India’s Population Reaches 146.39 Crore, Fertility Rate Drops Below Replacement Level: UN Report

The United Nations in its State of the World Population 2025 report says that India has a population of 146.39 crore. The total fertility rate (TFR) of the country has declined to 1.9 which is below the replacement level of 2.1 and this is a major demographic transition. The population will still be on the rise with an anticipation to reach 170 crore and then it will begin to drop in approximately 40 years. The report mentions the youth population of India and the future population increase of the aged citizens. The paper offers a good reminder of the significance of reproductive agency and why family planning decisions should be well informed.

The population of India has crossed the 146.39 crore mark and the fertility rate has slipped below the replacement rate to 1.9. Demographic trends of the country indicate that its population will grow to 170 crore and then it is expected to start declining in 40 years, but the old population will be rising.

Key Insights from the UN Report on India's Population

1. Population Growth and Fertility Rate

• Present Population: 146.39 crore (April 2025).

• Fertility Rate: Decreased to 1.9 which is lower than the replacement level of 2.1.

• Future Projections: The population is likely to reach 170 crore and then it will begin to decrease in approximately 40 years.

2. Demographic Indicators

• Youth Population: 24 percent of the population is in the 0-14 age bracket, 17 percent in the 10-19 age bracket and 26 percent in the 10-24 age bracket.

• Working-Age Population: The population in the bracket of 15-64 years is 68 percent.

• Aged Population: 7 percent of the population is aged 65 and above, which is bound to increase due to better life expectancy.

3. Life Expectancy Projections

• Projected Life Expectancy:

• 71 years for men.

• 74 years for women.

4. Reproductive Agency

• The report shows the fertility crisis that really exists, where not all people are able to make free and informed decisions about reproduction.

• Focus on Reproductive Rights: Advocates to achieve reproductive agency as one way of solving this crisis.

5. Data and Projections

• Sources of Data: National household surveys, World Population Prospects 2024, and Model-based Estimates and Projections of Family Planning Indicators 2024.

Conclusion

India is experiencing demographic transition characterized by reduced fertility rates, which indicates a turn towards a new dynamics of population growth. An opportunity exists with the gradual rising of the working-age population and the increased life expectancy, whereas a challenge lies in the gradually rising numbers of the elderly population. Focus on reproductive rights and family planning access will be very important in determining the demographic future of India.