street food hubs, and green public spaces.

• Old Delhi areas such as Chandni Chowk and Chawri Bazar are known for food, jewellery, and wholesale markets. 
• Connaught Place represents the colonial core and commercial centre, while Hauz Khas Village is associated with cafes, nightlife, and heritage ruins. 
• Lutyens’ Delhi, with its wide roads and government buildings, defines the visual identity of the national capital.

Also, read about the top 10 richest cities in India!

2. Mumbai – Second Most Populated City in India (22.09 million)

Mumbai is India’s financial and entertainment capital. It is home to the Bombay Stock Exchange, major corporate headquarters, and the Hindi film industry. Its coastal setting, heritage architecture, and round-the-clock working culture shape its reputation as the country’s most fast-paced city.

• South Mumbai areas like Colaba, Fort, and Cuffe Parade are known for colonial buildings, art deco architecture, and the Gateway of India. Marine Drive and Girgaum Chowpatty define the iconic skyline. 
• Bandra and Juhu are associated with film personalities and nightlife, while Bandra Kurla Complex represents the city’s modern financial and business district.

Several billionaires featured among the top 10 richest person in India live and operate from India’s most populated cities.

3. Kolkata- One of the Most Populated Metro Cities in India (15.85 million)

Kolkata is often called India’s cultural capital, known for literature, theatre, political discourse, and grand festivals like Durga Puja. 

• Colonial era landmarks such as Victoria Memorial, the Maidan, Eden Gardens, and Howrah Bridge form the emotional and visual core of the city.
• North Kolkata neighbourhoods are recognised for old houses, narrow lanes, and traditional community life.
• Park Street and the Esplanade belt function as the city’s main dining and nightlife zone. 
• Salt Lake and New Town showcase Kolkata’s modern side with IT parks, offices, and planned residential areas.

4. Bangalore (Bengaluru)-  Among the Top 5 Most Populated Cities in India (14.40 million)

Bangalore is widely known as the Silicon Valley of India, driven by technology companies, startups, and global IT firms. At the same time, it is known for parks, breweries, and a relatively moderate climate.

• Koramangala and HSR Layout are associated with startups, cafes, and coworking spaces. 
• Indiranagar and the MG Road Brigade Road belt form the city’s main social and retail hubs. 
• Whitefield and Electronic City anchor large technology campuses and modern residential developments.

5. Chennai- A Highly Populated City in India (12.34 million)

Chennai is known for classical music and dance, temple architecture, long beaches, and its role as a major automobile and IT manufacturing hub. 

• Marina Beach functions as a daily public gathering space, while landmarks like Fort St George and Kapaleeshwarar Temple reflect its history.
• Mylapore represents the city’s traditional cultural heart, with temples and music venues. 
• T Nagar is famous for sarees and jewellery shopping, while the OMR and Sholinganallur corridor defines Chennai’s modern IT-driven expansion.

6. Hyderabad- Fast-Growing and Highly Populated City in India (11.34 million)

Hyderabad is known for its Nizam era heritage, Charminar, biryani, and pearl trade, alongside rapid growth as a technology and pharmaceutical hub. 

• Historic sites like Golconda Fort and Chowmahalla Palace sit in contrast with the city’s modern skyline.
• The Charminar and Laad Bazaar area forms the old city core.
• HITEC City and Gachibowli represent the new technology-driven Hyderabad. 
• Banjara Hills and Jubilee Hills are associated with upscale housing, dining, and media industries.

7. Ahmedabad- One of India’s Biggest Cities by Population (9.06 million)

Ahmedabad is recognised for its role in India’s freedom movement, textile heritage, and unique old city architecture. 

• It is India’s first UNESCO-recognised World Heritage City, known for its pol houses and community-based urban design.
• The walled city showcases historic neighbourhoods and traditional markets.
• The Sabarmati Riverfront represents planned urban renewal. 
• Areas like SG Highway and Prahladnagar are associated with offices, malls, and modern residential projects.

8. Surat- Rapidly Growing Populated City in India (8.58 million)

Surat is a global centre for diamond cutting and polishing and a major textile hub, giving it a strong business and trading identity. 

• Historically, it functioned as an important port city.
• The city is defined by diamond and textile market zones that attract traders nationwide. 
• Older areas house heritage sites like Surat Castle.
• Newer developments toward Dumas Road and coastal stretches feature malls, restaurants, and leisure spaces.

9. Pune- Major Urban and Populated City in India (7.53 million)

Pune is known as a major education centre and a growing hub for IT, automotive, and defence industries. Its history as the seat of the Maratha Peshwas adds a strong cultural layer to the city.

• Old city areas around Shaniwar Wada and Laxmi Road are known for temples and traditional markets. 
• Koregaon Park is associated with cafes and nightlife
• Hinjewadi and Kharadi represent Pune’s IT and business districts.

10. Jaipur- Among the Top 10 Most Populated Cities in India (4.41 million)

Jaipur, the Pink City, is known for its planned layout, forts, palaces, jewellery, and handicrafts. It is a key part of India’s Golden Triangle tourism circuit.

• The old walled city is famous for bazaars such as Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar.
• Areas like C Scheme and Malviya Nagar represent modern commercial Jaipur. 
• Amer and Nahargarh hills define the city’s iconic fort-lined skyline.

Population size alone does not determine the importance of a city, but it often signals where opportunities, resources, and infrastructure are concentrated. The most populated cities in India continue to evolve as centres of employment, innovation, and cultural exchange.

Disclaimer– The rankings and figures in this article have been compiled from multiple verified reports, credible news sources, and public financial data available as of 2025.
All values are approximate and may vary with newer updates, revisions, or changes in official records.

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