Quick Links
Quick Links
UPSC Exams
Latest Update
Coaching
UPSC Current Affairs
Syllabus
UPSC Notes
Previous Year Papers
UPSC Mains Previous Year Question Papers Last 25 Years UPSC Prelims Question Papers Last 10 Years UPSC Question Papers UPSC CSE Prelims 2025 Question Paper UPSC Mains 2024 Model Answers UPSC 2024 Question Papers UPSC 2023 Question Papers UPSC 2022 Question Papers UPSC 2021 Question Papers UPSC 2020 Question Papers UPSC 2019 Question Papers UPSC 2018 Question Papers UPSC 2017 Question Papers UPSC 2016 Question Papers UPSC 2015 Question Papers UPSC 2014 Question Papers UPSC CSAT Question Papers UPSC IFS Previous Year Paper UPSC Assistant Labour Commissioner Previous Question Year Papers UPSC Combined Geo Scientist Previous Year Paper UPSC APFC Previous Year Question Papers UPSC CMS Previous Year Question Paper UPSC EPFO Previous Year Paper UPSC Air Safety Officer Previous Year Papers UPSC SO Steno Previous Year Paper UPSC IES ISS Previous Year Question Papers
Mock Tests
UPSC Editorial
Bilateral Ties
Albania India Relations India Algeria Relations Andorra India Relations India Angola Relations India Antigua Barbuda Relations India Argentina Relations Austria India Relations India Azerbaijan Relations Bahamas India Relations India Bahrain Relations Barbados India Relations India Belarus Relations Belgium India Relations Belize India Relations Benin India Relations Bolivia India Relations India Bosnia Herzegovina Relations India Botswana Relations Brazil India Relations Brunei India Relations Bulgaria India Relations Burundi India Relations Cabo Verde India Relations India Cambodia Relations India Cameroon Relations Canada India Relations India Cayman Islands Relations India Central African Republic Relations India Chad Relations Chile India Relations India Colombia Relations India Comoros Relations India Democratic Republic Of The Congo Relations India Republic Of The Congo Relations India Cook Islands Relations India Costa Rica Relations India Ivory Coast Relations India Croatia Relations India Cyprus Relations India Czech Republic Relations India Djibouti Relations India Dominica Relations India Dominican Republic Relations India Ecuador Relations India El Salvador Relations India Equatorial Guinea Relations India Eritrea Relations Estonia India Relations India Ethiopia Relations India Fiji Relations India Finland Relations India Gabon Relations India Gambia Relations India Georgia Relations Germany India Relations India Ghana Relations India Greece Relations India Grenada Relations India Guatemala Relations India Guinea Relations India Guinea Bissau Relations India Guyana Relations India Haiti Relations India Holy See Relations India Honduras Relations India Hong Kong Relations India Hungary Relations India Iceland Relations India Indonesia Relations India Iran Relations India Iraq Relations India Ireland Relations India Jamaica Relations India Kazakhstan Relations India Kenya Relations India Kingdom Of Eswatini Relations India Kiribati Relations India Kuwait Relations India Kyrgyzstan Relations India Laos Relations Latvia India Relations India Lebanon Relations India Lesotho Relations India Liberia Relations Libya India Relations Liechtenstein India Relations India Lithuania Relations India Luxembourg Relations India Macao Relations Madagascar India Relations India Malawi Relations India Mali Relations India Malta Relations India Marshall Islands Relations India Mauritania Relations India Micronesia Relations India Moldova Relations Monaco India Relations India Montenegro Relations India Montserrat Relations India Morocco Relations Mozambique India Relations India Namibia Relations India Nauru Relations Netherlands India Relations India Nicaragua Relations India Niger Relations India Nigeria Relations India Niue Relations India North Macedonia Relations Norway India Relations India Palau Relations India Panama Relations India Papua New Guinea Relations India Paraguay Relations Peru India Relations India Philippines Relations Qatar India Relations India Romania Relations Rwanda India Relations India Saint Kitts And Nevis Relations India Saint Lucia Relations India Saint Vincent And Grenadines Relations India Samoa Relations India Sao Tome And Principe Relations Saudi Arabia India Relations India Senegal Relations Serbia India Relations India Sierra Leone Relations India Singapore Relations India Slovak Republic Relations India Slovenia Relations India Solomon Islands Relations Somalia India Relations India South Sudan Relations India Spain Relations India Sudan Relations Suriname India Relations India Sweden Relations India Syria Relations India Tajikistan Relations Tanzania India Relations India Togo Relations India Tonga Islands Relations India Trinidad And Tobago Relations India Tunisia Relations India Turkmenistan Relations India Turks And Caicos Islands Relations India Tuvalu Relations India Uganda Relations India Ukraine Relations India Uae Relations India Uruguay Relations India Uzbekistan Relations India Vanuatu Relations India Venezuela Relations India British Virgin Islands Relations Yemen India Relations India Zambia Relations India Zimbabwe Relations
