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Aligarh is a major city in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. The city lies in western Uttar Pradesh, about 130 km southeast of Delhi. Aligarh is well known for its lock manufacturing industry and for being home to Aligarh Muslim University, one of India’s leading educational institutions.
As of the Census of India 2011, Aligarh was the 53rd most populous city in India and the 10th most populous city in Uttar Pradesh. The city is an important commercial, industrial, and educational center in western Uttar Pradesh.
According to the 2011 Census, the population of Aligarh city was 874,408 (8.74 lakh). Based on current growth trends, the estimated population of Aligarh in 2026 is around 12 lakh (1.2 million).
👉 Estimated Population of Aligarh in 2026: ~12 lakh
Census Quick Facts
The provisional data released by Census India 2011 shows that Aligarh had a population density of about 21,628 persons per sq. km. The municipal limits of the city cover an area of approximately 40.43 sq. km.
| Aligarh City | Census 2011 |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 874,408 (8.74 Lakh) |
| Male Population | 461,772 |
| Female Population | 412,636 |
| Population Density | 21,628 per sq. km |
| Average Literacy Rate | 68.52% |
| Male Literacy | 73.89% |
| Female Literacy | 62.93% |
| Sex Ratio | 894 |
| Child Sex Ratio | 885 |
| Children (0–6 years) | 119,543 |
Source: Census 2011
Aligarh Historical Population
According to Census 2011, Aligarh recorded a population growth rate of 30.69% during 2001–2011, reflecting rapid urban expansion and migration from nearby rural areas. The city is expected to maintain steady growth, with an estimated growth rate of around 17% between 2011 and 2021.
Below is the historical population trend of Aligarh from 1901 to 2021.
| Year | Population | Actual Change | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1901 | 72,084 | – | – |
| 1911 | 66,344 | -5,740 | -7.96% |
| 1921 | 66,963 | 619 | 0.93% |
| 1931 | 83,878 | 16,915 | 25.26% |
| 1941 | 112,655 | 28,777 | 34.31% |
| 1951 | 141,618 | 28,963 | 25.71% |
| 1961 | 185,020 | 43,402 | 30.65% |
| 1971 | 252,314 | 67,294 | 36.37% |
| 1981 | 320,861 | 68,547 | 27.17% |
| 1991 | 480,520 | 159,659 | 49.76% |
| 2001 | 669,087 | 188,567 | 39.24% |
| 2011 | 874,408 | 205,321 | 30.69% |
| 2021 (estimate) | 1,020,000 | 145,592 | 16.65% |
Sources: Census 2011
Aligarh District Population
Aligarh district is an important district of western Uttar Pradesh. The district is widely known for its lock manufacturing industry and for the presence of Aligarh Muslim University, which attracts students from across India and abroad.
According to the 2011 Census, the population of Aligarh district was 3,673,889 (36.7 lakh). It has a population density of about 1,000 persons per sq. km and recorded a population growth rate of 22.78% between 2001 and 2011.
The sex ratio in the district is 876 females per 1,000 males, while the literacy rate stands at 69.61%. About 33.13% of the district population lives in urban areas, and Scheduled Castes make up 20.56% of the population.
Estimated Population of Aligarh District in 2026: ~43 lakh
Religions in Aligarh District
Religion distribution in Aligarh district according to the 2011 Census:
| Religion | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Hinduism | 79.05% |
| Islam | 19.85% |
| Others / Not Stated | 1.10% |
Languages in Aligarh District
The main languages spoken in the district are Hindi, Urdu, and Braj Bhasha.
| Language | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Hindi | 92.5% |
| Urdu | 5.34% |
| Braj Bhasha | 1.90% |
| Others | 0.22% |
Source: Census 2011
Key Takeaways
The population of Aligarh city was 8.74 lakh in 2011 and is estimated to reach around 12 lakh by 2026.
Aligarh is located in western Uttar Pradesh, about 130 km from Delhi.
The city is famous for its lock manufacturing industry and for Aligarh Muslim University.
Aligarh had a high population density of 21,628 persons per sq. km in 2011.
The literacy rate of the city is 68.52%, with male literacy higher than female literacy.
The district population was about 36.7 lakh in 2011 and is estimated to reach around 43 lakh by 2026.
Hinduism and Islam are the two major religions in the district.
The main languages spoken are Hindi, Urdu, and Braj Bhasha.
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