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Ghaziabad is one of the largest and fastest-growing cities in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Located just east of Delhi, the city forms an important part of the National Capital Region (NCR) and functions as a major residential and industrial hub for the Delhi metropolitan area.
According to the 2011 Census of India, the population of Ghaziabad city was 1,648,643 (16.48 lakh), making it one of the most populous urban centers in western Uttar Pradesh. Rapid urbanization, migration, and proximity to Delhi have contributed to the city’s strong population growth in recent years.
Projected Population of Ghaziabad in 2026: ~22 lakh (2.2 million)
Note: In many Indian cities, municipal boundaries cover only the core urban area.
Census 2011 vs 2026 Estimate
| Ghaziabad City | Census 2011 | 2026 Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Total Population | 1,648,643 (16.48 Lakh) | ~22 Lakh |
| Male Population | 874,607 | ~11.6 Lakh |
| Female Population | 774,036 | ~9.4 Lakh |
| Average Literacy Rate | 84.78% | — |
| Sex Ratio | 885 | — |
| Child Sex Ratio | 835 | — |
Religion in Ghaziabad City
Hinduism is the dominant religion in Ghaziabad city, with over four-fifths of the population identifying as Hindu. Islam is the second largest religion, while smaller communities include Sikhs, Christians, Jains, and Buddhists.
| Religion | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Hindu | 82.50% |
| Muslim | 14.18% |
| Sikh | 0.96% |
| Christian | 0.78% |
| Jain | 0.71% |
| Buddhist | 0.15% |
| Others | 0.01% |
| Not Stated | 0.71% |
Ghaziabad District Population
Historically, Ghaziabad district included Ghaziabad city, Modinagar, Hapur, and Garhmukteshwar as its main subdivisions. However, on 28 September 2011, Hapur district (Panchsheel Nagar) was carved out from Ghaziabad, after which the population figures for the district were revised.
According to the 2011 Census, the population of Ghaziabad district after the split was 3,323,241 (33.23 lakh).
👉 Estimated Population of Ghaziabad District in 2026: ~40 lakh
| Ghaziabad District | Census 2011 |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 3,323,241 (33.23 Lakh) |
| District Area | 1,034 sq. km |
| Population Density | ~3,200 per sq. km |
| Average Literacy Rate | ~85% |
| Sex Ratio | 878 |
Source: Census of India 2011
Note: In many Indian cities, official municipal boundaries cover only the core urban area, so the reported city population may appear smaller than the actual urban population. In such cases, the district population often provides a better reflection of the broader urban region, as Census city limits and Urban Agglomeration (UA) definitions do not always capture the full functional city area.
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