World Press Freedom Index 2026: India Ranks 157th of 180
Why in the news
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) published its 2026 index on 30 April. India slipped to 157th among 180 countries.
Key facts
- India’s rank: 157th with a score of 31.96, compared with 151st in 2025, a fall of six places.
- Top three: Norway (first for a tenth straight year), the Netherlands and Estonia.
- Last place: Eritrea at 180.
- Neighbour: Pakistan is placed 153rd, up from 158th.
- Global picture: press freedom declined in 100 of the 180 countries, and over half are rated difficult or very serious.
| Country | Rank 2026 |
|---|---|
| Norway | 1 |
| Netherlands | 2 |
| Estonia | 3 |
| Pakistan | 153 |
| India | 157 |
| Eritrea | 180 |
About the index
The index is compiled every year by RSF and ranks 180 countries and territories on conditions for journalists. For India, RSF pointed to rising violence against journalists, concentrated media ownership, outlets with open political alignment and growing judicial harassment of independent media.
Exam angle
- Note the issuing body: RSF, not the UN or Freedom House.
- Remember India’s 157th rank and Norway at the top.
- Questions often ask which countries lead and trail the ranking.