Child marriage remains one of the most pressing social challenges in India, despite decades of awareness campaigns, legal reforms, and government schemes. The recently released 2025 report highlights the states where child marriage continues to be most prevalent.
While India has seen a decline in overall child marriage rates over the last decade, millions of girls are still forced into early marriages, especially in rural and economically weaker regions. Let’s look at the top states in India with the highest child marriage rates and understand the regional disparities behind this issue.
West Bengal – The Highest in India
West Bengal records over 41% of women aged 20–24 married before 18. Districts like Murshidabad and Midnapore show extremely high rates, often exceeding 60%. Poverty, lack of education, and cultural norms continue to drive this practice.
Bihar
Bihar follows closely with around 40.8% prevalence. Districts such as Samastipur and Lakhisarai remain hotspots. Families often cite economic hardship and concerns for girls’ safety as reasons for marrying daughters early.
Tripura
Tripura has one of the highest rates in northeast India, at 40.1%. The challenge is compounded by cultural traditions and difficulties in implementing strict child marriage laws in tribal regions.
Jharkhand
In Jharkhand, 32.2% of young women are married underage. Poverty, especially in tribal belts, fuels the problem. Urban centers show some improvement, but rural numbers remain alarming.
Assam
Assam reports 31.8%, which prompted government crackdowns in 2023. Arrests and FIRs were filed against parents violating the law, highlighting the severity of the issue.
Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh shows 29.3% prevalence. The issue is more pronounced in drought-hit rural and coastal areas where families view child marriage as a financial relief.
Rajasthan
Known historically for child marriage, Rajasthan still shows 25.4%. While urban areas like Jaipur see progress, rural belts such as Udaipur and Jodhpur lag behind.
Telangana
Telangana records 23.5%, close to the national average. The practice persists in rural communities due to poverty and traditional customs.
Uttar Pradesh
With 21–22%, Uttar Pradesh’s rate is lower compared to eastern states, but given its population size, it accounts for some of the highest absolute numbers of child marriages in India.
Maharashtra
Maharashtra stands near 21%. Tribal and drought-prone regions like Marathwada and Vidarbha show higher rates, while metropolitan areas such as Mumbai record much lower figures.
Other States Worth Noting
Delhi (NCT) reports about 16%, mostly in urban slum and migrant populations. Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh record 18–20%, still above the national average in rural belts.
Top States with Highest Child Marriage Rates (2025)
| Rank | State | Child Marriage Prevalence (%) | Key Hotspots / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | West Bengal | ~41–42% | Murshidabad, Midnapore districts |
| 2 | Bihar | ~40.8% | Samastipur, Lakhisarai |
| 3 | Tripura | ~40.1% | Tribal communities |
| 4 | Jharkhand | ~32.2% | Tribal & rural belts |
| 5 | Assam | ~31.8% | Government crackdowns in 2023 |
| 6 | Andhra Pradesh | ~29.3% | Coastal & rural areas |
| 7 | Rajasthan | ~25.4% | Rural Udaipur, Jodhpur |
| 8 | Telangana | ~23.5% | Rural traditions |
| 9 | Uttar Pradesh | ~21–22% | High absolute numbers |
| 10 | Maharashtra | ~21% | Marathwada, Vidarbha |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Which state has the highest child marriage rate in India?
West Bengal leads with more than 41% of women married before 18. Districts like Murshidabad and Midnapore report some of the highest concentrations nationwide.
Q2. Which states follow West Bengal in child marriage prevalence?
Bihar and Tripura are close behind, both recording around 40% prevalence, reflecting deep-rooted socio-economic and cultural issues in these regions.
Q3. What is the national average for child marriage in India?
The national average stands at approximately 23.3%, showing progress compared to past decades, but still leaving millions of girls at risk.
Q4. Why is child marriage higher in eastern India?
Eastern states often face a combination of poverty, low literacy, and cultural traditions that normalize early marriage, making enforcement challenging.
Q5. Has child marriage declined over time in India?
Yes. In 2005–06, nearly 47% of girls were married before 18. By 2021, the rate had dropped to about 23%, reflecting steady though uneven progress.
Q6. Which states show improvement?
States like Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab have brought prevalence below 10%, showing how investment in education and awareness can drive change.
Q7. What actions has the government taken?
Programs such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, awareness campaigns, and financial incentive schemes encourage parents to delay marriage and invest in girls’ education.
Q8. Why is child marriage more common in rural areas?
Rural poverty, limited access to schools, and weak law enforcement make rural families more vulnerable to marrying daughters at a younger age.
Q9. Is child marriage legal in India?
No. The legal marriage age is 18 for women and 21 for men. Any marriage under this age violates the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006.
Q10. What role can education play in reducing child marriage?
Education empowers girls, delays marriage, and provides families with better alternatives. Parents of educated girls are more likely to value delayed marriage.
Conclusion
Child marriage in India has declined, but states like West Bengal, Bihar, and Tripura still face high prevalence. Poverty reduction, education, stricter enforcement, and awareness are key to ending this practice. According to Toofan Express, tackling child marriage is not just a legal necessity but a moral one, ensuring a safer and more equal future for India’s girls.
Report by Toofan Express