Punjab is the 16th most populous state of India and has a diverse population of many religions and communities. At the census 2011, out of 2.77 Crore population, around 1.6 crores (57.69%) have returned themselves as followers of Sikhism religion, 1.06 crores (38.49%) as Hindu or the followers of Hinduism, 5.35 Lakhs (1.93%) as Muslim and 3.48 lakhs (1.26%) as Christians. In addition 0.32% Stated as No religion and 0.32% are other religions.

Source: Census 2011

also read Population of Punjab

Religion-wise Population Percentage in Punjab

#ReligionPercentage %
1Sikh57.69%
2Hindu38.49%
3Muslim1.93%
4Christian1.26%
5Jain0.16%
6Buddhist0.12%
7Other religions and persuasions0.04%
8Religion not stated0.32%

Source: Census 2011

Religion-wise Population in Punjab

#ReligionPopulation 2011
1Sikh16,004,754
2Hindu10,678,138
3Muslim535,489
4Christian348,230
5Jain45,040
6Buddhist33,237
7Other religions and persuasions10,886
8Religion not stated87,564
 Total27,743,338

Source: Census 2011

Religion in Punjab - Rural Population

#ReligionRural Pop. 2011Percentage %
1Sikh12,348,45571.20%
2Hindu4,396,06625.35%
3Muslim278,8251.61%
4Christian242,9771.40%
5Buddhist23,5770.14%
6Jain4,3660.03%
7Other religions and persuasions6,6460.04%
8Religion not stated43,2800.25%
 Total17,344,192 

Source: Census 2011

Religion in Punjab - Urban Population

#ReligionUrban Pop. 2011Percentage %
1Hindu6,282,07260.41%
2Sikh3,656,29935.16%
3Muslim256,6642.47%
4Christian105,2531.01%
5Jain40,6740.39%
6Buddhist9,6600.09%
7Other religions and persuasions4,2400.04%
8Religion not stated44,2840.43%
 Total10,399,146 

Source: Census 2011

Punjab Caste-wise Population

CastePopulation (%)
OBC*20%
Dalits (SCs)31.94%
Tribals (STs)0%
General44%
Others4%
  

*Govt has not enumerated caste-wise population other than SCs and STs in Census 2011. So OBC Percentage is not accurate & based on various estimates.

Caste wise percentage in Punjab

The caste composition of Punjab shows a diverse social structure across constitutional categories. The General category constitutes about 40-45% of the population, including nearly 25-30% Jat (Sikhs and Hindus both) along with Rajputs (5%), Brahmins, Khatris, Aroras, Soods, Banias, Bhatias, and Mahajans.

Scheduled Castes (Dalits) form about 31.9% of the population, comprising groups like Mazhabi Sikhs (10%), the Ramdasia–Ravidassia–Ad-Dharmi (13.1%), Balmiki/Bhanghi (3.5%), Bazigar (1.05%), and other communities such as Sansi, Chimba, and Julaha (around 4%). 

Other Backward Classes (OBCs) account for approximately 15-20% of the population and include communities such as Sainis, Kamboj, Labana, Tarkhan/Ramgarhia, Kumhar/Prajapati, Arain, Gujjar, Nai, Teli, Banjara, and others.

*Govt has not enumerated caste-wise population other than SCs and STs in Census 2011. So OBC & General Percentage is not accurate & based on various estimates.

Punjab population by Religion 2026 | Caste wise population

Rajeev Rana

Rajeev Rana is an independent writer and researcher with a strong interest in history, population studies, and demographic trends in India and North America. He has been writing on demography-related topics for over five years, focusing on census data, migration patterns, ethnicity, and regional population changes. While not a formally certified demographer, Rajeev closely follows official data releases from government sources, census authorities, and reputable research institutions. His work aims to present complex demographic information in a clear, accessible, and neutral manner for readers seeking factual insights and broader context. Rajeev contributes to multiple informational websites and has particular familiarity with demographic and regional trends in the Delhi NCR region. His writing is driven by curiosity, data interpretation, and a commitment to accuracy rather than advocacy or opinion