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what is sex ratio in india

The sex ratio in India today is commonly described in two ways: by demographers’ projections (males per 100 females) and by surveys like NFHS-5 (females per 1,000 males). Both show that India still has slightly more men than women overall, but with recent improvement in many indicators.

What is the sex ratio in India?

  • Demographic projections for 2026 estimate about 106 males for every 100 females in the total population, meaning there are clearly more men than women overall.
  • However, the NFHS‑5 (2019–21) household survey reported an overall sex ratio of about 1,020 females per 1,000 males , showing more women than men in the surveyed resident population for the first time.
  • The difference arises because:
    • Projections use population models and international standards (often males per 100 females).
* NFHS looks at de facto household population at the time of survey and can be influenced by migration patterns (for example, men migrating for work).

In simple terms:

  • Model-based population data → more men than women overall.
  • NFHS-5 household survey → slightly more women than men in surveyed households.

Important: sex ratio at birth

Even though the overall ratio is improving, the sex ratio at birth (girls per 1,000 boys) still shows a bias:

  • NFHS‑5 reported around 929 girls per 1,000 boys at birth , below the natural level of roughly 950–970.
  • This points to continued issues like sex-selective practices and deep-rooted son preference in some regions.

Long‑term trend and projections

  • In 2011, the national sex ratio (Census) was 943 females per 1,000 males.
  • Government projections (MoSPI “Women and Men in India 2023”) suggest the overall sex ratio may reach about 952 females per 1,000 males by 2036 , indicating a slow improvement.

So, when you ask “what is sex ratio in India,” the takeaway is:

  • Current population structure: roughly 106 males per 100 females in 2026 projections.
  • Survey snapshot (NFHS‑5): about 1,020 females per 1,000 males in households (2019–21).
  • At birth: still skewed, around 929 girls per 1,000 boys , which remains a concern.

Note: Information gathered from public data and reports available on the internet and interpreted here in simplified form.