Half of voting population now composed of youth: Census data

Experts believe youth always are crucial target for success of any political party in India

Around 50% of the total voting population -- anyone who is 18 years of age or above -- are young, latest Census data has revealed.

Youth voters are those who fall in the age group of 18-35. This means that 378.6 million out of a total 762 million are people who can vote and fall under the category of ‘youth’.

However, the proportion of youth voters to the total eligible voters has slightly declined from that in 2001, when youth comprised 52% of the total population that could vote.

Experts though, still believe that this is a huge number and youth always are a crucial target for the success of any political party in India.

Out of the total young voters, 51.4% are male and 48.6% are female and this makes it even more interesting as there is almost evenly distribution of both male and female in this vote bank.

Not only this, but 66% of the youth voters live in rural areas and only 44% of them are in cities. Hence, the parties would have to keep a tab on the young population residing in villages to gain a substantial number in the upcoming elections.

Taking the overall population into account, 31.27% of the total population were young voters in 2011. In 2001, 31.17% of the total population comprised of youth voters.

In comparison to this, only 13.62% of voting population constitutes the elderly, those who are 60 years of age or above.
 
This survey was conducted in 2011, hence, the actual numbers might vary till the time elections are held in May next year. Also, this data does not reflect if these people have voter cards and it has been assumed that each person has a voter card which makes that person eligible to vote.

This survey was conducted in 2011, hence, the actual numbers may vary till the time elections are held in May next year. Also, this data do not reflect if these people have voter cards and it has been assumed that each person has a voter card which makes that person eligible to vote.