Chandigarh is a city and Union Territory of India. It serves as the joint capital of the states of Punjab and Haryana. The city is one of India’s best-planned urban centers and was developed after Independence as a modern administrative capital.
As per Census 2011, Chandigarh had a population of 961,587 (9.61 lakh). It is one of the most literate and urbanized regions in North India. Based on recent trends, the estimated population of Chandigarh in 2026 is around 12.70 lakh.
👉 Projected Population of Chandigarh (2026): ~12.70 lakh
Census Quick Facts
| Particulars | Census 2011 | 2026 Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Total Population | 961,587 (9.61 lakh) | 12.70 lakh |
| Male Population | 525,629 | 6.82 lakh |
| Female Population | 435,958 | 5.88 lakh |
| Particulars | 2011 Census |
|---|---|
| Area | 114 sq. km |
| Population Density | 9,262 per sq. km |
| Average Literacy Rate | 86.42% |
| Male Literacy | 90.26% |
| Female Literacy | 81.75% |
| Sex Ratio | 829 |
| Child Sex Ratio | 875 |
| Children (0–6 years) | 105,520 (10.97%) |
Source: Census of India 2011
Key Takeaways
Chandigarh had a population of 9.61 lakh in 2011.
Literacy rate is high at 86.42%.
Population density is very high at 9,262 persons per sq. km.
Sex ratio is 829 females per 1000 males.
The city has comparatively slower long-term growth compared to other major Indian cities.
Chandigarh Historical Population
Chandigarh was inaugurated in 1953 and saw rapid early growth. However, growth rates have gradually stabilized in recent decades.
| Census Year | Population | Actual Change | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1961 | 99,262 | – | – |
| 1971 | 232,940 | 133,678 | 134.67% |
| 1981 | 422,841 | 189,901 | 81.52% |
| 1991 | 575,829 | 152,988 | 36.18% |
| 2001 | 808,515 | 232,686 | 40.41% |
| 2011 | 961,587 | 153,072 | 18.93% |
| 2021 Est. | 1,208,000 | 246,413 | 25.62% |
Chandigarh Population by Religion
Chandigarh has a diverse population of many religions & communities. At the census 2011, out of 10.55 lakhs population, around 8.5 lakhs (80.78%) have returned themselves as followers of Hindu religion, 1.39 lakhs (13.11%) as Sikhs and 52 thousand (4.87%) as Muslims. In addition 0.10% Stated as no religion & 1.15% are other religions.
Source: Census 2011
Religion by Percentage (2011)
| # | Religion | Percentage % |
| 1 | Hindu | 80.78% |
| 2 | Sikh | 13.11% |
| 3 | Muslim | 4.87% |
| 4 | Christian | 0.83% |
| 5 | Jain | 0.19% |
| 6 | Buddhist | 0.11% |
| 7 | Religion not stated | 0.10% |
| 8 | Other religions and persuasions | 0.02% |
Source: Census 2011
Religion by Population (2011)
| # | Religion | Population 2011 |
| 1 | Hindu | 852,574 |
| 2 | Sikh | 138,329 |
| 3 | Muslim | 51,447 |
| 4 | Christian | 8,720 |
| 5 | Jain | 1,960 |
| 6 | Buddhist | 1,160 |
| 7 | Religion not stated | 1,014 |
| 8 | Other religions and persuasions | 246 |
| Total | 1,055,450 |
Source: Census 2011
Lok Sabha Seats in Chandigarh
Chandigarh has one Lok Sabha constituency in the Parliament of India.
In the 18th Lok Sabha (2024–2029), the Member of Parliament from Chandigarh is:
Manish Tewari – Indian National Congress
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