SRS Report Flags States Where Girls Continue To Marry Before 18
SRS Report Flags States Where Girls Continue To Marry Before 18
New Delhi, September 9, 2025: The mean age of marriage for females in India has inched up to 22.9 years in 2023, compared to 22.7 years in 2022, according to the latest Sample Registration System (SRS) statistical report. The data highlights that, across most states, women are now marrying after the age of 18, though exceptions remain.
The report shows wide regional variations. While Jammu and Kashmir recorded the highest mean age of marriage at 26.3 years, West Bengal reported the lowest at 21.3 years. Notably, states such as West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh continue to witness a significant proportion of girls marrying before turning 18.
The five-year trend reflects steady progress: the mean age stood at 22.1 in 2019, rose to 22.7 in 2020, 22.5 in 2021, and now 22.9 in 2023. However, a consistent rural-urban divide persists. In 2023, the average age in rural areas was 22.4 years, compared to 24.3 years in urban areas.
On marital status, the report reveals that 50.5% of India’s population has never been married, with a higher share among males (55.4%) than females (45.3%). Bihar recorded the highest proportion of never-married individuals (58.3%), while Tamil Nadu had the lowest (41.3%). Conversely, 45.9% of the population was married, with Tamil Nadu leading at 51.8% and Bihar lowest at 40.2%.
The study also noted that 2.1% of women at the national level were married before 18 years of age, 25% between 18 and 20, and 72.9% at 21 years or above. Kerala reported the lowest percentage of child marriages at 0.1%, while West Bengal had the highest at 6.3%. The findings underline both progress and persistent challenges in delaying the age of marriage across India.
