Top 10 largest cities in India by population

As of 2024, Delhi, also known as the capital of India holds the position of the most populous city in India, proclaiming a humongous population of over 33.8 million. Delhi is believed to be an indispensable historical, political, and cultural hub. In this article, we’ll explore in-depth the key features of Delhi while also uncovering the top 10 most populous cities in the country, based on the latest rank list from the UN World Urbanisation Prospects.
Political and cultural significance
Delhi is not only known to be the political core of India but it also represents the country’s substantially rich cultural heritage. Consisting of significant landmarks including the Red Fort and India Gate, the beautiful city showcases a perfect blend of modernity and ancient traditions. Its astonishingly diverse population contributes to a dynamic artistic community, making it a cultural mosaic of lifestyles, languages, and religions. This union territory is home to the Parliament House, Supreme Court, PM house, RBI and much more.
Economic framework

Did you know that Delhi stands among the largest commercial hubs in the country? The vibrant city isn’t just a core of activity and diversity, it’s also the center of substantial multinational corporations, startups, and numerous other industries that fuel its economy. This economic progressiveness captivates individuals from all across the country, emphasizing its responsibility as well as its position as a note-worthy metropolitan region.
Educational institutions
Delhi is known to be a hub of some of India’s and even the world’s most distinguished educational institutions, including the University of Delhi and Jawaharlal Nehru University. These notable institutions facilitate a significantly rich intellectual environment, captivating students and young professionals from a diverse range of backgrounds and regions.
Top 10 most populated cities in India

Notable comparisons
Mumbai

Mumbai, in the second position among the top 10 cities, has a huge population of approximately 21.7 million people. This city is known to be India’s financial capital while also being significantly popular for its Bollywood film industry. Often referred to as the ‘City of Dreams’, Mumbai- - formerly known as Bombay captivates individuals from all around India in search of good job opportunities and a vibrant modern living. The city’s culture comprises dynamic and diverse backgrounds, with a wide range of festivals being celebrated over the year.
The lively streets of Mumbai are filled with life, from traditional local markets to breathtaking beaches. It plays a significant part in India’s economy, being home to several corporate headquarters as well as financial institutions.
Kolkata

With a substantially large population of approximately 15.6 million, Kolkata is also renowned as the ‘Cultural Capital of India.’ It has deep roots in literature, music, and art. This beautiful city is immensely popular for the breathtaking celebrations of its significant festivals such as - - Durga Pooja, which catches the attention of tourists from around the world.
Kolkata is also known to be a notable educational center, with several renowned colleges and universities. It consists of a beautifully unique blend of modern and traditional living styles, showcasing its remarkability in cuisine and architecture. The economy of this city is significantly diverse, with capabilities in trade, services, and manufacturing industries. The diverse culture attracts tourist all around the year. It offers not only sensory experience but the lush gardens and colonial-era monuments helps you transcend time.
Bangalore

At the fourth rank, we have Bangalore, also sometimes known as Bengaluru. It is home to over 14 million people and is referred to as the ‘Silicon Valley of India’, considering its flourishing technology sector. This lively city is a notable region for tech companies and startups, making it a highly popular destination for young professionals as well as students.
Bangalore has a dynamic cultural setting, with a number of gardens, parks, and enthusiastic festival celebrations, showcasing its diverse population. The city’s climate is known to be pleasant all over the year, contributing greatly to the high-quality living. Bangalore is also famous for its note-worthy educational institutions which make this city an important destination for research and learning.
In a nutshell, Delhi, with its vast population and significance as India’s political, cultural, and economic hub, leads the list of the country's most populous cities. Alongside Delhi, cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bangalore showcase diverse lifestyles, rich cultural heritages, and thriving economies, making each city a unique contributor to India’s growth. As these urban centers continue to evolve, they remain crucial in shaping the nation’s future.