Delhi records its best January–September average AQI since 2018, barring 2020
Delhi's average AQI for January–September 2025 was 164, its best for the period since 2018 apart from the 2020 lockdown year, the Environment Ministry said on 1 October 2025.
Summary
Delhi's average Air Quality Index (AQI) for January–September 2025 was 164, the best for that period between 2018 and 2025 except for the 2020 Covid lockdown year, the Environment Ministry said on 1 October 2025. The figure compares with 178 in 2024, 167 in 2023 and 193 in 2018. The period had no day with average AQI above 400 ('Severe' or 'Severe+'), and 75 'Satisfactory' days, the highest outside 2020. The July–September monsoon average was 91. The ministry credited favourable weather and efforts by stakeholders.
Key facts
- Avg AQI Jan–Sep 2025
- 164 (2024: 178; 2018: 193)
- Severe days (>400)
- Zero
- Satisfactory days
- 75 – highest except 2020
- Monsoon avg (Jul–Sep)
- 91
- Comparison
- Best since 2018, barring 2020
Practice MCQs 2 questions
What was Delhi's average AQI for January–September 2025, as reported by the Environment Ministry?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 164
Delhi's average AQI for January–September 2025 was 164, against 178 in 2024.
Consider the following statements about Delhi's air quality in January–September 2025: 1. There was no day with an average AQI above 400. 2. Delhi recorded 75 'Satisfactory' AQI days in this period. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the Environment Ministry release of 1 October 2025.