Books
Government Schemes
Production Linked Incentive Scheme Integrated Processing Development Scheme Rodtep Scheme Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme Saathi Scheme Uday Scheme Hriday Scheme Samagra Shiksha Scheme India Nishta Scheme Stand Up India Scheme Sahakar Mitra Scheme Mdms Mid Day Meal Scheme Integrated Child Protection Scheme Vatsalya Scheme Operation Green Scheme Nai Roshni Scheme Nutrient Based Subsidy Scheme Kalia Scheme Ayushman Sahakar Scheme Nirvik Scheme Fame India Scheme Kusum Scheme Pm Svanidhi Scheme Pmvvy Scheme Pm Aasha Scheme Pradhan Mantri Mahila Shakti Kendra Scheme Pradhan Mantri Lpg Panjayat Scheme Mplads Scheme Svamitva Scheme Pat Scheme Udan Scheme Ek Bharat Shresth Bharat Scheme National Pension Scheme Ujala Scheme Operation Greens Scheme Gold Monetisation Scheme Family Planning Insurance Scheme Target Olympic Podium Scheme
Topics
NASA Space Missions
NASA Mercury-Redstone 3 (Freedom 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Redstone 4 (Liberty Bell 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Atlas 6 (Friendship 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Atlas 7 (Aurora 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Atlas 8 (Sigma 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Atlas 9 (Faith 7) Mission NASA Gemini 3 Mission NASA Gemini 4 Mission NASA Gemini 5 Mission NASA Gemini 7 Mission NASA Gemini 8 Mission NASA Gemini 9 Mission NASA Gemini 10 Mission NASA Gemini 11 Mission NASA Gemini 12 Mission NASA Apollo 1 (AS‑204) Mission NASA Apollo 7 Mission NASA Apollo 8 Mission NASA Apollo 9 Mission NASA Apollo 10 Mission NASA Apollo 11 Mission NASA Apollo 12 Mission NASA Apollo 13 Mission NASA Apollo 14 Mission NASA Apollo 15 Mission NASA Apollo 16 Mission NASA Apollo 17 Mission NASA Skylab Orbital Workshop Mission NASA Skylab 2 Mission NASA Skylab 3 Mission NASA Skylab 4 Mission NASA Apollo–Soyuz Test Project Mission NASA STS‑1 Columbia Mission NASA STS‑3 Columbia Mission NASA STS‑7 Challenger Mission NASA STS‑8 Challenger Mission NASA STS‑41B Challenger Mission NASA STS‑41G Discovery (1st female EVA) Mission NASA STS‑51L Challenger (accident) Mission NASA STS‑26 Discovery (Return‑to‑Flight) Mission NASA STS‑31 Discovery (Hubble Launch) Mission NASA STS‑49 Endeavour (first capture EVA) Mission NASA STS‑61 Endeavour (Hubble Servicing 1) Mission NASA STS‑73 Columbia (microgravity) Mission NASA STS‑95 Discovery (John Glenn returns) Mission NASA STS‑107 Columbia (accident) Mission NASA STS‑114 Discovery (RTF‑2) Mission NASA STS‑120 Discovery (Node 2) Mission NASA STS‑125 Atlantis (Final Hubble Service) Mission NASA STS‑132 Atlantis Mission NASA STS‑135 Atlantis (Final Shuttle flight) Mission NASA Artemis I (Orion/ SLS‑1) Mission NASA Artemis II (Planned) Mission NASA Artemis III (Planned lunar landing) Mission NASA Mariner 4 Mission NASA Mariner 6 Mission NASA Mariner 7 Mission NASA Mariner 9 Mission NASA Viking 1 Orbiter/Lander Mission NASA Viking 2 Orbiter/Lander Mission NASA Mars Pathfinder & Sojourner Mission NASA Mars Global Surveyor Mission NASA 2001 Mars Odyssey Mission NASA Mars Exploration Rover – Spirit Mission NASA Mars Exploration Rover – Opportunity Mission NASA Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Mission NASA Phoenix Mars Lander Mission NASA InSight Mars Lander Mission NASA Mars 2020 (Perseverance & Ingenuity) Mission NASA Mars Sample Return – SRL (planned) Mission NASA Pioneer 10 Mission NASA Pioneer 11 Mission NASA Voyager 1 Mission NASA Voyager 2 Mission NASA Galileo Jupiter Orbiter/Probe Mission NASA Cassini–Huygens Mission NASA New Horizons (Pluto & KBO) Mission NASA Juno Mission NASA Europa Clipper (planned) Mission NASA Parker Solar Probe Mission NASA Solar Orbiter (ESA/NASA) Mission NASA Surveyor 1 Mission NASA Lunar Orbiter 1 Mission NASA Lunar Prospector Mission NASA LCROSS Mission NASA LADEE Mission NASA Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) Mission NASA CAPSTONE Mission NASA VIPER Rover (planned) Mission NASA NEAR Shoemaker Mission NASA Deep Space 1 Mission NASA Stardust Mission NASA Genesis Mission NASA Deep Impact Mission NASA Dawn (Vesta/Ceres) Mission