Is Underage Marriage Still Prevalent Among Women in India: Evidence from the National Family Health Surveys

Abstract

Underage marriage remains a major issue in India. Despite the legal minimum age of 18 for women’s marriage, such traditions persist. The study examines how patterns have changed over time and how they differ by place and by social or economic status. The focus was on women aged 20-24. The study used data from five rounds of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS). The survey period spans from 1992-93 to 2019-21. In this context, underage marriage refers to a woman’s first marriage occurring before she reached 18. The study examined patterns using descriptive statistics. The study also used binary logistic regression to identify factors linked to marrying before 18. The results show a clear decline. In 1992-93, 61.6 per cent of women reported underage marriage. By 2019-21, the share fell to 22.3 per cent. Still, the decline was not even across India. In 2019-21, the highest rates were seen in West Bengal (41.5%), Tripura (40.3%), Bihar (38.7%), Assam (31.9%) and Jharkhand (31.6%). Rates were higher for rural women than for urban women. Women with no education also showed higher rates. The same was true for women living in poorer households. The share was 28.5 per cent in rural areas and 14.2 per cent in urban areas. Among women with no education, it was 46.0 per cent, while it was 3.0 per cent among those with higher education. In the poorest wealth group, it was 38.3 per cent. In the richest group, it was 7.2 per cent. The regression results matched these patterns. Rural residence raised the odds of underage marriage. Education and household wealth lowered those odds. Overall, the study suggests that national change has not removed big gaps across regions and social groups. Better schooling for girls is important. Stronger support for families’ financial situation also matters. Targeted efforts can help address areas where risk remains high.