State-wise Infant Mortality Rate in India

Last Updated: July 2026

According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), India’s Infant Mortality Rate stands at 35.2 deaths per 1,000 live births. However, this national average hides significant differences across states and Union Territories. While states such as Kerala, Puducherry, and Goa have achieved remarkably low infant mortality rates, others, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh, continue to record much higher levels.

Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) is one of the most widely used indicators to assess the health and well-being of a population. It measures the number of deaths of infants under one year of age for every 1,000 live births. A lower IMR generally reflects better maternal healthcare, improved nutrition, wider immunization coverage, access to quality medical services, and higher living standards.

The survey also reveals a noticeable urban-rural divide. India’s urban Infant Mortality Rate is 26.56 deaths per 1,000 live births, compared to 38.36 deaths per 1,000 live births in rural areas. This difference highlights persistent inequalities in healthcare access, maternal care, institutional deliveries, nutrition, sanitation, and newborn healthcare services.

Quick Highlights

Key Highlights

• India’s Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) is 35.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, according to the latest NFHS-5 survey.
• Uttar Pradesh records the highest Infant Mortality Rate (50.36) among Indian states in the available dataset.
• Puducherry (2.92) has the lowest Infant Mortality Rate, followed by Kerala (4.42) and Goa (5.63).
• Eight states have an Infant Mortality Rate higher than the national average of 35.2.
• India’s rural Infant Mortality Rate (38.36) is considerably higher than the urban rate (26.56), highlighting disparities in healthcare access and maternal-child health services.
• Southern states generally report lower infant mortality rates than many northern and central states, reflecting stronger public healthcare systems, higher institutional delivery rates, and better maternal and child health outcomes.
• Despite significant improvements over the past two decades, reducing infant mortality remains a key public health priority in several parts of India.

State-wise Infant Mortality Rate in India (NFHS-5)

The table below presents the state-wise Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) in India based on data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5). The values represent the estimated number of infant deaths occurring before the age of one year for every 1,000 live births.

The table includes all Indian states and Union Territories for which data is available. You can compare each state’s performance with the national average and identify regions with relatively higher or lower infant mortality rates.

State	IMR(per 1000 births)	Urban	Rural
All India	35.2	26.56	38.36
Andaman & N. Islands	20.64	*	8.39
Andhra Pradesh	30.25	29.75	30.43
Arunachal Pradesh	12.87	16.7	12.25
Assam	31.93	22.73	33.06
Bihar	46.76	43.05	47.31
Chandigarh	*	*	*
Chhattisgarh	44.24	26.23	48.7
Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu	31.84	33.33	30.43
Goa	5.63	*	*
Gujarat	31.22	24.09	35.46
Haryana	33.34	28.6	35.28
Himachal Pradesh	25.63	*	27.08
Jammu & Kashmir	16.26	14.67	16.74
Jharkhand	37.88	22.24	41.13
Karnataka	25.4	21.39	27.79
Kerala	4.42	3.52	5.24
Ladakh	20.01	*	17.43
Lakshadweep	0.01	*	*
Madhya Pradesh	41.29	33.87	43.47
Maharashtra	23.22	22.58	23.71
Manipur	24.99	12.18	31.1
Meghalaya	32.26	23.38	33.63
Mizoram	21.3	20.64	21.98
Nagaland	23.44	16.98	25.76
Delhi	24.47	24.22	*
Odisha	36.31	31.24	37.18
Puduchery	2.92	4.07	*
Punjab	28.03	20.11	32.39
Rajasthan	30.25	22.17	32.24
Sikkim	11.18	*	17.84
Tamil Nadu	18.64	14.85	21.69
Telangana	26.44	21.99	29.3
Tripura	37.56	23.2	41.81
Uttar Pradesh	50.36	41.97	52.55
Uttarakhand	39.1	38.29	39.47
West Bengal	21.98	20.95	22.36

Note: Some Union Territories have missing or suppressed values (*) due to limited sample size or data availability in the NFHS-5 report.

The state-wise figures show that infant mortality remains uneven across India. States with stronger healthcare infrastructure, higher female literacy, better maternal nutrition, and greater access to institutional deliveries generally report lower Infant Mortality Rates. On the other hand, states with limited healthcare access, higher poverty levels, and lower maternal healthcare coverage tend to experience higher infant mortality.

While the national average provides an overall picture, examining state-level data helps identify regions that require targeted public health interventions.

States with the Highest Infant Mortality Rate in India

The latest NFHS-5 data shows considerable variation in Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) across Indian states. While several states have made significant progress in reducing infant deaths, others continue to report relatively high mortality rates, indicating persistent challenges in maternal and child healthcare.

