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22 July 2026

UNFPA survey on Indian youth and families

This is a flagship global report by the UNFPA providing critical, data-backed insights into India's demographic dividend, fertility trends, and gender-based labor disparities, which are core themes for GS1 and GS3.

1 min read Day 2 of 2 2 questions 2 prelims

Notes

  • UNFPA Demographic Futures Survey: Largest study of its kind, covering 1,08,000 young adults across 73 countries.
  • India's fertility rate is currently 2.0, below the replacement level of 2.1.
  • Decline in fertility attributed to government investment in girls' education, National Health Mission, and contraceptive access.
  • Percentage of women married before 18 years has decreased from 23.3% to 20.1%.
  • Barriers to family formation: Economic factors (money, housing, job security) are primary concerns for young couples.
  • Gender disparity in unpaid labor: Young women spend >5 hours/day on housework/caregiving vs 0.5 hours for men.
  • Labor force participation: 15% of young women in paid work vs 55% of young men.
  • Climate anxiety and global instability are significant stressors for Indian youth.
  • Inter-State fertility disparity: Bihar (2.7) vs Sikkim (1.0); Kerala, Delhi, and Tamil Nadu are below replacement level.
  • India has 255 million people aged 15-24, representing a significant demographic dividend.

Part of a longer story

This is day 2 of 2 in India's fertility rate trends, which has been running since 25 June 2026. Reading it whole is usually worth more than reading today alone — the exam asks how something developed.

Questions

  1. Analyze the factors contributing to the decline in India's fertility rate and discuss the implications for the country's demographic dividend. 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. The demographic transition in India is characterized by significant inter-state disparities. Examine the challenges this poses for national policy formulation and suggest measures to ensure inclusive development across diverse demographic landscapes. 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. What is the current replacement level fertility rate as per the UNFPA report?

  2. Which of the following is identified as a major barrier to family formation among Indian youth in the UNFPA survey?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-07-22/unfpa-survey-on-indian-youth-and-families