The International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS) is a deemed university located in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. It functions as a regional centre for training and research in population studies, serving countries in the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) region. The institute is recognised as one of the premier institutions in Asia for demographic teaching and research.
Key Facts
| Type | Deemed university |
|---|---|
| Established | July 1956 |
| Location | Govandi, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Founder organisations | Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, Government of India, United Nations |
| Affiliation | Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India |
| Regional mandate | ESCAP region (Asia and the Pacific) |
| Original name | Demographic Training and Research Centre (DTRC) |
Background
IIPS was established in July 1956 in Bombay (now Mumbai) under the joint sponsorship of the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, the Government of India and the United Nations. It was originally named the Demographic Training and Research Centre (DTRC). The centre was set up as part of the United Nations effort to develop regional capacity in demographic research, particularly to address population issues in developing countries of Asia.
In 1970, the institution was renamed the International Institute for Population Studies, reflecting an expanded mandate. It later acquired its present name, the International Institute for Population Sciences. The institute came under the administrative control of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of the Government of India and was conferred deemed-to-be-university status by the University Grants Commission, allowing it to award its own degrees.
Academic programmes
IIPS offers a range of academic programmes in population studies, biostatistics, demography and related fields. Programmes include:
- Master of Arts and Master of Science in Population Studies
- Master of Population Studies (MPS)
- Master of Philosophy in Population Studies
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Population Studies
- Postgraduate diploma courses, including in Health and Family Welfare and in Biostatistics and Demography
The institute draws students from India as well as from other countries in the ESCAP region, and has historically provided fellowships sponsored by the United Nations and the Government of India for international participants.
Research and surveys
IIPS is the nodal agency for several large-scale demographic and health surveys in India. It coordinates the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), a nationally representative household survey that has been conducted in multiple rounds since 1992–93. The institute has also led the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) and contributed to other surveys covering reproductive health, child health, ageing and population dynamics. Its survey work is often carried out in collaboration with international partners such as ICF International and agencies of the United Nations.
Timeline
- 1956: Established in Bombay as the Demographic Training and Research Centre (DTRC).
- 1970: Renamed the International Institute for Population Studies; mandate expanded.
- 1985: Granted deemed-to-be-university status by the University Grants Commission.
- 1992–93: Conducted the first round of the National Family Health Survey.
Significance
As one of the earliest United Nations-supported regional institutes for demographic training in Asia, IIPS has played a significant role in building research capacity in population studies across the region. Its alumni include demographers, public health professionals and policy researchers working in government, academia and international organisations. The data generated through surveys coordinated by IIPS, particularly the NFHS, are widely used in policymaking, academic research and monitoring of health and development indicators in India.
Related topics
- National Family Health Survey
- Demography of India
- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
- University Grants Commission (India)
- Sir Dorabji Tata Trust
- Mumbai
- Longitudinal Ageing Study in India
References
- Wikidata entity: Q15118972
- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India — list of affiliated institutions.
- University Grants Commission — list of deemed-to-be universities.