Karnataka ranks fourth in the country in terms of adoption numbers, following Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, according to data shared by officials from the Directorate of Child Protection.
While 306 children were adopted in 2024–25, and 190 so far in 2025–26, officials said the State faces a shortage of legally adoptable children despite a steady rise in the number of prospective parents.
Data showed that Maharashtra recorded the highest number of adoptions in 2024–25 at around 800, followed by Tamil Nadu (600), West Bengal (315), and Karnataka (306). From 2020–21 up to October 2025–26, Karnataka has facilitated 1,540 adoptions, including 1,385 in-country and 155 inter-country, through 45 specialised adoption agencies — 21 government-run and 24 privately managed.
Year-wise adoptions
Karnataka recorded 256 adoptions in 2020–21, including 223 in-country and 33 inter-country adoptions. The number rose to 281 in 2021–22, with 239 domestic and 42 inter-country adoptions.
In 2022–23, the State saw a dip with 223 adoptions — 188 in-country and 35 inter-country — but the trend picked up again in 2023–24, when 284 children were adopted, including 263 within India and 21 abroad.
The highest number of adoptions in recent years was recorded in 2024–25, with 306 children finding families — 293 in-country and 13 inter-country. In the ongoing financial year 2025–26, up to October, 190 children have been adopted so far, including 179 in-country and 11 inter-country adoptions.
More parents waiting than children available
Arundathi T.S., Deputy Director (State Adoption Resource Agency – SARA), Directorate of Child Protection, told The Hindu on Tuesday that 2,271 registered prospective adoptive parents are waiting for adoption as of November 11, 2025 . “However, only 79 children are currently available for adoption. Of these, 55 are children with special needs and 29 are normal,” she said.
“Many children who are otherwise eligible (orphans, abandoned or surrendered) cannot be placed for adoption because their legal guardians are unwilling to give consent. When we approach them for consent, they refuse stating that they will take them away once they turn 18,” she said.
The official attributed the low availability of adoptable children to successful family tracing efforts. “When infants below two are abandoned, efforts are made to trace parents within two months, while for older children the tracing period extends to four months,” she said.
Children surrendered by parents are given a 60-day window for reclamation, after which the adoption process can proceed. A majority of these cases involve unwed mothers and teenage pregnancies, including those registered under the POCSO Act, she pointed out.
The adoption process has become more transparent and accountable after being brought online under Mission Vatsalya. Aadhaar enrolment is also being done for children entering the adoption system to ensure identification and safety, the official said.
Adoption in Bengaluru Urban
In Bengaluru Urban district, which has six recognised adoption agencies, 283 children have been adopted in the last five years – 265 within India and 18 inter-country. This year alone, 36 children have been legally adopted.
The District Child Protection Unit (East Division), established in June 2022, oversees two agencies – Shishu Mandir and St. Michael Home. Since its inception, 142 children have been adopted under its jurisdiction, including seven inter-country adoptions. Two additional inter-country adoptions from St. Michael Home are currently under process, officials said.
Published – November 11, 2025 08:04 pm IST
