Nearly two-thirds of children waiting for adoption in India have special needs, government data shows. In 2024, 2,177 children were available for adoption, of which 1,423 were with special needs. Despite awareness campaigns, special needs adoptions remain low, with 328 in 2024-25. Overall, India saw 4,515 adoptions in 2024-25, highest since 2015-16, including domestic and inter-country placements.