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India's Demographic Trends in 2024: Death Rate, Fertility, and Sex Ratio

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The 2024 Sample Registration System (SRS) report by the Office of the Registrar General of India reveals that India's crude death rate rose slightly to 6.4 per 1,000 population, surpassing the 2019-2020 level of 6. The total fertility rate continues its decline, at 1.9 children per woman in 2024, remaining below the replacement level of 2.1 for the fifth consecutive year. The crude birth rate is 18.3 births per 1,000 population, and the infant mortality rate decreased marginally from 25 in 2023 to 24 in 2024. The sex ratio at birth slightly improved to 918 girls per 1,000 boys (2022-24). Noteworthy causes of death include cardiovascular diseases (32.1%), respiratory infections (5.7%), motor vehicle accidents (3.2%), and suicides (2.8%). These figures are critical for understanding India's demographic and health scenario as it transitions in population dynamics.

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Key Facts

  • Crude death rate (2024): 6.4 deaths per 1,000 population — higher than 6 in 2019-2020.
  • Total fertility rate (2024): 1.9 children per woman, below the replacement level of 2.1 for the fifth consecutive year.
  • Crude birth rate (2024): 18.3 births per 1,000 population, a slight decline from 18.4 in 2023.
  • Infant mortality rate (2024): 24 deaths per 1,000 live births, down from 25 in 2023.
  • Urban death rate (2024): 5.6; Rural death rate: 6.8.
  • Sex ratio at birth (2022-24): 918 girls per 1,000 boys, a slight improvement from 917 in 2021-23.
  • Major causes of death (2024): Cardiovascular diseases (32.1%), respiratory infections (5.7%), motor vehicle accidents (3.2%), and suicides (2.8%).

Background & Context

The Sample Registration System (SRS) is a comprehensive demographic survey conducted by the Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India. It provides reliable annual estimates on key vital statistics including crude birth rate, crude death rate, infant mortality rate, total fertility rate, and sex ratio at birth. The replacement fertility rate is defined as 2.1 children per woman, the level necessary to maintain a population's size without migration.

Why This Matters for Exams / Exam Relevance

Current and accurate demographic data of India, such as death rates, fertility trends, infant mortality, and sex ratio at birth, are crucial for understanding the country's public health dynamics and population growth challenges. These topics commonly appear in competitive exams focusing on Indian demographics, health, and developmental indices. Knowledge of these trends aids in grasping the socio-economic implications and policy measures relevant to India’s population management.

Points to Remember

  • 2024 SRS reports a slight increase in crude death rate to 6.4, above pre-Covid levels.
  • Total fertility rate remains below replacement at 1.9 children per woman for five years consecutively.
  • Infant mortality rate marginally declined to 24 per 1,000 live births in 2024.
  • Sex ratio at birth improved slightly to 918 girls per 1,000 boys.
  • Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death (32.1%), followed by respiratory infections and accidents.
  • The SRS combines continuous enumeration and periodic surveys to ensure reliable data.
  • Replacement fertility level of 2.1 is a critical demographic indicator for population stability.
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