{"id":224677,"date":"2025-01-20T16:11:19","date_gmt":"2025-01-20T10:41:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/?post_type=general-knowledge&p=224677"},"modified":"2025-10-02T13:33:32","modified_gmt":"2025-10-02T08:03:32","slug":"indian-sex-ratio-2024","status":"publish","type":"general-knowledge","link":"https:\/\/www.cheggindia.com\/hi\/general-knowledge\/indian-sex-ratio-2024\/","title":{"rendered":"Indian Sex Ratio 2024 vs 2025 Estimate: Progress, Data & Challenges"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In 2024, the Indian sex ratio 2024 stood at 100 women per 106.506 men, marking significant progress over the years. However, there remains a notable disparity across Indian states. In India, gender imbalance has been a considerable concern for a long time, affecting social stability and gender equity. Recent 2025 data reveal trends that point to progress and persistent issues in achieving gender balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"gk-sexratio-v2\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Indian sex ratio has gradually improved, with the estimated 2025 ratio at 100 women per 106.443 men, compared to 100 women per 106.5 men in 2024. This shift reflects positive outcomes from national efforts like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and the PCPNDT Act, but deep-seated gender biases still challenge long-term balance. This blog explores national and state-level trends, rural-urban disparities, and projections shaping India\u2019s demographic future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the Sex Ratio of India?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The sex ratio refers to the number of females per 1,000 males in a given population. It is an important demographic indicator that reflects gender balance in society; for instance, a sex ratio of 1005 means 1,005 women for every 1,000 men.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

India has been documenting population trends through the Census since 1881, making it one of the longest-running exercises of its kind. While the Census is conducted every ten years, the most recent comprehensive figures on sex ratio come from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019\u201321), since the official Census due in 2021 was delayed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sex ratio is generally calculated using the following formula:
Sex Ratio = (Number of Males \/ Number of Females) \u00d7 1000<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Types of Sex Ratios<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sex ratio refers to the proportion of males to females in a population. It can be categorized into four distinct types, each representing a different stage of human development:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Primary Sex Ratio (PSR):<\/strong> This ratio reflects the proportion of males to females at conception. It encompasses all pregnancies, including those that may result in abortion, miscarriage, or stillbirth.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Secondary Sex Ratio (SSR):<\/strong> Often referred to as the “natural sex ratio,” this ratio is determined at birth. Historically, most populations exhibit a slightly higher proportion of male births.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Tertiary Sex Ratio (TSR):<\/strong> This ratio focuses on the proportion of males to females among young adults, typically in their 20s.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Quaternary Sex Ratio (QSR):<\/strong> Also known as the “adult sex ratio,” this ratio examines the proportion of males to females within the older adult population, usually individuals aged 60 and above.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Current State of Sex Ratio in India 2025 Highlights<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    State \/ Union Territory<\/strong><\/th>Indian Sex Ratio 2025 (Females per 1000 Males)<\/strong><\/th>Notes \/ Interpretation<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
    Kerala<\/strong><\/td>1,084\u20131,121<\/td>Leads the nation with the best balance, reflecting strong literacy and social equality.<\/td><\/tr>
    Rajasthan<\/strong><\/td>1,099<\/td>Significant rise compared to past surveys, showing steady progress.<\/td><\/tr>