The table below lists the ten states with the highest Infant Mortality Rate according to the NFHS-5 survey.

Although these states differ in geography, population, and economic development, many face similar public health challenges. Higher infant mortality is often associated with limited access to quality maternal healthcare, lower institutional delivery rates, malnutrition, inadequate neonatal care, and disparities in healthcare infrastructure, particularly in rural and remote areas.

Uttar Pradesh

With an Infant Mortality Rate of 50.36 deaths per 1,000 live births, Uttar Pradesh records the highest IMR among the states in the NFHS-5 dataset. As India’s most populous state, it faces significant challenges in ensuring equitable access to maternal and child healthcare. Continued improvements in antenatal care, institutional deliveries, neonatal intensive care, and child nutrition remain important priorities.

Bihar

Bihar reports an IMR of 46.76, making it the second-highest in the country. Rapid population growth, healthcare accessibility, maternal nutrition, and socioeconomic conditions continue to influence infant health outcomes. Expanding primary healthcare services and improving maternal education can contribute to further reductions in infant mortality.

Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh records an IMR of 44.24. The state also shows a notable urban-rural gap, with rural areas experiencing substantially higher infant mortality than urban regions. Improving healthcare access in tribal and rural districts remains a key area of focus.

Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh has an Infant Mortality Rate of 41.29, placing it among the states with the highest infant mortality. Continued investments in maternal healthcare, immunization programs, and newborn care services have helped improve outcomes over time, although further progress is needed.

Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Tripura, and Odisha

These states report IMR values above the national average of 35.2. While each state has unique demographic and geographic characteristics, strengthening maternal health services, improving nutrition, increasing institutional deliveries, and ensuring timely neonatal care remain essential strategies for reducing infant mortality.

Key Observations

• Uttar Pradesh and Bihar report the highest Infant Mortality Rates in India.
• Four of the five highest-ranking states are located in North and Central India.
• States with higher IMR often have a larger rural population, where access to healthcare services may be more limited.
• Reducing infant mortality requires sustained improvements in maternal health, skilled birth attendance, immunization, nutrition, sanitation, and newborn care.

States with the Lowest Infant Mortality Rate in India

Several Indian states and Union Territories have achieved remarkably low Infant Mortality Rates (IMR), reflecting sustained improvements in maternal healthcare, newborn care, immunization coverage, institutional deliveries, and public health infrastructure. These regions demonstrate that continued investment in healthcare services and community health programs can significantly improve infant survival outcomes.

The table below lists the ten states and Union Territories with the lowest Infant Mortality Rate according to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5).

Kerala Continues to Lead Among Indian States

Among the states, Kerala records one of the lowest Infant Mortality Rates at 4.42 deaths per 1,000 live births. The state has consistently performed well on several health indicators due to widespread access to healthcare, high institutional delivery rates, strong primary healthcare services, and high female literacy.

Kerala also maintains very low IMR in both urban (3.52) and rural (5.24) areas, indicating relatively uniform healthcare access across the state.

Puducherry Reports the Lowest IMR

Among all states and Union Territories, Puducherry records the lowest Infant Mortality Rate at 2.92. Although its smaller population and administrative structure differ from larger states, the data reflects strong maternal and child healthcare outcomes.

Strong Performance in Southern India

Southern India continues to perform well on infant health indicators. Besides Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Goa also report low Infant Mortality Rates compared with the national average. These states have made sustained progress through improvements in maternal healthcare, newborn care, vaccination, and institutional deliveries.

Better Health Outcomes Across Diverse Regions

Apart from southern states, regions such as Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and Mizoram also report relatively low Infant Mortality Rates in the NFHS-5 dataset. Their performance demonstrates that lower infant mortality can be achieved across different geographic and demographic settings through effective healthcare delivery.

Key Observations

• Puducherry reports the lowest Infant Mortality Rate in India.
• Kerala remains the best-performing major state.
• Several southern states continue to outperform the national average.
• All of the top-performing states have Infant Mortality Rates significantly below India’s national average of 35.2.
• Low IMR is generally associated with better maternal healthcare, institutional deliveries, immunization coverage, and access to quality healthcare services.

Urban vs Rural Infant Mortality Rate in India

One of the most significant findings from the NFHS-5 data is the clear difference between urban and rural Infant Mortality Rates. Although infant mortality has declined across India over the years, rural areas continue to experience higher infant mortality than urban areas.

At the national level:

This means that infants born in rural India face a considerably higher risk of dying before their first birthday than those born in urban areas.

States with Large Urban-Rural Differences

The gap between urban and rural Infant Mortality Rates varies considerably across states.

