Ambala is a major city in the Indian state of Haryana, located near the Punjab–Haryana border and close to Chandigarh. Due to its strategic location, the city has developed as an important commercial, transport, and administrative center in northern India.
Ambala is popularly known as the “Twin City” as it consists of two main areas—Ambala City and Ambala Cantonment—situated about eight kilometers apart. The presence of the Cantonment has also contributed to the city’s economic and social development.
As per the Census of India 2011, Ambala City had a population of 1,95,153 (1.95 lakh). Since then, urban growth and infrastructure development have supported steady population increase.
Projected Population of Ambala City (2026)
Considering the 2011 population of 1.95 lakh, steady urban expansion, and continued economic activity, Ambala City is expected to maintain moderate growth.
At an average annual growth rate of around 3.8–4.2%, the projected population of Ambala City in 2026 is:
Approximately 3.3 lakh to 3.6 lakh
Census 2011 Population Details
| Category | Total | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,95,153 | 1,02,607 | 92,546 |
| Children (0–6) | 20,521 | 11,177 | 9,344 |
| Literacy Rate | 87.35% | 90.63% | 83.76% |
| Sex Ratio | 902 | – | – |
| Child Sex Ratio | 836 | – | – |
Source: Census 2011
Key Takeaways
Ambala is located near the Punjab–Haryana border and close to Chandigarh.
The city recorded a population of 1.95 lakh in Census 2011.
Literacy rate stood at 87.35%, indicating good educational standards.
Sex ratio in 2011 was 902 females per 1,000 males, while child sex ratio was 836.
Children (0–6 years) formed about 10.3% of the total population.
Projected Population of Ambala City (2026): ~3.3–3.6 lakh
Ambala Cantonment Population
Ambala Cantonment is an important military area administered by a Cantonment Board. As per Census 2011, its population was 55,370. Based on recent growth trends, the population of Ambala Cantt in 2026 is estimated to be around 75,000.
Ambala District Population
Ambala District is one of the important administrative districts of Haryana, with Ambala City serving as its headquarters. The district plays a key role in trade, defense, and transportation.
As per the Census 2011, Ambala District had a population of 11,28,350 (11.28 lakh), including 5,98,703 males and 5,29,647 females. The literacy rate was 81.75%, while the sex ratio stood at 885.
| Ambala District | Census 2011 |
| Total Population | 11,28,350 |
| Male Population | 5,98,703 |
| Female Population | 5,29,647 |
| Average Literacy (%) | 81.75% |
| Sex Ratio | 885 |
| Child Sex Ratio | 810 |
Estimated Population of Ambala District (2026)
Based on recent growth patterns and official projections, the population of Ambala District in 2026 is estimated to be around 15 lakh.
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