Fertility Patterns and Differential in India

Fertility rate plays an important role in the demographic context of India, showing considerable variation among women of reproductive age (15–49 years). The study aims to analyse fertility patterns and differentials in India and to identify the factors influencing them. This paper uses data from five rounds of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), covering 25 states of India. Missing data between survey rounds and for NFHS-1 were estimated using interpolation. To examine fertility patterns and differentials, age-specific fertility rate (ASFR) and total fertility rate (TFR) were used. In addition, a panel data regression analysis was conducted to determine the influence of various demographic and socioeconomic factors on fertility, using EVIEWS 12 software. Both ASFR and TFR follow a consistent pattern, with an initial peak followed by a decline over time. The panel data regression analysis revealed that residence, education, religion, birth order, unmet need for family planning, and sex preference are the most significant variables explaining variations in fertility levels. Empirical evidence of fertility variations associated with specific factors raises concerns about population growth and women’s reproductive health in India. The findings suggest that targeted policies and programs should be developed with a focus on these determinants in order to reduce fertility disparities and promote reproductive well-being.