Chandigarh, Sept 25, 2025: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the fourth edition of “Children in India 2025” during the 29th Conference of Central and State Statistical Organizations (CoCSSO). The publication presents updated data on child health, education, and adoption trends across India.
Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) Trends
- National IMR (2023): 25 deaths per 1,000 live births (improved from 26 in 2022)
- By sex: Male IMR – 26; Female IMR – 25
- By residence: Not specified, but national figures show gradual improvement
Birth Rate Trends
- Overall birth rate (2023): 18.4 per 1,000 population
- Rural: 20.3
- Urban: 14.9
- Shows a continuing decreasing trend from 2022
Education and Dropout Rates
- Preparatory stage: Total dropout rate fell from 8.7% to 2.3%
- Middle level: Dropped from 8.1% to 3.5%
- Secondary level: Declined from 13.8% (2022–23) to 8.2% (2024–25)
- Both male and female students showed significant reductions, reflecting improved retention
Child Adoption Trends
- In-country adoptions: 2,991–4,155 annually
- Inter-country adoptions: 360–653 annually
- 2024–25 figures: 4,155 in-country adoptions (2,336 female; 1,819 male)
- The data suggests a possible gender preference, with female children adopted more frequently in both domestic and international adoptions
(Source: PIB)
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