Understanding AQI in India (CPCB Scale, Categories & Health Impact)
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a 0β500 scale used in India to summarize how clean or polluted the air is and what it means for your health.
Last updated: 4 Apr 2026, 4 PM
AQI Categories in India (Good to Severe)
| Category | AQI Range | Typical Health Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Good | 0β50 | Minimal impact. |
| Satisfactory | 51β100 | Minor breathing discomfort possible for sensitive people. |
| Moderate | 101β200 | Breathing discomfort for people with lung disease; discomfort for children and older adults. |
| Poor | 201β300 | Breathing discomfort on prolonged exposure; short exposure may affect heart patients. |
| Very Poor | 301β400 | Respiratory illness on prolonged exposure; higher risk for lung/heart disease. |
| Severe | 401β500 | Respiratory effects even for healthy people; serious impacts for vulnerable groups. |
How AQI Is Calculated in India
Indiaβs AQI is derived from the subβindices of multiple pollutants. The overall AQI is based on the highest subβindex measured for a given day.
Key Pollutants Used in CPCB AQI
- PM2.5 safe level in India
- PM10 safe level in India
- NOβ safe level in India
- SOβ safe level in India
- Oβ safe level in India
- CO safe level in India
Quick AQI Meaning by Value
- What does AQI 50 mean?
- What does AQI 100 mean?
- What does AQI 200 mean?
- What does AQI 300 mean?
- What does AQI 500 mean?
Quick FAQs
Is AQI 150 safe? AQI 150 is in the Moderate category. Sensitive groups should limit prolonged outdoor activity.
What AQI is dangerous? AQI 301+ (Very Poor and Severe) can cause health effects for everyone.
What is a good AQI range? AQI 0β50 is considered Good in India.
Source: CPCB AQI guidelines.
π Data Source Attribution
Air quality data provided by the World Air Quality Index (WAQI) project and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), sourced via data.gov.in.