    Bihar<\/strong><\/td>1,090<\/td>Continues to improve, with noticeable gains over recent years.<\/td><\/tr>
    Tamil Nadu<\/strong><\/td>1,088<\/td>Maintains a stable and high ratio, especially in non-urban areas.<\/td><\/tr>
    Manipur<\/strong><\/td>1,066<\/td>Above India\u2019s national average, showing a consistent trend.<\/td><\/tr>
    Odisha<\/strong><\/td>1,060<\/td>Improvements linked to better education and state initiatives.<\/td><\/tr>
    Jharkhand<\/strong><\/td>1,053<\/td>Positive results, particularly in communities with larger tribal populations.<\/td><\/tr>
    Telangana<\/strong><\/td>1,045\u2013988<\/td>Largely stable; however, child sex ratio is lower at 933.<\/td><\/tr>
    West Bengal<\/strong><\/td>1,045<\/td>Nearly a 10% increase since the early 2000s; reflects steady progress.<\/td><\/tr>
    Andhra Pradesh<\/strong><\/td>1,045<\/td>Strong performance overall, with rural areas showing especially good ratios.<\/td><\/tr>
    Chhattisgarh<\/strong><\/td>961\u2013964 (Child Ratio)<\/td>Higher numbers among children, though overall ratio remains comparatively lower.<\/td><\/tr>
    Mizoram<\/strong><\/td>971 (Child Ratio)<\/td>Child sex ratio is robust, while overall figures remain steady.<\/td><\/tr>
    Meghalaya<\/strong><\/td>970 (Child Ratio)<\/td>Encouraging child ratio; comprehensive overall data still limited.<\/td><\/tr>
    Arunachal Pradesh<\/strong><\/td>972 (Child Ratio)<\/td>Records the highest child sex ratio among all Indian states.<\/td><\/tr>
    Assam<\/strong><\/td>950 (Approx.)<\/td>Shows more than 10% improvement over the 2001\u20132011 period.<\/td><\/tr>
    Uttar Pradesh<\/strong><\/td>943 (Approx.)<\/td>Close to the national level, but pace of progress is slower.<\/td><\/tr>
    Delhi (UT)<\/strong><\/td>866\u2013956<\/td>Among the weaker performers, though progress has been visible since the last decade.<\/td><\/tr>
    Punjab<\/strong><\/td>846\u2013879 (Child Ratio: 846)<\/td>Continues to face challenges of gender bias despite some improvements.<\/td><\/tr>
    Haryana<\/strong><\/td>877\u2013926<\/td>Lowest among states; recent data shows a drop in sex ratio at birth to 910.<\/td><\/tr>
    Puducherry (UT)<\/strong><\/td>1,037<\/td>Stands as the best among Union Territories.<\/td><\/tr>
    Andaman & Nicobar Islands (UT)<\/strong><\/td>968 (Child Ratio)<\/td>Child ratio remains strong; overall figure consistently above 900.<\/td><\/tr>
    Lakshadweep (UT)<\/strong><\/td>900+<\/td>Performs better than several other UTs, maintaining above-average levels.<\/td><\/tr>
    Daman and Diu (UT)<\/strong><\/td>618<\/td>Lowest in the country, showing deep-seated demographic imbalance.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Indian Sex Ratio 2025: Estimated Trends and Government Projections<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    In 2025, the estimated Indian sex ratio stands at 100 women per 106.443 men, reflecting a slight improvement over previous years. This trend suggests progress in gender equity, influenced by government policies, improved access to healthcare, and shifting cultural attitudes. While challenges like sex-selective practices persist, data indicate India is moving gradually toward a more balanced population structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This improvement reflects ongoing efforts through government programs like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, increased access to women\u2019s healthcare, and greater female education. High-performing states like Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh are expected to maintain strong sex ratios above 1,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    However, challenges such as urban-rural disparity and gender-biased sex selection still affect the overall balance. These projections, while optimistic, reinforce the importance of policy consistency and community action to achieve India\u2019s goal of a balanced sex ratio by 2030.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Key Demographic Indicators: India’s Sex Ratio<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    This table presents key metrics on India’s sex ratio based on the latest available official data from the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5, 2019-21). The decennial Census for 2021 was postponed, making NFHS-5 the most recent comprehensive source.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Metric<\/th>Detail<\/th>Data Source<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
