Indian Sex Ratio 2025: Stats, and What Lies Ahead
A number that tells you how balanced a country’s population is between men and women. That’s the sex ratio in India, and it’s a big deal! In India, we measure it as the number of males per 100 females (or females per 1,000 males, the way Indian stats like it). It’s not just data—it’s a snapshot of gender equality, social health, and where the country’s headed. In 2025, the sex ratio of India is looking better than ever, but there’s still a gap between states like Kerala, which is killing it, and others like Haryana, where things are a bit shaky. This article is super-informative dive into the Indian sex ratio 2025, packed with history, state-wise breakdowns, and a peek at 2036. It’s loaded like sex ratio in India, highest sex ratio in India, sex ratio in Haryana, and sex ratio in India state wise to hit it’s everything you need to get the full picture of the current sex ratio of India.
Must Read :- Education system of India
What’s the Deal with Sex Ratio?
So, what exactly is the sex ratio of India? It’s a way to count how many males there are for every 100 females (or, in Indian terms, females per 1,000 males). Naturally, about 105 boys are born for every 100 girls (or 952 girls per 1,000 boys), but India’s numbers have been off for years because of cultural habits, economic pressures, and some tough social practices like female foeticide. A skewed sex ratio in India isn’t just a stat—it can mean bigger problems like gender inequality, social tensions, or even trouble finding partners due to too many men.
In 2025, India’s got about 1.44 billion people, with 743.39 million men (that’s 51.56%) and 698.29 million women (48.44%). That gives us a sex ratio in India 2024 of 106 men per 100 women or 1,020 women per 1,000 men, according to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2020-21, updated 2023). That’s a huge step up from the past, but there’s still a 45.08 million man surplus, and India ranks 214th out of 236 countries for female-to-male ratio. Don’t worry, though—things are improving, and I’m here to walk you through it all!
Sex Ratio in India 2025: Where We Stand
Let’s zoom in on the Indian sex ratio 2025 and see what’s cooking:
- Overall Sex Ratio: We’re at 1,020 women per 1,000 men (or 106.453 men per 100 women), a massive jump from 943 in 2011, per NFHS-5 (2020-21, updated 2023). That’s the best it’s been since 1881—pretty awesome, right?
- Rural vs. Urban:
- Rural sex ratio of India 2011: 949 women per 1,000 men; by 2023, it’s 1,037, showing rural areas are leading the charge.
- Urban sex ratio of India 2011: 929; by 2023, it’s 985, meaning cities are lagging, maybe because of migration or economic stress.
- Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB): 933 girls per 1,000 boys in 2022-23, up from 918 in 2014-15, but still short of the natural 952, per NFHS-5.
- Child Sex Ratio (CSR, 0-6 years): Went from 927 in 2001 to 918 in 2011, with a tiny uptick recently, but it’s still a red flag for gender selection.
The male and female sex ratio in India breaks down to 51.56% men and 48.44% women, with the sex ratio in India 2023 hitting that sweet 1,020 women per 1,000 men. But the birth ratio’s still off, with 107.1 boys per 100 girls, putting India 17th worldwide for skewed SRB.
Table: Sex Ratio in India 2025 at a Glance
Category |
Value (2023-2025) |
Compared to 2011 |
| Overall Sex Ratio | 1,020 women/1,000 men | 943 |
| Rural Sex Ratio | 1,037 women/1,000 men | 949 |
| Urban Sex Ratio | 985 women/1,000 men | 929 |
| Sex Ratio at Birth | 933 girls/1,000 boys | 918 |
| Child Sex Ratio (0-6 years) | ~918 girls/1,000 boys | 918 |
Looking Back: How the Sex Ratio Evolved
The sex ratio of India has had its share of ups and downs. Let’s take a trip through time with a table of key moments, pulled from Census data and NFHS reports:
Table: Historical Sex Ratio Trends in India
Year |
Sex Ratio (Women per 1,000 Men) |
Child Sex Ratio (0-6 years) |
| 1901 | 972 | – |
| 1951 | 946 | – |
| 1971 | 930 (lowest) | – |
| 1991 | 927 | 945 |
| 2001 | 933 | 927 |
| 2011 | 943 | 918 |
| 2021 | 1,020 (NFHS-5) | – |
- Sex ratio in India 2001: 933, creeping up from 927 in 1991.
- Sex ratio in India 2011: 943, a slow but steady climb.
- Sex ratio in India 2022: 1,020, a game-changer.
- Worst Moment: Back in 1978, it hit 107.432 men per 100 women, the most unbalanced it’s ever been.
The sex ratio of India 2011 state wise showed some states were way off balance, but the sex ratio in India 2023 proves we’re on the right track, thanks to smart policies and changing mindsets.
State-Wise Scoop: Who’s Winning, Who’s Not?
