Selected figures, with their definitions
| Measure | Value | Reference period |
|---|---|---|
| India: total fertility ratechildren per woman | 2.0 | NFHS-6 survey round, 2023–24; retrospective fertility estimate Official source |
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.
Look beyond the total
A population total does not show how many people are children, working-age adults or older residents. Age tables describe the distribution across the age bands printed in the source. Census 2011 C-14 provides population in five-year age groups by residence and sex. Select the same bands and geographic coverage before comparing areas or calculating a share.
Keep counts, shares and rates separate
An age share is a proportion of the relevant population. A sex ratio compares female and male populations under its stated age and geographic definition. Total fertility rate is a summary of fertility, expressed as children per woman; it is not a population count or a statement that every woman has that number of children. These measures answer different questions and need different denominators.
Use newer evidence with its own date
NFHS-6 fact sheets describe the 2023–24 survey round and were released in May 2026. Their findings are provisional and exclude Manipur. The selected national fertility figure is 2.0 children per woman. The fact-sheet row does not specify its exact retrospective window, so it should not be presented as a rate for a single calendar year.
The government projection report also provides age and sex composition under a Census 2011-based model. A projected age count and an NFHS sample share are separate products. Multiplying them together requires an explicit reason to believe that the period, coverage and population definitions are compatible.
Apply the age group to the decision
For school planning, specify the school-age group; for services for older people, state the age cutoff. Compare the relevant counts as well as shares: a smaller percentage can still represent more people in a larger area. Age structure helps frame service needs, while take-up, health conditions and purchasing behaviour require additional evidence.