List of Indian Cities by Population

India is one of the most populous countries in the world and its cities continue to grow due to urbanisation, migration, economic growth and better opportunities. Some cities have emerged as major hubs for finance, technology, education, industry and culture. India’s largest cities mirror the rapid growth of the country, with Delhi as the national capital, Mumbai as the financial capital, and Bengaluru as the tech hub. Here is the list of top 10 largest cities in India by population in 2026.

Top 10 Largest Cities in India by Population (2026)

Indian Cities by Population

1. Delhi 

Delhi is India’s most populous city with over 23 million residents. Delhi is the capital of India and is a primary centre for government, politics, business, education and transportation. It is also named as Heart of India due to its historical and national significance. The Delhi NCR metropolitan region has grown substantially and incorporates adjacent urban centres, making it one of the largest metropolitan regions in the world.

2. Mumbai

Mumbai is the second most populous city in India with more than 21 million people. Mumbai is India’s Financial Capital and the City of Dreams, home to major financial institutions, stock markets, industries and Bollywood. Its employment opportunities and economic importance draws people from all over the country.

3. Bengaluru 

Bangalore is among the fastest growing and largest cities in India with a population of over 15 million people. The booming tech industry, startups and multinational IT firms have earned it the moniker Silicon Valley of India. The city has emerged as one of the biggest employment hubs for professionals in the technology industry.

4. Kolkata 

Kolkata is among the largest cities in India with a population of over 15 million. It is known as the Cultural Capital of India and the City of Joy for its literature, art, music, festivals and heritage. It is an important educational, commercial and cultural centre in eastern India.

5. Chennai 

Chennai is one of the most populated cities in India with a population of over 13 million people. It is called the Gateway of South India because of its cultural and economic importance. The city is a major centre for automobile manufacturing, IT services, healthcare, education and port activities.

6. Hyderabad

Hyderabad is one of the biggest cities in South India, with over 11 million people. It is one of India’s top technology hubs and is known as the City of Pearls for its historic pearl trade. The city is famous for its IT industry, pharmaceutical industry, historical monuments and growing business ecosystem.

7. Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad is one of the largest cities of Gujarat with a population of more than 10 million. It is known as the Manchester of India owing to its historic textile industry. The city is a major industrial, commercial and educational centre with a rapid development of infrastructure.

8. Surat

Surat is one of the fastest growing cities in India with a population of over 9.5 million. It is known as the Diamond City of India as it is a world centre for diamond cutting and polishing. The city has a large textile industry and is a major contributor to India’s trade sector.

9. Pune 

Pune is one of the largest cities of Maharashtra with a population of almost 8 million people. It is called the ‘Oxford of the East’ because of its famous educational institutions. It is also a major hub of IT, automobile and manufacturing, attracting students and professionals from all over the country.

10. Ghaziabad 

It is one of the fastest growing cities in the Delhi NCR region with a population of more than 5 million. The city has grown rapidly due to connectivity, industrial growth, residential growth and proximity to Delhi.