The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the fourth edition of Children in India 2025 on 25 September 2025, offering a detailed analysis of children’s well-being across the country. The report highlights significant improvements in health, education, social protection, and child welfare indicators.
Health and Mortality:
Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) has declined from 44 per 1,000 live births in 2011 to 25 in 2023, while the Under-five Mortality Rate (U5MR) dropped from 30 in 2022 to 29 in 2023. Although rural areas still report higher mortality, overall birth rates and child deaths are steadily decreasing.
Education and Gender Parity:
The Gender Parity Index (GPI) shows balanced enrolment across all levels, with secondary education achieving a GPI of 1.1, indicating more female enrolment. Dropout rates have sharply reduced — preparatory level from 8.7% to 2.3% and secondary level from 13.8% to 8.2%, showing improved retention and access to education.
Social Indicators and Protection:
Child marriage rates among women aged 20–24 declined from 26.8% to 23.3%, while adoption rates rose from 3,927 in 2017-18 to 4,515 in 2024-25. The report also includes new data on crimes against children and highlights the need for stronger protection mechanisms.
A Tool for Policymaking:
Structured into seven chapters, the publication provides comprehensive data to guide child-focused policies and development initiatives. With insights into mortality, education, legal frameworks, and technology use, Children in India 2025 is a critical resource for shaping future strategies.
