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Sex Ratio & Female Foeticide

PYQs

6

Articles

1

Momentum

17

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

Critical social justice issue, demographic challenge, human rights violation, impact on sustainable development, effectiveness of government policies.

Sex ratio refers to the number of females per 1000 males in a population. A declining sex ratio, particularly the child sex ratio (0-6 years), is a critical demographic indicator reflecting gender inequality, discrimination against girls, and the prevalence of practices like female foeticide. Female foeticide is the illegal practice of aborting a female fetus after sex determination.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Definition

Number of females per 1000 males.

Causes of Decline

Son preference, dowry system, small family norm, misuse of diagnostic technologies.

Consequences

Gender imbalance, social issues, impact on marriage patterns, violence against women.

Trends

India has historically faced a skewed sex ratio, with regional variations and ongoing challenges despite interventions.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaSocial Justice & Development

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
State GovernmentsImplementation & enforcement
Ministry of Health and Family WelfarePolicy formulation & oversight
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis

Quick revision

  • Sex ratio: females per 1000 males.
  • Declining trend indicates gender discrimination.
  • Female foeticide is a key driver.
  • Impacts demographics, social structure.
  • Addressed by legal and social campaigns.

High-confidence PYQs

2024Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

With reference to the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM) Yojana, consider the following statements: 1. The entry age group for enrolment in the sc...

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question

Operations undertaken by the Army towards upliftment of the local population in remote areas to include addressing of their basic needs is called:

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question
2024Factual recall, Terminology-based question

With reference to the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM) Yojana, consider the following statements: 1. The entry age group for enrolment in the sc...

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question

Operations undertaken by the Army towards upliftment of the local population in remote areas to include addressing of their basic needs is called:

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question
2021Factual recall

Who among the following was associated as Secretary with Hindu Female School which later came to be known as Bethune Female School?

Modern HistoryOpen question
2020Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis

In India, Legal Services Authorities provide free legal services to which of the following type of citizens? 1. Person with an annual income of less than Rs ...

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question
2018Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

With reference to the provisions made under the National Food Security Act, 2013 consider the following statements: 1. The families coming under the category...

EconomyOpen question
2017Factual recall, Institutional roles and functions

Which of the following gives the ‘Global Gender Gap Index’ ranking to the countries of the world?

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question

Topic timeline

Social Justice & Development
Prelims 2017· Factual recall, Institutional roles and functions

Which of the following gives the ‘Global Gender Gap Index’ ranking to the countries of the world?

Open question
Prelims 2018· Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

With reference to the provisions made under the National Food Security Act, 2013 consider the following statements: 1. The families coming under the category...

Open question
Prelims 2020· Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis

In India, Legal Services Authorities provide free legal services to which of the following type of citizens? 1. Person with an annual income of less than Rs ...

Open question
Prelims 2021· Factual recall

Who among the following was associated as Secretary with Hindu Female School which later came to be known as Bethune Female School?

Open question
Prelims 2024· Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

With reference to the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM) Yojana, consider the following statements: 1. The entry age group for enrolment in the sc...

Open question

Operations undertaken by the Army towards upliftment of the local population in remote areas to include addressing of their basic needs is called:

Open question
Prelims 2024· Factual recall, Terminology-based question

With reference to the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM) Yojana, consider the following statements: 1. The entry age group for enrolment in the sc...

Open question

Operations undertaken by the Army towards upliftment of the local population in remote areas to include addressing of their basic needs is called:

Open question

Gurugram sex ratio dips to 862, DC orders intensified campaign against illegal sex determination

27 May 2026 · Declining sex ratio, driven by female foeticide and son preference, is a major social and demographic challenge in India, necessitating legal and social interventions for gender equality.

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Related topics

Current topic

Sex Ratio & Female Foeticide

Often confused with

Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC-PNDT) Act, 1994

Open notes

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 6 linked questions on Sex Ratio & Female Foeticide in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

See Mains PYQsEvaluate an answer
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