NASA OSIRIS‑REx Mission NASA Lucy Mission NASA DART Mission NASA Landsat‑1 (ERTS‑1) Mission NASA Landsat‑5 Mission NASA Landsat‑9 Mission NASA Terra Mission NASA Aqua Mission NASA Aura Mission NASA Suomi NPP Mission NASA Sentinel‑6 Michael Freilich Mission NASA ICESat‑2 Mission NASA GRACE‑FO Mission NASA SMAP Mission NASA GPM Core Observatory Mission NASA CALIPSO Mission NASA CloudSat Mission NASA NISAR (NASA‑ISRO) Mission NASA Explorer 1 Mission NASA COBE Mission NASA Compton Gamma Ray Observatory Mission NASA Hubble Space Telescope Mission NASA Chandra X‑ray Observatory Mission NASA Spitzer Space Telescope Mission NASA WISE Mission NASA Kepler Mission NASA TESS Mission NASA Fermi Gamma‑ray Space Telescope Mission NASA NICER Mission NASA IXPE Mission NASA Roman Space Telescope (planned) Mission NASA NuSTAR Mission NASA GALEX Mission NASA Swift Mission NASA SOHO (ESA/NASA) Mission NASA Cluster II (ESA/NASA) Mission NASA TIMED Mission NASA STEREO‑A/B Mission NASA MMS Mission NASA IRIS Mission NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory Mission NASA X‑37B OTV‑1 (USAF/NASA liaison) Mission NASA X‑59 QueSST Mission NASA Mars Helicopter Ingenuity Mission NASA Valkyrie R5 Robot Mission NASA Low‑Boom Flight Demo Mission NASA CRS‑1 Dragon Mission NASA CRS‑1 Cygnus Mission NASA Crew Dragon Demo‑2 Mission NASA Starliner OFT‑2 Mission NASA STS-2 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-4 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-5 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-6 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-41C (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-41D (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-51A (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-61C (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-26 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-27 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-29 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-30 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-32 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-34 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-38 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-45 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-60 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-70 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-71 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-73 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-88 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-92 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-97 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-99 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-100 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-104 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-106 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-110 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-112 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-115 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-116 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-117 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-118 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-120 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-122 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-123 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-126 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-130 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA Vanguard 1 Mission NASA Transit 1B Mission NASA Echo 1 Mission NASA Telstar 1 Mission NASA Syncom 3 Mission NASA ATS‑6 Mission NASA Skynet Mission NASA Nimbus‑1 Mission NASA Nimbus‑7 Mission NASA ERS-1 Mission NASA SeaSat Mission NASA QuikSCAT Mission NASA Jason‑1 Mission NASA Jason‑3 Mission NASA ICESat Mission NASA Earth Observing‑1 Mission NASA Orbiting Carbon Observatory‑2 Mission NASA CYGNSS Mission NASA PACE Mission NASA TRMM Mission NASA Terrestrial Planet Finder (cxl) Mission NASA Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) Mission NASA Explorer 33 Mission NASA Voyager Interstellar Mission Mission NASA Helios‑A Mission NASA Helios‑B Mission NASA ISEE‑3 (ICE) Mission NASA ACE Mission NASA DSCOVR Mission NASA IBEX Mission NASA Solar Orbiter Heliospheric Imager Mission NASA SAGE‑III ISS Mission NASA SPACE Telescope Imaging Spectrograph Mission NASA ARIEL (ESA/NASA) Mission NASA OSAM‑1 (Restore‑L) Mission NASA Dragonfly (Titan rotorcraft) Mission NASA VERITAS (Venus orbiter) Mission NASA DAVINCI (Venus probe) Mission NASA SPHEREx Mission NASA MAGGIE (Mars Geophysical) Mission NASA CLPS – Peregrine Mission NASA CLPS – VIPER Delivery Mission NASA CAPSTONE Mission NASA Gateway (HALO / PPE) Mission NASA Mars Telecommunication Orbiter (cxl) Mission NASA Mars Polar Lander (MPL) Mission NASA Mars Climate Orbiter Mission NASA Pathfinder Mission Mission NASA SLS Block 1B (Exploration Upper Stage) Mission NASA Orion Crew Module Mission NASA Commercial LEO Destinations – Axiom Station Mission NASA ISS Expedition 1 Mission NASA ISS Expedition 70 Mission NASA CRS‑11 (Dragon) Mission NASA CRS‑21 (Dragon 2) Mission NASA Snoopy CubeSat Mission
