Who publishes it
The HCI is published by the World Bank (as part of its Human Capital Project).
What it measures
The HCI estimates the productivity of a future worker (relative to full health and education) using three components: survival (child mortality), expected years of quality-adjusted schooling (learning), and health (stunting rates and adult survival). The score (0 to 1) shows the gap from a child’s full potential.
India and significance
India’s HCI reflects gaps in learning outcomes, child nutrition (stunting) and health. It underscores the need to invest in education quality, health and nutrition to realise the demographic dividend — linking to NEP, POSHAN and Ayushman Bharat.
UPSC angle
Know HCI = World Bank; components — survival (child mortality), expected quality-adjusted schooling, health (stunting/adult survival); 0–1 score. Links to demographic dividend, NEP, POSHAN.
Frequently asked questions
Who publishes the Human Capital Index?
The World Bank.
What does the HCI measure?
The human capital a child born today can expect to attain by adulthood, via survival, schooling and health.
What are the components of the HCI?
Survival (child mortality), expected years of quality-adjusted schooling, and health (stunting and adult survival).
Why does the HCI matter for India?
It highlights the investment in health, nutrition and education needed to realise the demographic dividend.