India Sees Highest Child Adoptions in Over a Decade

India had the most child adoptions in over ten years, with 5,022 children adopted in 2025-26.

This is a big increase from previous years, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.

More girls were adopted than boys, and there was a significant rise in adoptions by relatives and step-parents.

The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) has been working hard to make the adoption process faster and to encourage people to adopt children with special needs.

However, there are still many challenges, like a long waiting list for prospective parents and fewer adoptions for older children and those with special needs.