ISRO Space Missions
NVS-02 ISRO Space Mission SPADEX-A ISRO Space Mission SPADEX-B ISRO Space Mission Proba-3 ISRO Space Mission GSAT-N2 ISRO Space Mission EOS-08 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-3DS ISRO Space Mission XPoSat ISRO Space Mission Aditya-L1 ISRO Space Mission Chandrayaan-3 ISRO Space Mission NVS-01 ISRO Space Mission EOS-07 ISRO Space Mission INS-2B ISRO Space Mission EOS-06 ISRO Space Mission EOS-02 ISRO Space Mission GSAT-24 ISRO Space Mission INS-2TD ISRO Space Mission EOS-04 ISRO Space Mission EOS-03 ISRO Space Mission CMS-01 ISRO Space Mission EOS-01 ISRO Space Mission GSAT-30 ISRO Space Mission RISAT-2BR1 ISRO Space Mission Chandrayaan 2 ISRO Space Mission RISAT-2B ISRO Space Mission EMISAT ISRO Space Mission GSAT-31 ISRO Space Mission Microsat-R ISRO Space Mission GSAT-7A ISRO Space Mission GSAT-11 ISRO Space Mission HysIS ISRO Space Mission GSAT-29 ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1I ISRO Space Mission GSAT-6A ISRO Space Mission INS-1C ISRO Space Mission Microsat ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1H ISRO Space Mission GSAT-17 ISRO Space Mission GSAT-19 ISRO Space Mission GSAT-9 ISRO Space Mission Cartosat-2 Series Satellite INS-1A ISRO Space Mission INS-1B ISRO Space Mission RESOURCESAT-2A ISRO Space Mission GSAT-18 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-3DR ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1G ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1F ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1E ISRO Space Mission GSAT-15 ISRO Space Mission GSAT-6 ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1D ISRO Space Mission Crew module Atmospheric Re-entry Experiment (CARE) ISRO Space Mission GSAT-16 ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1C ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1B ISRO Space Mission GSAT-14 ISRO Space Mission Mars Orbiter Mission Spacecraft GSAT-7 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-3D ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1A ISRO Space Mission SARAL ISRO Space Mission GSAT-10 ISRO Space Mission RISAT-1 ISRO Space Mission Megha-Tropiques ISRO Space Mission GSAT-12 ISRO Space Mission GSAT-8 ISRO Space Mission RESOURCESAT-2 ISRO Space Mission YOUTHSAT ISRO Space Mission GSAT-5P ISRO Space Mission GSAT-4 ISRO Space Mission Oceansat-2 ISRO Space Mission RISAT-2 ISRO Space Mission Chandrayaan-1 ISRO Space Mission IMS-1 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-4CR ISRO Space Mission INSAT-4B ISRO Space Mission SRE-1 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-4C ISRO Space Mission INSAT-4A ISRO Space Mission HAMSAT ISRO Space Mission EDUSAT ISRO Space Mission IRS-P6 / RESOURCESAT-1 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-3E ISRO Space Mission GSAT-2 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-3A ISRO Space Mission KALPANA-1 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-3C ISRO Space Mission GSAT-1 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-3B ISRO Space Mission Oceansat(IRS-P4) ISRO Space Mission INSAT-2E ISRO Space Mission IRS-1D ISRO Space Mission INSAT-2D ISRO Space Mission IRS-P3 ISRO Space Mission IRS-1C ISRO Space Mission INSAT-2C ISRO Space Mission IRS-P2 ISRO Space Mission SROSS-C2 ISRO Space Mission IRS-1E ISRO Space Mission INSAT-2B ISRO Space Mission INSAT-2A ISRO Space Mission SROSS-C ISRO Space Mission IRS-1B ISRO Space Mission INSAT-1D ISRO Space Mission INSAT-1C ISRO Space Mission SROSS-2 ISRO Space Mission IRS-1A ISRO Space Mission SROSS-1 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-1B ISRO Space Mission Rohini Satellite RS-D2 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-1A ISRO Space Mission Bhaskara-II ISRO Space Mission Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment (APPLE) ISRO Rohini Satellite RS-D1 ISRO Space Mission Rohini Satellite RS-1 ISRO Space Mission Rohini Technology Payload (RTP) ISRO Space Mission Bhaskara-I ISRO Space Mission Aryabhata ISRO Space Mission
Home / IAS Preparation / Human Development Index 2025 UPSC Notes

