What is the Population of India in 2025? A Detailed Look
Posted on March 31, 2025
India, a land of vibrant culture, rich history, and staggering diversity, holds the title of the world’s most populous country in 2025. If you’re wondering, “What is the population of India in 2025?” you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we’ll explore the latest estimates, growth trends, and factors shaping India’s population this year, optimized for SEO to help you find the answers you need.
India’s Population in 2025: The Latest Estimates
As of March 31, 2025, India’s population is estimated to be approximately 1.46 billion people, according to projections from sources like the United Nations (UN), Worldometer, and MacroTrends. This figure reflects a slight increase from 2024, when the population was around 1.44 billion, showcasing a growth rate of about 0.89% to 1.26% annually. India officially surpassed China in 2022 to claim the top spot as the world’s most populous nation, and it continues to hold that position in 2025.
However, exact numbers can vary slightly depending on the source due to the absence of a new census (the last was in 2011) and differing projection methodologies. For instance:
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UN Projections: Estimate India’s population at 1.45–1.46 billion in 2025.
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Worldometer: Suggests a figure closer to 1.463 billion as of mid-2025.
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MacroTrends: Pegs it at 1.454 billion with a 0.89% growth rate from 2024.
Despite these variations, one thing is clear: India’s population remains colossal, accounting for roughly 17.8% of the global population.
Why Does India’s Population Keep Growing?
India’s population growth in 2025 is driven by several key factors:
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Demographic Momentum: With a large proportion of young adults in their reproductive years, even a declining fertility rate (now around 2.0 children per woman, below the replacement level of 2.1) keeps the population rising. This momentum stems from high birth rates in previous decades.
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High Birth Rates in Northern States: States like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar continue to contribute significantly to population growth due to higher fertility rates compared to southern states like Kerala or Tamil Nadu, where rates are much lower.
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Improved Life Expectancy: Advances in healthcare have increased life expectancy, reducing mortality rates and adding to the population base.
In 2025, India is expected to add approximately 12.86 million people, a figure comparable to the entire population of a country like Bolivia. Daily, this translates to about 50,425 new individuals, with births outpacing deaths by a wide margin.
Key Demographics of India in 2025
Understanding India’s population isn’t just about the numbers—it’s about the people behind them. Here’s a snapshot of India’s demographic profile in 2025:
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Median Age: Around 28.8 years, making India one of the youngest large nations globally. Over 40% of the population is under 25, offering a massive youth dividend.
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Urban vs. Rural: Approximately 37.1% live in urban areas, while 62.9% remain in rural regions, though urbanization is accelerating.
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Gender Ratio: Roughly 51.6% male and 48.4% female, with a sex ratio of about 1,068 males per 1,000 females.
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Population Density: With a land area of 2,973,190 km², India’s density stands at 492 people per km², one of the highest in the world.
Major cities like Mumbai (12.7 million) and Delhi (10.9 million) continue to be population hubs, reflecting India’s urban growth.
Future Projections: What’s Next for India’s Population?
While India’s population is still growing in 2025, the rate is slowing. Experts predict it will peak at around 1.7 billion in the early 2060s, according to the UN’s World Population Prospects 2024. After this peak, a gradual decline is expected, dropping to 1.5 billion by 2100, though India will likely remain the most populous country throughout the century.
This trajectory contrasts with China, whose population is already declining (projected at 1.41 billion in 2024 and falling to 633 million by 2100). India’s sustained growth is tied to its younger demographic and slower fertility decline compared to China’s rapid drop-off due to past policies like the one-child rule.
Challenges and Opportunities
India’s massive population in 2025 presents both challenges and opportunities:
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Challenges: Overcrowding, strain on resources (e.g., water, healthcare, education), and infrastructure pressures, especially in urban centers.
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Opportunities: A youthful workforce fueling economic growth, innovation, and global influence, particularly in tech and services sectors.
The government’s focus on family planning, education, and healthcare aims to balance these dynamics, with initiatives targeting a replacement-level fertility rate by 2025 now showing results.
How Does India’s Population Compare Globally?
In 2025, the global population is projected to reach 8.09 billion (US Census Bureau). India’s 1.46 billion constitutes a significant chunk, dwarfing other major nations:
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China: ~1.41 billion (declining).
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United States: ~341 million.
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Indonesia: ~282 million.
India’s share underscores its demographic weight on the world stage.
Conclusion: India’s Population in 2025 and Beyond
So, what is the population of India in 2025? The best estimate hovers around 1.46 billion, a number that cements India’s status as the world’s population leader. While growth continues, it’s slowing, setting the stage for a peak in the coming decades. Whether you’re researching for curiosity, travel, or business, understanding India’s population offers insight into its present and future.
Stay tuned for more updates as India’s demographic story unfolds. Have questions or thoughts? Drop them in the comments below!