Dependency Ratio UPSC relevant
The dependency ratio compares the population in 'dependent' ages to the working-age population. Internationally it is usually (0–14 plus 65+) per 100 persons aged 15–64; Indian analysis often uses a 15–59 working-age band, counting children under 15 and persons 60+ as dependents.
It is a derived indicator — the census asks no dependency question, but the single-year age data collected in Population Enumeration are its authoritative source. Data For India projects India's ratio at roughly 543 dependents per 1,000 working-age persons in 2026, reflecting a falling child share. Census 2027's age structure will pin down the true ratio for every district — central to debates on India's demographic dividend, school planning and old-age support, and an input to Finance Commission-style resource allocation.