Human Development Index 2025 UPSC Notes: Key Highlights & India’s Rank

Last Updated on May 22, 2025
Also Read Human Development Index 2025 UPSC Notes in Hindi
Download As PDF
IMPORTANT LINKS
Agriculture Notes For UPSC Public Administration UPSC Notes Modern History Books For UPSC Overseas Citizen Of India Caste System & Panchayati Raj Godavari River Federalism In India Indira Point New Development Bank Battle Of Sinhagad Sankalp And Strive Schemes Digital India High Yielding Varieties Economic Growth Development League Of Nations Ease Of Doing Business Mid Day Meal Scheme Wildlife Protection Act 1972 UPSC Notes International Union Conservation Nature

The Human Development Index (HDI) is published by the Human Development Report Office (HDRO) under the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Introduced in 1990, the HDI is released annually, except for the year 2012. It is a composite index used to assess and compare the overall well-being and development progress of countries. The latest Human Development Index 2025, based on 2023 data, was released in May 2025. India ranked 130 out of 193 countries, with an improved HDI value of 0.685, still below the global average of 0.739. 

This topic Human Development Index UPSC is important from the perspective of the UPSC IAS Examination, which falls under General Studies Paper 3 (Mains) and General Studies Paper 1 (Prelims), particularly in the Social Justice section. 

In this article on the Human Development Index UPSC, we shall discuss the latest human development report by UNDP, Major highlights, Objectives, 5 Indices of HDR, Interesting facts about the human development report, and More! 

Download the UPSC Previous Year Questions on Human Development for Prelims & Mains!

GS Paper

General Studies Paper III

Topics for UPSC Prelims

Inclusive Growth, Social Development Indicators

Topics for UPSC Mains

Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections

What is the Human Development Index?

The Human Development Index (HDI) is a publication of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It assesses the state of human development in countries around the world. It is published annually and is considered to be one of the most authoritative sources of information on human development. In 1990, the first Human Development Index (HDI) was introduced by Pakistani economist Mahbub ul Haq and Indian Nobel laureate Amartya Sen. Since that milestone, annual reports have been consistently published, delving into various themes using the human development approach, which prioritizes placing individuals at the core of the development process.

