India’s Population Projected to Reach 152.2 Crore by 2036: Govt Report

New Delhi: India’s population is projected to rise to 152.2 crore by 2036, according to the ‘Women and Men in India 2023′ report from the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation.

In the last national census conducted in February 2011, India recorded a population of 121.08 crore.

The new report provides a detailed analysis of the demographic landscape, highlighting significant shifts expected over the next two decades.

By 2036, women are expected to constitute 48.8% of the population, a slight increase from 48.5% in 2011. The sex ratio is anticipated to improve from 943 females per 1,000 males in 2011 to 952 females per 1,000 males by 2036.

The report also projects a demographic shift with a decreasing proportion of individuals under 15 years of age, attributed to declining fertility rates. Meanwhile, the share of the population aged 60 and above is expected to rise significantly.

This demographic projection aligns with the United Nations’ April 2023 prediction that India would surpass China as the world’s most populous country.

The UN’s ‘World Population Prospects 2024’ report further estimates that India’s population will peak in the early 2060s at around 170 crore before gradually declining.