What this source tells us
Sample-based indicators of population and household characteristics, fertility, family planning, health, nutrition and related conditions. Each indicator has its own eligible population and reference window. National, urban/rural and state/UT results are available in the fact sheets.
An enumerated national population total or a 2026 population count. A publication in 2026 still describes the survey’s earlier reference period. Small differences between states or survey rounds require attention to sampling uncertainty, coverage and indicator definitions.
Selected figures, with their dates
| Measure & unit | Published value | Reference period & source |
|---|---|---|
| India: total fertility ratechildren per woman | 2.0 | NFHS-6 survey round, 2023–24; retrospective fertility estimate Official source |
| India: population below age 15percent | 25.5 | NFHS-6, 2023–24 Official source |
| India: population aged 60 and abovepercent | 12.9 | NFHS-6, 2023–24 Official source |
India: total fertility rate: definition & source note
Provisional survey estimate. The fact sheet identifies the 2023–24 survey round but does not state the exact retrospective fertility window beside indicator 18. Do not present this as a single calendar-year fertility rate. The published 2.0 also appeared in NFHS-5; NFHS-6 is the newer source. Retain one decimal when displaying 2.0.
India — Key Indicators, indicator 18, NFHS-6 Total; printed page 4 / PDF page 26
Read the original figureIndia: population below age 15: definition & source note
Provisional survey estimate of an age share. Keep NFHS-6’s household-survey coverage, including the exclusion of Manipur, attached; this is not a census age count.
India — Key Indicators, indicator 2, NFHS-6 Total; printed page 4 / PDF page 26
Read the original figureIndia: population aged 60 and above: definition & source note
Provisional survey estimate. The denominator is the population represented by the survey, not people employed or people receiving a pension. Do not multiply it by a different source’s 2026 population total without a justified estimation method.
India — Key Indicators, indicator 3, NFHS-6 Total; printed page 4 / PDF page 26
Read the original figureReading the data
The fact sheets released in May 2026 provide newer survey evidence about the 2023–24 round. This page selects demographic indicators: fertility and the shares of younger and older people.
A total fertility rate of 2.0 is a summary fertility estimate; it does not mean every woman has two children, and it does not by itself establish that total population has stopped growing. Age structure and the numbers entering childbearing ages also matter.
- The fact sheets label their findings provisional. NFHS-6 excludes Manipur, so keep the survey’s coverage attached to national and round-to-round comparisons.
- Age shares are survey estimates. Do not multiply them by a population total from a different year or source without explaining and justifying an estimation method.
- The TFR row does not specify its exact retrospective window. We label the survey round and retain that limitation instead of calling the figure a rate for a single year.