According to National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), what is the trend in Total fertility rate (TFR) in India?

Appeared in: NORCET 10 Prelims-2026

Explanation

The latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019-21) shows India's Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has declined to 2.0.
This represents a decrease from the TFR of 2.2 that was recorded in the previous survey, NFHS-4 (2015-16).
This decline is a significant demographic milestone, as it is the first time India's TFR has fallen below the internationally accepted replacement-level fertility of 2.1 children per woman.

Option A: The TFR was not constant; it showed a clear decline between the NFHS-4 and NFHS-5 surveys. The value was neither 2.2 nor 2.0 consistently, and it was never 2.1.
Option B: The trend was a steady decline, not a fluctuation. The TFR moved from 2.2 down to 2.0, which is outside the 2.1 to 2.4 range.
Option D: This is incorrect. The TFR has been below 2.5 for several years and the latest data confirms it has dropped even further to 2.0.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Total Fertility Rate (TFR) trends in India as per NFHS-5 as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
TFR is a critical indicator for public health policy, influencing resource allocation for maternal and child health (MCH) services, family planning programs, and long-term healthcare infrastructure.
A declining TFR below replacement level signals a future demographic shift towards an aging population, requiring nurses to be prepared for an increase in geriatric care needs and non-communicable diseases.
What if the TFR had increased? Nursing focus would need to be intensified on strengthening family planning counseling, improving access to and uptake of contraceptives, and managing high-risk pregnancies associated with high parity.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5)' and 'Total Fertility Rate (TFR) trend'.
Recognize this as a factual recall question based on a specific, major national health report.
Recall the TFR from the two most recent surveys to establish the 'trend'. The NFHS-4 (2015-16) TFR was 2.2.
Recall the TFR from the latest survey, NFHS-5 (2019-21), which is 2.0.
Determine the trend by comparing the two values: it is a decline from 2.2 to 2.0.
Scan the options and select the one that precisely matches this finding.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Total Fertility Rate (TFR) trends in India as per NFHS-5.
Stem keywords: National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), Total fertility rate (TFR), India, trend
Lead-in keywords: what is

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart C (pp 404-604 of 604) pp. 183-185, 181-183

E6 NursingResearch Sukhpal Kaur p. 520-522

Practise the full NORCET 10 Prelims-2026

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.