Average IQ in Delhi (India): Estimates & Key Factors
Estimated Avg IQ
86
IQ Range
83–89
Region
Asia
Delhi is India's capital and second-largest city, housing the national government, major universities, and a rapidly growing technology sector. As a political capital, it concentrates bureaucratic and administrative professionals with above-average educational attainment. Delhi University and Jawaharlal Nehru University attract students from across the country. The city's cognitive profile reflects significant variation, with well-educated professionals in affluent neighborhoods coexisting with large populations in informal settlements that have limited access to quality education and healthcare.
Important note: City-level IQ estimates are especially approximate. They reflect selection effects — cities attract educated, ambitious migrants — as well as local education quality, economic conditions, and available data. These figures do not reflect the intelligence or potential of any individual resident. For context on what IQ scores measure, see our guide to IQ.
Key Factors Shaping IQ in Delhi
- •National capital concentration of government and administrative professionals
- •Delhi University system and JNU attract academically strong students
- •Rapidly growing technology and startup sector
- •Urban selection effects from migration of educated professionals
To understand what IQ scores measure and how they're calculated, see our guide on what IQ is. For a breakdown of what different score levels mean, visit our IQ score ranges page.
Delhi vs. India National Average
Delhi's estimate of ~86 sits above India's national estimate of ~82, consistent with the selection effects large cities often show — educated, ambitious people migrating toward economic and cultural capitals.
Where This Number Comes From
No comprehensive IQ survey exists for Delhi — or for almost any city. The figure above is an extrapolation: it starts from national-level estimates (compiled cross-national datasets such as Lynn & Vanhanen's, alongside PISA and TIMSS assessment data), then adjusts for the city's educational attainment and economic composition. Those national compilations are themselves debated in the academic literature, and a city-level extrapolation inherits all of that uncertainty and adds more. Treat the range shown above as an illustrative band, not a measured confidence interval.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average IQ in Delhi?
Delhi's estimated average IQ is around 86, modestly above India's national average. As the capital city, Delhi concentrates government, administrative, and educational professionals, though large informal settlement populations with limited educational access temper the overall figure.
How does Delhi's education system compare to other Indian cities?
Delhi has one of India's largest university systems and has invested more than most Indian cities in free public education. The Delhi government's education reforms in the 2010s improved public school outcomes significantly, though quality remains highly variable.
Why does Delhi score slightly below Mumbai?
Mumbai's higher income levels from its financial sector lead to better overall access to private education and healthcare compared to Delhi, where a larger proportion of the population depends on underfunded public services.
Explore More Cities
See all cities on our Average IQ by City page, or take our free IQ test to see how you compare.
MyIQScores Editorial Team
Editorial team focused on cognitive testing & psychometrics research
Last updated
May 10, 2026
MyIQScores content is written and maintained by our editorial team using published research in cognitive psychology and psychometrics as its source base. We label estimates as estimates, link primary sources where available, correct errors when readers flag them, and update pages as research or feedback warrants — see our corrections policy.