India Dependency Ratio
Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) SP.POP.DPND
India's dependency ratio was 45.96 in 2025, ranked 175th globally. This represents a 1.3% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
India's dependency ratio stood at 45.96 in 2025, a decline of +0.61 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 45.96 by 2025. India ranked 175th globally.
India’s dependency ratio has declined significantly over the past six decades, falling from 78.20 in 1960 to 45.96 in 2025, marking a substantial demographic shift. The all-time peak of 82.62 was reached in 1966, reflecting a young population with high proportions of children relative to the working-age cohort. Since then, declining fertility rates and improvements in life expectancy have contributed to a shrinking dependent population relative to economically active individuals. By 2025, India ranks 175th globally on this indicator, with a dependency ratio comparable to that of Myanmar (46.16) and slightly above Chile’s 45.16. This downward trend suggests an expanding demographic window of opportunity, where a larger working-age population could boost economic productivity if effectively employed. However, the trajectory could shift depending on future fertility trends, labor market absorption capacity, and investments in education and health. Sustained economic growth and job creation will be critical to capitalizing on this favorable demographic structure in the coming decades.
Data & projection
| Year | Dependency Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 44.89 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 45.42 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 45.96 | - | - |
| 2025 | 45.96 | −0.61 | #175 |
| 2024 | 46.56 | −0.45 | #49 |
| 2023 | 47.01 | −0.45 | #50 |
| 2022 | 47.46 | −0.58 | #52 |
| 2021 | 48.04 | −0.69 | #53 |
| 2020 | 48.73 | −0.65 | #58 |
| 2019 | 49.38 | −0.65 | #67 |
| 2018 | 50.03 | −0.74 | #74 |
| 2017 | 50.77 | −0.81 | #78 |
| 2016 | 51.58 | −0.82 | #92 |
| 2015 | 52.40 | −0.84 | #101 |
| 2014 | 53.24 | −0.90 | #111 |
| 2013 | 54.14 | −0.92 | #116 |
| 2012 | 55.06 | −0.93 | #125 |
| 2011 | 55.99 | −0.96 | #127 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
India matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2010. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw dependency ratio improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
India's dependency ratio was 45.96 in 2025. Ranked 175th globally. This represents a 1.3% decrease from the previous year.
India's dependency ratio peaked at 82.62 in 1966.
The lowest dependency ratio in India was 45.96 in 2025.
India ranks 175th globally in dependency ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.DPND. Data sourced from World Bank.
India's dependency ratio is projected to reach 45.96 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The dependency ratio of India in 2025 was 45.96. This ranks 175th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_india_dependency-ratio,
title = {India Dependency Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/india/dependency-ratio/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}