The sex ratio in India state wise is like a patchwork quilt—some areas are vibrant, others need patching up. Here’s a table with the latest sex ratio in India 2024 and sex ratio of India 2021 data, based on Census 2021 and recent updates:
Table: State-Wise Sex Ratio in India 2025
Rank |
State/UT |
Sex Ratio (Women per 1,000 Men) |
Child Sex Ratio (0-6 years) |
| 1 | Kerala | 1,084 | 960 |
| 2 | Puducherry | 1,038 | 967 |
| 3 | Tamil Nadu | 995 | 946 |
| 4 | Andhra Pradesh | 992 | 935 |
| 5 | Chhattisgarh | 991 | 964 |
| 31 | Haryana | 877 | 830 |
| 32 | Delhi | 866 | 867 |
| 35 | Daman & Diu | 618 | – |
- Highest sex ratio in India: Kerala (1,084), also the highest sex ratio in India 2011, with Puducherry (1,038) close behind, showing what’s possible with progressive attitudes.
- Lowest sex ratio in India: Daman & Diu (618), Dadra and Nagar Haveli (775), and Chandigarh (818) are way behind.
- Sex ratio in Haryana: Took a hit, dropping to 910 girls per 1,000 boys at birth in 2024, down from 923 in 2019—an 8-year low.
- Sex ratio of Delhi: 866, one of the worst, thanks to urban pressures.
High sex ratio in India states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu are role models, while sex ratio in India state wise pdf data points to serious work needed in Haryana, Delhi, and Punjab.
State Spotlights
- Kerala sex ratio 2024: 1,084 women per 1,000 men, blowing past the national average of 940, as of July 2024.
- Karnataka sex ratio 2025: 973 overall, with Udupi at 1,094 (top dog) and Bangalore at 916 (lagging), showing a city-rural split.
- Telangana: 988 women per 1,000 men, with a child sex ratio of 933, solid since its formation in 2014.
- Child Sex Ratio Champs: Mizoram (971), Meghalaya (970), and Chhattisgarh (964).
- Child Sex Ratio Strugglers: Haryana (830), Punjab (846), and Jammu & Kashmir (859).
Why’s the Ratio Off? The Real Reasons
The sex ratio of India 2024 isn’t perfectly balanced because of some deep-rooted issues. Here’s the breakdown:
- Son Preference: In many families, boys are seen as the ticket to carrying on the family name or supporting parents in old age, so they’re favored over girls.
- Female Foeticide: It’s illegal, but it still happens, especially in places like Haryana and Punjab, messing with the sex ratio in India 2022.
- Spotty Law Enforcement: The Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act (1994) says no to sex determination, but some clinics slip through the cracks, especially near state borders.
- Dowry Drama: Girls are sometimes viewed as a financial burden because of dowry costs, making families less keen on daughters.
- Small Families, Big Impact: Some couples stop having kids once they get a boy, which tilts the male and female sex ratio in India.
- Economic Stress: With inflation and tough times, gender biases get worse, as seen in the sex ratio in Haryana dip.
These challenges have kept the sex ratio in India 2023 from being perfect, but we’re seeing progress.
Types of Sex Ratio: Breaking It Down
The sex ratio in India gets measured at different points in life, and each tells a story. Check out this table:
Table: Types of Sex Ratio
Type |
What It Measures |
What’s the Deal? |
| Primary Sex Ratio (PSR) | Men vs. women at conception | Counts abortions, miscarriages, stillbirths—tough to pin down. |
| Secondary Sex Ratio (SSR) | At birth (natural ratio) | Usually 105 boys per 100 girls (952 girls/1,000 boys). India’s at 933 girls/1,000 boys (2022-23). |
| Tertiary Sex Ratio (TSR) | Young adults (20s) | More men due to social factors; India’s at 110.379 men per 100 women (20-24 age group). |
| Quaternary Sex Ratio (QSR) | Adults (60+) | More women because they live longer; India’s at 90.779 men per 100 women. |
The sex ratio at birth in India is 933 girls per 1,000 boys (2022-23), still below the natural 952, showing we’ve got some ground to cover.
Good News: Progress and Game-Changing Policies
The Indian sex ratio 2025 is climbing, and it’s not by accident. Here’s what’s making a difference:
- Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP): Kicked off in 2015 in Panipat, Haryana, this program fights female foeticide, protects girls, and pushes for their education. It’s been a big win for the sex ratio in Haryana and other states (wcd.nic.in).
- PCPNDT Act: Since 1994, this law bans sex determination during pregnancy. It’s helped, but we need tighter enforcement to close loopholes.
- National Girl Child Day: Every January 24th since 2012, India shines a spotlight on girls’ rights, spreading the word about equality (wcd.nic.in).
- Sabla Scheme: Started in 2011, it gives teen girls a boost with health, nutrition, and education, setting them up for brighter futures (wcd.nic.in).
The Women and Men in India 2023 report from the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) says the sex ratio of India will hit 952 women per 1,000 men by 2036, up from 943 in 2011, with women making up 48.8% of the population (from 48.5%). The sex ratio in India 2024 at birth jumped to 933, a 15-point rise from 918 in 2014-15, per NFHS-5.
