National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) 2023-24
NFHS-6 (2023-24) highlights India’s progress in fertility reduction, maternal and child health, vaccination, nutrition, women’s empowerment, digital inclusion, and emerging health challenges. A complete UPSC-focused analysis with key data and trends.
The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) is India’s most important large-scale survey on population, health, nutrition, women, and child development. Conducted by the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the survey provides valuable data that helps governments formulate policies and evaluate welfare programmes.
The recently released NFHS-6 (2023-24) presents a comprehensive picture of India’s demographic, social, and health transition. It covers issues such as fertility, maternal and child health, nutrition, family planning, education, women’s empowerment, financial inclusion, and non-communicable diseases.
The survey findings reveal that India has made remarkable progress in several areas, including population stabilization, vaccination coverage, institutional deliveries, and women’s empowerment. However, challenges such as malnutrition, obesity, diabetes, and regional disparities continue to require policy attention.
About the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)
The National Family Health Survey is a nationwide household survey conducted periodically to assess the health and socio-economic conditions of India’s population.
NFHS Rounds
| Survey | Year |
|---|---|
| NFHS-1 | 1992-93 |
| NFHS-2 | 1998-99 |
| NFHS-3 | 2005-06 |
| NFHS-4 | 2015-16 |
| NFHS-5 | 2019-21 |
| NFHS-6 | 2023-24 |
Importance of NFHS
The survey serves multiple purposes:
- Monitoring health indicators across India
- Assessing the performance of government schemes
- Measuring progress toward Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Identifying regional inequalities
- Supporting evidence-based policymaking
The findings are extensively used by governments, researchers, international organizations, and policymakers.
Major National Findings of NFHS-6
India Has Achieved Population Stabilization
One of the most significant findings of NFHS-6 is that India has maintained a low fertility rate.
Total Fertility Rate (TFR)
| Survey | TFR |
| NFHS-5 | 2.0 |
| NFHS-6 | 2.0 |
A Total Fertility Rate of around 2.1 is considered replacement-level fertility. India’s fertility has now fallen below this threshold, indicating that population growth is gradually stabilizing.
This development is important because it reduces pressure on natural resources, healthcare systems, education infrastructure, and employment opportunities.
Child Marriage Continues to Decline
The survey shows a steady reduction in child marriage across the country.
Women Aged 20-24 Married Before 18 Years
| Survey | Percentage |
| NFHS-5 | 23.3% |
| NFHS-6 | 20.1% |
The decline reflects improvements in female education, awareness campaigns, economic development, and government initiatives aimed at delaying marriage and promoting girls’ education.
Despite progress, child marriage remains a challenge in several states and requires continued intervention.
Educational Attainment Has Improved
Educational indicators have shown steady improvement.
Population with 10 or More Years of Schooling
| Category | NFHS-5 | NFHS-6 |
| Women | 41.0% | 46.4% |
| Men | 50.2% | 54.6% |
Higher education levels are closely associated with better health outcomes, lower fertility rates, increased workforce participation, and improved standards of living.
Digital India is Reaching More Citizens
Internet usage has expanded rapidly in recent years.
Internet Usage
| Category | NFHS-5 | NFHS-6 |
| Women | 33.3% | 64.3% |
| Men | 51.2% | 80.5% |
The rapid expansion of smartphones, digital infrastructure, affordable internet services, and government initiatives has significantly increased digital access, especially among women.
Maternal Health Indicators Have Improved
Maternal healthcare services have expanded substantially over the last decade.
Antenatal Care and Institutional Deliveries
| Indicator | NFHS-5 | NFHS-6 |
| Mothers with at least four ANC visits | 58.5% | 65.2% |
| Institutional deliveries | 88.6% | 90.6% |
The improvement reflects the success of programmes such as Janani Suraksha Yojana, National Health Mission, and improved public health infrastructure.
Vaccination Coverage Has Increased
India has made substantial progress in immunization.
Fully Vaccinated Children
| Survey | Percentage |
| NFHS-5 | 76.6% |
| NFHS-6 | 82.6% |
This improvement highlights the effectiveness of Mission Indradhanush and the Universal Immunization Programme.
Better vaccination coverage contributes directly to reduced child mortality and improved child health outcomes.
Child Nutrition Shows Progress but Remains a Concern
Nutrition indicators present a mixed picture.
Stunting, Wasting and Underweight Children
| Indicator | NFHS-5 | NFHS-6 |
| Stunting | 35.5% | 29.3% |
| Wasting | 19.3% | 19.0% |
| Underweight | 32.1% | 31.8% |
The significant decline in stunting is encouraging. However, wasting and underweight levels remain high, indicating that malnutrition continues to be a major challenge.
Women’s Empowerment Has Strengthened
Women’s financial inclusion and decision-making power have improved considerably.
Key Indicators
| Indicator | NFHS-5 | NFHS-6 |
| Women with bank accounts they operate themselves | 78.6% | 89.0% |
| Women participating in household decisions | 88.7% | 89.0% |
Greater financial independence is helping improve women’s socio-economic status across India.
Rising Burden of Lifestyle Diseases
While infectious diseases are declining, lifestyle diseases are becoming a major concern.
High Blood Sugar Levels
| Category | NFHS-6 |
| Women | 17.8% |
| Men | 20.9% |
High Blood Pressure
| Category | NFHS-6 |
| Women | 19.4% |
| Men | 22.1% |
These figures indicate that India is undergoing an epidemiological transition where non-communicable diseases are emerging as major public health challenges.
