The World Economic Forum released the Global Gender Gap Index 2026 on 16 September 2026. India ranked 131st among 145 countries in the index, and its position remained unchanged from the previous edition.
Global Gender Gap Index
The Global Gender Gap Index is an annual index published by the World Economic Forum. It measures gender parity across four dimensions: Economic Participation and Opportunity, Educational Attainment, Health and Survival, and Political Empowerment.
India’s 2026 Position
India recorded an overall gender parity score of 64.5% in 2026. This score was below the global average of 69.2%, which represented 69.2% of the gender gap closed worldwide.
India’s rank of 131st was unchanged from the 2025 edition. The country’s overall score improved slightly in 2026, but the rank did not change.
Key Dimensions in India’s Score
Educational Attainment was India’s strongest dimension in 2026, with a parity score of 96.6%. Political Empowerment was India’s highest-ranked subindex, with 24.5% gender equality and a global rank of 67th.
Economic Participation and Opportunity remained India’s weakest dimension in 2026, with 41.2% parity. Health and Survival is one of the four standard pillars used in the index.
Important Facts for Exams
- Iceland retained the first rank for the 17th consecutive year in the Global Gender Gap Index 2026.
- Iceland closed 93% of its gender gap in the 2026 index.
- The global report estimated that full gender parity would take 120 years at the current pace of progress.
- The Global Gender Gap Index is published by the World Economic Forum and covers 145 countries in 2026.
Index Coverage and Method
The 2026 edition assessed 145 countries. The index uses comparable indicators to measure gender gaps in labour force participation, educational outcomes, health outcomes, and political representation.
Exam-Relevant Context
India’s 2026 rank of 131 places it in the lower part of the global table. The index is used in competitive examinations to track cross-country gender parity trends and the position of India in global comparisons.
