World Press Freedom Index
Ranks 180 countries on pluralism, media independence, legislative framework and journalist safety. India's placing has been publicly disputed by the government, which has questioned RSF's sample size and methodology.
India's rank
157 / 180
Change
▼ 6
Published by
Reporters Without Borders
Released 30 April 2026 — down six places from 151st in 2025, into RSF's 'very serious' band. RSF cites violence against journalists, concentrated ownership and use of defamation and national-security law. The Indian government has publicly disputed RSF's methodology and sample size. Neighbours: Nepal 87, Sri Lanka 134, Bangladesh 152, Pakistan 153, China 178.
World Press Freedom Index over time
View as table
| Period | World Press Freedom Index |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 32 |
| 2025 | 33 |
| 2024 | 31.3 |
| 2021 | 46.6 |
| 2020 | 45.3 |
| 2019 | 45.7 |
| 2018 | 43.2 |
| 2017 | 42.9 |
| 2016 | 43.2 |
| 2015 | 40.5 |
| 2014 | 40.3 |
| 2013 | 41.2 |
Rank history
View as table
| Period | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 157 |
| 2025 | 151 |
| 2024 | 159 |
| 2023 | 161 |
| 2020 | 142 |
| 2016 | 133 |
| 2015 | 136 |
| 2014 | 140 |
| 2012 | 131 |
| 2010 | 122 |
| 2002 | 80 |