HCES India Survey 2022-2024

The Household Consumption Expenditure Survey, HCES India 2022-2024, has emerged as a significant source of data highlighting nutritional intake patterns in rural and urban India. 

Conducted in two phases from August 2022 to July 2024, this detailed household survey sheds light on the evolving trends in food consumption, calorie intake, protein intake, and fat consumption across the Indian population.

The findings, compiled in the report titled “Nutritional Intake in India”, hold high relevance for policymakers, researchers, and SSC aspirants, especially those preparing for current affairs, economic awareness, and general knowledge sections.

Survey Overview: What is HCES India 2022-2024?

HCES India 2022-2024 aimed to measure the Indian household diet and analyze changes in nutrient intake levels over time. The survey covered both rural nutrition and urban diet segments, capturing dietary data from diverse economic backgrounds.

The focus of HCES India 2022-2024 included:

• Calorie intake in India

• Protein consumption trends

• Fat intake statistics

• Impact of MPCE (Monthly Per Capita Consumption Expenditure) on nutrition

• Rural vs urban food habits

This data forms the foundation of a national-level nutritional report 2024 that evaluates how India’s food security and dietary quality have shifted post-2020.

Nutritional Intake Highlights from HCES India 2022-2024

Calorie Intake

The average per capita calorie intake witnessed minor fluctuations:

• Rural areas: 2233 Kcal (2022-23) → 2212 Kcal (2023-24)

• Urban areas: 2250 Kcal → 2240 Kcal

However, the bottom economic classes in both rural and urban segments showed an increase in calorie intake, indicating improved food accessibility and narrowing of consumption inequality.

Protein Intake

Protein intake improved in both regions:

• Rural India: 61.9 grams → 63.2 grams

• Urban India: Similar increases

These trends confirm a positive dietary shift and align with long-term protein consumption trends reported in previous surveys.

Fat Consumption

Fat intake also rose significantly:

• Rural: 59.7g → 70.5g

• Urban: 60.4g → 69.8g

This data reflects rising consumption of diverse food items, possibly indicating increased access to animal-based protein sources and processed foods.

Regional and Economic Variations

• The HCES India 2022-2024 findings revealed strong regional differences in calorie and nutrient intake. States with higher MPCE levels showed better nutritional outcomes.

• More importantly, the gap between top and bottom fractile classes narrowed, pointing toward improved equity in food distribution.

This development is critical when analyzing the impact of MPCE on nutritional levels across states, a topic highly relevant for SSC exams and general economic studies.

Long-Term Trends in Nutritional Intake

• A review of past surveys from 2009-10 to HCES India 2022-2024 indicates a steady rise in both calorie and protein intake, highlighting dietary changes in India over the past decade.

• This progress supports the idea that India's food security trends have improved, aided by better income levels, infrastructure, and government interventions.

These trends in dietary shifts in India post-2020 are crucial from both a public health and an economic point of view.

Sources of Protein: Shift in Indian Diet

Historically, cereals were the primary sources of protein in Indian household diets:

• Rural households: 46–47%

• Urban households: Around 39%

However, the share of cereals is gradually declining, replaced by increased intake of eggs, fish, meat, and dairy. This indicates a transition toward balanced protein consumption, reflecting the changing role of cereals, dairy, and meat in Indian nutrition.

Adjusted vs. Unadjusted Nutrient Intake

A key insight from HCES India 2022-2024 is the distinction between:

• Unadjusted nutrient intake (based on reported food quantity)

• Adjusted nutrient intake (accounts for food served to guests, employees, or bought outside)

Adjusted nutrient intake figures were slightly lower, offering a more realistic reflection of actual dietary habits. This comparison of adjusted and unadjusted nutrient intake is vital for accurate nutrition and policy planning.

Relevance of HCES India 2022-2024 for SSC Exams

For SSC aspirants, HCES India 2022-2024 is a high-priority current affairs topic. Key areas to focus on include:

• Nutritional intake patterns in rural and urban India

• Changes in calorie and protein intake over time in India

• Food consumption inequality

• Consumption expenditure survey methodology

• Nutrient intake analysis by economic class in India

You may encounter MCQs or descriptive questions around these topics in exams like SSC CGL, CHSL, or MTS.

Final Thoughts

The HCES India 2022-2024 is more than just a national survey — it’s a mirror of India’s nutritional progress and socio-economic development. With rising calorie, protein, and fat intake, improved access across classes, and dietary diversification, India is moving steadily toward better food security.

For SSC aspirants, mastering the findings of HCES India 2022-2024 offers a double advantage — it strengthens exam preparation and deepens your understanding of India’s public health and economic transformation.