For example:

• Chhattisgarh records an urban IMR of 26.23, compared with 48.70 in rural areas.
• Jharkhand reports 22.24 in urban areas and 41.13 in rural areas.
• Punjab has an urban IMR of 20.11, while the rural rate rises to 32.39.
• Tripura also records a noticeable difference between urban (23.20) and rural (41.81) areas.

These differences highlight the importance of improving healthcare access in rural communities.

States with Smaller Urban-Rural Differences

Some states show relatively small differences between urban and rural Infant Mortality Rates.

For example:

• Kerala reports 3.52 in urban areas and 5.24 in rural areas.
• Maharashtra records 22.58 in urban areas and 23.71 in rural areas.
• Jammu & Kashmir also shows only a modest difference between urban and rural IMR.

A smaller urban-rural gap generally indicates more consistent access to maternal and child healthcare services across different parts of the state.

Why Does the Urban-Rural Gap Matter?

The difference between urban and rural Infant Mortality Rates highlights inequalities in healthcare access and living conditions. Rural communities may face challenges such as:

• Limited access to hospitals and specialist healthcare.
• Longer travel distances to healthcare facilities.
• Lower availability of neonatal care services.
• Differences in maternal nutrition and antenatal care.
• Variations in sanitation, drinking water, and healthcare infrastructure.

Reducing these disparities remains an important objective of India’s public health programs aimed at improving maternal and child health.

What is Infant Mortality Rate (IMR)?

The Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) is a key public health indicator that measures the number of deaths of infants before reaching one year of age for every 1,000 live births during a specified period. It is widely used to assess the overall health status of a population, particularly the quality of maternal and child healthcare services.

Infant mortality is influenced by a combination of medical, social, economic, and environmental factors. Access to quality prenatal care, safe childbirth, neonatal healthcare, immunization, nutrition, sanitation, and timely medical treatment all play an important role in improving infant survival.

Health organizations and governments use the Infant Mortality Rate to evaluate healthcare performance, identify regions requiring additional support, and monitor progress toward national and global health goals. Because infant health reflects broader living conditions, IMR is often considered one of the most reliable indicators of a country’s level of social and economic development.

How is Infant Mortality Rate Calculated?

The Infant Mortality Rate is calculated by dividing the total number of infant deaths (children who die before reaching one year of age) by the total number of live births during the same period. The result is then multiplied by 1,000.

Formula

Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) = (Number of Infant Deaths ÷ Number of Live Births) × 1,000

Example

Suppose a state records:

• Live births: 100,000
• Infant deaths (under one year): 3,500

The Infant Mortality Rate would be:

(3,500 ÷ 100,000) × 1,000 = 35

This means 35 infants died before reaching their first birthday for every 1,000 live births.

Why is Infant Mortality Rate Important?

The Infant Mortality Rate is more than just a health statistic—it reflects the overall quality of healthcare, nutrition, sanitation, and living conditions within a society. Countries and states with lower Infant Mortality Rates generally have stronger healthcare systems and better maternal and child health outcomes.

Some of the key reasons why IMR is an important indicator include:

Measures the Quality of Healthcare

A lower Infant Mortality Rate generally indicates better access to prenatal care, skilled birth attendance, emergency obstetric services, and neonatal healthcare.

Reflects Maternal and Child Health

The health of newborns is closely linked to maternal nutrition, antenatal care, safe delivery practices, and postnatal healthcare. IMR therefore provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of maternal health programs.

Helps Identify Regional Disparities

State-wise Infant Mortality Rates reveal differences in healthcare outcomes across India. These comparisons help governments prioritize investments in regions where infant mortality remains relatively high.

Supports Public Health Planning

Governments and health agencies use IMR data to design and evaluate programs related to maternal healthcare, immunization, nutrition, and newborn survival.

Tracks Progress Toward Development Goals

Reducing infant mortality is an important objective under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Monitoring IMR helps measure progress toward improving child survival and ensuring healthy lives for all.

Factors Affecting Infant Mortality Rate

Infant mortality is influenced by multiple interconnected factors. While the relative importance of these factors varies across regions, improvements in healthcare, nutrition, and living conditions have contributed to declining Infant Mortality Rates in many parts of India.

Some of the major factors associated with infant mortality include:

Maternal Healthcare

Regular antenatal check-ups, skilled birth attendance, and postnatal care improve the chances of healthy pregnancies and newborn survival.

Institutional Deliveries

Babies born in hospitals or health facilities with trained medical professionals are generally more likely to receive timely care during birth and immediately afterward.

Immunization

Vaccination protects infants against several life-threatening diseases and plays a major role in reducing child mortality.

Nutrition

Adequate maternal nutrition during pregnancy and proper infant feeding practices, including early initiation of breastfeeding, contribute to healthier newborns.

