Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) accounted for 60% of all deaths in India between 2022 and 2024, with cardiovascular diseases remaining the leading cause at 26%. The data highlights a slow shift from communicable to lifestyle diseases.

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Non-communicable diseases accounted for 60% of all deaths in 2022-2024 | Data

New Delhi, May 29, 2026 – Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) accounted for 60% of all deaths in India between 2022 and 2024, according to the Medical Certification of Cause of Death (MCCD) report, reaffirming the country’s ongoing epidemiological transition from communicable to lifestyle-driven ailments.

Of the total registered deaths, 42% occurred in rural areas and 58% in urban areas, underscoring the heavy burden of NCDs across both settings.

Cardiovascular diseases remain the top killer

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) continued to be the leading cause of death, accounting for 26% of all reported fatalities. The category includes ischemic heart disease (heart attacks), cerebrovascular disease (strokes), and other circulatory conditions.

Over the last decade, India has seen a steady rise in premature mortality due to CVDs, now the leading cause of death among adults aged 30–69. The shift has been attributed to urbanisation, sedentary lifestyles, tobacco use, and dietary changes.

Other major NCD categories

Following CVDs, other NCDs contributed significantly to mortality:

• Respiratory diseases (including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma) accounted for 11% of all deaths. This category is particularly prominent in rural regions, often linked to household air pollution, occupational dust exposure, and high smoking prevalence.
• Malignant neoplasms (cancers) contributed 8% of total deaths. Lung, oral, breast, and cervical cancers remain the most common types. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) notes that while cancer mortality rates are rising, the age-standardised rates have shown some stability, indicating improved detection.
• Diabetes mellitus was identified in 4% of certified deaths. The actual contribution is likely higher, given that diabetes is often listed as a comorbidity rather than the underlying cause.
• Chronic kidney disease and chronic liver disease together contributed approximately 3-4% of NCD-related fatalities, driven by increasing rates of hypertension, diabetes, and alcohol consumption.

Communicable diseases decline, but remain a threat

While NCDs now dominate mortality patterns, communicable, maternal, and nutritional causes still account for roughly 30% of all deaths. This includes tuberculosis, pneumonia, diarrheal diseases, and sepsis.

Injuries and external causes

Injuries—including road traffic accidents, suicides, falls, and burns—accounted for the remaining 10% of certified deaths.

Demographic patterns and regional variations

NCD mortality is more pronounced in southern and western states, where demographic transition occurred earlier. Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra show the highest proportional NCD burden, while states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh continue to grapple with a higher share of communicable diseases.

The gender breakdown reveals that while CVDs are the leading cause for both sexes, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes show varying prevalence, with diabetes slightly more common among women.

Among working-age adults (30–69 years), the share of NCDs is even higher — approximately 68% of all deaths — with significant economic implications in terms of lost productivity and healthcare costs.

Certification coverage remains limited

The MCCD data covers approximately 22% of all registered deaths in India, primarily from urban areas and institutional settings. Experts caution that while the patterns are reliable, the absolute numbers likely underestimate the true NCD burden, particularly in rural areas where deaths often go uncertified.

Policy implications

The data reinforces the need for renewed focus on NCD prevention, early detection, and management. Key interventions include strengthening primary healthcare for hypertension and diabetes screening, implementing tobacco control measures, promoting physical activity and healthy diets, and expanding palliative care infrastructure.

India has committed to reducing premature mortality from NCDs by one-third by 2030 as part of its Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets. However, current progress remains insufficient, with healthcare spending on NCDs still heavily out-of-pocket, and lifestyle interventions lagging behind in public health campaigns.