Telangana is on track to become an ageing state soon. The number of people aged over 60 has risen from 10.1% in 2016 to 12.5% in 2026. It is expected to hit 14.5% by 2031. By 2036, seniors will make up 17.1% of Telangana's population, says the RBI report 'State Finances – A study of budgets 2025-26'. This puts Telangana in the ageing category, joining Tamil Nadu and Kerala. An ageing population means fewer working-age taxpayers and more pressure on public funds. The report explains: “The window is getting narrower for ageing States, facing fiscal pressure arising out of shrinking tax bases and rising obligations from committed expenditure.” Telangana's old-age dependency ratio, the number of seniors relative to working-age adults (15-59 years), has also increased from 15.2% in 2016 to 18.4% in 2026. It may reach 21.5% by 2031 and 25.7% by 2036. This rise means higher social spending is needed. The RBI urges states like Telangana to balance growth with early planning for ageing. “Policies to encourage higher labour force participation, especially among women and older workers, will be critical to sustain economic dynamism,” the report states. It also suggests reforms in technology, innovation, and industrial diversification to ease fiscal pressures. Telangana’s journey towards an ageing future calls for smart policies on social security, healthcare, pension, and workforce reforms to keep its economy strong.