Literacy and Fertility Trends in India Since Independence: An Empirical Study

India has experienced major demographic and social changes since Independence in 1947. Two of the most important indicators reflecting these changes are literacy and fertility. This paper examines the trends in literacy and fertility in India over the post-Independence period using official secondary data from the Census of India, the Sample Registration System (SRS), and various rounds of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS). The study focuses particularly on changes in female literacy and their association with fertility decline. Using descriptive statistics and tabular analysis, the paper observes a steady rise in literacy levels alongside a continuous decline in fertility rates. The findings suggest a clear inverse relationship between female literacy and fertility, indicating that improvements in women’s education have played a significant role in shaping reproductive behaviour in India. The study highlights the importance of education, especially female education, as a key factor in India’s demographic transition and population stabilization.