Important Details on Human Development Index for UPSC

Feature / Parameter

Details

Introduced by

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

First Published

1990 in the first Human Development Report

Latest Report (as of 2025)

Human Development Report 2025, based on 2023 data

Published by

UNDP (United Nations Development Programme)

Purpose

To measure average achievement in basic dimensions of human development

HDI Components

Health – Life expectancy at birth

Education – Mean & Expected years of schooling

Standard of living – GNI per capita (PPP adjusted)

HDI Scale

Ranges from 0 (lowest) to 1 (highest)

Categories of HDI

Very High Human Development (≥ 0.800)

High (0.700–0.799)

Medium (0.550–0.699)

Low (< 0.550)

India’s HDI Rank (2025)

130 out of 193 countries

India’s HDI Value (2025)

0.685 (up from 0.676)

Top HDI Country (2025)

Iceland – HDI value: 0.972

Lowest HDI Country (2025)

South Sudan – HDI value: 0.388

India’s Category (2025)

Medium Human Development

India’s HDI Loss due to Inequality

30.7%

Life Expectancy in India (2023 data)

72 years

Mean Years of Schooling (India)

8.2 years (1990) → 13 years (2023)

GNI per capita (India, PPP)

USD 9,046 (2023)

Know more about the Social Progress Index!

FREEMentorship Program by
Ravi Kapoor, Ex-IRS
UPSC Exam-Hacker, Author, Super Mentor, MA
100+ Success Stories
Key Highlights
Achieve your Goal with our mentorship program, offering regular guidance and effective exam strategies.
Cultivate a focused mindset for exam success through our mentorship program.
2 Lakh+ Students Mentored Get
Get Free Mentorship Now
UPSC Beginners Program

Get UPSC Beginners Program SuperCoaching @ just

₹50000

Claim for free
Want to know more about this pass ?
Explore SuperCoaching

Objectives of the Human Development Index

The Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite statistic of life expectancy, education, and per capita income indicators. It aims to assess the social and economic development of countries. Here are the major objectives:

  • To provide a broader understanding of overall well-being compared to just economic growth metrics.
  • To guide policymakers in creating informed decisions aimed at improving human development.
  • To highlight the importance of health, education, and standard of living.
  • To measure and compare levels of human development across countries.
  • To highlight inequalities in human development among countries and regions.
  • To encourage investments in health, education, and quality of life.
  • To support international efforts in addressing global human development issues.

Learn more about Issues Relating to Poverty and Hunger!

Human Development Index Indicators

The Human Development Index is calculated based on the following 13 important indicators:

  • Gender
  • Health
  • Human security
  • Mobility & Communication
  • Socio-economic sustainability
  • Trade and financial flows
  • Work, employment, and vulnerability
  • Income
  • Inequality
  • Humans’ Development
  • Demography
  • Education
  • Environment Sustainability

Human Development Index Calculation

HDI is calculated as the geometric mean (not the average) of normalized indices for each of the three dimensions.

  1. Normalize each indicator using a formula:

Index = (Actual Value - Minimum Value) / (Maximum Value - Minimum Value)

Each indicator is scaled between 0 and 1 based on a fixed minimum and maximum.

  1. Calculate the HDI:

HDI=(Health Index × Education Index × Income Index)1/3

Learn more about Poverty Alleviation Programmes!

Key Highlights of the Human Development Index 2025

The Human Development Index (HDI) is a yearly report by the United Nations that measures a country’s average progress in health (life expectancy), education (years of schooling), and income (GNI per capita). The 2025 report uses data from 2023.

Global Highlights of HDI 2025

  • Slow Global Progress: HDI growth is slowing worldwide, especially after COVID-19. Many countries are falling behind in reaching high human development by 2030.
  • Top Countries: Iceland ranked first, followed by Norway and Switzerland.
  • Lowest Rank: South Sudan was last, with many African countries also at the bottom.
  • Widening Inequality: Rich countries are improving, while poorer nations are falling behind, increasing the global gap.
  • AI and Development: 1 in 5 people use AI tools. While 60% believe AI creates jobs, 50% fear job losses. The report stresses inclusive AI policies to ensure AI benefits everyone.
  • Polycrisis Impact: Climate change, conflicts, economic troubles, and tech changes are combining to slow progress and hit the poor hardest.

HDI Rank of India 

India has shown consistent improvement in the Human Development Index (HDI) rankings over the years. In the 2025 report (based on 2023 data), India’s performance reflects steady gains but also highlights deep-rooted challenges in equality, gender, and social inclusion.

