Delhi records best January–August average AQI in eight years
Delhi's average AQI for January–August 2025 was 172, its best for the period in eight years excluding the 2020 lockdown year, the Environment Ministry said on 1 September 2025.
Summary
Delhi registered its best average AQI for the January–August period in the last eight years (2018–2025, excluding the 2020 Covid lockdown year), the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change said on 1 September 2025. The average AQI was 172, against 187 in 2024 and 203 in 2018. The period saw no day with average AQI above 400 ('Severe' or 'Severe+'), and the highest number of 'Satisfactory' days at 65, excluding 2020. August 2025 had 23 'Good–Satisfactory' days and an average AQI of 89.
Key facts
- Announced
- 1 Sep 2025 (MoEFCC)
- Jan–Aug 2025 average AQI
- 172 (187 in 2024; 203 in 2018)
- Severe days (AQI > 400)
- Zero in Jan–Aug 2025
- Satisfactory days
- 65 – highest excluding 2020
- August 2025
- Average AQI 89; 23 Good–Satisfactory days
Practice MCQs 2 questions
What was Delhi's average AQI for January–August 2025, the best for the period in eight years (excluding 2020)?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 172
The average AQI for January–August 2025 was 172, against 187 in 2024; 2020 (147) is excluded as the lockdown year.
Consider the following statements about Delhi's air quality in January–August 2025, as reported by MoEFCC: 1. There was no day with average AQI above 400. 2. The number of 'Satisfactory' days was lower than in 2024. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
January–August 2025 had no day above AQI 400. It recorded 65 'Satisfactory' days, the highest excluding 2020 (48 in 2024), so statement 2 is wrong.