India is known for its incredible linguistic diversity. As per the 2025 data, over 22 official languages and hundreds of regional dialects are actively spoken across the country. In this blog, we list the top 11 most spoken languages in India, ranked by the number of native speakers.
Top 11 Most Spoken Languages in India (2025)
| Rank | Language | Estimated Speakers |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hindi | 540 million |
| 2 | Bengali | 100 million |
| 3 | Marathi | 85 million |
| 4 | Telugu | 83 million |
| 5 | Tamil | 78 million |
| 6 | Gujarati | 60 million |
| 7 | Urdu | 55 million |
| 8 | Kannada | 48 million |
| 9 | Odia | 38 million |
| 10 | Malayalam | 35 million |
| 11 | Punjabi | 34 million |
Language Highlights and Insights
1. Hindi – 540 million speakers
Hindi remains the most widely spoken language in India. It is the official language of the central government and is predominantly used in northern and central states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Delhi.
2. Bengali – 100 million speakers
Bengali is the second most spoken language in India. It is primarily spoken in West Bengal and Tripura, and it has a significant speaker base due to the cultural influence and population density.
3. Marathi – 85 million speakers
Spoken mainly in Maharashtra, Marathi has seen steady growth thanks to population increases and urbanization in cities like Mumbai and Pune.
4. Telugu – 83 million speakers
The dominant language in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Telugu has a rich classical heritage and continues to thrive both in rural and urban regions.
5. Tamil – 78 million speakers
One of the oldest living languages in the world, Tamil is spoken in Tamil Nadu and by Tamil diaspora communities across the globe.
6. Gujarati – 60 million speakers
The official language of Gujarat, Gujarati has strong representation in business, trade, and diaspora communities, especially in the UK and USA.
7. Urdu – 55 million speakers
Spoken widely in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Telangana, Jammu & Kashmir, and parts of Maharashtra, Urdu plays a key role in India’s cultural and literary legacy.
8. Kannada – 48 million speakers
Kannada is the main language in Karnataka and is rich in ancient and modern literature.
9. Odia – 38 million speakers
Odia is the official language of Odisha and one of the classical languages of India, with a history dating back over 2,000 years.
10. Malayalam – 35 million speakers
Spoken in Kerala, Malayalam has high literacy rates among its speakers and a vibrant media and film industry.
11. Punjabi – 34 million speakers
Punjabi is widely spoken in Punjab, and also by large migrant populations in Delhi and overseas in countries like Canada and the UK.
Why This Matters
- Educational Planning: Helps governments design better language-based curricula.
- Digital Inclusion: Developers and content creators can tailor apps, websites, and media in popular regional languages.
- Cultural Preservation: Encourages communities to preserve and promote their native languages.
Conclusion
India’s linguistic diversity is one of its greatest strengths. This 2025 data reflects the evolving demographics and increasing importance of regional languages. Whether it’s for business, education, or culture, understanding these trends helps build a more inclusive and connected India.