Bathinda is a city and Municipal Corporation in the Malwa region of Punjab, India. It is one of the oldest cities in the state and ranks among the major urban centers of Punjab. The city is popularly known as the “City of Lakes” due to its artificial lakes.
As per the Census 2011, the population of Bathinda city was 285,813 (2.86 lakh). The city serves as an important commercial and agricultural hub in southern Punjab. Based on recent growth trends, the estimated population of Bathinda in 2026 is around 3.50 lakh.
👉 Projected Population of Bathinda (2026): ~3.50 lakh
Bathinda Demography (Census 2011)
| Bathinda City | Census 2011 |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 285,813 (2.86 lakh) |
| Male Population | 151,782 |
| Female Population | 134,031 |
| Population Density | 4,202 per sq. km |
| City Area | 68 sq. km |
Key Takeaways
Average Literacy Rate: 82.84%
Male Literacy: 87.86%
Female Literacy: 77.16%
Total Literates: 211,318
Sex Ratio: 883 females per 1000 males
Child Sex Ratio: 865
Children (0–6 years): 30,713 (10.75% of total population)
Bathinda has a moderate literacy rate compared to major Punjab cities, though the sex ratio remains below the national average of 940 (Census 2011).
Bathinda District Population
Bathinda district is located in the Malwa region of Punjab and is among the larger districts in the state.
District Population (2011): 1,388,525 (13.39 lakh)
Estimated District Population (2026): ~17 lakh
District Area: 3,353 sq. km
Population Density: 414 per sq. km
Average Literacy Rate: 68.28%
Sex Ratio: 868
Child Sex Ratio: 854
The district has a lower literacy rate compared to major urban centers, reflecting its predominantly rural character.
Religion in Bathinda District
Bathinda district has a strong Sikh majority, with Hindus forming a significant minority population.
| Religion | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Sikhism | 70.9% |
| Hinduism | 27.4% |
| Islam | 1.17% |
| Others | 0.53% |
Sikhism is the dominant religion in the district, reflecting the broader religious composition of the Malwa region of Punjab.
Languages in Bathinda District
Punjabi is the primary language spoken in Bathinda district, followed by Hindi.
| Language | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Punjabi | 89.6% |
| Hindi | 8.61% |
| Others | 1.83% |
Punjabi serves as the main language of communication, administration, and education, while Hindi is widely understood across urban and commercial areas.
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