Karnal is a major city in the Indian state of Haryana, located about 131 km north of Delhi. It lies close to the National Capital Region (NCR) and serves as an important agricultural, administrative, and commercial center.
The city is believed to have been founded by Raja Karna of Mahabharata fame and gained historical importance in 1739 after Nadir Shah’s victory over Muhammad Shah at Karnal. Its rich history and strategic location have contributed to steady urban development.
As per the Census of India 2011, Karnal city had a population of 2,86,827 (2.87 lakh). Since then, improved infrastructure and economic growth have supported gradual population increase.
Projected Population of Karnal City (2026)
Considering the 2011 population of 2.87 lakh, steady urban development, and moderate growth trends, Karnal city is expected to continue expanding gradually.
At an average annual growth rate of around 3.7–4%, the projected population of Karnal city in 2026 is:
👉 Approximately 3.9 lakh to 4.1 lakh
Census 2011 Population Details
| Category | Total | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,86,827 | 1,51,287 | 1,35,540 |
| Children (0–6) | 32,468 | 17,945 | 14,523 |
| Literacy Rate | 84.60% | 88.89% | 79.88% |
| Sex Ratio | 896 | – | – |
| Child Sex Ratio | 809 | – | – |
Source: Census 2011
Key Takeaways
Karnal is an important historic and administrative city in Haryana.
The city recorded a population of 2.87 lakh in Census 2011.
Literacy rate stood at 84.60%, showing good educational development.
Sex ratio in 2011 was 896 females per 1,000 males, while child sex ratio was 809.
Children (0–6 years) formed about 11.3% of the total population.
Projected Population of Karnal City (2026): ~3.9–4.1 lakh
Historical Population Trend
Although detailed long-term historical census data is limited for Karnal city, available records indicate steady population growth after Independence, driven by agricultural modernization and urban expansion.
Between 2001 and 2011, Karnal recorded moderate growth, and this trend continued in the following decade due to improved connectivity and public services.
Based on available estimates, Karnal’s population reached around 3.4–3.5 lakh by 2021, indicating an average annual growth rate of about 3.5–4%.
Karnal District Population
Karnal District is one of the important districts of Haryana, known for its agricultural productivity and administrative importance. The district also hosts several research and training institutions.
As per Census 2011, Karnal District had a population of 15,05,324 (15.05 lakh), including 7,97,712 males and 7,07,612 females. The literacy rate was 74.73%, while the sex ratio stood at 887.
| Karnal District | Census 2011 |
| Total Population | 15,05,324 |
| Male Population | 7,97,712 |
| Female Population | 7,07,612 |
| Average Literacy (%) | 74.73% |
| Sex Ratio | 887 |
| Child Sex Ratio | 824 |
Estimated Population of Karnal District (2026)
Based on recent growth trends and official projections, the population of Karnal District in 2026 is estimated to be around 20 lakh.
Know more about Haryana