The Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) portal uses 'Total Fertility Rate' (TFR) as a key indicator. India's National Family Health Survey-5 (2019–21) reported a national TFR of 2.0. Which interpretation is epidemiologically correct?

• A India has reached below replacement-level fertility (replacement TFR = 2.1), indicating demographic transition ✓
• B India has not yet reached replacement level fertility as TFR must fall to 1.8 for replacement
• C A TFR of 2.0 means each woman has exactly 2 children in her lifetime
• D TFR of 2.0 will immediately reduce population size in the current generation

Explanation

The replacement TFR is approximately 2.1 (varies 2.05–2.15 accounting for sex ratio and mortality before reproductive age). India's TFR of 2.0 per NFHS-5 means it has achieved below-replacement fertility at the national level — a historic demographic milestone. TFR is a theoretical measure of average children per woman based on current age-specific fertility rates; actual women will not necessarily have exactly 2 children. Importantly, population will continue to grow for decades due to population momentum even after reaching below-replacement TFR.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.