    National Sex Ratio<\/strong><\/td>1,020 females per 1,000 males<\/td>NFHS-5 (2019-21)<\/td><\/tr>
    Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB)<\/strong><\/td>929 females per 1,000 males<\/td>NFHS-5 (2019-21)<\/td><\/tr>
    Child Sex Ratio (0-6 years)<\/strong><\/td>929 females per 1,000 males<\/td>NFHS-5 (2019-21)<\/td><\/tr>
    Rural vs. Urban<\/strong><\/td>Rural:<\/strong> 1,037 females per 1,000 males
    Urban:<\/strong> 985 females per 1,000 males<\/td>    		NFHS-5 (2019-21)<\/td><\/tr>
    State with Highest Ratio<\/strong><\/td>Kerala: 1,121 females per 1,000 males<\/td>NFHS-5 (2019-21)<\/td><\/tr>
    State with Lowest Ratio<\/strong><\/td>Haryana: 926 females per 1,000 males<\/td>NFHS-5 (2019-21)<\/td><\/tr>
    UT with Highest Ratio<\/strong><\/td>Puducherry: 1,037 females per 1,000 males<\/td>Census 2011*<\/td><\/tr>
    UT with Lowest Ratio<\/strong><\/td>Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu: 774 females per 1,000 males<\/td>Census 2011*<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Note on Data:<\/strong> The figures for Union Territories (UTs) are from the 2011 Census, as the NFHS-5 report typically highlights state-level data. The former UT of Daman and Diu (2011 ratio: 618) was merged with Dadra and Nagar Haveli in 2020; their combined 2011 ratio was 774.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Indian Sex Ratio in 2024<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The Indian sex ratio 2024  is calculated as the number of women per 1,000 men, highlighting existing social and gender disparities. Current data reveals that there are 943 women for every 1,000 men.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    National Overview of the 2024 Sex Ratio<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The Indian population in 2024 was approximately 1.44 billion, with 698.29 million females and 743.39 million males. Women account for 48.42%  of the population, resulting in a male surplus of 45.71 million. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Despite this imbalance, the gender ratio has shown significant improvement over time. In 2011, there were 943 women for every 1,000 men; in 2001, this figure was 933 women per 1,000 men. Looking ahead, projections for 2036 suggest a ratio of 952 women per 1,000 men, indicating steady progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Regional Disparities<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Rural and urban areas display contrasting trends in the sex ratio. According to the 2020-2021<\/a> <\/strong>NFHS-5 data, the rural Indian sex ratio was 1,037 females per 1,000 males compared to urban areas, which reported 985 females per 1,000 males.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    State-Wise Sex Ratio in 2024<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Sex ratios vary significantly across states<\/a><\/strong>. Kerala currently has the highest ratio, while Haryana ranks at the bottom. These disparities underscore the need for targeted state-level interventions. The table below illustrates these differences clearly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"gk-224677-sexratiomap-v1\"
    Source:<\/strong> The Maps Daily<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Influences on Current Trends<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The FMCG<\/a><\/strong> sector is constantly evolving, driven by changes in consumer preferences and market demands. Various factors, such as technology, social behaviours, and economic shifts, play a major role in shaping these trends. There are some important trends in the Indian sex ratio that you must be aware of: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    State\/ Union Territory<\/strong><\/td>NHFS-5<\/strong><\/td>2011 Census<\/strong><\/td>2001 Census<\/strong><\/td>Change (2001 to 2011)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
    Rank (Sex ratio at birth)<\/strong><\/td>Sex ratio at birth<\/strong><\/td>Sex ratio<\/strong><\/td>Child sex ratio<\/strong><\/td>Sex ratio<\/strong><\/td>Child sex ratio<\/strong><\/td>Sex ratio<\/strong><\/td>Child sex ratio<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
