While India has emerged as the world's most populous nation, a significant demographic shift is underway: its fertility rate is steadily declining. This trend marks a stark contrast to past generations, where larger families were common, and reflects evolving societal norms and priorities.

Historically, India's fertility rate was considerably higher. In 1970, the total fertility rate (TFR) — the average number of children born per woman — stood at approximately 5, according to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). This meant that, on average, an Indian woman would give birth to five children.

Over the subsequent decades, this figure has seen a substantial decrease. The National Family Health Survey (2019-21) reported India's TFR at 2.0 children per woman. This represents a remarkable reduction from five to an average of two children per woman in just over 50 years.

Key Fertility Rate Milestones in India:

• 1970s: Approximately 5 children per woman
• 1997: 3.3 births per woman
• 2009: 2.7 births per woman
• 2019-21: 2.0 births per woman
• Recent Reports (2024): While some sources suggest 2.1 births per woman, a recent UNFPA 2025 report indicates the TFR has further declined to 1.9 births per woman.

The UNFPA's 2025 report highlights that India's current TFR of 1.9 is now below the replacement level of 2.1. The replacement level is the fertility rate needed for a population to replace itself across generations, without immigration. This signifies that, on average, Indian women are having fewer children than required for natural population replacement.

Despite this slowing birth rate, India maintains a substantial youth population. Approximately 24% of its population is in the 0-14 age group, 17% in 10-19, and 26% in 10-24. The working-age population (15-64) constitutes a significant 68%. The elderly population (65 and above) currently stands at 7%, a figure projected to increase as life expectancy improves. By 2025, life expectancy at birth is estimated to be 71 years for men and 74 years for women.

According to UN estimates, India's current population is 1.4639 billion, solidifying its position as the world's most populous country. For context, in 1960, when India's population was around 436 million, the average woman had approximately six children.

Factors Driving the Decline:

Several socio-economic factors contribute to India's declining fertility rate:

• Increased Women's Education and Workforce Participation: A primary driver is the rising level of education among women and their increasing participation in the workforce. This has empowered women to prioritize family planning and career aspirations.
• Greater Autonomy and Decision-Making: Compared to the 1960s, where women had less control over reproductive decisions and limited access to contraception (less than 1 in 4 used some form), there has been a significant shift. Women now have greater autonomy in decisions concerning their bodies and lives.
• Improved Access to Reproductive Healthcare: Enhanced access to reproductive health services and contraception has played a crucial role in enabling women to plan their families more effectively.
• Focus on Smaller Families: As women pursue education and careers, there is a growing preference for smaller families, allowing for greater focus on individual children's well-being and parental aspirations.