Table: Policies Making Waves
| Program | Started | What It Does | Why It Rocks |
| Beti Bachao Beti Padhao | 2015 | Stops sex selection, boosts girls’ education | Lifted SRB in places like Haryana |
| PCPNDT Act | 1994 | Bans sex determination | Cut down illegal practices, needs better follow-through |
| National Girl Child Day | 2012 | Spreads awareness for girls | Got people talking about equality |
| Sabla Scheme | 2011 | Helps teen girls with health, education | Stronger, healthier girls |
Roadblocks: What’s Holding Us Back?
Even with all the progress, the current sex ratio of India has some hurdles to clear:
- Gender Bias: The “boys are better” mindset is still a thing in many places, throwing off the sex ratio in India 2022.
- Female Foeticide: It’s still sneaking around in states like Haryana and Punjab, hurting the sex ratio in India 2023.
- Education Gaps: Women with less schooling tend to have more kids, which can skew ratios, per NFHS-5.
- Workforce Woes: Only 32.8% of women are in the workforce (vs. 77.2% men, 2021-22), limiting their financial power and reinforcing old-school gender roles.
- Healthcare Barriers: Women often struggle to access healthcare because of limited cash, mobility, or say-so, per NFHS-5.
- City vs. Country: Urban spots like Delhi (866) and Bangalore (916) have lower sex ratios than rural gems like Udupi (1,094), showing different challenges.
These issues are keeping the male and female sex ratio in India from being fully even, but the needle’s moving.
Big Picture Changes: What’s Shaping the Future?
The sex ratio in India 2024 is tied to some major demographic shifts, as laid out in the Women and Men in India 2023 report:
- Slower Population Growth: India’s growth rate went from 2.2% in 1971 to 1.1% in 2021, and it’s expected to drop to 0.58% by 2036, easing resource strain.
- Getting Older: More folks are over 60, while fewer are under 15, changing the population’s shape.
- Fewer Babies: Women aged 20-24 and 25-29 are having fewer kids, with fertility rates dropping from 135.4 to 113.6 and 166.0 to 139.6 (2016-2020), thanks to education and jobs. But the 35-39 group’s rate ticked up from 32.7 to 35.6.
- Later Weddings: The average marriage age went from 22.1 years in 2017 to 22.7 in 2020, showing new social vibes.
- Education Power: Educated women are having fewer kids, which is helping the sex ratio in India 2022 and beyond.
These shifts are setting the stage for a more balanced sex ratio in India 2025.
What’s Coming by 2036? A Hopeful Outlook
By 2036, India’s population will hit 1.52 billion, and the sex ratio of India 2024 is expected to improve to 952 women per 1,000 men, per the Women and Men in India 2023 report. Women will make up 48.8% of the population, up from 48.5% in 2011, thanks to:
- Policy Wins: Programs like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and tougher PCPNDT Act enforcement.
- Education and Cities: More women in school and urban jobs.
- Smaller Families: Fewer kids and less gender selection.
The sex ratio in India state wise should see gains, especially in tough spots like Haryana and Delhi, if we keep pushing.
Sex Ratio vs. Gender Ratio: What’s the Difference?
People sometimes mix up sex ratio and gender ratio. Here’s a quick table to clear it up:
Table: Sex Ratio vs. Gender Ratio
| What’s It About? | Sex Ratio | Gender Ratio |
| Definition | How many women per 1,000 men, based on biology. | How men and women stack up in society, shaped by culture and economics. |
| Formula | (Number of Women / Number of Men) x 1,000 | No set formula; depends on context. |
| Focus | Raw population numbers | Social stuff like jobs or education |
| Example | India’s sex ratio: 1,020 women per 1,000 men (2023) | Gender ratio might show women’s workforce gaps. |
The sex ratio in India 2023 is about biology, while gender ratio digs into social dynamics.
How India’s Fixing the Sex Ratio
India’s working hard to balance the sex ratio in India 2025 with a mix of strategies:
- Tough Laws: The PCPNDT Act (1994) cracks down on sex determination, though some sneaky clinics still cause trouble.
- Big Campaigns: National Girl Child Day (January 24th) and ads are shouting out the value of girls.
- Girl Power Programs: Sabla Scheme (2011) and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (2015) are all about girls’ health, schooling, and safety.
- Community Vibes: NGOs and local leaders are changing hearts and minds to value girls just as much as boys.
These efforts are why the sex ratio in India 2022 and 2023 is looking up.
Conclusion
The sex ratio in India 2025 is at 1,020 women per 1,000 men, a huge win from 943 in 2011, fueled by initiatives like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, better education, and shifting attitudes. But places like Haryana (877) and Delhi (866) remind us there’s work to do, with the sex ratio in Haryana at birth slipping to 910 in 2024. The sex ratio of India 2021 and beyond is headed toward 952 women per 1,000 men by 2036, with women hitting 48.8% of the population. Want more? Check out mospi.gov.in or nfhsindia.org for the latest sex ratio in India state wise pdf and trends.
