India’s Total Fertility Rate Remains at 2.0: SRS 2021 Report

India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) stood at 2.0 in 2021, the same as in 2020, as per the Sample Registration System (SRS) report 2021 released by the Registrar General of India (RGI). The report provides vital insights into the country’s changing demographic patterns, including fertility, ageing population, and marriage trends. Notably, Bihar reported the highest TFR at 3.0, while Delhi and West Bengal recorded the lowest at 1.4.

Why in News?

The SRS 2021 report, released on May 7, 2025, provides updated demographic estimates at the national and state levels, a crucial resource in the absence of the 2021 Census, which has been delayed. The report gains added relevance amid the announcement in the 2024 interim budget regarding a high-power committee to address population growth and demographic shifts in India.

Key Highlights of the SRS 2021 Report

Total Fertility Rate (TFR)

• National average: 2.0, same as 2020.
• Bihar: Highest TFR at 3.0.
• Delhi & West Bengal: Lowest TFR at 1.4.

TFR Below Replacement Level (2.1) in many states

• Includes: Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, etc.

TFR at or above Replacement Level

• Assam (2.1), Gujarat (2.0), Haryana (2.0).

Age Structure Shift

Decline in 0–14 years population

• From 41.2% (1971) to 24.8% (2021).
• Rise in 15–59 years (working age group):
• From 53.4% to 66.2%.

Increase in elderly population

• 65+ age group: From 5.3% to 5.9%.
• 60+ age group: From 6% to 9%.

Elderly Population by State

Highest

• Kerala: 14.4%
• Tamil Nadu: 12.9%
• Himachal Pradesh: 12.3%

Lowest

• Bihar: 6.9%
• Assam: 7%
• Delhi: 7.1%

Marriage Trends

• Mean age at effective marriage for females:
• Increased from 19.3 years (1990) to 22.5 years (2021).

About SRS Survey

• Conducted by: Registrar General of India (RGI).
• Largest demographic survey in India after the Census.
• Covers 8,842 sample units across states.
• Sample population: ~84 lakh individuals.