Indian Fertility Rate in 2025

The Indian fertility rate in 2025 has become a major topic of concern in demographic discussions and policy planning.

The UNFPA State of World Population Report 2025 highlights India’s demographic shifts, emphasising reproductive rights and socio-economic barriers.

For SSC aspirants, understanding the India fertility rate in 2025 and its related trends is crucial for both exams and interviews.

What is the State of World Population Report?

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) released its 2025 edition of the State of World Population (SOWP) report, titled “The Real Fertility Crisis: The Pursuit of Reproductive Agency in a Changing World”.

The report encourages a shift from outdated fears of population explosion to the real issue—barriers to achieving desired fertility outcomes.

India Fertility Rate 2025: Key Stats and National Picture

According to the UNFPA:

• The India fertility rate in 2025 stands at 2.0 births per woman, slightly below the replacement-level fertility India benchmark of 2.1.

• India’s population in 2025 has reached 1.46 billion, with 68% of the population in the 15–64 age group, offering a demographic advantage if used effectively.

• The total fertility rate in India in 2025 reveals a national trend of declining births, driven by changing socio-economic realities.

Declining Birth Rate in India – The New Reality

The declining birth rate in India is not about underpopulation but unmet reproductive goals. The Indian fertility rate in 2025 reflects that many families are not having as many children as they want.

Major factors include:

• Financial constraints (39%)

• Job insecurity (21%)

• Housing limitations (22%)

• Lack of affordable childcare (18%)

• Health issues and infertility (affecting 27.5 million couples)

These factors limit the ability of individuals to exercise reproductive agency, which lies at the core of the current fertility crisis.

Fertility Duality in Indian States

The fertility duality in Indian states is a key finding:

• High fertility states: Bihar (3.0), Meghalaya (2.9), Uttar Pradesh (2.7)

• Low fertility states: Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Delhi—where many delay childbirth due to lifestyle and cost concerns

This state-wise fertility rate data shows clear inequality in access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities.

Urban-Rural Fertility Gap in India

The urban-rural fertility gap in India highlights further disparity:

• Urban areas show a sharp decline in fertility due to career priorities, the cost of parenting, and a lack of support systems.

• Rural regions, on the other hand, still witness higher fertility, especially in underserved and less literate populations.

Thus, the Indian fertility rate in 2025 shows how demographic behaviour varies significantly across regions.

Family Planning Statistics India 2025

The report also shares vital family planning statistics for India 2025:

• Increased awareness and access to contraceptives

• Government schemes are still underutilized in remote and rural regions

• Infertility treatment is not covered under most public health programmes.

These gaps are crucial to understand for SSC exams, especially when preparing for topics on health, population control, and government schemes.

Global Trends vs India Demographic Trends 2025

Globally, 1 in 5 adults say they may not have the number of children they wish due to costs, climate anxiety, and lack of partners. Similarly, India's demographic trends for 2025 show that despite achieving replacement fertility, challenges persist in terms of:

• Regional inequality

• Healthcare access

• Gender norms

• Social instability

The Indian fertility rate in 2025 is just one metric in a larger conversation about population stability and quality of life.

SSC Current Affairs Takeaway

For SSC CGL, CHSL, and other government exams, the India fertility rate 2025 and this report provide key points:

• India’s current fertility rate is 2.0, below replacement level

• Stark contrast between high- and low-fertility states in India

• Urban-rural divide in birth rate

• Financial and social reasons behind the declining birth rate in India

• Importance of family planning and access to reproductive healthcare

Final Thoughts

The Indian fertility rate in 2025 reveals a complex reality where population numbers may be stabilising, but personal reproductive goals remain unmet for millions. India now faces the dual challenge of managing demographic stability while ensuring reproductive freedom and health equity for all. 

With a population of 1.46 billion and 68% in the working-age group, India faces both opportunity and challenge. Economic stress, job insecurity, and healthcare gaps contribute to declining birth rates, while disparities between urban and rural fertility reveal deep socio-economic divides.