India Poverty Rate
Poverty headcount ratio at $2.15/day SI.POV.DDAY
India's poverty rate was 6.16% in 2025, ranked 12th globally. This represents a 16.3% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1977–2025.
Overview
India's poverty rate stood at 6.16% in 2025, a rise of +0.86pp from 2022. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 6.16% by 2025. India ranked 12th globally.
India's poverty rate has experienced a significant decline over the past several decades, with the World Bank reporting a decrease from 59.70% in 1977 to 6.16% in 2025, positioning the country at the 12th spot globally. This reduction signifies a substantial improvement in the standard of living for millions of Indians, mirroring the downward trend observed in peer countries such as El Salvador, where poverty rates have also decreased, currently standing at 5.65%. The all-time low of 5.30% in 2022 marks a notable milestone in India's development journey, underscoring the effectiveness of various social welfare programs and economic growth initiatives. The relatively lower poverty rate in Tajikistan, at 5.90%, indicates that India still has ground to cover to achieve parity with its Central Asian counterpart. As India continues to grapple with developmental challenges, the trajectory of its poverty rate will likely remain influenced by economic growth, government policies, and the impact of demographic factors on employment opportunities.
Data & projection
| Year | Poverty Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025* trend | 6.16% | - | - |
| 2025 | 6.16% | +0.86pp | #12 |
| 2022 | 5.30% | −21.80pp | #55 |
| 2011 | 27.10% | −7.50pp | #72 |
| 2009 | 34.60% | −11.80pp | #75 |
| 2004 | 46.40% | −1.10pp | #71 |
| 1993 | 47.50% | −4.30pp | #29 |
| 1987 | 51.80% | +0.90pp | #22 |
| 1983 | 50.90% | −8.80pp | #7 |
| 1977 | 59.70% | – | #5 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
India matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2010. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw poverty rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
India's poverty rate was 6.16% in 2025. Ranked 12th globally. This represents a 16.3% increase from the previous year.
India's poverty rate peaked at 59.70% in 1977.
The lowest poverty rate in India was 5.30% in 2022.
India ranks 12th globally in poverty rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SI.POV.DDAY. Data sourced from World Bank.
India's poverty rate is projected to reach 6.16% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The poverty rate of India in 2025 was 6.16%. This ranks 12th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_india_poverty-rate,
title = {India Poverty Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/india/poverty-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}