---
title: "Million-Plus Cities: Census Definition | Model Diplomat"
description: "Million-Plus Cities are Indian urban agglomerations with 1 million-plus population per the Census. See how the count rose to 53 in 2011 and why UPSC tests it."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/metropolitan-cities-census"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Million-Plus Cities are urban agglomerations or cities in India recorded by the decennial Census as having a population of one million or more.
- How many Million-Plus Cities did the 2011 Census record?
- What is the difference between a Million-Plus City and a megacity?
- Why is the count based on urban agglomerations rather than municipal limits?
- Does the Million-Plus threshold carry any legal consequence?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

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In the 2011 Census of India, the Office of the Registrar General classified 53 Million-Plus Cities, with Greater Mumbai's urban agglomeration counted at roughly 18.4 million inhabitants.

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