With reference to India's demographic transition, consider the following statements: 1. The current fertility rate in India is 1.6 including Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. 2. India entered the ageing category around the year 2024. 3. India is projected to become a super-aged society by the year 2065. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

India to become "super-aged" by 2065 as fertility rate hits 1.9

GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Growth, inflation & macro indicators· Mains· 30 September 2026

Demographic transition and aging population: a critical GS3 and Ethics case study on dependency ratios.

Why in news

A Moody's report and an EAC-PM paper highlight India's transition to a 'super-aged' society by 2065 due to a fertility rate of 1.9, posing a risk of aging before becoming rich.

Background

India entered the 'ageing' category around 2024 and is projected to become 'super-aged' by 2065. The current fertility rate is 1.9, with annual births dropping to 2.32 crore.

Facts for Prelims

FactIndia's current fertility rate is 1.9 (1.6 excluding Bihar and Uttar Pradesh).
FactIndia is projected to become 'aged' by 2049 and 'super-aged' by 2065.
FactAnnual births in India have dropped to 2.32 crore.
FactIndia's current female labor force participation is 32 per cent.

Prelims practice question

With reference to India's demographic transition, consider the following statements:

The current fertility rate in India is 1.6 including Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
India entered the ageing category around the year 2024.
India is projected to become a super-aged society by the year 2065.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)1 and 2 only
(d)2 and 3 only

Show answer

Answer: (d) 2 and 3 only — Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Statement 1 is incorrect: The fertility rate is 1.6 excluding Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

For Mains

Q. Discuss the economic implications of India becoming a 'super-aged' society before achieving high-income status and suggest measures to mitigate the shrinking working-age population.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

Demographic dividend reversal: Shrinking working-age population vs rising dependency ratio of the elderly.
Labor market constraints: Low female labor participation (32%) hindering productivity to offset rising geriatric costs.
Longevity-led growth: Shift from birth-led population growth to longevity-sustained growth requiring healthcare infrastructure.

Keywords: Demographic Transition · Fertility Rate · Dependency Ratio · Super-aged Society · Female Labor Force Participation

Read the full news →Source: NDTV ↗Also: GS1 · Population, demography & migration

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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.