  • HDI Rank: India moved up 3 places, from 133rd (2022) to 130th (2023) out of 193 countries.
  • HDI Value: Increased from 0.676 to 0.685, keeping India in the "Medium Human Development" category.
  • India is gradually approaching the "High Human Development" threshold (HDI score of 0.700 or above).
  • Since 1990, India’s HDI has grown by over 53%, faster than the global and South Asian averages.

Read the article on Income Inequality in India!

Progress in Key Areas of Human Development

India’s improvement is visible across health, education, and income indicators.

Health (Life Expectancy)

  • Life expectancy rose from 58.6 years in 1990 to 72 years in 2023 — the highest ever for India.
  • This gain is the result of sustained efforts through major healthcare programs:

Education

  • Mean years of schooling (25+ age group): Increased from 8.2 years to 13 years.
  • Expected years of schooling (school-entry age): Stable at around 13 years.
  • Key educational reforms driving progress:
  • However, the quality of education and learning outcomes still need significant improvement.

Income and Standard of Living

  • India’s Gross National Income (GNI) per capita (PPP adjusted) rose to USD 9,046 in 2023, up from USD 2,167 in 1990.
  • Poverty Reduction:

Read the article on the Environment Performance Index EPI!

Persistent Challenges for India

While progress is notable, serious problems remain, particularly in inequality and gender disparity.

High Inequality

  • Inequality reduces India’s HDI by 30.7%, one of the highest losses in the region.
  • Gaps in income, health, and education distribution continue to affect development outcomes.
  • Richer states and urban areas advance faster than poorer states and rural regions.

Read about Gender Inequality in India here!

Gender Disparities

  • Female Labour Force Participation (FLFP): Only 41.7% of women are in the formal workforce.
    • Cultural, safety, and infrastructure barriers continue to limit women’s economic roles.
  • Political Representation:
    • Women remain underrepresented in legislative and decision-making roles.
    • The 106th Constitutional Amendment proposing one-third reservation for women in legislatures is a step forward, but effective implementation is key.

Read more about Economic Growth and Development!

Regional Comparison

Country

HDI Rank (2025 Report)

HDI Category

China

78

High Human Development

Sri Lanka

89

High Human Development

Bhutan

125

Medium Human Development

India

130

Medium Human Development

Bangladesh

130

Medium Human Development

Nepal

145

Medium Human Development

Myanmar

150

Low Human Development

Pakistan

168

Low Human Development

Read the linked article to learn more about Poverty Estimation!

India’s Role in AI and Human Development

The HDI 2025 report places a special focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI). India stands out globally for its emerging role in the AI-driven future of development.

AI Skill Penetration

  • India now has the highest self-reported AI skills penetration globally.
  • This means more people in India are learning and applying AI-related skills than anywhere else.

AI Talent Retention

  • In a positive trend, 20% of Indian AI researchers now stay and work in India — a major jump from nearly zero in 2019.
  • This helps India build a self-sustaining tech ecosystem.

Inclusive Use of AI

India is leveraging AI for inclusive growth:

  • Real-time advisory for farmers in local languages.
  • AI-based access to subsidies and insurance schemes.
  • Plans for a national-level computing infrastructure to democratize AI for researchers and startups.
  • AI-led skill development programs in Tamil Nadu and Telangana (in partnership with UNDP).

Check out the test series for the UPSC IAS Exam here. 

We hope all your doubts regarding the topic Human Development Index UPSC are addressed after going through this article. Testbook provides comprehensive notes for different competitive examinations. Ace your preparation with the Testbook App! Register for UPSC Online Classes at an affordable price through the UPSC CSE Coaching platform to boost your IAS preparation.

More Articles for IAS Preparation

Human Development Index UPSC FAQs

As per the Human Development Report 2025 (based on 2023 data), life expectancy in India reached 72 years, the highest recorded since HDI tracking began.

India ranked 130th out of 193 countries in the Human Development Index 2025 report (based on 2023 data), improving from 133rd in the previous year.

IHDI adjusts the HDI for inequality across the three dimensions. If there is no inequality, HDI and IHDI are equal. In 2025, India lost 30.7% of its HDI value due to inequality, which is one of the highest losses among medium development countries.

The three parameters are: Life expectancy at birth (health) Mean and expected years of schooling (education) Gross National Income per capita (PPP) (standard of living)

According to the HDI 2025 report, Iceland ranked first with an HDI score of 0.972, followed by Norway and Switzerland.
Report An Error
Exams Tests Super Practice