As of 2024, the top 1% in India earned 23.07% of total national income, while the bottom 50% received just 13.25%. India’s income inequality has increased since 1980, when the top 1% share was 7.54%.
Key Income Distribution Metrics for India in 2024
In 2024, income in India was distributed as follows: the wealthiest 1% of the population captured 23.07% of total national income, which is notably higher than the global average of 16.17%. Meanwhile, the bottom half of earners received 13.25% of income, slightly lower than the global average of 14.97%.
| Metric | India | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1% Income Share | 23.07% | 16.17% |
| Top 10% Income Share | 58.89% | 45.21% |
| Bottom 50% Income Share | 13.25% | 14.97% |
How Has Income Inequality Changed in India?
Top 1% Income Share Trend (1980-2024)
The share of income going to India’s top 1% has increased over the past 44 years. In 1980, the top 1% captured 7.54% of national income. By 2024, this figure had risen by 15.53 percentage points to 23.07%.
Top 10% vs Bottom 50% Income Gap Over Time
The income gap between the top 10% and bottom 50% in India has widened over this period. In 1980, the top 10% earned 32.36% while the bottom 50% received 21.21%. By 2024, these figures shifted to 58.89% and 13.25% respectively.
| Year | Top 1% | Top 10% | Bottom 50% | Gap (Top 10 – Bottom 50) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 7.54% | 32.36% | 21.21% | 11.15 pp |
| 1986 | 11.09% | 35.97% | 19.80% | 16.17 pp |
| 1992 | 10.27% | 35.99% | 19.82% | 16.17 pp |
| 1998 | 14.73% | 40.25% | 18.70% | 21.55 pp |
| 2004 | 18.81% | 45.38% | 16.90% | 28.48 pp |
| 2010 | 21.64% | 53.21% | 14.33% | 38.88 pp |
| 2016 | 22.64% | 59.23% | 12.56% | 46.67 pp |
| 2022 | 23.07% | 58.89% | 13.25% | 45.64 pp |
How India Compares Globally
India vs Asia Average
Compared to other countries in Asia, India’s top 1% income share of 23.07% is notably higher than the regional average of 16.42%. The bottom 50% in India receives 13.25% of income, compared to the Asia average of 15.41%.
Where India Ranks Among All Countries
- Top 1% income concentration: India ranks 13th out of 184 countries (higher rank = more concentrated wealth at the top)
- Bottom 50% income share: India ranks 126th out of 184 countries (higher rank = larger share for the bottom half)
Countries with similar income inequality levels to India include Saudi Arabia's income inequality, Algeria, Botswana's wealth gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income share of the top 1% in India?
As of 2024, the top 1% in India earned 23.07% of total national income. This level of concentration is considered very high by international standards.
Is income inequality increasing or decreasing in India?
Income inequality in India has increased since 1980. The top 1% income share moved from 7.54% in 1980 to 23.07% in 2024.
What percentage of income goes to the bottom 50% in India?
In 2024, the bottom 50% of earners in India received 13.25% of total national income. This compares with the top 10% who captured 58.89%.
Last updated: April 8, 2026
Data source: World Inequality Database (WID). This dataset covers income distribution metrics for 199 countries from 1980 to 2024.