Neonatal Care

Access to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), treatment for premature babies, and early management of complications can significantly improve survival rates.

Safe Drinking Water and Sanitation

Improved sanitation and access to clean drinking water help reduce infections that can affect infant health.

Education and Awareness

Higher levels of maternal education are often associated with improved healthcare utilization, better nutrition, and greater awareness of child health practices.

Socioeconomic Conditions

Household income, access to healthcare facilities, transportation, and overall living conditions can also influence infant health outcomes.n also influence infant health outcomes.

Methodology

The data presented in this article is based on the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) conducted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

Data Source

• National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5)
• Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
• Government of India

Survey Period

2019–21

Geographic Coverage

• 28 States
• 8 Union Territories

Unit of Measurement

Deaths of infants below one year of age per 1,000 live births.

Notes

• Values are survey-based estimates published by NFHS-5.
• Some Union Territories have unavailable or suppressed values due to limited sample size.
• State rankings are based on the latest available NFHS-5 estimates.

Conclusion

The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) highlights both the progress India has made in improving infant survival and the challenges that remain across different states and Union Territories. While the national Infant Mortality Rate has declined over the years, considerable regional disparities continue to exist.

States such as Kerala, Puducherry, and Goa have achieved very low Infant Mortality Rates, reflecting strong maternal and child healthcare systems. In contrast, several states continue to report higher IMR values, indicating the need for continued investment in maternal healthcare, newborn care, nutrition, immunization, and healthcare infrastructure.

The data also reveals a clear urban-rural gap, with rural areas generally recording higher Infant Mortality Rates than urban areas. Addressing these disparities will require sustained efforts to improve healthcare accessibility, strengthen public health programmes, and ensure quality care for mothers and newborns across the country.

Monitoring Infant Mortality Rate remains essential for evaluating healthcare performance, guiding public policy, and tracking India’s progress toward improving child health and achieving national and global development goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR)?

The Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) is the number of deaths of infants under one year of age per 1,000 live births during a given period. It is one of the most widely used indicators to assess the health status of a population and the quality of maternal and child healthcare services.

What is India’s Infant Mortality Rate according to NFHS-5?

According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), India’s Infant Mortality Rate is 35.2 deaths per 1,000 live births. The survey also reports an urban IMR of 26.56 and a rural IMR of 38.36.

Which state has the highest Infant Mortality Rate in India?

Based on the NFHS-5 dataset, Uttar Pradesh records the highest Infant Mortality Rate at 50.36 deaths per 1,000 live births, followed by Bihar (46.76) and Chhattisgarh (44.24).

Which state has the lowest Infant Mortality Rate in India?

Among all States and Union Territories, Puducherry reports the lowest Infant Mortality Rate at 2.92. Among the states, Kerala has the lowest IMR at 4.42.

Why is the Infant Mortality Rate higher in rural areas?

Rural areas often have comparatively limited access to healthcare facilities, specialist newborn care, and emergency medical services. According to NFHS-5, India’s rural IMR (38.36) is higher than the urban IMR (26.56).

How is the Infant Mortality Rate calculated?

The Infant Mortality Rate is calculated using the following formula:

IMR = (Number of Infant Deaths under one year ÷ Number of Live Births) × 1,000

The result represents the number of infant deaths per 1,000 live births.

What factors affect the Infant Mortality Rate?

Infant mortality is influenced by maternal healthcare, institutional deliveries, immunization, maternal nutrition, neonatal care, sanitation, access to clean drinking water, education, and socioeconomic conditions.

What is the difference between Infant Mortality Rate and Neonatal Mortality Rate?

The Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) measures deaths before one year of age, while the Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) measures deaths occurring within the first 28 days after birth.

Which government survey provides Infant Mortality Rate data in India?

This article uses data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), conducted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

Why is Infant Mortality Rate an important health indicator?

The Infant Mortality Rate reflects the quality of maternal and child healthcare, nutrition, sanitation, and overall living conditions. It is widely used by governments and researchers to monitor public health and evaluate healthcare programmes.

Data Source

Source: National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

Survey Period: 2019–21

Indicator: Infant Mortality Rate (Deaths per 1,000 Live Births)

Coverage: India, States and Union Territories

Citation

If you use this data in research, reports, presentations, or publications, please cite both the original data source and this page.

Suggested Citation:

FactoData. State-wise Infant Mortality Rate in India. Retrieved from https://factodata.com/state-wise-infant-mortality-rate-india/

About this data

This article is based on official data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) conducted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. The data has been compiled and presented by FactoData for educational, research, and informational purposes. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, readers should refer to the original NFHS-5 publications for official documentation and methodology.