    Lakshadweep<\/strong><\/td>UT1<\/td>1051<\/td>947<\/td>911<\/td>948<\/td>959<\/td>(\u22121)<\/td>(\u221248)<\/td><\/tr>
    Tripura<\/strong><\/td>S1<\/td>1028<\/td>960<\/td>957<\/td>948<\/td>966<\/td>(12)<\/td>(\u22129)<\/td><\/tr>
    Meghalaya<\/strong><\/td>S2<\/td>989<\/td>989<\/td>970<\/td>972<\/td>973<\/td>(17)<\/td>(\u22123)<\/td><\/tr>
    Uttarakhand<\/strong><\/td>S3<\/td>984<\/td>963<\/td>890<\/td>962<\/td>908<\/td>(1)<\/td>(\u221218)<\/td><\/tr>
    Arunachal Pradesh<\/strong><\/td>S4<\/td>979<\/td>938<\/td>972<\/td>893<\/td>964<\/td>(45)<\/td>(8)<\/td><\/tr>
    Karnataka<\/strong><\/td>S5<\/td>978<\/td>973<\/td>948<\/td>965<\/td>946<\/td>(8)<\/td>(2)<\/td><\/tr>
    Jammu and Kashmir<\/strong><\/td>UT2<\/td>976<\/td>889<\/td>862<\/td>892<\/td>941<\/td>(\u22123)<\/td>(\u221279)<\/td><\/tr>
    West Bengal<\/strong><\/td>S6<\/td>973<\/td>950<\/td>956<\/td>934<\/td>960<\/td>(16)<\/td>(\u22124)<\/td><\/tr>
    Mizoram<\/strong><\/td>S7<\/td>969<\/td>976<\/td>970<\/td>935<\/td>964<\/td>(41)<\/td>(6)<\/td><\/tr>
    Sikkim<\/strong><\/td>S8<\/td>969<\/td>890<\/td>957<\/td>875<\/td>963<\/td>(15)<\/td>(\u22126)<\/td><\/tr>
    Manipur<\/strong><\/td>S9<\/td>967<\/td>992<\/td>930<\/td>978<\/td>957<\/td>(14)<\/td>(\u221227)<\/td><\/tr>
    Assam<\/strong><\/td>S10<\/td>964<\/td>958<\/td>962<\/td>935<\/td>965<\/td>(23)<\/td>(\u22123)<\/td><\/tr>
    Chhattisgarh<\/strong><\/td>S11<\/td>960<\/td>991<\/td>969<\/td>989<\/td>975<\/td>(2)<\/td>(\u22126)<\/td><\/tr>
    Puducherry<\/strong><\/td>UT3<\/td>959<\/td>1037<\/td>967<\/td>1001<\/td>967<\/td>(36)<\/td><\/td><\/tr>
    Madhya Pradesh<\/strong><\/td>S12<\/td>956<\/td>931<\/td>918<\/td>919<\/td>932<\/td>(12)<\/td>(\u221214)<\/td><\/tr>
    Gujarat<\/strong><\/td>S13<\/td>955<\/td>919<\/td>890<\/td>920<\/td>883<\/td>(\u22121)<\/td>(7)<\/td><\/tr>
    Kerala<\/strong><\/td>S14<\/td>951<\/td>1084<\/td>964<\/td>1058<\/td>960<\/td>(26)<\/td>(4)<\/td><\/tr>
    Nagaland<\/strong><\/td>S15<\/td>945<\/td>931<\/td>943<\/td>900<\/td>964<\/td>(31)<\/td>(\u221221)<\/td><\/tr>
    Uttar Pradesh<\/strong><\/td>S16<\/td>941<\/td>912<\/td>902<\/td>898<\/td>916<\/td>(14)<\/td>(\u221214)<\/td><\/tr>
    Andhra Pradesh<\/strong><\/td>S17<\/td>934<\/td>993<\/td>939<\/td>978<\/td>961<\/td>(15)<\/td>(\u221222)<\/td><\/tr>
    India<\/strong><\/td><\/td>929<\/td>943<\/td>919<\/td>933<\/td>927<\/td>(10)<\/td>(\u22128)<\/td><\/tr>
    Delhi<\/strong><\/td>UT4<\/td>923<\/td>868<\/td>871<\/td>821<\/td>868<\/td>(47)<\/td>(3)<\/td><\/tr>
    Andaman and Nicobar Islands<\/strong><\/td>UT5<\/td>914<\/td>876<\/td>968<\/td>846<\/td>957<\/td>(30)<\/td>(11)<\/td><\/tr>
    Maharashtra<\/strong><\/td>S18<\/td>913<\/td>929<\/td>894<\/td>922<\/td>913<\/td>(7)<\/td>(\u221219)<\/td><\/tr>
    Bihar<\/strong><\/td>S19<\/td>908<\/td>918<\/td>935<\/td>919<\/td>942<\/td>(\u22121)<\/td>(\u22127)<\/td><\/tr>
    Punjab<\/strong><\/td>S20<\/td>904<\/td>895<\/td>846<\/td>876<\/td>798<\/td>(19)<\/td>(48)<\/td><\/tr>
    Jharkhand<\/strong><\/td>S21<\/td>899<\/td>948<\/td>948<\/td>941<\/td>965<\/td>(7)<\/td>(\u221217)<\/td><\/tr>
    Telangana<\/strong><\/td>S22<\/td>894<\/td>988<\/td>–<\/td>–<\/td>–<\/td>\u2013<\/td>\u2013<\/td><\/tr>
    Odisha<\/strong><\/td>S23<\/td>894<\/td>979<\/td>941<\/td>972<\/td>953<\/td>(7)<\/td>(\u221212)<\/td><\/tr>
    Haryana<\/strong><\/td>S24<\/td>893<\/td>879<\/td>834<\/td>861<\/td>819<\/td>(18)<\/td>(15)<\/td><\/tr>
    Rajasthan<\/strong><\/td>S25<\/td>891<\/td>928<\/td>888<\/td>921<\/td>909<\/td>(7)<\/td>(\u221221)<\/td><\/tr>
    Tamil Nadu<\/strong><\/td>S26<\/td>878<\/td>996<\/td>943<\/td>987<\/td>942<\/td>(9)<\/td>(1)<\/td><\/tr>
    Himachal Pradesh<\/strong><\/td>S27<\/td>875<\/td>972<\/td>909<\/td>968<\/td>896<\/td>(4)<\/td>(13)<\/td><\/tr>
    Goa<\/strong><\/td>S28<\/td>838<\/td>973<\/td>942<\/td>961<\/td>938<\/td>(12)<\/td>(4)<\/td><\/tr>
    Chandigarh<\/strong><\/td>UT6<\/td>838<\/td>818<\/td>880<\/td>777<\/td>845<\/td>(41)<\/td>(35)<\/td><\/tr>
    Dadra and Nagar Haveli<\/strong><\/td>UT7<\/td>817<\/td>774<\/td>926<\/td>812<\/td>979<\/td>(\u221238)<\/td>(\u221253)<\/td><\/tr>
    Daman and Diu<\/strong><\/td>UT8<\/td>817<\/td>618<\/td>904<\/td>710<\/td>926<\/td>(\u221292)<\/td>(\u221222)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Source – Wikipedia<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n