The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have recorded the lowest Total Fertility Rate (TFR) in India at 0.9, according to the National Family Health Survey-6 (NFHS-6) covering 2023–24. The fact sheets were released by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on May 29, 2026.
The Union Territory’s TFR is significantly below the replacement-level fertility rate of 2.1 children per woman, which is considered necessary for a population to replace itself from one generation to the next without migration. India’s overall TFR in NFHS-6 stands at 1.9, indicating that fertility levels have fallen below replacement level nationally as well.
What is Total Fertility Rate?
Total Fertility Rate refers to the average number of children a woman is expected to have during her reproductive years, typically between the ages of 15 and 49. It is one of the most important indicators used to assess population growth trends and demographic change.
Steady Decline in Fertility
The latest survey highlights a continuing decline in fertility levels in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The Union Territory’s TFR has fallen from 1.4 in NFHS-4 (2015–16) to 1.3 in NFHS-5, and further to 0.9 in NFHS-6.
The data also points to broader demographic shifts. The proportion of children under five years of age declined from 5.3 percent in NFHS-5 to 3.7 percent in NFHS-6, reflecting lower birth rates. At the same time, the share of the population aged 60 years and above has increased, indicating an ageing population.
Signs of Population Ageing
Experts consider declining fertility and a growing elderly population as key indicators of demographic transition and population ageing. The trends observed in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands suggest that the Union Territory is moving rapidly toward an older population structure.
Another notable finding relates to early childhood education. Preschool attendance among children aged two to four years declined from 88.5 percent in NFHS-5 to 66.2 percent in NFHS-6, marking a significant drop over the survey period.
Key Facts
- The Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a Union Territory of India.
- NFHS-6 covers data for 2023–24 and was released on May 29, 2026.
- The Union Territory recorded India’s lowest Total Fertility Rate at 0.9.
- India’s overall TFR in NFHS-6 is 1.9, below the replacement level of 2.1.
- The share of children under five years has declined, while the elderly population has increased.
- Preschool attendance among children aged two to four years fell from 88.5% to 66.2% between NFHS-5 and NFHS-6.
The NFHS-6 findings underline the significant demographic transformation underway in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, characterized by very low fertility rates and a steadily ageing population.